Mani Remba reports on Keenpac’s Quality Packaging
Last Updated on Wednesday 14th Mar 2018
Mani Remba : Keenpac Quality Technician
Why do you think the quality department plays such an important role?
We’re often the first people to see the product when it arrives in the UK, and the last before it gets dispatched to the retailer, so it’s our responsibility to ensure that the product is fit-for purpose, matches the signed-off samples and lives up to customer expectations. Having a department like ours is what makes us different – for us the quality of our products is just as important as ensuring it meets the budget and that delivery is on time.
I’ve been here over two years now, and have learned a lot about quality in that short space of time. I came to Keenpac straight after doing my A Levels, so I didn’t have any previous experience. I’ve been lucky enough to learn from some very knowledgeable people. All of my training so far has been on the job. It’s not really something you can do at College or University so you just have to get in there, and of course I’m still learning!
How many bags, boxes and packaging samples do you think you’ve got through since you started at Keenpac?
As we work to a sampling programme we get to see a certain percentage of each quantity delivered and since I started, I’d guess I’ve seen around 20,000 bags, boxes and accessory samples come through the QC Lab (roughly!).
You always seem to have a smile on your face. How do you do it?
I think I’m generally a laid back, happy person anyway so I don’t let stress get to me too much. There are times when you have to be the bearer of bad news though and that can be quite difficult. But in that situation I just try to stay professional and present the facts as they stand.
What is the most interesting thing about your job?
Definitely the variety of packaging that we see on a daily basis. With products ranging from generic poly bags to very premium and bespoke handmade paper bags and jewellery boxes, there’s always some thing new to look at. I also love the fact that in QC you liaise with people across every area of the business, creating strong working relationships with them. I think you have to have a passion for packaging – I know I do.
The department is more of a professional family than a team. We have a lot of laughs but we also work really hard to get through the workload.
Testing, Testing, Testing
Packaging Colour Testing
The eye isn’t always a reliable measure of colour, so we supplement visual checks within a lightbox with the spectrophotometer. It provides a scientific reading of colour against an approved sample.
Packaging Paper Weight Testing
Paper is generally measured in gsm (grammes per square metre), so a small cut out sample of paper is physically weighed to check its specification.
Packaging Thickness
Measured in microns, the standard test for polythene thickness is by micrometer. We can test the finest polymer film to one millionth of a metre.
Packaging Strength
To check the overall ability of any bag to support weight, we generally jog test it either manually or using the jog testing machine. Put simply, the test entails inserting various weights into the bag, and ‘jogging’ it to until it breaks.
More Bespoke Packaging Articles…
Bespoke Retail Packaging for Bicester Village
Custom Packaging Designers – Keenpac at Wimbledon
Mani Remba reports on Keenpac’s Quality Packaging
The Consumer’s Relationship Begins with Custom Packaging
High quality, luxury bespoke packaging
Bespoke packaging design – Keenpac unveils new look website
Article Categories
Bespoke Packaging
Brand Packaging
Jewellery Packaging
Luxury Packaging
Multi-channel
Online Packaging
Packaging Creative
Packaging Design Ideas
Packaging News
Packaging Solutions
Point of Sale Packaging
Retail Packaging
Sustainable Packaging
Continuing the Coronation celebrations this week at Keenpac. We celebrated in style with Scones Jam and Clotted Cream.
#kingscoronation #kingcharlesIIIcoronation #keenpac ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Meet David Jenkins, our Business Development Director.
David has a passion for design and keeping up to date with trends and practices in the luxury and packaging sector, he is always well-equipped to deal with the challenges thrown his way.
A people person and analytical thinker he builds strong relationships and identifies new opportunities, working with the wider team to develop innovative solutions.
When he's not working he’s an avid sports fan - coaching rugby, taking his children to their sports activities, or watching his beloved Manchester United or Welsh Rugby team. If you want to talk sports (or packaging) he is the person to speak to.
#WeAreBunzl
#MeetTheTeam ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Wishing our partners, colleagues and customers a Happy Easter.
#WeAreBunzl
#HappyEaster ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Meet Sara Harlock, Head of Internal Sales.
Sara manages our team of dedicated Internal Account Managers. She has a real passion for delivering exceptional service levels empowering her team to do the same - offering high levels of support and training. Sara loves to hear about the projects her team are working on.
In her spare time, she’s quite a foodie, cocktail and travel enthusiast and not so secretly is also an avid gamer. She loves exploring and is always looking for new places, experiences and adventure, in or outside the real world.
#WeAreBunzl
#MeetTheTeam ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Awesome lady
Love it Sara Harlock
All our global supply chain partners are certified by internationally recognised ISO 9001, and 14001 standards. These certifications require strict yearly audits so you can be assured quality, sustainability and ethics are maintained throughout your luxury packaging supply chain.
#WeAreBunzl
#sustainablepackaging
#luxurypackaging ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Meet David Kerr, Quality Control Technician – a lover of packaging, music and collecting vinyl.
David understands the intricacies of the manufacturing process and the challenges associated with luxury brand packaging. Always passionate about the packaging we create, he carries out robust quality control tests, ensuring our clients' packaging is of the highest quality.
#meettheteam
#WeAreBunzl ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
David has been a god send since I started. A fountain of knowledge.
Remember David when he started..
Deliver exceptional unboxing experiences with visually alluring and sustainable packaging.
#WeAreBunzl
# Sustainable
#luxurypackaging ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Ethical and environmental practices across our supply chain are part of our every day. From the sourcing of raw materials and CSR for our trusted partners, to transit packaging engineering and smart use of shipping, not just space - Every element of your products' journey is sustainably considered.
#sustainablepackaging
#luxurypackaging
#WeAreBunzl ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Wishing our clients, partners and team a Happy Mothers Day!
#happymothersday
#WeAreBunzl ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook