First fully recyclable pack of its kind for bacon, delivered with MULTIVAC materials, with long-standing customer Wicks Manor.
Earlier this year, MULTIVAC UK finalised a project with Wicks Manor to upgrade pack materials for their bacon production. The transition was a first of its kind, moving to a fully recyclable pack for bacon, enabling Wicks Manor to achieve their sustainability goals.
Wicks Manor, a family-owned business established in 1967, has been a staple in the production of high-quality dry cured bacon. Located in Essex, Wicks Manor has always been at the forefront of sustainability and innovation. Recently, the business took a giant leap towards environmental stewardship by partnering with MULTIVAC to transition to fully recyclable packaging materials for their bacon production. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in their journey towards greener practices.
The Packaging Predicament
Prior to the upgrade, Wicks Manor were using a combination of non-recyclable plastic and carboard materials on their MULTIVAC R 105 thermoforming machine to package their sliced bacon. This involved using a thick gauge plastic material and a card envelope style sleeve, which resulted in excessive use of plastic and cardboard. Continuing with this amalgamation of materials posed a significant challenge to the company’s commitment to sustainability, prompting the need for an eco-friendlier solution. Wicks Manor have been loyal customers of MULTIVAC UK, having had their machinery for over 18 years. Fergus Howie, Managing Director for Wicks Manor, spoke with Clive Amos, one of MULTIVAC UK’s Material Specialists, to discuss the project and how to go about implementing new materials into the production line.
Innovative Packaging Transformation
MULTIVAC introduced Wicks Manor to the innovative SOLO PP HB materials, which enabled them to evolve their packaging approach. This upgrade significantly reduced the plastic gauge while maintaining the high-quality pack presentation that Wicks Manor is known for. The new materials achieved a remarkable 41% reduction in plastic usage and enabled the transition to a fully recyclable plastic supply. Additionally, the stiffness of the recyclable material allowed for a reduction in the size of the cardboard sleeve, further decreasing material usage and costs. This change not only enhanced the product’s environmental footprint but also aligned perfectly with Wicks Manor’s sustainability goals.
Unwavering Support for a Seamless Transition
The transition to the new packaging materials was seamless, thanks to the exceptional support from MULTIVAC’s team. The implementation process was so smooth that the production team at Wicks Manor was unaware of the changes, allowing for an unbiased assessment of the new materials' performance to be fed back to the business management. They also experienced no requirement to adjust settings or throughput because of the new packaging materials – the SOLO PP HB integrated effortlessly into the existing production line. This level of support and ease of implementation underscored MULTIVAC’s commitment to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
A Sustainable Success
The partnership between Wicks Manor and MULTIVAC has been a resounding success, leading to a significant reduction in plastic and cardboard usage and achieving fully recyclable packaging. This project not only supported Wicks Manor’s sustainability goals but also demonstrated the effectiveness and reliability of MULTIVAC’s packaging solutions. The positive feedback from the market and the smooth implementation process highlights the success of this initiative, setting a benchmark for future projects. Wicks Manor’s journey towards greener packaging solutions serves as an inspiring example for other businesses aiming to enhance their environmental impact.
26.01.2026
