IPac Packaging Innovations

About IPac Packaging Innovations

iPac Packaging Innovations, officially trading as Reed Thermoformed Packaging Ltd., is a UK-based manufacturer specializing in sustainable thermoformed packaging for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Founded in 2016 in Gateshead, this family-owned business has established a significant footprint in the market, supplying packaging for fresh foods and produce to major UK grocery retailers. The company's business model revolves around the design, development, and manufacturing of bespoke and standard packaging solutions that prioritize environmental responsibility. Revenue is generated through the sale of these thermoformed products, including pots, tubs, and trays, to food processors and pharmaceutical companies.

The company was co-founded by Jonny Catto, the current Managing Director, and his father-in-law, Harry Reed, who serves as Chairman. Catto, a Chartered Accountant, brought his experience from Deloitte's corporate finance and advisory services to manage the company's strategy and operations. Reed is a veteran of the thermoforming industry with over four decades of experience, having previously founded and sold Penlea Plastics and later established the thermoforming toolmaker TDX. This combination of financial acumen and deep industry expertise provided a strong foundation for iPac's launch and subsequent growth. The founding team also includes Tayler Reed, who manages quality assurance, and Jean-Louis Gravier, the Operations Director.

iPac's core offering is the production of high-quality, thermoformed plastic packaging solutions. A key differentiator is the company's commitment to sustainability; its products are 100% recyclable and are manufactured using a high proportion of recycled materials, often upwards of 85%-90%. The company actively engages in R&D to reduce plastic usage, enhance recyclability, and has developed product lines using Prevented Ocean Plastic. Their service extends from initial concept to final product, offering tooling design and build, product sampling, and collaborative new product development to create cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions. One of their specific product developments is MonoSkin®, a 100% mono PET vacuum skin packaging (VSP) tray that offers enhanced seal integrity without the need for a PE laminate, improving its recyclability. Since starting production in 2017, the company has grown rapidly, expanding from its initial Gateshead facility to a second, larger site in County Durham to meet increasing demand.