The Interview. Gavin Ashe of Kite Packaging
Kite Packaging is a leading UK packaging distributor, providing B2B solutions across industries like retail, ecommerce, automotive, healthcare, and more. We help businesses get more value out of their packaging while reducing their environmental impact. By implementing more advanced value packaging and automation, we optimise supply chains and reduce waste. Gavin Ashe, Managing Director at [...] The post The Interview. Gavin Ashe of Kite Packaging first appeared on Warehouse & Logistics News.
Kite Packaging is a leading UK packaging distributor, providing B2B solutions across industries like retail, ecommerce, automotive, healthcare, and more. We help businesses get more value out of their packaging while reducing their environmental impact. By implementing more advanced value packaging and automation, we optimise supply chains and reduce waste.
Gavin Ashe, Managing Director at Kite Packaging, talks to Warehouse & Logistics News.
How does Kite Packaging’s culture benefit its clients?
Kite’s culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. As an employee share-owned company, every team member is invested in delivering exceptional service and building strong partnerships with customers and suppliers alike.
This shared commitment drives continuous improvement, keeping us ahead of industry trends and regulations. By prioritising sustainability, we help businesses reduce their environmental impact while ensuring compliance with evolving packaging laws. Our proactive approach ensures we deliver high-performing, future-proof solutions that align with our customers’ long-term goals.
What solutions do you offer customers?
Kite Packaging provides a comprehensive range of packaging solutions tailored to businesses across all industries. From protective packaging, like void fill and cushioning, to industrial supplies, such as pallet wrap and pallet wrappers, we offer everything needed to keep products secure in transit and storage.
As sustainability is at the core of our approach, we stock an extensive selection of eco-friendly packaging. This includes paper-based alternatives, recyclable materials, and reusable products like our collapsible plastic pallet boxes.
For companies looking to improve efficiency, we offer pack room automation solutions, from case erectors to bagging machines, designed to streamline operations and cut costs. Our expert consultancy services, such as our free pallet wrap audits, help businesses optimise their packaging processes while minimising waste.
With our growing product range and industry-leading expertise, our aim is to ensure customers receive only the best packaging solutions.
Tell us how Kite Packaging are growing in the UK?
We continue to grow through strategic expansion, investment in people, and our product range.
To support increasing demand, we have expanded our Letchworth Regional Distribution Centre (RDC). The site now spans 45,542 sq. ft. with an additional 2,500 pallet spaces, bringing the total capacity to just under 7,500. Designed for efficiency, the warehouse features an 11.2m top racking bay to maximise storage within the existing footprint. Sustainability remains at the forefront of our growth, with solar panels installed to reduce the site’s carbon footprint.
Our investment extends beyond infrastructure to people. We continue to develop future industry leaders through our award-winning graduate management apprenticeship scheme which is now open for applications. At the same time, our product range is expanding. By continually innovating and growing in key areas, we ensure that our customers have access to cutting-edge, sustainable packaging solutions backed by an industry-leading business.
What makes Kite Packaging unique in your industry?
Kite Packaging stands out as the only employee share-owned packaging distributor in our industry. This ownership model gives us a unique edge – every employee has a vested interest in the company’s success, driving an exceptional level of service.
Our employee-ownership fosters a culture and attitude that no other packaging wholesaler can replicate. It fuels our drive to continuously improve and deliver the best solutions for our customers. Our people don’t just work for the company – they own it and that’s makes all the difference. We invest in them, providing comprehensive training and career development at every level.
We’re also the only packaging company running a government-accredited EPR compliance scheme, integrating compliance into every packaging purchase. Our expertise in packaging and regulations allows us to provide proactive support, helping customers navigate evolving requirements with ease.
How future-proof and flexible are your solutions?
Packaging is ever-changing, and so is Kite. That’s why we don’t just adapt – we lead with solutions that are built for the future. We prioritise eco-friendly materials and designs that align with changing regulations while continuously assessing market trends to meet changing business needs. Our in-house data team ensures we stay ahead of industry shifts, refining our offering to keep pace with demand. Embracing technology keeps us agile.
What new services/solutions are you offering for 2025?
In 2025, we have introduced heated anti-fatigue mats. These provide targeted warmth for warehouse workers, reducing the need to heat entire facilities and helping businesses cut energy costs. We have also expanded our UN packaging range, recently adding asbestos bags, with further developments planned throughout the year.
Additionally, we are continuing to grow our paper-based alternatives, offering businesses a more cost-effective and sustainable option as EPR regulations make plastic packaging increasingly expensive.
What are the biggest challenges facing Kite Packaging and your industry?
One of the biggest challenges facing both Kite Packaging and the wider industry is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance. As packaging regulations evolve, businesses must navigate increasing obligations to ensure their packaging meets sustainability targets and minimises environmental impact.
We’re proactively addressing this challenge by staying ahead of regulatory changes and providing our customers with expert guidance on their packaging choices. Our commitment to sustainability means we continuously develop eco-friendly packaging solutions that help businesses reduce waste, lower their carbon footprint, and remain compliant with new legislation.
By embracing these challenges as opportunities for innovation, we continue to lead the way in responsible packaging.
Do you cover the whole of the UK?
Yes, we provide nationwide coverage. Our e-commerce platform supplies standard packaging products, while our eight strategically located RDCs deliver bespoke solutions tailored to industry-specific needs. This ensures we can efficiently support businesses across the UK.
Kite Packaging
02476 420065
The post The Interview. Gavin Ashe of Kite Packaging first appeared on Warehouse & Logistics News.
