Herald Packaging Limited - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
Herald Packaging Limited, incorporated in 1997 and based in Corby, Northamptonshire, is a prominent UK manufacturer and supplier of disposable catering and food-to-go packaging. The company's core mission revolves around providing quality packaging solutions to the catering and janitorial markets. A significant aspect of its current vision and strategic focus is a strong commitment to sustainability, actively expanding its range of eco-friendly disposable products to meet evolving market demands and regulatory pressures regarding single-use plastics. Herald Packaging is positioned as a critical provider in its industry, delivering essential, and increasingly sustainable, packaging options across the UK.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
Herald Packaging Limited's primary objectives are centered on sustainability and market expansion. The company aims to provide sustainable alternatives across its entire product range, aligning with increasing environmental awareness and stringent regulations on single-use plastics. A key goal is to serve as a "one-stop shop" for disposable catering products, offering a comprehensive selection at various price points. Long-term objectives include broadening market reach and solidifying its position as a leader in eco-conscious packaging solutions.
Specialization Areas
The company specializes in manufacturing and supplying quality catering and food-to-go disposable packaging. Within this, a significant area of expertise is the development and provision of eco-conscious packaging solutions, including biodegradable and recyclable products. Herald also offers a specialized printing service for custom-printed food boxes, paper bags, and bespoke paper cups, providing quick turnaround times and expert guidance on suitable packaging options.
Target Markets
Herald Packaging primarily serves the catering and janitorial markets across the UK. Its custom printing service targets brand owners, wholesalers, packaging suppliers, and retailers seeking branded disposable solutions.
2. Financial Overview
Financial Performance & Growth
Herald Packaging Limited is an active and growing company. For the financial period ending March 31, 2025:
Total Assets: Increased by £767K (+21%) to £4.36M.
Revenue: Increased by £967K (+6%) to £16.18M.
Earnings: Increased by £346K (+5767%) to £352K.
These figures indicate robust financial growth and improved profitability compared to the previous period.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
Herald Packaging offers a wide array of disposable catering products, with a strong emphasis on sustainable alternatives:
Cups and Lids: Including rPET cups (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) and other eco-friendly options.
Food Boxes: A variety of containers for food-to-go, with custom printing services available.
Salad Containers: Designed for convenience and increasingly offered in sustainable materials.
Cutlery: Includes innovative options like bamboo cutlery.
Bagasse Bowls: Made from sugarcane pulp, offering a biodegradable alternative.
Reusable Containers: Part of the expanded eco-friendly product range.
Paper Bags: Offered with custom printing capabilities.
Custom Printing Service: For food boxes, paper bags, and bespoke paper cups, featuring quick turnaround times and quality customization.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
Herald Packaging's innovation is driven by its focus on eco-conscious materials and manufacturing processes. Key aspects include:
Sustainable Material Specialization: Development and supply of products made from biodegradable and recyclable materials such as bamboo, bagasse (sugarcane pulp), and rPET.
Product Development for Specific Needs: Designing products that maintain high standards of quality and functionality while adhering to environmental criteria.
Custom Printing Technology: Investment in specialized printing equipment for rapid and high-quality customization of various packaging items.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
The leadership team of Herald Packaging Limited includes:
Bhupendrabhai Motibhai Patel: Director. A British national, born August 1952.
Yogesh Patel (also Yogesh Bhupendrabhai Patel): Director and Person with Significant Control (PSC). A British national, born April 1984.
* Mrs. Ranjanbala Bhupendrabhai Patel: Secretary and Person with Significant Control (PSC). A British national, born February 1957.
Recent Leadership Changes
Changes to the director's details for Mr. Yogesh Bhupendrabhai Patel and Mr. Bhupendrabhai Motibhai Patel were made on July 31, 2025. Changes regarding the persons with significant control for Mr. Yogesh Patel and Mrs. Ranjanbala Bhupendrabhai Patel also occurred on July 31, 2025.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
Herald Packaging Limited is in a growth phase, as indicated by its strategic market expansion efforts. The company has demonstrated a proactive approach to developing its market share by establishing new offices in Newcastle and appointing a Scottish sales manager, suggesting an ongoing focus on recruiting roles vital for market penetration and customer relationship management in new territories. This expansion indicates a trajectory of increasing workforce and geographical presence across the UK.
7. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
Herald Packaging Limited actively showcases its commitment to eco-conscious packaging solutions at significant industry events. The company highlighted its sustainable product range at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 in Birmingham, demonstrating its role as a leader in environmentally responsible packaging. This participation solidifies its prominence in the industry and showcases its advancements in replacing traditional disposables with sustainable alternatives.
8. Market Analysis
Market Overview
The global packaging market is a large and expanding industry, valued at USD 1,080.13 billion in 2024. It is projected to reach USD 1,452.86 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.93%. This growth is primarily driven by the expansion of the food and beverage sector, an increase in middle-class populations, and evolving consumer consumption habits.
A key trend impacting the market is the escalating demand for sustainable packaging solutions. This demand is fueled by growing environmental awareness, shifts in consumer preferences, and increasing regulatory pressures, including bans on single-use plastics. Innovation in materials, such as paper, bioplastics, and various biodegradable plastics, is a critical area for packaging companies to address these market dynamics. Digital printing technology is also advancing, offering more cost-effective production of customized products and improving traceability through features like QR codes.
9. Operational Insights
Herald Packaging's operations are strategically aligned with the market's shift towards sustainability. By focusing on expanding its eco-friendly product lines, including biodegradable and recyclable options like bamboo cutlery, bagasse bowls, and rPET cups, the company is well-positioned to meet the rising consumer and regulatory demand for environmentally responsible packaging. Its "one-stop shop" approach for disposable catering and food-to-go items provides convenience and comprehensive solutions to customers, establishing a strong operational foundation.
The investment in a custom printing service offers a competitive advantage, enabling businesses to efficiently brand their disposables. Furthermore, the company's proactive expansion, evidenced by new offices and dedicated sales managers in regions like Scotland, demonstrates a strategic commitment to strengthening its market position and broadening its customer reach within the UK.
10. Future Outlook
Strategic Roadmap
Herald Packaging is committed to the continuous expansion of its sustainable product range across all categories. This initiative aims to thoroughly address the diverse needs of its customer base as regulatory restrictions on certain materials tighten and single-use plastic bans become more widespread. The company intends to remain a reliable provider of a full spectrum of food packaging disposables, including bags, cups, boxes, and containers, offered at various price points to cater to different market segments.
Future plans also include a continued emphasis on customized printed products, with popular items like paper cups and paper carry bags being key offerings. Herald Packaging encourages inquiries for custom printing across its full product range. The company's proactive strategy for increasing its market share, demonstrated by the establishment of new offices and the appointment of regional sales management, underscores its commitment to sustained growth and expanded reach throughout the UK market.
