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FAQs Background

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE ALL BLP'S SERVICES COMPLETED IN ONE FACTORY ? Yes, blp can provide a range of capabilities under one roof, offering huge benefits to our customers
DOES BLP PROVIDE CUSTOM PRODUCTS ? Yes, blp offers a range of designs and sizes in different thicknesses and on a variety of substances.  From specialist colours to custom apertures, we have the in-house capabilities to meet some of the most complex needs.
DOES BLP HAVE A MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY ? Not all customers need large quantities. Our flexible approach to manufacturing means we can provide custom products with no minimum order quantity.
WHAT ARE BLP'S LEADTIMES ? Because of fluctuations in demand for certain substrates, our lead times vary for each project. To make sure you receive your completed products in your required timescales, we’ll advise you of lead times at the very beginning of your project.
CAN I ADD ADDITIONAL SERVICES AS I GO ?

We offer a full range of in-house services that complement each other. This means we can take care of every aspect of your project. And everything’s done under one roof, meaning we can add additional services if needed.

From printed packaging and co-packing to arranging distribution, our flexible capabilities mean we can support your evolving needs throughout your project.

WHICH SERVICES WORK WELL TOGETHER ?

Our range of complementary services means we can offer you a complete service solution for your project.

Whether you need packaging development, co-packing, print and mailing services or the full-service offering, our team of experts are on hand to advise you at every stage of your project.

PRINT & MAILING

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLOUR DIGITAL PERSONALISATION ?

In comparison to mono lasering, colour digital printing allows you to personalise a document in a range of colours. This means pictures, tables, graphics and text can all be printed in any colour and can contain any amount of variable data you’d like.

You can also use it as a more economical method of printing small print runs compared to lithographic print.

WHAT PERSONALISATION SERVICES DOES BLP OFFER ? We can accommodate a range of different printing services to suit your project needs in mono, colour digital print and inkjet. As each requirement is different, we can advise on the best service for your individual needs.
WHAT DOES THE ISO 27001 CERTIFICATION MEAN ?

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard that helps us set out our Information Security Management System.

It’s an auditable system which controls how blp stores and handles data. We control data in a variety of ways through secure servers, SFTPs and email. And our 100% mailing secure environment means we complete mailing projects in a secure facility. Controlled using the Paxton system, where only recognised staff can enter or leave those areas, you can be confident your data is always safe and secure.

IS BLP GDPR COMPLIANT ? Yes, we are GDPR compliant. Along with our ISO 27001 certification, we adhere to strict GDPR guidelines on how we collect and process data within the UK.
CAN I SUPPLY DATA READY TO USE ?

Yes. We can receive data completely ready to use or partially complete. Speak to our in-house data team now to discuss the best options available for your data.

HOW DO I SEND MY DATA TO BLP ?

Our secure SFTP is ideal for receiving sensitive data. However, if you have your own server, we can also securely collect your data.

HOW DOES BLP CHECK MY DATA IS ACCURATE AND FIT FOR USE ?

We use a range of different software systems and databases to cleanse your data. Depending on your requirements, we can check against Mortality and Goneaway databases, and TPS and MPS to varying degrees.

Our in-house data teams will advise you of the options that best fit your project needs.

WHAT SIZE ENVELOPES CAN BLP ENCLOSE ?

We can enclose envelopes from C6 (114 x 162mm) up to C4 (229 x 324mm), giving you the flexibility to send various mail sizes for your campaigns.

CAN I SUPPLY A PRINT-READY FILE ?

Yes, we can receive your print-ready files in a range of formats, depending on the requirements of your project. Discuss your format with our team now.

HOW MANY INSERTS CAN I SEND IN AN ENVELOPE ?

Our machine capabilities can accommodate up to eight inserts with your prime document, for instance, a personalised customer letter, and we regularly enclose inserts such as leaflets and booklets in varying thicknesses.

Discuss how you can get the most out of your direct mail campaign with our team.

WHICH POSTAL CARRIERS DOES BLP WORK WITH ?

Our extensive experience with a range of carrier services including Royal Mail, Whistl, UK Mail/DHL, Secured Mail and CitiPost means we can advise you on the service most suitable for your individual needs.

CONTRACT PACKING

WHAT IS CONTRACT PACKING? (CO-PACKING)

If you don’t have the resources to pack your finished goods yourself, co-packing (contract packing) can be the ideal solution. Our experienced teams can pack a range of food products including confectionery and snacks into film bags, jars, boxes and SRPs.

We can also pack non-food items into outer packaging, gift boxes, sample cases and SRPs.

For more information view our Contract Packing.

WHAT IS MANUAL PACKING ?

Manual packing means products that are packed by hand and it’s suitable for both food and non-food items. If you have a product that needs the personal touch, hand packing is ideal – from adding custom labels to aesthetic finishes, our team of packers have an exceptional eye for detail.

For more information view our Hand Assembly.

WHAT IS AUTOMATED CARTON PACKING ?

blp provides a comprehensive range of automated box-making possibilities with a bespoke streamlined packaging process.

Available in various substrates and box sizes.

For more information view our Automated Fulfilment.

WHAT TYPE OF BAGS CAN BLP PACK ON THE BAGGING LINE ?

Our Vertical Form Fill Seal bagging line is ideal for a range of snack and confectionery style products. Our machine accurately weighs and distributes a product along the line, then places it into a film bag, heat sealing it closed.

We offer various types of film packaging in a range of different sizes, from ‘grab’ bags to ‘sharing’ bags.

We offer a range of different bag sizes in vertical and horizontal formats up to 150mm in various materials including printed polythene, metallized polythene and clear polythene films.

We also offer recyclable films.

For more information view our VFFS Bagging.

WHAT ITEMS CAN BLP PACK ?

We can hand pack any type of snack or confectionery items into individual bags, tubs, jars and boxes. We also pack food kits, including measuring fresh and dry ingredients, adding any utensils that may be needed.

Plus, we can pack non-food items, from cosmetics, personal care, pet care and gift packs to hardware sample cases and manufactured components.

CAN BLP FILL BOTTLES AND JARS ?

We can hand fill a range of different food and non-food items into bottles and jars made of any substrate. However, we don’t fill any type of liquid.

CAN BLP PACK ALLERGEN-FREE PRODUCTS ?

Our food grade room has been designed to accommodate a range of allergen-free products. Our strict hygiene procedures and deep cleans between production runs means there’s no risk of cross contamination. Plus, we carry out additional validation testing after all cleaning procedures to make sure there are no trace allergens.

For more information see our Clean Room Fulfilment.

CAN BLP PACK NUT-BASED PRODUCTS ?

Yes. Nut-based products are stored in a designated area for allergenic products to make sure they don’t come into contact with other products.

Along with our strict hygiene procedures and deep cleans between production runs, there’s no risk of cross contamination.

To make sure there are no trace allergens, additional validation testing is also carried out after cleaning procedures.

DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE THE PACKAGING ?

If you already have the packaging, we’re more than happy for you to provide this. But we also produce custom printed packaging in a variety of substrates and can work with you to create the perfect design for your product.

If you require something different, we can source a variety of items, such as plastic or glass jars and films.

DOES BLP HAVE A CLEAN ROOM ?

Yes. When it comes to packing or bagging certain food products, a clean environment is essential. Our food grade clean room is temperature controlled to make sure products are stored in optimum conditions. With access control, we ensure entry is managed constantly.

All our packing teams are required to wear specialist PPE when they’re in the clean room environment too.

For more information view our Clean Room Fulfilment.

WHAT DOES BRC FOOD SAFETY MEAN ?

This is the internationally recognised industry standard for food contract packing services. Our BRC certification means blp is compliant in following strict processes and procedures when handling your food products. This is your guarantee your project will be completed in a safe, hygienic, and secure environment.

For more information visit our BRCGS Certifications.

PRINTED PACKAGING

CAN BLP PRODUCE PACKAGING IN RECYCLED & RECYCLABLE MATERIALS ?

We can supply a range of recycled and recyclable materials to suit the needs of your project. blp are FSC & PEFC certified, giving you confidence that we source our materials responsibly.

CAN BLP PRINT PACKAGING USING FOOD SAFE INKS ?

Yes, we regularly complete projects using low migration inks. We commonly use these inks for food packaging because they don’t move or migrate through the packaging to the products.

This is especially important for products that come into direct contact with the packaging.

WHAT TYPES OF MATERIALS CAN BLP PRINT ON ?

blp can print on a wide range of substrates including paper, carton board, microflute and synthetic material such as PVC.

CAN BLP PROVIDE FOOD PACKAGING ?

Yes, we can produce food packaging in a range of different substrates, specialist inks and designs. We are BRC Packaging Materials certified – this globally recognised industry standard is our guarantee that the materials used in your products are safe and fit for use.

CAN BLP HELP US WITH OUR PACKAGING DESIGN ?

Our experienced packaging development team has nearly 40 years’ experience in all aspects of printed packaging. Coupled with the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, blp can provide you with the solution that best fits your project needs.

WHAT SPECIAL FINISHES CAN BLP APPLY ?

Our extensive in-house capabilities mean we can apply a variety of varnishes and finishes to your project. These include standard matt, silk, gloss, high gloss UV and soft touch finishes.

Our experienced print team can advise you on any specialist finishes such as luminescence security inks.

HOW SHOULD I SEND MY ARTWORK TO BLP ?

You can send final artwork by email, a chosen online portal or online transfer services such as WeTransfer. Artwork should be in a print-ready PDF. If you need further specifications, please contact us.

For more information view our Artwork Guidelines.

WHAT QUALITY OF PRINT CAN I EXPECT FROM BLP ?

Our litho printing presses provide a sharp and vibrant print, which is true to colour. Our print technicians control each aspect of the ink level to make sure you get the perfect colour match every time.

HOW MANY COLOURS CAN BLP USE ?

Our 6-colour litho printing presses can offer a combination of CMYK and custom mixed colours to match your branding colour palette perfectly. blp can facilitate multiple passes, increasing the number of options for both spot and process colours.

WHAT'S THE MAXIMUM SHEET SIZE BLP CAN PRINT ON ?

blp can print on sheets up to 740mm x 1040mm, with a maximum print area of 715mm x 1020mm.

CAN BLP PRINT ON FLUTED MATERIAL ?

blp can print directly onto microflute, up to 1mm thick.

DOES THE MATERIAL I CHOOSE AFFECT HOW THE DESIGN WILL LOOK ?

All materials react differently to the printing process, whether it be the type of substrate, or the colour of the material used. Our special print teams have years of colour management knowledge to make sure we can achieve the perfect finish for your project.

WAREHOUSE & LOGISTICS

IS THERE A MINIMUM 'PICK & PACK' QUANTITY ?

No, we can ‘pick and pack’ any amount, as often as needed, from daily and monthly through to yearly.

We have the capabilities to be as flexible as your project demands.

IS THERE A CUT-OFF TIME FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY ?

We work with various carriers to make sure items are delivered to the right location and within your required timescale. As different carriers have different guidelines, we can advise you of the final ordering times when we discuss your ‘pick and pack’ requirements.

WHAT DELIVERY SERVICES DO BLP USE ?

We can provide a range of carrier services for you, from general haulage, parcel and international delivery.

Our logistics team is on hand to discuss the best option for your individual project needs.

CAN BLP ARRANGE INTERNATIONAL DELIVERIES ?

Our extensive knowledge of international carrier services mean we can take care of all aspects of your international deliveries with ease.

Our experienced logistics team can advise you on any new procedures or documentation that’s required by EU countries to make sure your shipment arrives at the expected time and destination.

CAN BLP MANAGE CUSTOMS DOCUMENTATION ?

Yes, we can take care of all customs documentation for your shipment as part of our international delivery service.

Our experienced logistics team have in-depth knowledge of the current requirements of international shipping and will be on hand to guide you where needed.

WHAT'S MI REPORTING AND HOW IS IT USED ?

Our bespoke Management Information System (MIS) has been designed to allow for perfect Management Information reporting to monitor the usage of stock that’s held in our warehouse.

Our teams look for patterns to help us identify areas of your inventory management where we can implement sustainable cost reduction initiatives.

PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT

CAN BLP HELP US WITH OUR PACKAGING DESIGN ?

Our experienced packaging development team has nearly 40 years’ experience in all aspects of printed packaging. Coupled with the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, blp can provide you with the solution that best fits your project needs.

HOW WILL BLP TEST THE DURABLITY & PERFORMANCE OF MY PACKAGING ?

To make sure your packaging remains secure and fit for purpose throughout its journey, we put each design through rigorous testing, from postal and transit testing through to security and drop testing.

WHAT'S 3D CAD ?

We use the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, which means we can provide you with an interactive 3D simulation of your packaging design.

Using this software means you can get a 360-degree view. If there are aspects you’d like to change, we can make these amends quickly and send it back to you for approval.

Not only does this mean you receive the designs instantly, it also saves time and delivery costs associated with sending multiple physical samples.

WHAT SAMPLES CAN BLP CREATE FOR ME ?

With our extensive in-house capabilities, we can provide a range of samples at every stage of your project.

We use the latest CAD software to produce 3D interactive simulation of your packaging design. This 360-degree view means you can review each aspect of your initial design, and we can make changes instantly. Using this software is beneficial for the early stages of the packaging development process when you need to visualise your ideas.

We can also supply white CAD carton board samples – this physical sample gives you the opportunity to review the construction of your packaging design. Once approved, we can provide additional colour samples, printed on your chosen substrate so you can visualise your final products.

We can also provide digital colour prints and wet proofs to ensure a perfect colour match of your final print.

CAN BLP AMEND ARTWORK FOR ME ?

We understand artwork can change throughout a project. Our highly capable design team is on hand to help with any artwork amends, no matter the complexity.

ARE COLOUR PRINTED MOCK-UPS AVAILABLE ?

blp can provide several samples, suitable for each stage of your project. When a colour mock-up is needed, we have the in-house capabilities to provide a full colour sample, printed onto your chosen substrate. These high-quality samples are representative of the finish of your completed product.

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