During the development and manufacture of our packaging products, we consider the potential environmental impact of the materials we employ throughout.
Key considerations integral to this approach are:
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Environmental policy
Foam plastics
High performance materials, tested in accordance with harmonised European Standards, are at the core of our packaging product range. We extensively research materials and select only those which are manufactured without the use of either CFC or HCFC blowing agents, that have a zero ODP, are fully recyclable, and where possible contain at least 30% recycled content.
The majority of the waste generated within our manufacturing processes is also ultimately recycled.
Adhesives
As part of our manufacturing processes, we use water-based and hot-melt adhesives exclusively to minimise the damage to the environment. We do not use any solvent based adhesives.
Packaging
Where possible we try to minimise the environmental impact of the packaging we use by supplying our finished products in lightweight recycled polythene bags. If corrugated boxes are required, these are manufactured from recycled cardboard and are fully biodegradable.
Design process
Excel employs it's own proven 'ten point' packaging design process to assist in the development of the most appropriate packaging solution for your application.
A brief overview of this procedure is detailed below:
1
Determine the distribution environment
Singularly placed or palletised multiples?
UK or export?
Own transport or carrier?
2
Define product fragility and damage criteria
Is the product particularly susceptible to damage?
What damage tolerance level is acceptable?
3
Ascertain the product volume and value
What quantity of product is to be considered?
Is the product high or low in value?
4
Select the most appropriate materials
What type and grade of material(s) is required or the most appropriate to use?
5
Design the proposed packaging solution
Develop the most appropriate and cost efficient pack design and calculate cost.
6
Obtain outline approval for the pack design and costs submitted
Does the proposed pack design and cost meet with the custumer's outline approval?
7
Produce a prototype sample
Does the proposed pack design meet with the custumer's approval?
What will the lead time be?
8
Verify pack performance
Assessment by customer or on the customer's behalf.
Assessment to a recognised industry standard (e.g. ISTA) if required.
9
Receive the customer's approval and confirmation of the order
Schedule the order into our production planning system and advise the delivery date.
10
Fulfill the customer's order
Deliver the product in good order and appropriately packaged.
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Excel was founded by Graham Woolley in January 1994. Originally based in Uxbridge, Middlesex, in 2000 the company moved to its current location in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire.
In addition to providing custom-made protective packaging solutions, originally Excel also manufactured specialist products for the warm-water underfloor heating industry. However, the demand for these products grew rapidly, and in 2012 this part of the business was separated into a stand-alone company, Epic Insulation Ltd, operating from its own premises on the same industrial estate, where it remains today. Graham is the managing director of both businesses.
In 2018 Excel acquired additional premises adjacent to the original factory. This acquisition provided the extra space needed for the company to invest in a large-format CNC routing/knifing/creasing table on which a wide variety of materials can be processed, including foam, corrugated cardboard, honeycomb board, wood, metal, plastics etc.
Excel’s growth can largely be attributed to Graham’s unwavering commitment to continually re-invest in the business. This is coupled with the desire to provide fantastic customer service to all our customers!