The PAFA Consulting Group brings together experts in all areas of plastic film packaging – from innovative design solutions through optimising the manufacturing process and eventual waste minimisation. Most importantly, the group aims to deliver improved packaging and process performance linked to real cost savings across all areas of business operations.
Whether you need an individual with special expertise or a team approach or whether you need a quick and effective solution or a long-term change of direction, PAFA Consulting Group can match your needs. This team of highly experienced consultants is brought together and accredited by the UK Packaging and Films Association (PAFA), the national trade association representing the packaging and industrial films industry in the UK. This means they have been known to PAFA for at least ten years and their credentials are fully checked and endorsed.
THE FIRST STEP
The initial two hour consultation is free of charge. At this time you will brief a member of the Consulting Group on the strategic objectives of the work you wish to be undertaken. This might include broad aims across your whole business or involve specific packaging and process targets. The consultant will then respond with an expert assessment and advice for discussions which will lead to a firm proposal.
On acceptance of the proposal an individual or project team will be tailored to ensure fast and effective delivery, under the management of an experienced project leader, of your specific requirements.
KEY AREAS OF SUPPORT
- Packaging Design
- Prototyping
- Material Selection
- Process Development and Optimisation
- Technical Performance
- Problem Solving
- QA Systems and Support
- Market Development
PROCESSES SUPPORTED
- Calendering
- Extrusion (sheet and blown)
- Compression Moulding
- Thermoforming
- Laminating and Coating
- Inks and Solvents
- Machining, Cutting, Sealing and Welding
- Fabrication and Finishing
CONSULTANCY TEAM
Jonathan Fowle
Jonathan has spent the last 30 years in the packaging industry, the last seventeen of which were senior management posts. Jonathan offers a strong track record in Sales, Marketing and General Management with a particular focus on seeking out innovative solutions to packaging problems.
Jonathan’s expertise takes in the extensive international travel required throughout much of his career and this has led to the development of long-term partnerships throughout the entire packaging supply chain. He believes the packaging industry has historically been good at developing ideas, but too slow to incorporate the levels of motivation required to provoke the consumer into buying. In Autumn 2004 Jonathan established his own company, innovati, with the aim of linking innovation and marketing more effectively to improve business performance at every stage of the packaging sector. Jonathan holds an honours degree in Economics & Administration and is a graduate member of the Institute of Marketing.
Dr Rupert Pearson
Rupert is a graduate chemist with thirty years of research, development, technical service and market development experience and expertise. He was Market Development Manager for ICI’s multi product Packaging Solutions Group where he helped identify new opportunities and innovation throughout the packaging supply chain.
For nearly fifteen years, Rupert has provided independent consultancy services focusing on market strategy and development. He has worked with multi-national clients across the UK and in Europe, North America, South Africa and New Zealand. One such project led to the construction and successful operation of a new, Greenfield, packaging site. Another study led to significantly reduced costs for barrier materials in food packaging.
Rupert brings wide plastic materials knowledge coupled with a strong understanding of converted products and their applications. His consultancy also carries out regular retail surveys of supermarket packaging to identify and monitor trends as well as seeking out opportunities for packaging development and innovation.
Derek Uttridge 
Derek has worked in a range of industries from food packaging to defence/nuclear ensuring that films, machines and pack designs are all optimised to improve efficiency and secure cost savings. His comprehensive experience has led to senior positions in technical, production, quality, commercial and sales teams for multinational companies over a period of thirty years.
A graduate chemist with a rare combination of lateral thinking and practical hands-on experience, Derek is able to develop both strategic and pragmatic solutions and communicate them in a motivational and highly effective way - at all levels and in all business environments. The results of this approach benefit operating efficiency as well as bringing real commercial improvements. His specialist support is particularly potent when applied to all aspects of trouble-shooting and problem solving as well as production, process and quality management. In one project, Derek’s work identified annual savings of more than £250,000. His special industry expertise was rewarded with the coveted Packaging & Industrial Films Association “Outstanding Achievement Award” in 2001.
John Webb-Jenkins
John is a graduate chemist with 45 years experience in the packaging industry – specialising in plastic films. He has been Managing Director or Chief Executive of a number of companies but his lifelong experience combines hands-on technical skills as well as business leadership and profit responsibility. The breadth of his experience shows in the fact that he has spearheaded lean manufacturing processes as well as establishing strong and profitable export markets.
His commitment to the industry is demonstrated by the fact that he has Chaired the trade association PIFA, as well as founding the consortium of European packaging institutes (EPIC). He offers extensive contacts in Europe and the Far East through his work as UK Director of the World Packaging Organisation and he spent five years as Chief Executive of the Institute of Packaging which gives him an in-depth understanding of the training needs of industry.
John regularly lectures on packaging regulation, innovation and sustainability. He can advise technically and strategically in design, manufacture, promotion, marketing and sales across a broad spectrum of materials and markets.
Peter Woodall
Peter’s career spans journalism, marketing, design and corporate affairs during which he has held board directorships in Advertising Agencies, PR Consultancies, Export Businesses and IT development. In the last fifteen years he has focused on providing pr and marketing support both at strategic and operational levels for the packaging and plastics sectors. He also works for the retail and food manufacturing sectors where he provides environmental and ethical communications advice.
Peter is now Managing Director of his own PR and creative communications businesses where he has helped companies large and small take their industrial and consumer products into new markets in the UK and overseas. He also develops risk assessment and crisis handling plans for businesses in the packaging, food and retail sectors. Peter has made numerous appearances on television and radio as well as presenting to conferences across Europe and in the Far East.
Contact the PAFA consulting team by calling +44 (0) 115 959 8389
Or click here to email PAFA