What Network Packaging does

Network Packaging is a UK-based packaging materials distributor headquartered in Wolverhampton, operating since 1997 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macfarlane Group (the UK's largest packaging distributor) following its 2014 acquisition. The firm distributes a comprehensive catalogue of packaging products — boxes, bags, protective packaging, postal packaging, paper, tapes, polythene, stretch film, strapping, accessories and integrated packaging machinery — augmented by proprietary Airsac inflatable packaging technology (a registered brand built on a multi-chamber 2%-film / 98%-air construction) and value-added services including a packaging-review consultancy, bespoke packaging design, a 24/7 Simplicit.e online ordering platform, and an Innovation Lab equipped with HoloLens and UV flatbed printing.

Revenue is generated through three streams: transactional one-time product sales at unit prices, paid packaging consultancy (reviews, stretch wrap analysis, bespoke design), and recurring stock management and warehousing fees from three Midlands warehouses totalling over 50,000 sq ft. Distribution relies on a regional field sales force with territory-aligned account managers covering the Midlands, complemented by an owned delivery fleet and the Simplicit.e self-serve channel, with the broader Macfarlane national branch network used to serve enterprise accounts needing UK-wide coverage.

Network Packaging targets three primary verticals — eCommerce retailers, third-party logistics providers, and industrial/manufacturing customers — with named enterprise references including ASOS, House of Fraser, Carphone Warehouse, Acer, Handicare Accessibility, Seco Tools, One Vision Imaging, Simpson's Wine Vaults and FEELUNIQUE. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and positions its value proposition around uncovering hidden packaging costs (it cites that 90% of total cost sits in six non-unit-price areas: storage, damages, transport, administration, productivity and customer experience), delivered through dedicated account management and the resources of the Macfarlane Group's 650+ global supplier base.

Name

Network Packaging

Legal name

Network Packaging Ltd

Website

https://networkpack.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Network Packaging is a Wolverhampton-based UK packaging materials distributor and Macfarlane Group subsidiary, selling boxes, protective packaging, postal packaging, tapes, stretch film and machinery alongside its proprietary Airsac inflatable packaging brand, serving eCommerce, 3PL and industrial customers across the Midlands and wider UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Packaging Distribution

NAICS

Packaging and Labeling Services (56191), Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing (322211), Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (333993)

SIC

Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110), Wholesale-Machinery, Equipment & Supplies (5080), 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, Sheets, Pads) (IMALACAA), Conveying, Feeding & Material Handling for Packaging Lines (IMALAOAG), Protective Paper Packaging (Honeycomb, Paper Cushioning, Paper Wrap) (IMALACAH)

Keywords

• Packaging distribution
• Protective packaging
• Packaging materials supply
• Bespoke packaging design
• Packaging automation

Headquarters

HQ city

Wolverhampton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Packaging Materials Distribution: Distribution of a wide range of packaging materials including boxes, bags, protective packaging, postal packaging, paper, tapes, polythene, stretch, strapping, accessories and equipment, and machinery. Revenue generated from one-time product sales at unit prices.
2. Packaging Consultancy and Review Services: Paid consulting services including packaging reviews, stretch film analysis, bespoke packaging design, and Smartpack strategic partnership services that involve comprehensive reviews of packaging products and processes.
3. Stock Management and Warehousing: Stock holding services where packaging materials are stored in company warehouses and drip-fed to customers based on demand, generating recurring revenue from storage and logistics fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Network Packaging distributes a comprehensive range of packaging materials — boxes, bags, protective packaging, postal packaging, paper, tapes, polythene, stretch film, strapping, accessories, and machinery — to UK businesses. The offering is complemented by value-added services including packaging review, bespoke packaging design, packaging automation, managed stock holding, stretch wrap analysis, and the proprietary Airsac inflatable packaging range, delivered through a dedicated field sales team and the Simplicit.e online ordering platform.

Product overview

Network Packaging is a UK packaging materials distributor based in Wolverhampton, operating as part of Macfarlane Packaging Group. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio combining stock packaging materials with bespoke services. Core products include boxes, bags, protective packaging (with Airsac inflatable packaging as a flagship sub-brand), postal packaging, paper, tapes, polythene, stretch film, strapping, accessories, and machinery. These are complemented by value-added services including Smartpack (intelligent packaging consulting), Simplicit.e (online order management platform), bespoke packaging design, Innovation Lab (packaging design and testing facility with cutting-edge equipment including UV flatbed printer and HoloLens technology), stock management, sourcing from 650+ global suppliers, logistics and delivery, packaging review, stretch wrap analysis, and dedicated account management. The company serves eCommerce, 3PL, and industrial/manufacturing markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Airsac: An inflatable packaging system for fragile and breakable goods, composed of 2% film and 98% air, 100% recyclable and totally reusable. Includes Airsac UltraMail inflatable mailing bags.
• Simplicit.e
• Smartpack

Products and services

• Boxes Stock boxes including single and double wall boxes, moving boxes, bottle boxes, postal boxes, pallet boxes, archive boxes, and eCommerce boxes, supplied to UK businesses of all sizes.
• Bags Polythene bags, grip seal bags, refuse sacks, paper carrier bags, and gusseted paper or polythene bags including food-grade quality options.
• Protective Packaging Bubble wrap, bubble bags, inflatable air cushioning, suspension packs, loosefill, foam chips, mesh sleeves, expanding foam solutions, and edge protectors sourced from strategic partners including Ranpak, Sealed Air, and STOROpack.
• Postal Packaging Bubble lined mailers, padded mailers, polythene mailing bags, postal tubes, PostalCube, postal wraps, and envelopes for eCommerce and fulfilment.
• Airsac Inflatable Packaging System Proprietary inflatable packaging system composed of 2% film and 98% air, 100% recyclable and reusable, protecting fragile goods including phones, laptops, TVs, pharmaceuticals, wine and beer via a multi-chamber design.
• Paper Packaging Paper packaging including semi and fully automated paper systems, corrugated paper, kraft paper, waxed kraft paper, tissue paper, and shredded paper.
• Packaging Tapes Packaging tapes including clear, brown, parcel, vinyl, cross weave, tamper proof, printed, economy, and hot melt tapes in widths up to 3 inches and lengths up to 150m.
• Polythene Packaging Polythene packaging including layflat tubing, polythene sheeting, pallet covers, shrink wrap films, and heat seal and shrink equipment.
• Stretch Film Stretch film in various widths and microns including hand blown, hand pre-stretch, hand cast, handywrap, and machine cast films with dispensers and machinery.
• Strapping Plastic and metal strapping with seals, buckles, dispenser trollies, reels, tools, friction welders, sealers, security seals, and semi to fully automated strapping machines.
• Accessories & Equipment Packaging machinery accessories including tape guns, strapping tools, packing benches, void fill systems, heat sealers, cutters, guillotines, and stretch film dispensers.
• Packaging Machinery Integrated packaging machinery and automation including E-Cube and B+ case making machinery, void fill delivery systems, inline case sealers, conveyor systems, inline stretch wrapping, heat shrinking machines, and auto-bagging equipment.
• Sustainable Packaging Solutions Sustainable packaging solutions including recyclable materials, plastic alternatives, reusable solutions, and emission-reducing designs, with products such as Geami WrapPak, bio film, paper bubble wrap, gummed paper tape, and recycled content products.
• Simplicit.e Online Order Management Platform 24/7 online order management system supporting remote working with 24-hour order placement, multi-site ordering, order authorisation, reporting, usage and spend tracking, PO viewing, delivery notes, and invoices.
• Bespoke Packaging Design Custom packaging design and development including bespoke specifications, printed boxes, colourful consumables, temperature retention packs, eco-friendly packaging, and branded solutions.
• Innovation Lab State-of-the-art packaging design and testing facility with interactive touchscreen technology, latest design software, UV flatbed printer, cutting table, packing benches, and a showroom featuring innovations from global supply partners.
• Stock Management & Warehousing Stock holding service across 3 Midlands warehouses combining over 50,000 sq ft plus access to 650,000 sq ft nationwide, with on-demand stock management, just-in-time delivery, and inventory management.
• Sourcing from 650+ Global Suppliers Sourcing service providing access to the widest range of packaging materials from over 650 global packaging manufacturers through strategic supplier relationships for best value and quality.
• Logistics & Delivery Just-in-time delivery service with own fleet ranging from transit vans to 40ft articulated lorries, including next day and courier services with route planning to minimise environmental impact.
• Packaging Review (True Cost Analysis) Analysis service revealing hidden packaging costs across storage, damages, transport, administration, and productivity, providing customised packaging proposals addressing suitability, efficiency, and availability.
• Stretch Wrap Analysis Specialist review analysing stretch film performance, load stability, and cost to wrap pallets, with identified savings of up to 50% on film costs.
• Smartpack Intelligent Packaging Service Intelligent packaging service providing streamlined packaging operations with strategic partnership, comprehensive review, and tailored solutions for eCommerce and 3PL businesses, including process optimisation and pack design improvements.
• Dedicated Account Management Dedicated account manager service with regular site visits to assess stock management, product developments, operational improvements, and peak planning requirements for each customer.
• Packaging Automation Automation solutions spanning boxing, bagging, void fill and cushioning, taping and labelling, stretch wrapping, shrink wrapping, strapping, and conveyors to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Airsac UltraMail Inflatable Mailing Bag An inflatable mailing bag combining outer PE film with multi-chamber Airsac inflatable packaging, featuring double peel and stick closure for returns and an opaque outer mailing bag customisable by colour, size, and branding.

Quantifiable outcome

• 70% cost saving for tablet packaging (Acer case study)
• +10 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Macfarlane Packaging / Macfarlane GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014In 2014, Network Packaging became part of Macfarlane Packaging and the Macfarlane Group. Macfarlane Group is the UK's largest packaging distributor, established in 1949, making over 50,000 packaging deliveries per month across the UK. This partnership provides Network Packaging with access to 650 global suppliers, nationwide branch network, and group Innovation Lab facilities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rajapack UK: UK arm of European packaging distributor Raja Group, selling boxes, mailers, protective packaging, and consumables to SMB and mid-market eCommerce customers. Direct competitor on product range and digital-led B2B distribution model.
• GWP Group: UK protective and transit packaging specialist serving industrial, eCommerce, and manufacturing customers with bespoke packaging design and engineered solutions. Closely comparable to Network's bespoke and protective-packaging business lines.
• Macfarlane Group: Parent company of Network Packaging and the UK's largest packaging distributor, with 20+ branches and 50,000+ deliveries per month. Closest comparable by business model: wholesale distribution of packaging materials plus value-added services to UK enterprise and 3PL customers.
• Davpack: UK packaging supplier with strong eCommerce and postal-packaging focus. Comparable to Network Packaging in serving online retailers with boxes, mailing bags, and protective packaging, with similar unit-based B2B pricing.
• Antalis: European packaging and paper merchant with UK distribution operations, supplying packaging materials, machinery, and protective packaging to industrial and commercial customers. Comparable wholesale-distribution business model.
• Kite Packaging: UK-based packaging distributor offering boxes, protective packaging, and consumables to eCommerce, retail, and industrial customers. Comparable to Network Packaging in product breadth, B2B distribution model, and UK geographic focus.

Emerging players

• Nefab: Global engineered packaging company with UK presence, focused on protective and transport packaging for industrial customers. Overlaps with Network Packaging on bespoke protective packaging and engineered transit solutions for manufacturing clients.

Broad incumbents

• DS Smith: UK-listed global packaging conglomerate (corrugated, protective, point-of-sale) supplying retailers and manufacturers across the UK. Overlaps with Network Packaging on corrugated boxes and eCommerce packaging supply, but at far greater scale.
• Smurfit Kappa: Global integrated paper-based packaging manufacturer and distributor with significant UK operations. Larger and vertically integrated, but overlaps with Network Packaging on corrugated and protective packaging supply to UK enterprise customers.

Regional players

• Boxon: Nordic-headquartered packaging distributor with European operations serving eCommerce, logistics, and industrial customers. Comparable business model and product portfolio, but operating in a different geography with limited direct UK overlap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NetworkPackage
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCU1dwSZOQ8bUz-0NQRyFKuA
• Facebookfacebook.com/networkpackaginguk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/network-packaging

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Network Packaging