VPK Packaging launches StackIt to help customers simplify shelf ready packaging

Packaging Solutions

VPK Packaging UK & Ireland has launched StackIt, a one piece stackable packaging solution designed to help customers reduce complexity across packing, supply chain and retail environments.

Developed as an alternative to traditional two piece base and lid formats, StackIt combines product protection, stacking stability and shelf ready presentation in a single corrugated solution. Its integrated locking mechanism helps products remain secure through handling, transport and merchandising, while providing brands and retailers with a practical format for stacked fixture displays.

VPK Packaging's recently launched solution has already made its commercial debut, supporting an own- abel chilled range for a major UK grocery retailer, showing an early, high volume application in a demanding retail supply chain. This live application demonstrates that the new solution can meet the demands of high volume retail supply chains while remaining straightforward for packers, logistics teams and store operatives to use.

Simon Saunders, head of design, innovation and technical at VPK Packaging UK & Ireland, said: ‘StackIt has been developed around a very real customer challenge. Many businesses are trying to reduce packaging complexity, improve fixture efficiency and make packaging easier to handle without compromising product protection or presentation.

‘By moving from a two piece pack to a one piece stackable solution, StackIt gives customers a practical way to simplify the packaging format while still supporting performance through the supply chain and in store.’

The product has been designed to support a wide range of product types, including pouches, jars, bottles, tubs, tubes and boxed products. Its modular format means the structure can be adapted depending on the product, packing process and display requirement, with options including crash lock, taped, envelope and kidney lock formats.

For manufacturers and packers, the solution can help reduce the number of packaging components required, simplify stock management and support faster, more consistent packing and palletising. For retailers, it provides a shelf ready format that can be stacked to make better use of fixture height, support brand blocking and improve replenishment.

The pack can also be configured depending on whether the item is soft or rigid. Soft products can use a push down activation method, while hard products can use a pull up activation method, helping to support product stability while keeping the format straightforward to assemble and use.

StackIt also supports sustainability and efficiency goals by helping customers review the overall packaging format, reduce unnecessary components and optimise material use. Depending on the existing specification, moving from a two piece format to a one piece solution can reduce the amount of packaging required and support lower packaging weight.

The corrugated format is designed for established paper and board recycling streams, giving customers a practical fibre-based solution that supports both operational and environmental objectives.

Simon added, ‘Customers are under pressure to make packaging work harder. It needs to protect, move efficiently, support automation, look good in store, reduce waste and help teams work more effectively.

‘StackIt is a simple idea with significant practical value, and we are excited to bring it to more customers across the UK and Ireland.’