Westpak Group Ltd are an award-winning supplier of diverse and sustainably-aware packaging solutions to some of the biggest names in the UK’s grocery and foodservice industries. The company’s reputation is built upon over 20 years of experience and is underpinned by its commitment to ‘bold thinking, reliable execution’. Westpak are proud to offer a comprehensive and continually evolving product collection as well providing impartial advice to clients and helping them realise tailored packaging solutions where required.
Westpak Group Ltd are an award-winning supplier of diverse and sustainably-aware packaging solutions to some of the biggest names in the UK’s grocery and foodservice industries. The company’s reputation is built upon over 20 years of experience and is underpinned by its commitment to ‘bold thinking, reliable execution’.
Westpak supply food packaging to some of the biggest names in the UK’s foodservice and grocery industries. In the foodservice market, we have supplied takeaway and delivery food packaging to major QSR brands including Five Guys and Wingstop, restaurant chains such as Zizzi, ASK Italian and Gourmet Burger Kitchen as well as working alongside foodservice catering providers, distributors and ‘onboard’ brands. In the grocery industry, we specialise in fresh produce packaging, creating ideal packaging for various fresh fruit and vegetables. We’ve worked with all major grocery retailers including Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Morrisons and M&S. We have also routinely worked alongside fresh produce growers, packers and large-scale farms.
Westpak are suppliers of sustainable packaging to the grocery and foodservice markets. This includes overseeing and working alongside the design, manufacturing and distribution processes at various stages. We regularly spearhead new packaging concepts and innovations but we work with a carefully selected network of dedicated manufacturers who are able to utilise the very latest material technologies through cutting-edge manufacturing facilities. We have worked with many of our manufacturing suppliers for years, forging strong, long-term partnerships. We also frequently reach out to new manufacturers whose expertise can help breathe life into bespoke packaging designs. We also pride ourself on the scale, efficiency and overall reliability of our distribution network. We maintain extremely close ties with our expansive, state-of-the-art warehouse and are proud to be Grade AA certified to BRC Storage & Distribution.
We offer a unique approach in the food packaging industry. We methodically filter our approach through our 4 Pillars of Excellence to ensure we leave things quantifiably better than when we found them. This dedicated, holistic approach looks in detail at packaging sustainability, packaging performance, lowering operational costs and utilising a highly reliable supply chain. This rigorous methodology delivers true value for our clients, offering real benefits that align with multiple stakeholder objectives.
Westpak has a number of both industry certifications and awards. Certifications include Grade AA certified to BRC Storage & Distribution, members of Sedex (Membership number ZC1067079), registered to ISO 9001 status and certified with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Awards include being recognised as ‘Highly Commended’ for the ‘Innovations in packaging’ award at the 2023 Footprint Awards and being announced as winners for the ‘Sustainable Sourcing’ category at the first ever ‘Sustainable Packaging News Awards’.
At Westpak, we pride ourselves on being true experts in sustainability. This is based in our comprehensive understanding around the latest sustainable developments across the food packaging industry. Our view of this constantly evolving landscape is shaped both by the sustainability aspirations of suppliers and retailers as well as through strong consumer demand. We also have a renowned level of experience in bringing sustainable packaging to both the foodservice and grocery markets. This is frequently achieved by responding with speed and efficiency to specific client sustainability objectives. We also embrace a highly proactive approach, developing sustainably-focused packaging innovations and manufacturing breakthroughs through collaboration with our network of carefully selected manufacturers and suppliers. We’re proud to have been awarded for our sustainability including being awarded the category of ‘sustainable sourcing’ at the 2022 Sustainable Packaging News awards.
The company was founded in 1999 by Doug Hicks, who demonstrated an undeniable commitment to customer service with an ability to view the industry’s challenges and opportunities from his customers’ perspective. Over the last 22 years, the business and evolved significantly but remains family-run with a close-knit ethos. Managing Director, Seth Hicks, and his team have continued to build upon the company’s customer-centric approach and have matched this with major investments and continued growth in infrastructure and logistical capabilities. The company now operates from its contemporary offices in Kent and maintains close ties with its vast and highly modernised warehouse facility.
We’ve worked with foodservice clients including Auntie Anne’s, Brewdog, Brakes, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Foodbuy, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, HAVI, Honest Burgers, Nisbets, Wendy’s, Wetherspoon, Wingstop, Zizzi and Around Noon. We’ve also worked with grocery brands including Asda, Bakkavor, Fresca Group, M&S Food, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco, Waitrose & Partners and Berry Gardens Growers.
Our mission is to provide a clear, calm and trusted voice that cuts through the fast-paced foodservice and grocery packaging markets. Our holistic, customer-centric view is defined by our four pillars of excellence, as we work to improve quantifiable packaging sustainability, enhance packaging performance, provide lower costs to our clients’ operations and demonstrate robust supply chain reliability.
Our vision is to be the clear choice for foodservice and fresh produce packaging across the UK and European markets. Our goal is to build a widespread reputation for providing a holistic view that initiates advancement within the packaging industry, navigates complex environmental packaging issues with precision and enthusiasm, and provides our clients with total operational stability.
We offer a unique approach in the food packaging industry. We methodically filter our approach through our 4 Pillars of Excellence to ensure we leave things quantifiably better than when we found them. This dedicated, holistic approach looks in detail at packaging sustainability, packaging performance, lowering operational costs and utilising a highly reliable supply chain. This rigorous methodology delivers true value for our clients, offering real benefits that align with multiple stakeholder objectives.
Many companies have ambitious sustainability goals in relation to their packaging. These are commonly biased towards carbon reduction, plastic reduction and recyclability targets. These goals, although united under a broader commitment to sustainability, can often work against each other, requiring solutions that can pull in different directions. As such, we deep dive into precise sustainability objectives exploring the detail involved to ensure our solutions are fully in-step with our clients.
To ensure high performance from our packaging, we first analyse the entire application for use ranging from logistical handling through to client use and customer experience. Only by fully understanding this product journey can we ensure every usage consideration is incorporated into the packaging design. Our team will also design improvements to pre-existing packaging concepts with a proven expertise in areas such as heat retention, grease resistance, food quality, size efficiency, brand alignment, ease of use and product disposal / processing after use.
We work to increase profitability for our clients though assessing and improving operational efficiencies around their packaging. As part of this assessment process, we look carefully at product assembly times, on-site storage options, combination packs, SKU reduction and product size optimisation at site level. We also look at key improvements that can be made to case pack optimisation, pallet configuration, method of delivery and other precise supply chain efficiencies. Through achieving improvements here we’re able to reduce wasted time and money, and minimise the true impact on the environment.
With decades of food packaging experience and a broad understanding of manufacturing, we’ve created a global network of manufacturers that adhere to strict quality & ethical standards. We also manufacture the same products in multiple regions, mitigating against localised supply issues. We also have a European distribution centre & four UK-based warehouses, providing enhanced efficiencies in stock holding and delivery. These supply chain commitments are shown in our accreditations and memberships.
History
The company was founded in 1999 by Doug Hicks, who demonstrated an undeniable commitment to customer service. The business has evolved significantly but remains family-run with a close-knit ethos. The team have built upon the customer-centric approach alongside major investments and continued growth.
We’ve built a reputation for our impartiality, advising clients on the best solutions for their needs. Our advice is guided by packaging and sustainability expertise and an emphasis on innovation. We only work with suppliers and manufacturers who embrace the latest technologies and production processes. These commitments to sustainability and innovation were recently recognised through a series of awards. This including winning the category of ‘sustainable sourcing’ at the 2022 Sustainable Packaging News awards and being recognised as ‘highly commended’ for the category of ‘innovations in packaging’ at the 2023 Footprint Awards.
We realise the importance of our role in the supply chain and highly value the trust that our clients place in us. We aim to surpass our logistical requirements by working with the latest technology. This is evident in the scale and technical proficiency of our warehouse facility, our data accuracy and our industry accreditations.
Customer service is at the heart of everything we do. Only by building an accurate picture of our clients’ precise packaging needs can we advise on the ideal solution, whether it be from our standardised packaging ranges or a bespoke packaging solution. Our precise logistics systems and comprehensive account management processes are all in place to provide complete peace of mind for our clients. This emphasis on customer service is shown through our ISO 9001 accreditation as well as excellent customer survey feedback and being rated as ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.
We’re committed to being at the forefront of innovation in the food packaging industry. As such, we’re continuously forging partnerships with exciting new international manufacturers and suppliers that share our vision for embracing the very latest production and material technologies. As well as working with leading foodservice and grocery brands to help them realise their own innovative concepts, we’ve directly designed and brought a number of major packaging innovations to market, many of which are now widespread in their use across these industries.
Our team are true experts on both our core packaging ranges and our bespoke production capabilities. As well as offering expertise on the direct specifications of each product, we’re also able to advise on how each of our packaging lines fits within a range of wider contexts including logistics, storage, cost-savings, and the various considerations around packaging sustainability. As a team, Westpak have experience stretching back decades providing an incredibly detailed understanding of the common requirements and wider trends across both the foodservice and grocery retail industries.
Westpak has a close-knit, family ethos that spans the entire organisation. Our team routinely work together on a daily basis, pooling our expertise and experience to find the best possible packaging solutions for our foodservice and grocery clients. Our transparent and open approach also means we take the time to identify and celebrate key achievements and instances of great innovation and customer service across every area of the business. Similarly, we also work together in identifying any areas of the business that can be enhanced as we strive for continuous improvement in all areas.
For us, sustainability isn’t a buzzword with a blanket approach to material choice and production. Instead, we work to comprehensively explore the all the intricate and ever-evolving facets that feed into the wider picture of packaging sustainability. We work with forward-thinking manufacturers, embracing the latest technology and manufacturing techniques to offer quantifiable environmental benefits. Crucially, this approach runs alongside taking a multitude of other considerations into account including end-user experience, practicality for intended use, eace of end-of-life processing, as well as commercial viability and cost-efficiency.
We’re constantly looking ahead to ensure we are able to provide the latest packaging technologies and services to both the grocery and foodservice markets. As awareness around sustainability issues also continues to grow, we continue to offer a refined level of expertise with detailed product recommendations.
Overseen by Managing Director, Seth Hicks, the Westpak team is comprised of various client-focused professionals, including key account managers as well as professionals in customer service. Our focus on logistical precision is upheld by our purchasing and supply chain manager, while wider areas of the business are supported by our business development and marketing staff. Westpak is of course also supported by its dedicated network of warehouse management professionals.
Overseen by Managing Director, Seth Hicks, the Westpak team is comprised of various client-focused professionals, including key account managers as well as professionals in customer service and logistics.
Seth has been with the Westpak for almost 20 and has been closely involved with various areas of the business. As Managing Director, Seth is responsible for the Westpak’s overall direction and vision.
With over 13 years of experience at Westpak alone, Jim beings a wealth of expertise to the position of key account manager. Jim has forged many long-standing client relationships.
Amos manages a range of key customer accounts, offering expert advice on the latest industry developments. He also works with the wider supply chain, helping introduce innovative products.
Chris ensures our customers have the best possible experience of our website and other platforms. He also regularly writes opinion pieces on the latest sustainability issues that features in a range of publications.
Silas acts as our wholesaler account manager across the rapidly evolving food service industry. He works alongside various parties in bringing innovative and sustainable products to the market.
As our strategic sourcing manager, Lucas works with some of the industry’s most innovative manufacturers, exploring new possibilities in sustainable packaging design and manufacturing practices.
As Westpak’s purchasing and supply chain manager, Kelly looks after multiple aspects of our operations including our supplier relationships, product quality and transport, and warehouse logistics.
Ketsia has provided fantastic customer service at Westpak for over 4 years. She makes sure all our customers are served in a highly professional manner, manage enquiries with total accuracy.
Jane is responsible for the accurate keeping of the business’s transactions and other essential financial reporting. She brings over 35 years of strong experience in book-keeping and credit control.
Our team are on hand to discuss your business’s unique needs, balancing core business objectives and efficiencies with an expertise in environmental awareness. Contact us today on 01322 284455 or by emailing [email protected].
Westpak Group Ltd, 2024 | Bold Thinking, Reliable Execution
