In 2024, Sabert Corporation Europe, a leader in sustainable foodservice packaging, experienced a transformative year marked by significant milestones and groundbreaking innovations. As the industry looks forward to 2025, Sabert aims to push the boundaries even further under the leadership of Alex Noake, the new Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Sabert Corporation Europe. This strategic vision has allowed Sabert to maintain its pioneering status in the industry and continue providing innovative solutions that address environmental concerns.
Pioneering Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Launch of Snap2Go
One of the standout innovations of 2024 was the introduction of Snap2Go, a fully recyclable solution designed for chilled meals and food-to-go outlets. This product not only met the growing demand for sustainable packaging but also earned accolades by winning the New Product category at the British Sandwich & Food to Go Industry Awards – The Sammies. Sabert’s success with Snap2Go underscores the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and its ability to create functional, eco-friendly products that cater to modern consumer needs. The development of Snap2Go was driven by the increasing consumer demand for more sustainable and environmentally conscious packaging options.
Snap2Go’s innovative design ensures that it stands out in the market, offering practical and visually appealing options for foodservice providers. The product’s success has proven to be a testament to Sabert’s dedication to research and development. The fully recyclable nature of Snap2Go has resonated well with customers, providing a solution that not only reduces waste but also aligns with global efforts to minimize environmental impact. Winning the New Product category at The Sammies was a significant accomplishment and served as validation for Sabert’s relentless pursuit of sustainability and innovation.
Tray2Go: A Versatile Solution
Another significant product line introduced in 2024 was Tray2Go, a fully recyclable packaging solution tailored for sushi, chilled food-to-go, confectionery, and bakery products. Tray2Go’s versatility and eco-friendly design earned it the National Gold Award in the Paper & Packaging Innovation category at the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice. This recognition highlights Sabert’s ability to create innovative solutions that cater to diverse market needs, solidifying its reputation as a leader in sustainable packaging. By creating Tray2Go, Sabert has positioned itself as a valuable partner for foodservice providers looking for reliable and eco-conscious packaging options.
Tray2Go has been designed to meet varied requirements across different foodservice segments, ensuring that it can adapt to specific needs without compromising on sustainability. Its design incorporates both functionality and aesthetic appeal, making it a preferred choice for businesses that prioritize both customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. The product’s acclaim at the Green Apple Awards emphasized Sabert’s innovative edge as well as its commitment to being at the forefront of environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Sabert’s investment in creating flexible and eco-friendly packaging has ensured its continued success and leadership within the industry.
Hot2Go: Revolutionizing Hot Food Packaging
In August 2024, Sabert launched Hot2Go, a fully recyclable packaging solution for hot food on the go. This product is plastic-lamination-free, making it a transformative addition to the market. Hot2Go’s introduction reflects Sabert’s dedication to providing sustainable options for all types of foodservice packaging, further solidifying their position as industry leaders. By removing plastic lamination, Sabert has addressed a significant environmental concern, offering a practical and green solution that benefits consumers and the planet alike. The launch of Hot2Go aligns with Sabert’s ongoing mission to lead the way in sustainable packaging innovations.
Hot2Go’s design is tailored to meet the unique needs of hot food items, ensuring optimal performance while maintaining an eco-friendly profile. The product’s market debut was met with considerable enthusiasm, signaling a positive shift towards sustainable packaging practices in the foodservice industry. By eliminating plastic lamination, Hot2Go reduces the dependency on single-use plastics, contributing to broader efforts to combat plastic pollution. Sabert’s proactive approach to sustainability and innovation has set a new standard for eco-friendly food packaging, and Hot2Go’s success is a testament to the company’s vision and expertise.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Transition in Leadership
The leadership within Sabert has seen significant changes, with Philippe Leemans transitioning to a consulting role focused on New Product Development after leading the European business for 36 years. Alex Noake, who joined Sabert in 2023 from Bunzl, has taken up the mantle of Senior Vice President and Managing Director. Noake’s tenure has already seen reinvigorated sales growth and a restructured commercial team poised for success. The transition in leadership represents a strategic move to ensure that Sabert continues to adapt and thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Under Noake’s guidance, Sabert has implemented several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing business operations and driving innovation. His extensive experience in the industry has allowed him to bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the company. This leadership change has been instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. By focusing on new product development, Leemans continues to contribute to Sabert’s innovation pipeline, ensuring that the company remains at the cutting edge of the foodservice packaging industry. The seamless transition in leadership highlights Sabert’s commitment to sustained growth and industry leadership.
Strengthening the Sales Organization
Sabert’s sales organization has been bolstered with high-profile leadership acquisitions, including Jack Richardson as the Global Accounts Lead, Mark Byrne as Sales Director for the UK, Ireland, and Norden, and Jean Daniel Fouquet as the European Sales & Marketing Director. These strategic appointments are set to redefine market possibilities and lead Sabert’s sales initiatives toward market dominance. Paul McCann, Sabert’s Global CEO, highlighted this as the beginning of an extraordinary journey for the sales organization and its customers, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in achieving business objectives.
The introduction of these experienced leaders marks a significant boost to Sabert’s sales capabilities. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective roles, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the sales team. These appointments are expected to drive new business opportunities, expand market reach, and strengthen customer relationships. By aligning sales strategies with broader business goals, Sabert aims to achieve sustained growth and maintain its competitive edge in the market. The collective experience of Richardson, Byrne, and Fouquet will be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the foodservice packaging industry and ensuring successful outcomes.
Enhancing Operational Management
In addition to strengthening the sales team, Sabert has enhanced its operational management. Olivier Bracq will expand his role as regional Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, reporting to Alex Noake. Bracq, who joined Sabert in 2018 as Finance Director, has contributed significantly to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency across operations and supply chains in Belgium. His expanded role reflects Sabert’s commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth.
Bracq’s leadership has been pivotal in driving operational improvements and optimizing supply chain processes. His focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness has yielded tangible results, contributing to Sabert’s overall business success. As COO and CFO, Bracq will continue to implement strategies that enhance operational performance and support the company’s growth objectives. His expertise in finance and operations provides a solid foundation for Sabert’s continued success. By emphasizing efficiency and innovation, Sabert aims to maintain its competitive advantage and deliver high-quality packaging solutions to customers.
Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Bagasse Pulp Packaging Solutions
Sabert continues to lead in the development of Bagasse Pulp packaging solutions, a segment they pioneered in Europe over a decade ago. Competitors have tried to emulate Sabert’s success, but the company’s creativity, superior quality, and groundbreaking innovation keep them ahead. As Alex Noake suggests, Sabert’s goal is to explore new possibilities with Pulp-based packaging in 2025, remaining tight-lipped about the specifics but hinting at exciting developments. This ongoing commitment to Bagasse Pulp packaging underscores Sabert’s leadership in sustainable packaging solutions.
Bagasse Pulp, derived from sugarcane residue, provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic and paper packaging. Sabert’s expertise in developing and refining Bagasse Pulp solutions has positioned the company as an industry leader. The material’s durability, sustainability, and versatility make it an ideal choice for various foodservice applications. As the demand for more sustainable packaging options grows, Sabert’s investment in Bagasse Pulp innovation ensures that they remain at the forefront of meeting these market needs. Their exploration of new possibilities in this area promises to bring further advancements and cement their position as industry pioneers.
Showcasing Innovations at Trade Shows
Sabert’s sustainable foodservice packaging solutions will be on display at various trade shows in 2025, including the Packaging Innovations show at the NEC in Birmingham and the 60th Anniversary CATEX in Dublin. Sabert will also be present at the Sirha exhibition in Lyon, reflecting their commitment to showcasing their products on significant international platforms. These trade shows provide an opportunity for Sabert to connect with industry professionals, demonstrate their latest innovations, and gain valuable insights into market trends and customer needs.
Participation in these events underscores Sabert’s dedication to maintaining its leadership role in the foodservice packaging industry. By engaging with a global audience, Sabert can showcase their cutting-edge products and emphasize their commitment to sustainability and quality. These exhibitions offer a platform for Sabert to highlight their innovative solutions and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders. The company’s presence at prominent trade shows reinforces their reputation as a forward-thinking leader in sustainable packaging and enhances their visibility in the international market.
Vision for the Future
Strategic Plans for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Sabert plans to continue redefining the market with unparalleled product designs and a robust strategic plan to dominate the European foodservice packaging landscape. Alex Noake’s vision for leading Sabert Corporation Europe into new territories of innovation and efficiency underlines this continuous evolution. The company’s strategic focus will be on expanding their product portfolio, enhancing operational efficiencies, and driving sustainability initiatives. By prioritizing innovation and customer satisfaction, Sabert aims to solidify its market position and achieve long-term success.
Sabert’s commitment to strategic planning involves continuous assessment of market trends and customer feedback. This proactive approach allows the company to adapt to changing industry dynamics and capitalize on emerging opportunities. By leveraging their expertise and resources, Sabert aims to introduce groundbreaking products that set new standards in the foodservice packaging industry. The company’s strategic vision for 2025 encompasses both short-term goals and long-term aspirations, ensuring sustained growth and industry leadership. Sabert’s focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability will drive their success in the upcoming years.
Dedication to Quality and Customer Service
In 2024, Sabert Corporation Europe, a leading name in sustainable foodservice packaging, experienced a transformative year filled with noteworthy milestones and groundbreaking innovations. As the industry eagerly anticipates 2025, Sabert is set to push the envelope even further under the dynamic leadership of Alex Noake, the newly appointed Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Sabert Corporation Europe.
This forward-thinking vision has enabled Sabert to sustain its pioneering status in the packaging sector, consistently delivering innovative solutions that tackle pressing environmental issues. Sabert’s dedication to sustainability and innovation has not only solidified its position as an industry leader but also highlighted its commitment to making a positive environmental impact. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and maintaining a steadfast focus on eco-friendly practices, Sabert continues to set new standards in the foodservice packaging industry. As the company moves into 2025, it remains dedicated to creating sustainable, groundbreaking solutions that meet both consumer needs and environmental goals.