Showering surround manufacturer Lakes has been shortlisted for the UFEMAT Packaging Awards, for its 100% recyclable packaging.

The UFEMAT is the European association of national builders’ merchants associations and manufacturers.

It launched the awards, this year, as a joint initiative with Valipac and FEMA to share good packaging practice and promote sustainable innovations in the European construction industry.

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The awards recognise sustainable packaging solutions for construction products, with entries judged on design for recycling, circularity, waste reduction and innovation.

Lakes launched its recyclable packaging in March, this year, which has seen the removal of all plastic banding, carton stapling, plastic tape and polystyrene.

The packaging was also improved to make it easier and safer to handle, as well as stronger to reduce product waste.

Shortly after the launch, Lakes achieved Carbon Neutral Standard based on an assessment of carbon emissions for its UK operation.

Lakes is among five European merchants and manufacturers shortlisted for these awards.

Each company now has the task of presenting to the judges at the UFEMAT Congress in Montreux, Switzerland on October 17, with the winner will be announced at a ceremony on October 18.

Operations director of Lakes Mick Evans said:: “We weren’t aware of these awards until the BMF – a member of UFEMAT – alerted us to them. To be shortlisted at a European level is a great honour and fantastic recognition for our efforts.

“The design of our new packaging required months of research and development to ensure it worked well for the business and team, and also for the environment.”