Roberts Metal Packaging, located in Thamesmead, London, has achieved the highest possible AA+ packaging materials global standard rating from BRCGS.  

The prestigious classification, achieved following an unannounced audit from BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard), means the Thamesmead site is now among an elite selection of leading suppliers in the packaging industry.

The BRCGS Packaging Materials Global Standard has set the benchmark for packaging material ratings in the last 25 years and has been adopted by over 22,000 sites in more than 130 countries providing the framework to manage product safety, integrity, legality, and quality. The award is recognised by many retailers, manufacturers and brand owners across the world.

An AA+ rating signifies that all pre-threaded screw-caps, godets and aluminium and tinplate containers are quality assured, legally compliant, and authentic for customers and manufacturers.

As well as achieving the highest packaging materials rating from BRCGS, Roberts Metal Packaging also recently became re-certified for ISO 9001:2015, a worldwide standard that sets requirements for a strong quality management system.

Chris Saunders, Managing Director at Roberts Metal Packaging, said: “For our customers the AA+ rating and ISO re-certification instils confidence and proves our packaging integrity. This high-level certification could not have happened without the consistent hard work shown from everyone and every level at Roberts Metal Packaging.”

Nikky Okelue, QHSE Manager at Roberts Metal Packaging, said: “Ensuring compliance across quality, health, safety and environment is a fundamental element of ensuring customer trust. Achieving this award gives us a strong competitive advantage and highlights our determination and quality expertise company wide.”

As part of our Spotlight series, we talk to Nicky Bentley, Sales and Marketing Assistant at Roberts Metal Packaging about the importance of her role and what challenges are facing the metal packaging industry today. 

About the Job… 

1. What is your current job title? What are your main responsibilities and tasks? 

Hi, my name is Nicky and I have worked as a Sales and Marketing Assistant at Roberts Metal Packaging for the last eight years. 

My job responsibilities include generating quotations, communicating with customers and suppliers via email, processing repeat orders and amendments, and handling product inquiries. I also enjoy working on exciting new business, which could be from a new customer, product or both!  Another very important part of the job is sending product samples to customers for product testing, as it enables them to make an informed decision before placing an order. 

2. Describe your typical day (if there is one!).  

My typical workday is varied however, customer satisfaction is at the heart of it all as I strive to provide the best service to our customers and clients. We always aim to respond to queries within 48 hours, ensuring that customers have all the information they need when they need it! 

3. What motivates/inspires you about your job? What aspect(s) are your greatest source of a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment and pride?   

When I first started working in the packaging industry, it was a completely new experience for me as previously I had worked for investment banks. However, I found it really interesting to see the project go from an idea to a finished product that is available in stores.  

I’m particularly interested in cosmetics and beauty products and I find it motivating to work with brands in this field. When I see products that I helped produce on the shelves in the shops, I certainly feel proud and I can’t help but show off these products to my family!  

4. What do you most like about Roberts’ company culture? Which of our corporate values most resonate with you?  

Roberts was the first job I came back to after my maternity leave. I had to learn the manufacturing process from scratch, but I really enjoy how the role is customer oriented. I find that the atmosphere at Roberts is friendly and relaxed, working in a close-knit team means that we are always looking out for each other. We all share the attitude of wanting to get the job done to a high standard and meet our customers’ requirements while having fun doing it.  

5. How has Roberts helped you in your career development since you started?   

After taking a career break to raise my children, I have gained a lot of confidence at Roberts. I have attended exhibitions in Paris and Birmingham – working behind the scenes and on the stand – which has really boosted my knowledge of the industry. Being able to pursue something I enjoy after becoming a mum has been really rewarding. 

6. What’s the most unusual/innovative/unconventional metal packaging project you’ve been involved with? How successful was its outcome? 

The metal packaging projects that I’m always impressed by are with brands such as Lush and Benefit.  Seeing it go from project notes and print designs at the very beginning to becoming a final product on the shelves is so rewarding. We also work in non-cosmetic industries like food and homecare – for example we make parts for Kazoos for Generation Music and even containers for airgun pellets. It can really vary as our paths cross lots of different industries.  

About the industry…   

7. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the metal packaging industry at the moment? How can you help address them?   

The biggest challenge at the minute for the metal packaging industry is that companies are still keen to use plastics as a main packaging source. However, with the implementation of the plastic taxes, we are hoping that aluminium becomes a product that more manufacturers utilise due to its versatility and recyclability, especially as consumers become more environmentally conscious. 

And now for some career advice…  

8. What are the most important skills that school children and university students should spend time developing to set themselves up for career success? Why?   

I think that it is crucial that schools place greater emphasis on teaching life skills. This includes money management, budgeting, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, all of which are essential for building a foundation for future success.  

Additionally, it is important for young adults to push themselves toward their desires and passions when deciding what career to pursue, as it will enable them to excel and enjoy what they do. Above all, the most important skill is to be able to voice your opinion.  

About you…  

9. Who’s your biggest hero (work or life) and why?  

My biggest hero is my dad. He was originally from Malta and moved to England alone at the age of 17, leaving behind his parents and two brothers, so that he could pursue better opportunities. Sadly, his father, my grandfather, passed away not long after, so he brought his whole family over to England.  

He was an entrepreneur in the property business and his bravery has always inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and become the very best version of myself. He always used to say, “Life is a journey to be enjoyed, don’t take things too seriously.” His courageous spirit stayed with him until the end, and I try to live by his values by treating others with kindness in both my personal and professional life. 

10. Have you got a secret talent/party piece?!  

I always end up on the dancefloor at parties! Growing up in the 90s, dance music became an integral part of my life from a young age, and I still love its mood-lifting abilities today. My go-to music for dancing is ABBA, especially after seeing ABBA Voyage recently, Michael Jackson and R&B music.  I am also a huge movie fan.  I love spending time with my family and going on holiday and travelling to different countries and exploring different cultures.  

Benefit Cosmetics’ beautiful, innovative, sustainable aluminium cosmetic jars – developed by Roberts Metal Packaging – are shortlisted for the UK Packaging Awards 2023

We are thrilled that our aluminium cosmetic jars – designed and produced by Roberts Metal Packaging for Benefit Cosmetics – have caught the attention of this year’s UK Packaging Awards judges.

To be shortlisted for the Metal Pack of the Year category is a tremendous honour. It recognises the optimal design, functionality, innovation and sustainability elements of our aluminium jars. But before we deep-dive the detail, let’s take a quick look at the context.

The background

Benefit Cosmetics wanted to centre the launch of its new POREfessional pore skincare range around two products – the Deep Retreat clay mask and the Smooth Sip moisturiser cream – with aluminium packaging.

Thanks to our metal packaging expertise and collaborative working style, Roberts was the global beauty brand’s obvious partner of choice.

The brief

Roberts was tasked with designing and manufacturing recyclable aluminium jars suitable for a bathroom environment. Lids and bases would be litho-printed to provide tactility, shelf presence and a high-end look.

Jar capacities of 50ml and 75ml were required initially, with mini sizes becoming available later. The jars needed to be suitable for high-speed filling and to protect the long-term integrity of their contents.

The solution – zoom on design

Our team of experts – determined to deliver on every count – selected the continuously threaded aluminium jars from our SOFTLINE range.

We developed high-quality new inks to achieve fully translucent jars within the design, tastefully finished in a satin varnish. Alongside bold typography and stunning colour combinations, the tactility element means the jars stand out on the shelf and in customers’ hands.

Zoom on functionality

Clearly, the jars and lids are fit for purpose. Their user-friendly design ensures effortless handling by the customer. The airtight jars protect against leakage and spoiling due to light and evaporation.

Manufactured on state-of-the-art, fully automated press-lines at our London factory, the easy-on/easy-off lids are designed with smooth radii and light knurling. The jars are fitted with two liners. The EPE liner optimises sealing while the custom-printed, throwaway, pressure-sensitive, liner makes tamper detection obvious.

Zoom on sustainability

The aluminium jars and lids can be recycled in their entirety through normal household collection. Since aluminium can be recycled infinitely without any deterioration to its molecular structure, the jars have solid sustainability credentials.

In conclusion…

We’d like to thank everyone involved in this project for their valuable contribution. It was a great team effort! To be shortlisted for the prestigious UK Packaging Awards is the icing on the cake. Many thanks to the expert judges for their valuable stamp of approval!

 

If you’d like to discuss this project or brainstorm optimal packaging solutions for your products, please get in touch on +44 (0)20 8320 9500 or at salesteam@roberts-metpack.co.uk today!

As part of our Spotlight series, we talk to Nikky Okelue, QHSE (Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental) Manager at Roberts Metal Packaging about the importance of her role and what challenges are facing the metal packaging industry today. 

1. What is your current job title? What are your main responsibilities and tasks?

Hi! I’m Nikky and I’m the Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental (QHSE) Manager at Roberts Metal Packaging. I’m responsible for ensuring compliance in all three of these areas.

There is also a fourth aspect to my role which isn’t reflected in my job title. That’s Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard (BRCGS). Since regulations for all four elements are constantly evolving, it’s a busy role!

2. How does your role relate to the overall objectives of the company?

Ensuring company-wide compliance across these four key elements gives customers the confidence they need to do business with Roberts. The Quality and BRCGS aspects – which relate to product integrity – are particularly important for new customers.

The Health & Safety aspect safeguards a comfortable, safe work environment for our employees, setting them up for a successful, productive, rewarding day, every day.

Finally, as regards environmental performance, we have an extremely effective Environmental Management System. It keeps us on track with our sustainability goals in terms of boosting resource usage efficiencies and reducing waste. And the results give us a strong competitive advantage and help win trust among all our stakeholders – including customers, prospects, business partners and employees.

3. Describe your typical day.

Every day is different but, underlying all my activity, is a thirst for continuous improvement. One day you’ll find me arranging for compliance inspections. The next, I’ll be reading up on the latest regulatory changes. And the day after that, you’ll find me investigating complaints and ensuring we have viable corrective actions in place. Every day is unique!

4. What aspect(s) are your greatest source of a sense of satisfaction and pride?

Ensuring we are compliant with relevant legislation as well as with Internal Standard requirements is extremely satisfying. To have our progress in these areas recognised by independent, expert bodies is a major source of pride for me.

5. What do you most like about Roberts’ company culture?

Everyone at Roberts is shown respect and encouraged to have a voice, whatever their level of seniority. I love that attitude. It’s important for building a happy, fulfilled, productive workforce with a strong sense of self-worth. And we’re a friendly, open bunch!

I also appreciate the company’s commitment to a good work/life balance. As a busy mother of three children, I’m grateful to be given all the tools I need to succeed at my job during work hours, and the freedom to refocus on my family at the end of the working day. If I need to work at home one day – or periodically – that’s fine too.

6. How has Roberts helped you in your career development since you started?

I’ve lost count of how many courses I’ve attended since joining Roberts! Examples include the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) training course and many Health & Management workshops.

The company has invested heavily in helping me develop my professional skills and achieve my career goals. My skills, knowledge base and confidence have all benefitted from the investment.

7. What are the biggest challenges for the metal packaging industry at the moment?

The biggest challenge for SMEs around the UK is meeting Scope One requirements on our journey to net zero. Getting accurate data on Roberts’ emissions is challenging as we outsource the transport element of order fulfilment to fleet companies. Calculating our carbon footprint without precise intelligence from them is impossible. But with our usual determination and expertise, we’ll get there!

8. What are the most important skills that school children and university students should spend time developing to set themselves up for career success? Why?

In today’s business world, technical skills aren’t enough to guarantee success. Soft skills are arguably even more important. I think young people should work on their flexibility, personal management (which means showing initiative, and setting and achieving meaningful targets), communication and technology skills – as well as their sense of empathy – from an early age.

9. If there was one piece of advice that you could give to your younger self, what would that be?

Lead with your head and not with your heart! Analyse the facts dispassionately before making important decisions. Respond based on the hard facts rather than reacting with your emotions. There’s always a place for gut instinct but – without the facts – following your feelings is a much riskier proposition!

And finally… 

10. What are your passions outside work?

I have many! At the weekend, you’ll find me exploring new places with my three children or dancing to the latest Afrobeats at local events or in my kitchen! My other great pleasure in life is travelling around Europe, delighting in all the new cultures, cuisines and customs that I discover along the way!