Macfarlane Group
Macfarlane Group PLC is a UK-listed (LON:MACF) designer, manufacturer and distributor of protective packaging products, serving 20,000 B2B customers across eCommerce, 3PL, manufacturing, aerospace, medical, defence, and industrial sectors through a national network of regional distribution centres.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1949
- HeadquartersGlasgow, United Kingdom
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Macfarlane Group does
Macfarlane Group PLC is a Glasgow-headquartered, London Stock Exchange-listed (LON:MACF) designer, manufacturer and distributor of protective packaging products, founded in 1949 and operating for 75+ years. The group runs two business segments: Packaging Distribution (87% of FY2025 revenue of £300.8m), which sources and distributes protective packaging materials to 20,000 business customers through a network of regional distribution centres across the UK, Ireland and Europe; and Packaging Design and Manufacture (13% of revenue), which uses 3D design software and Innovation Labs to deliver 1,700 bespoke designs annually to manufacturing customers protecting high-value products. The company processed 300,000 orders and logged 3.4 million delivery miles in 2025.
The business model is B2B transaction-based unit pricing for distribution and project-based pricing for bespoke manufacturing, with electronic ordering via the proprietary Customer Connect platform and tailored stock management programmes supporting Just-In-Time supply. Go-to-market is sales-led and decentralised, combining field-based design-led selling for major accounts in target verticals (eCommerce, 3PL, manufacturing, aerospace, medical, defence, automotive, electronics) with national coverage through the RDC network. The company targets new business generation in excess of £12m per annum, gross margins of 30%+ in Distribution and 40%+ in Manufacturing, and a Net Promoter Score of 60.
Macfarlane has pursued an aggressive roll-up M&A strategy since 2014, completing at least 18 acquisitions including Allpack (2024, £3.25m), Polyformes (2024, £11.5m) and Pitreavie (2025, £18m), and operates with 1,000+ employees, a £4m share buyback programme, and net bank debt of £16.2m. FY2025 was described as a difficult year with revenue up 11% but EBITA down 28% to £19.6m, partly due to operational disruption from a fatal incident at the Pitreavie site in October 2025 and pricing competition. ESG credentials include Silver Ecovadis rating (top 10% globally), LSE Green Economy Mark, ISO9001 (since 1983), ISO14001 (since 2007) and 100% FSC-certified sites.
Macfarlane Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Macfarlane Group
- Legal name
- Macfarlane Group PLC
- Website
- https://macfarlanegroup.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1949
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Macfarlane Group PLC is a UK-listed (LON:MACF) designer, manufacturer and distributor of protective packaging products, serving 20,000 B2B customers across eCommerce, 3PL, manufacturing, aerospace, medical, defence, and industrial sectors through a national network of regional distribution centres.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Macfarlane Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Protective Packaging Manufacturing and Distribution
- NAICS
- All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing (326199), Plastics Packaging Materials and Unlaminated Film and Sheet Manufacturing (32611), Plastics Product Manufacturing (3261), Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing (326111), Packaging and Labeling Services (56191)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080), Unsupported Plastics Film & Sheet (3081), Plastics, Foil & Coated Paper Bags (2673)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Custom Engineered Transit Packaging & Packaging Design Services (IMALAFAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Corrugated Packaging & Boxes (RSC, die-cut, bulk bins) (IMAMAHAA), Industrial & Protective Thermoformed Packaging (Dunnage, Trays, Clamshells) (IMANAHAC), Packaging & Product Brand Design (BPAFAEAG)
Keywords
Where Macfarlane Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Glasgow
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
Macfarlane Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Packaging Distribution: Distribution of protective packaging materials to business users in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Contributes 87% of group sales. The company operates through regional distribution centres providing national network coverage.
- Packaging Design and Manufacture: Design and manufacture of bespoke protective packaging for high protection value items. Contributes 13% of group sales. Design lead sales approach using 3D software and application testing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | B2B packaging distribution and bespoke manufacturing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Macfarlane Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Macfarlane Group designs, manufactures and distributes protective packaging products to business customers in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Its Packaging Distribution business (87% of group revenue) sources, stocks and delivers a comprehensive range of protective packaging materials through regional distribution centres; its Packaging Design and Manufacture business (13% of revenue) produces bespoke packaging using 3D design software and application testing for high-value products. Supporting tools include the Packaging Optimiser for cost and sustainability, Innovation Labs for specialist projects, and an electronic trading/online ordering capability.
Product overview
Macfarlane Group operates two core business segments: Packaging Distribution (87% of revenue) and Packaging Design and Manufacture (13% of revenue). The Packaging Distribution business is the UK market leader, operating through regional distribution centres (RDCs) and satellite sites across the UK, Ireland and Europe, providing single-source supply of protective packaging materials with online ordering capabilities via Customer Connect. The Packaging Design and Manufacture segment provides bespoke protective packaging solutions using 3D design software and Innovation Labs, serving high-value product manufacturers requiring enhanced protection during storage and transit. Additional tools include the Packaging Optimiser for cost and sustainability optimization. The company also maintains a network of manufacturing centres throughout the UK.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Macfarlane Packaging Distribution Distribution of a comprehensive range of protective packaging materials to business users in the UK, Ireland and Europe through a national network of regional distribution centres, providing single-source supply with electronic trading / online ordering (Customer Connect) and tailored stock management programmes.
- Macfarlane Packaging Design and Manufacture Bespoke design and manufacture of protective packaging for high-value products in storage and transit, using 3D design software and rigorous application testing methods. Targets major manufacturing customers in aerospace, medical, defence, electronics, automotive and industrial sectors. Contributes 13% of group revenue.
- Innovation Lab Design laboratory service that uses 3D design software and rigorous application testing to develop bespoke protective packaging solutions for customers requiring enhanced product protection, particularly for high-value or complex products.
- Customer Connect & Online Ordering Online ordering and electronic trading platform enabling Macfarlane's distribution customers to place orders, manage stock and access tailored stock management programmes for protective packaging products.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20,000 distribution customers served
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Macfarlane Group
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Macfarlane Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Macfarlane Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Pitreavie Group LimitedcoreAcquisition completed in February 2025. Site experienced fatal incident in October 2025 leading to temporary operations suspension and profit warning.
- Pitreavie GroupcoreAcquisition of Pitreavie Group for up to £18 million including earn-out of up to £4 million over two years. Pitreavie designs, manufactures, and distributes protective packaging primarily in Scotland, with reported sales of £24.8 million for year ending December 2024.
- PolyformescoreAcquisition of UK-based protective packaging manufacturer Polyformes for £11.5 million including earn-out. Polyformes serves sectors including aerospace, medical, defence, and industrial. All Polyformes employees joined Macfarlane. Deal expected to be earnings accretive.
- Allpack Packaging SuppliescoreAcquisition of protective packaging distributor Allpack Packaging Supplies in East Anglia for up to £3.25 million, financed through bank facility. Deal includes earn-out based on profit targets and aims to bolster Macfarlane's presence in the region.
- B&DsupportingAcquired specialist protective packaging business B&D in 2023
- GottliebsupportingAcquired protective packaging distributor Gottlieb in 2023
- SuttonssupportingAcquired specialist protective packaging business Suttons in 2023
- PackMannsupportingStrategic acquisition of PackMann in Germany in 2022, expanding European presence
- Carters PackagingsupportingAcquired Carters Packaging in Cornwall in 2021
- GWP GroupsupportingAcquired GWP in South West of England in 2021
- Leyland Packaging CompanysupportingAcquired Leyland Packaging Company (Lancs) Limited in 2019
- Ecopac (UK) LtdsupportingAcquired Ecopac (UK) Ltd in 2019
- Tyler Packaging (Leicester) LtdsupportingAcquired Tyler Packaging (Leicester) Ltd in 2018
- Harrison's Packaging LtdsupportingAcquired Harrison's Packaging Ltd in 2018
- Greenwoods Stock BoxessupportingAcquired the trade of Greenwoods Stock Boxes in 2017
- Nelsons for Cartons PackagingsupportingAcquired Nelsons for Cartons Packaging in 2016; Innovation Lab launched same year
- Network PackagingsupportingAcquired Network Packaging in 2014
- National PackagingsupportingAcquired National Packaging in 2001
- Abbotts PackagingsupportingAcquired Abbotts Packaging in 1980 to enter Packaging Distribution market
- EquinitisupportingRegistrars for Macfarlane Group PLC
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Macfarlane Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ranpak Holdings: Global specialist in paper-based protective packaging with a strong focus on sustainable solutions; competes head-to-head with Macfarlane's design-led and sustainable protective packaging offerings for e-commerce, 3PL and industrial customers.
- Kite Packaging: UK-based distributor of protective and transit packaging products with a national delivery network; directly comparable to Macfarlane's Packaging Distribution segment and a key domestic competitor for stock-and-serve customers.
- Veritiv Corporation: North American packaging distributor and design provider with a strong corrugated, protective and custom packaging portfolio; closely mirrors Macfarlane's two-segment distribution + design/manufacture model in a different geography.
- Pregis: US/EU-based specialist manufacturer of protective packaging materials (air pillows, foam, paper systems) with design-engineering capabilities; directly comparable to Macfarlane's Design and Manufacturing segment for high-value protective solutions.
- RAJA Group: European distributor of packaging, supplies and equipment operating across multiple countries with a strong catalogue and e-commerce offering; directly comparable to Macfarlane's pan-European packaging distribution business and a relevant competitor as Macfarlane expands via PackMann in Germany.
Broad incumbents
- Sealed Air: Global leader in protective and food packaging, with a strong portfolio of bubble wrap, foam, and inflatable packaging systems; competes with Macfarlane's protective packaging range in Europe and is the closest global direct comparable for design-led protective solutions.
- Bunzl plc: UK-listed distribution and outsourcing group operating a multi-category B2B distribution model across packaging, hygiene and foodservice; comparable to Macfarlane for the distribution-led business model and large enterprise customer base, though broader in scope.
- Mondi Group: European integrated paper and packaging group producing corrugated, kraft paper and flexible packaging; competes with Macfarlane in protective and transit packaging, especially for industrial and e-commerce customers across the UK and Europe.
- DS Smith: UK-headquartered global packaging giant offering corrugated, protective and consumer packaging; direct competitor in the UK protective packaging market and the most relevant large incumbent peer for Macfarlane's distribution and design business.
- Smurfit Westrock: Combined global paper-based and protective packaging leader serving FMCG, e-commerce and industrial customers; broad incumbent competitor with overlapping protective packaging product lines and similar end markets to Macfarlane.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Macfarlane Group social profiles
Digital presenceMacfarlane Group compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Macfarlane Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Macfarlane Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Macfarlane Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries16 records
Macfarlane Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Macfarlane Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A3 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Macfarlane Group
What does Macfarlane Group do?
Macfarlane Group designs, manufactures and distributes protective packaging products to business customers in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Its Packaging Distribution business (87% of group revenue) sources, stocks and delivers a comprehensive range of protective packaging materials through regional distribution centres; its Packaging Design and Manufacture business (13% of revenue) produces bespoke packaging using 3D design software and application testing for high-value products. Supporting tools include the Packaging Optimiser for cost and sustainability, Innovation Labs for specialist projects, and an electronic trading/online ordering capability.
Is Macfarlane Group a public or private company?
Macfarlane Group is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Macfarlane Group founded?
Macfarlane Group was founded in 1949. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Macfarlane Group based?
Macfarlane Group is headquartered in Glasgow, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Macfarlane Group make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Packaging Distribution is the primary driver. The others are packaging Design and Manufacture.
Who are Macfarlane Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ranpak Holdings, Kite Packaging, Veritiv Corporation, Pregis and RAJA Group. Broad incumbents are Sealed Air, Bunzl plc, Mondi Group, DS Smith and Smurfit Westrock.
Does Macfarlane Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for Macfarlane Group.
What industry is Macfarlane Group in?
Macfarlane Group's product category is Protective Packaging Manufacturing and Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAFAM, Custom Engineered Transit Packaging & Packaging Design Services, with a secondary code of IMAMAHAA, Corrugated Packaging & Boxes (RSC, die-cut, bulk bins). Its NAICS code is 326199 and its SIC code is 3080.