Chevler accesses ‘unique’ greaseproof paper method with Lovely acquisition

By Oliver Nieburg

- Last updated on GMT

Stuart Whelan, Chevler managing director, says that Lovely Packaging's printing method gives superior depth of colour and detail
Stuart Whelan, Chevler managing director, says that Lovely Packaging's printing method gives superior depth of colour and detail

Related tags Printing

UK bakery packaging firm Chevler has acquired Welsh-based greaseproof paper printer Lovely Packaging for an undisclosed sum.

Chevler said that the acquisition gave the firm access to a novel natural greaseproof paper printing method that lowered manufacturing costs and gave a superior print quality.

Lovely Packaging was set up early last year with a £330,000 investment. It makes natural greaseproof paper that can be branded and cut to size for the sandwich, foodservice and cosmetic industries.

Chevler, which manufactures baking cases and tulip muffin wraps, has also acquired Lovely’s 4,000 sq ft production facility at Cardiff Bay Business Centre through the deal.

Cheaper

Chevler managing director Stuart Whelan told BakeryAndSnacks.com​ that the Lovely method had distinct advantages over the industry's standard flexographic printing method.

“Lovely Packaging’s method of printing is unique. It is a very different approach that results in better print quality and greater flexibility in quantity,” ​he said.

“The costs are considerably lower,”​ he added.

According to Whelan, the deal would give both firms the chance to share accounts and would give Chevler scope to grow the Lovely Packaging business.

No patent

Lovely Packaging does not hold a patent for its manufacturing method.

However, Whelan said that small workforce at Lovely were extremely skilled, which made the method difficult to imitate.

“It’s not easy to do what they do. They’ve evolved what they do over decades,”​ he said.

Existing operations

Chevler already produces natural greaseproof in the UK at its two facilities in Hengoed.

Whelan said that production would continue as usual at these sites following the Lovely acquisition.

He added that the Lovely Packaging method would not be adopted at existing sites because Chevler were producing larger volumes than Lovely.

Despite Chevler’s focus on the food service and bakery industry, Whelan said that Lovely Packaging would continue to service the cosmetics industry and would open Chevler up to new industries.

“We’re open to all markets,”​ he said.

Exports account for the majority of Lovely Packaging sales, predominantly in North American markets.

Asked if Chevler would look for further acquisitions, Whelan said: “We always have one eye open for anything else that is a good fit.”

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