We are delighted to share that, thanks to your generosity, this year’s Annual Lunch raised an incredible £7,790 for our charity partner, St Mungo’s.

The total was made up of:

• £1,400 from the auction

• £6,390 from the raffle (£1,100 cash and £5,290 card donations)

• £0 from the bespoke donation page

Your support, from attending the event to engaging with our marketing materials, has made a real difference. This contribution will help St Mungo’s support some of the most vulnerable people in society during the cold winter months.

A huge thank you again for your generosity and for helping make the 2025 Annual Lunch such a success. If you would like to explore further ways to collaborate with St Mungo’s, they would be happy to hear from you.

Black Friday 2024 saw UK online spending hit an estimated £1.12 billion (Adobe Digital Insights), with shoppers starting earlier, spending more strategically, and expecting faster, smoother delivery experiences. Black Friday is just around the corner and with 52% of Black Friday shoppers relying more on promotions due to financial pressures (Mintel) – retailers are under pressure to stand out and deliver real value.

In recent years packaging has evolved beyond a delivery tool – it’s become a strategic asset that shapes the shopping experience, influences perception, and drives loyalty.

Here are five packaging trends we have already spotted and/or expect to see retailers using during Black Friday 2025:

1. Smart sizing & material use = cost & carbon reduction

Right-sized packaging is one of the simplest ways retailers are boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and reducing their environmental impact. Choosing the right box size is lowering storage costs, speeding up fulfilment, and reducing material use – all while supporting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance and helping to keep future EPR fees down.

Less material means fewer emissions during manufacture and transport, more packs per pallet, and reduced warehouse space – creating savings that add up across the entire supply chain.

Important stat: DHL’s research found that 24% of the volume of an eCommerce parcel is empty space, increasing both cost and carbon unnecessarily (DHL).

What works: Aligning packaging with courier specs (Royal Mail, Amazon, DPD) to avoid surcharges and reduce void fill.

Real-world example: Previously, Closer Pets introduced Amazon-certified eCommerce packaging that fits each product precisely – improving protection, cutting excess material, and enhancing the unboxing experience.

2. Print with purpose = boosting the power of brand

Retailers are transforming every delivery into a branded experience with printed packaging – turning plain boxes into powerful marketing tools. This helps strengthen brand recognition, add perceived value, and drive repeat purchasing long after the unboxing moment.

When done well, print is elevating packaging from functional to memorable – creating shareable moments that inspire loyalty, repeat purchasing and social engagement.

Important stat: Customers who have a positive unboxing experience show 50% higher repeat purchase rates than those with neutral packaging experiences (eDesk).

What works: Choosing the right print process – Flexo for high-volume efficiency, Litho for premium finishes, and Digital for fast-turnaround, limited-edition or seasonal campaigns.

Real-world example: Pimentae’s litho-printed cocktail boxes combine bold, vibrant branding with a luxury feel that reflects their premium positioning – ensuring every delivery looks as good as it tastes.

3. Connecting creatively = building loyalty through Smart packaging

A lot of today’s packaging doesn’t just protect products – it’s building relationships. Many retailers have explored the use of interactive elements like QR codes, personalised print, and limited-edition seasonal designs to turn packaging into a storytelling tool that sparks emotional engagement and brand loyalty.

Seasonal or time-limited designs create a sense of exclusivity, encouraging customers to act fast and share their experiences online – extending brand reach beyond the point of sale.

Important stat: With personalisation, consumers are 110% more likely to add additional items to their baskets and 40% more likely to spend more than planned (Bearing Point).

What works: Packaging QR codes to unlock exclusive content – from loyalty rewards and behind-the-brand stories to product tutorials or sustainability info – adding lasting value beyond delivery.

Real-world example: Vinca Wine’s litho-printed “wine cracker” box combines playful, festive design with recyclable materials and a ribbon finish that makes every unboxing feel like a celebration.

4. Product protection = protecting brand reputation & consumer experience

Retailers understand that packaging failures don’t just cost money – they damage trust and brand image. Every return, refund, or broken product erodes customer confidence and adds unnecessary cost and carbon to business operations.

Transit-safe, well-engineered packaging secures products through every stage of the delivery journey which helps retailers to protect margins and maintain their reputation for reliability during the Black Friday rush.

Important stat: 84% of consumers say a positive Black Friday experience makes them more likely to shop with a retailer again (Mintel).

What works: Durable, right-sized boxes with reinforced cardboard structures or internal fittings to protect fragile or premium items during courier handling.

Real-world example: Gymkhana Fine Foods introduced bespoke eCommerce boxes engineered to protect fragile glass jars – reducing breakages in transit, cutting waste, and boosting customer satisfaction.

5. Going greener = doing better for the environment & customers

Today’s shoppers are consciously choosing brands that share their own environmental values. Sustainable packaging not only helps reduce waste and carbon – it also reinforces brand integrity, supports Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance, and attracts eco-minded customers who buy with purpose.

Many retailers are switching to recyclable, renewable, or reusable materials to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while improving brand perception and future-proofing against evolving legislation.

Important stat: 62% of UK consumers say they “often or always” choose sustainable options when shopping (The Roundup).

What works: Replacing plastic, bubble wrap and other non-recyclable materials with paper-based cushioning or corrugated alternatives that offer the same protection – without the environmental cost.

Real-world example: Borough Broth replaced wool insulation with sustainable packaging for its chilled deliveries – improving thermal performance, enhancing brand presentation, and cutting the environmental impact of every shipment.

Final thought: Packaging that performs

This year’s Black Friday trends highlight just how much packaging influences success – from cutting costs and carbon to strengthening brand impact and improving delivery efficiency. The retailers who stand out are those that treated packaging as a performance driver, integral to overall process and not as an afterthought.

Sustainable materials, right-sized designs, and creative print are shaping how brands connect with customers and stay compliant under evolving regulations. Together, these innovations show that smart packaging doesn’t just respond to demand – it gets businesses ready for whatever comes next.

Ready to raise your packaging game?

Talk to our team about how bespoke, sustainable, and courier-ready packaging can help you perform better – during peak seasons and beyond.

Sadel Development Management, part of Sadel Group, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2025 CEBA Built By The Best Award in the Controlled Environment, Cold Storage & Distribution Warehouses category for its work on the Magnavale Easton automated cold storage facility in Grantham, UK.

The award, presented by the Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA) at the CEBA Annual Conference and Expo, held at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, recognises outstanding achievement in the design and construction of controlled environment facilities worldwide. CEBA’s Built By The Best Award celebrates innovation, sustainability, complexity, and contributions to the temperature-controlled supply chain.

Setting a New Benchmark for Automated Cold Storage

The Magnavale Easton facility represents a major milestone in cold chain innovation and automation. Designed, planned, and delivered by Sadel Development Management, Magnavale Easton establishes a new benchmark for automated frozen storage, combining speed, precision, flexibility, and operational efficiency.

Operating at -18°C, the high-bay frozen warehouse features a 101,000-pallet capacity, including over-height positions, making it the UK’s most advanced cold chain facility. The site integrates state-of-the-art automation technologies, including Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) with dual monorails and over 3,000 metres of conveyors spanning three floors. A bespoke control system ensures seamless operational flow, while a 3.5 MW two-stage refrigeration system maintains precise temperature management across multiple zones.

Leadership and Innovation Recognised

Andrew Lawrence, Director of Sadel Group, commented:

“We are incredibly proud to receive the CEBA Award, which recognises the dedication, innovation, and collaboration of everyone involved in developing the Magnavale Easton cold store facility here in the UK.

This project represents years of commitment to pushing the boundaries of cold storage design, resulting in the most advanced high-bay frozen warehouse of its kind. Our team, along with our trusted partners, have set a new benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and performance in the sector.”

About CEBA’s Built By The Best Awards

CEBA’s Built By The Best Awards represent the highest standard of excellence in controlled environment facility construction. Winners are selected by a panel of industry experts based on innovation, complexity, energy efficiency, and societal impact.

The 2025 awards recognised Sadel Group’s Magnavale Easton project in the UK as a global leader in the field of developing temperature-controlled buildings.

The onset of winter brings a marked increase in demand for frozen food products.  As consumers stock up on seasonal essentials, warehouses and distribution centres across the UK experience one of their most intensive operational periods. But while teams ramp up production and logistics to meet demand, one crucial area often gets overlooked – ensuring that materials handling equipment and attachments are ready for peak performance.

During the winter months, cold stores and distribution hubs work at full capacity.  Forklifts, telehandlers, and their attachments are used more frequently and for longer shifts.  In these conditions, even minor issues – such as a damaged fork or stiff hydraulic coupling – can quickly escalate into costly downtime.

Cold temperatures can affect metal durability, battery life, and hydraulic efficiency. Condensation can also increase the risk of corrosion or electrical faults.  A proactive maintenance and inspection plan can make all the difference between a smooth season and a series of preventable breakdowns.

Before the seasonal rush, it’s worth taking time to review key areas:

• Inspect attachments such as fork extensions, skips, and spreaders for signs of wear, rust, or deformation
• Check moving parts and hydraulics to ensure seals and couplings are working properly in low temperatures
• Clean and lubricate mechanisms using cold-temperature-approved greases to prevent seizing
• Review safety markings and certification – making sure attachments are compliant and clearly labelled.

Having equipment in top condition is only part of the picture – skilled operators are just as crucial. Regular refresher training on correct attachment use, load capacities, and pre-shift inspections helps boost both safety and efficiency.  Encouraging staff to report minor issues promptly can prevent larger, costly problems down the line.

To support this, Contact Attachments provides on-site forklift attachment training for both its own and other manufacturers’ attachments.  These sessions cover all key aspects, including attachment fitting, safe operation, routine inspection, and understanding how attachments affect a forklift’s stability and load capacity.

Designed for maximum effectiveness, each session typically lasts around 90 minutes and is limited to three trainees, ensuring focused, one-on-one attention. By combining properly maintained equipment with skilled operators, businesses can confidently navigate the demands of peak season while maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity.

With over 50 years’ experience in designing forklift attachments for the food & drink industry, Contact Attachments supports frozen-food operations with bespoke solutions that are hygiene-safe, cold-store compatible and ergonomically smart.  They’re proud to work alongside BFFF members in helping make the chain of frozen-food logistics safer, cleaner and more efficient.

If you’d like to discuss how the right attachment can reduce manual handling in your chilled or frozen operations – or to conduct a review of your site – please contact the team on 01686 611200 or via their website at www.forklift-attachments.co.uk.