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EPR and Sustainability in Plastic & Flexible Packaging: A European Perspective

EPR Circular Economy

EPR and Sustainability in Plastic & Flexible Packaging: A European Perspective

Across Europe, sustainability in retail packaging is no longer just a trend; it’s both a regulatory requirement and a consumer expectation. From personal care flexible packaging in Europe to food packaging flexible solutions in Europe, brands are under growing pressure to meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets while maintaining operational efficiency industries bodies like Flexible Packaging Europe are also driving awareness and setting benchmarks for sustainable practices. At the same time, the EU’s push for a circular economy in plastic packaging is reshaping the way manufacturers run their operations. Every stage of the packaging journey – from sourcing raw materials to recycling and final disposal – is now under the spotlight. Producers are under pressure to show transparency, cut down on waste, and provide reliable EPR reports. Delivering on all these demands is no straightforward job. Many companies in the flexible, plastic packaging sector in Europe face challenges in waste tracking, supplier data, customer transparency, and recycling compliance.  

This is where Samadhan, with its ERP solution specific to Flexible and Film built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and available on Microsoft AppSource, provides real value by embedding sustainability practices directly into business workflows. Below, we look at six major challenges packaging manufacturers face in Europe and how Samadhan’s ERP helps solve them.  

1st Challenge: Lack of data on the amount of plastic waste generated during the production process 

 In Samadhan’s ERP solution, there is a feature to classify waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories, each associated with a specific code. These broad categories are further broken into film type (blend) subcategories. While defining the recipe/formula for the film manufacturing process, these standard categories and subcategories are associated, so the generated waste can be easily recorded as per the pre-defined formula. The stock of these wastes, categorized and subcategorized, is recorded and visible for any further processes. Similarly, for other processes like printing, lamination, slitting, and converting, pre-defined waste categories and subcategories are used to maintain separate stock records at the end of each process.  

2nd Challenge: Recognizing and recording recyclable items in material procurement from vendors (suppliers) 

In many cases, vendors do not declare the items used for packing at the time of delivery. The packing materials entering the factory may fall into the following categories: Wood – pallets, wooden boxes, crates, etc.

  • Plastic – shrink wrap, outer packing, pallets, strings, tapes, etc
  • Metal – support rods, nails, screws, corners, etc.
  •  Paper – including corrugated boxes, sheets, wraps, and pallets.  
  • Foam – foam structures, pads, etc.  

Samadhan’s solution addresses this by predefining all categories and subcategories in the ERP. Recording the quantity (by weight or numbers) at the time of receipt, if details are provided. Where vendors do not provide information, the materials are counted or weighed and recorded in the system initially. Over time, vendors are educated about this requirement, so accurate data can be captured consistently.  

3rd Challenge: Informing customers about packing materials at the time of delivery 

 The waste categories defined for purchase are also used for dispatches to customers. Quantities are automatically calculated based on packing instructions provided by customers. The system allows five levels of packing (shrink wrap, bundle, small carton, master carton/case, pallet) to be defined, ensuring accurate calculation of each packing type at the time of dispatch/invoicing. This ensures customer sustainability requirements are fully met.  

4th Challenge: Recycling waste where recycling facilities are available 

With Samadhan’s solution, accumulated recyclable waste can be further processed into granules/pellets. The recycled granules or pellets are blended back into the formula for producing plastic films.  

5th Challenge: Safe and efficient disposal of non-recyclable waste from the facility 

All non-recyclable waste is quantified and logged within predefined locations in the system. This waste is removed by selling it to authorized parties as required. Since every removal is recorded in the system, manufacturers always gain clear visibility of waste movement.  

6th Challenge: Providing accurate data for EPR reporting 

The EPR regulations are evolving, and reporting requirements vary from one country to another. In order to overcome the challenge, all waste data, including quantities, sources, and destinations, is exported at the click of a button so that reports are prepared according to the required format for reporting.  

The closing thoughts 

Europe is moving quickly towards tougher recycling and waste-reduction goals, and packaging companies need systems that balance day-to-day efficiency with sustainability compliance. From managing flexible pouch packaging in Europe to tracking high-barrier films for food safety or responding to growing demand for retail packaging sustainability in Europe, Samadhan ERP gives manufacturers the visibility and control to stay ahead. With built-in tools for waste tracking, supplier accountability, customer transparency, recycling integration, and reporting, Samadhan doesn’t just help companies meet EPR rules; it helps them work smarter, cut inefficiencies, and strengthen trust with their customers. EPR compliance may look complex on paper, but the first step is often as simple as looking at the right solution for your business. 

Profitability Dynamics in the Paper & Packaging Industry: Navigating the Current Landscape

Profitability Dynamics if Samdhan ERP

Profitability Dynamics in the Paper & Packaging Industry: Navigating the Current Landscape

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the Paper and Packaging industry is experiencing a mix of pressures and opportunities that directly impact profitability. A scan of the global and local landscape reveals several key trends:

1. Consolidation and Integration

Across the world, consolidation is happening in the Paper & Packaging industry. Major companies are merging or acquiring others to expand their operations for greater efficiency and to create a more streamlined supply chain. Companies are pursuing scale efficiencies, streamlined supply chains, and vertical integration, both backward and forward, to strengthen their competitive edge.

2. The Buzz of Artificial Intelligence

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Every organization is trying to find out how these tools can be used in daily work and help as well as help to make strategic decisions on future roadmaps of the business. The few areas where AI helps like improving production efficiency, forecasting demand more accurately, late payment predictions.

3. Sustainability is now not a choice; it’s a must

Sustainability was a nice thing to talk about in the recent past. Now it is gaining momentum to become a matter of regulation and compliance. There is a distinct segment of customers with a clear preference for buying sustainable products. For a corrugated box manufacturer, sustainability can be a big differentiator in positioning their business.

4. Profitability under pressure

With the disruptions in the environment profitability of businesses is on a roller coaster ride. Without exception, this is the purpose of any business to satisfy the customer and control costs. One moment one feels in control, and yet in another, it slips away from the grip.

How Microsoft and Samadhan Empower Resilience

To help businesses thrive amid this turbulence, Microsoft and Samadhan offer integrated solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with industry-specific expertise

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Advantage
  • Co-pilot and AI agents are already part of the solution.
  • Sustainability built into ERP as a standard offering.
  • A cloud-first technology to offer a solution quickly, without hassle, in multiple geographies and languages, in multiple currencies and multiple statutory regimes.
  • A platform with open architecture to interact with any machine, device, or other system.
Samadhan’s industry-specific solutions:
  • Continuously evolving ERP solutions for Paper, Corrugation, Folding cartons, Composite & Industrial Packaging to offer the best in the shortest time.
  • A rich range of Microsoft Certified solutions, paper, and packaging solutions, making it easy for backward and forward integration.
  • The best of both worlds, the platform of Microsoft and Samadhan industry-specific solutions make it a fast deployment, low risk, and no technological obsolescence.
Turbulence as an Opportunity

Turbulence is an opportunity for the better prepared. An apt and continuously growing solution like ours addresses the preparation effectively. In your success, our efforts get validated. Together with Microsoft, we’re helping businesses turn challenges into opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The packaging industry faces high raw material costs, global supply chain disruptions, and regulatory compliance challenges. Companies need smarter ERP solutions for the packaging industry to control costs and improve margins.

AI helps packaging companies by forecasting demand, predicting late payments, and optimizing production lines. AI-driven ERP for packaging streamlines operations and enables better decision-making.

Sustainability in packaging is now a customer expectation and a legal requirement. Corrugated box and folding carton manufacturers can stand out by offering eco-friendly packaging solutions supported by ERP systems with built-in sustainability tracking.

Microsoft Dynamics 365, as a platform combined with Samadhan’s industry-specific ERP for paper and packaging, together delivers faster deployment, seamless machine integration, and long-term scalability, helping packaging businesses stay profitable and future-ready.

Discover how Microsoft Dynamics 365 + Samadhan ERP can transform your packaging business today.

FSC Covered comprehensively in Corrugated Box Samadhan on Microsoft Dynamics 365

FSC Covered comprehensively in Corrugated Box Samadhan on Microsoft Dynamics 365

FSC in Corrugated Box ERP: A Strategic Differentiator

As a leader in Paper Packaging ERP solution, Samadhan meets the expectations of the industry well ahead of time, before it becomes mandatory. The world leader, Microsoft Dynamics, has also created a module on sustainability, as expected. We use the best of both worlds, what Samadhan creates AND what Microsoft creates, so that YOU come out as a winner.

Sustainability, compliance, and traceability are no longer optional — they’re business-critical.

In today’s competitive packaging landscape, corrugated box manufacturers are under increasing pressure from both eco-conscious consumers and regulatory bodies. FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification offers a credible way to prove your commitment to responsible sourcing, and with the right digital tools, it becomes a strategic advantage.

Sustainability Sells: Consumers Now Choose Purpose Over Price

From personal care products to consumer electronics, packaging is in the spotlight. And what’s on the box matters just as much as what’s inside it.

According to the 2021 Global Consumer Study by FSC®, 49% of consumers are willing to pay more for FSC-certified products.

That’s nearly 1 in 2 buyers actively seeking sustainability in their purchasing decisions. These are values-driven consumers, and they want to support brands that align with environmental responsibility.

How FSC Certification gives a Competitive Edge

In a fiercely competitive packaging market, FSC certification sets your brand apart. It signals to buyers, distributors, and regulators that your business follows globally recognized environmental standards.

When faced with two otherwise similar options, products with the FSC label win — because it offers instant trust, credibility, and transparency.

FSC Certification Builds:

  • Brand Trust
  • Customer Loyalty
  • Environmental Credibility
  • Relevance for Corrugated Box Manufacturers

Today’s brands are making strategic shifts toward sustainable packaging, especially in:

  • FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)
  • E-commerce & Retail
  • Food & Beverage

By offering FSC-certified corrugated boxes, paper bags, cartons, and liners, you’re not just meeting expectations — you’re opening new doors to business.

How FSC Chain of Custody Strengthens Sustainable Packaging Transparency

Consumers and regulators demand transparency. They want to know:

  • Where did your paper come from
  • How your corrugated packaging was made
  • Whether ethical practices were followed

That’s where FSC’s Chain-of-Custody comes in — tracking certified materials from responsible forests through every stage of production. And now, businesses can make that traceability even smarter.

Samadhan’s FSC Integration: Built for the Corrugated Packaging Industry

As a Microsoft Partner with deep expertise in the paper and corrugated box manufacturing industry, Samadhan has developed an FSC feature to integrate FSC data directly into your ERP system.

Our FSC feature works seamlessly within our Corrugated Packaging ERP, built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Finance & Operations.

Key Benefits of FSC Integration in Corrugated Samadhan ERP

  • Full Supply Chain Visibility: Track FSC-certified material usage jobwise, vendor-wise, and reel-wise — with complete traceability inside your ERP.
  • Simplified Compliance & Reporting: Automatically generate FSC compliance reports, documentation for audits, and support ESG reporting goals.
  • Smarter, Data-Driven Decisions: Make informed purchasing and production decisions based on real-time FSC data from procurement to dispatch.

Why It Matters Now?

In today’s regulatory environment, sustainability reporting is a requirement, not a choice. With FSC certification data built into your ERP, you gain the tools to track, report, and act on your environmental impact efficiently.

Future-Ready Brands Lead with Responsibility

By aligning with FSC and embedding sustainability into your operational systems, you don’t just meet expectations — you lead the change.

  • Build trust with eco-conscious buyers
  • Strengthen your competitive position
  • Streamline audits and compliance
  • Demonstrate climate responsibility

The Bottom Line: Make FSC Certification Work for You

FSC is not just about compliance — it’s a growth driver.

If you’re in corrugated box manufacturing, integrating FSC with your ERP helps you

  • Win new customers
  • Simplify audit trails
  • Prove environmental responsibility
  • Deliver sustainable packaging at scale

And with Samadhan’s corrugated box FSC-integrated ERP, built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you’re ready to:

  • Deliver sustainable packaging at scale
  • Win over conscious consumers
  • Simplify your compliance journey
  • Lead with purpose and precision

Get Started with FSC-Integrated Corrugated ERP Today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that the paper and wood materials used in packaging come from responsibly managed forests. It is crucial for corrugated box manufacturers as it proves environmental responsibility, builds brand credibility, and meets increasing customer and regulatory demands for sustainable packaging.

Samadhan’s Corrugated ERP, built on Microsoft Dynamics 365, features integrated FSC tracking and compliance tools. It enables you to trace FSC-certified material usage by vendor, reel, and job — and automatically generates FSC audit and compliance reports.

Yes. The FSC module in Samadhan ERP enhances full supply chain visibility by tracking material origins, usage, and certification status. This transparency helps businesses meet ESG goals and assure stakeholders of ethical sourcing.

FSC certification boosts customer trust, supports regulatory compliance, and differentiates your packaging solutions in industries like FMCG, e-commerce, and food & beverage. It appeals to the growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers who prefer sustainable brands.

Industries like FMCG, retail, e-commerce, consumer electronics, and food & beverage benefit from FSC-certified packaging as sustainability becomes a critical factor in consumer purchasing decisions and brand perception.

Yes. Samadhan’s ERP solution for the Kraft Paper and Corrugated Box Industry includes built-in FSC certification features. This help streamline sustainability compliance, support ESG reporting, and offer real-time insights for smarter operations.

Corrugated Packaging Industry: Advanced Planning, Deckle Optimization, and Real-Time Insights

Dashboard view of Samadhan ERP software showing corrugated industry integration

In the highly competitive world of corrugated packaging box manufacturing, every minute and every sheet of paper counts. Profitability often comes down to how efficiently you manage production schedules, optimize deckle usage, and control material wastage.

Traditional manual processes, spreadsheets, or outdated software create bottlenecks and increase costs. That’s why leading corrugated packaging box manufacturers are turning to Samadhan ERP, a purpose-built corrugated box manufacturing ERP system designed to optimize operations from raw material procurement to dispatch.

This blog explains how Samadhan ERP for the corrugated packaging industry can help you achieve higher efficiency, lower wastage, and better profitability with advanced planning tools, deckle optimization, and real-time insights.

Challenges in Corrugated Box Manufacturing Without ERP

Many manufacturers still rely on manual workflows, resulting in:

  • Unplanned production schedules causing delays

  • Excessive trim waste due to inefficient deckle planning

  • Overstocking or stock shortages from poor inventory tracking

  • Inaccurate job costing affecting margins

  • No real-time visibility of production and quality

Without a dedicated software for the corrugated box industry, these problems limit productivity and eat into profits.

How Samadhan ERP Empowers Corrugation Plants

Samadhan ERP is more than just an automation tool. It’s a complete ERP for corrugated packaging industry that integrates planning, production, quality, inventory, and dispatch into a single intelligent platform.

Let’s look at its key capabilities:

1. Advanced Planning Tools for Smarter Production

With Samadhan ERP for corrugated box manufacturing, production planning becomes intelligent and automated.

  • Production Scheduling: Plans jobs based on order priorities, machine capacity, and material availability, reducing idle time and bottlenecks.

  • Product Design Interface (PDI): Integrated corrugated box design software ensures accurate cost calculation during the design stage, optimizing resources and profitability before production starts.

  • Integrated Procurement Planning: Aligns material procurement with demand to avoid overstocking or shortages.

  • Demand Forecasting: Uses historical data to predict future requirements, reducing waste and storage costs.

This level of planning improves resource utilization, reduces production delays, and ensures on-time delivery.

2. Deckle Optimization to Reduce Waste and Costs

Deckle planning is one of the most critical and waste-prone areas in corrugation. Samadhan ERP automates and optimizes this process.

  • Reel Optimization: Suggests the best reel combinations to minimize trim loss.

  • Automated Cutting Plans: Ensures maximum material yield with minimal manual intervention.

  • Real-Time Deckle Adjustments: Adjusts cutting plans dynamically based on live production data.

For corrugated packaging box manufacturers, even a small reduction in trim loss translates into significant cost savings annually.

3. Real-Time Insights for Better Decision-Making

With Samadhan ERP, you gain complete visibility into your plant’s performance.

  • Role-Based Dashboards: Every user, from operators to managers, gets customized dashboards with actionable insights.

  • Deviation Control: Tracks actual vs. designed parameters to maintain quality standards.

  • Performance Monitoring: Live KPIs help identify bottlenecks before they escalate.

  • Profitability Analysis: See profitability at the product, order, or customer level.

These real-time insights help management make data-driven decisions and ensure continuous improvement.

Additional Features That Enhance Profitability

  • Inventory Visibility: Paper Position Wise Stock Check allows you to monitor raw material availability in real-time.

  • Paper Reel Management: Tracks reel consumption and wastage across all stages.

  • Converting Schedule: Plans and monitors the downstream converting process.

  • Quality Management: Ensures consistent product quality with WIP checks, sampling, and customer requirement tracking.

  • Dispatch Scheduling with Trip Planning: Guarantees timely deliveries and optimizes logistics.

  • Customer Complaint Handling: Captures and resolves complaints efficiently.

These features make Samadhan ERP a complete corrugated box manufacturing ERP system, designed specifically for the packaging industry.

Why Choose Samadhan ERP Over Generic Solutions?

Unlike generic ERP platforms, Samadhan ERP is purpose-built for the corrugated packaging industry. It understands your specific processes, from reel optimization to dispatch scheduling.

It serves as a strategic partner, enabling you to:

  • Scale operations without adding complexity

  • Improve profitability through optimized planning

  • Deliver better service to your customers

Want to Transform Your Corrugation Plant?

Then Samadhan ERP is the solution you need.

Take the first step toward smarter corrugation today.

Stop managing your corrugated plant with outdated methods. Start using the right technology to improve profitability, reduce waste, and achieve operational excellence.

Why the Corrugated Packaging Industry Needs ERP to Stay Competitive?

Corrugated packaging integration feature in Samadhan ERP software

Did you know the global corrugated packaging market is expected to reach USD 80 billion by 2027? As demand for sustainable and customized packaging grows, corrugated box manufacturers face increasing pressure to deliver faster, reduce costs, and maintain quality.

Yet many manufacturers still rely on outdated systems and manual processes that limit efficiency. For businesses in the corrugated packaging industry, adopting the right corrugated box software is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Here’s how challenges in the industry are holding businesses back, and how Samadhan Corrugated ERP, a Microsoft-certified solution, is transforming operations for packaging leaders.

Challenges Faced by Corrugated Box Manufacturers Without ERP

Corrugated packaging businesses operate in a highly competitive, fast-paced environment. Without a dedicated ERP for corrugated packaging industry, they often face:

  • Inefficient Operations and Production Delays

Manually managing production schedules results in bottlenecks, under-utilized machines, and missed delivery timelines.

  • Complex Inventory Management

Poor inventory visibility leads to raw material shortages or overstocking, driving up costs and disrupting workflows.

  • Inaccurate Costing and Profitability Issues

Without accurate costing mechanisms, quotations often miss the mark—impacting margins and customer relationships.

  • Quality and Compliance Risks

Inconsistent quality control leads to rejected orders and potential regulatory non-compliance.

  • Lack of Data-Driven Decision Making

With fragmented systems, business owners lack real-time insights to identify inefficiencies and make informed decisions.

These challenges can result in revenue leakage, low customer retention, and restricted business growth.

How Samadhan Corrugated ERP Solves These Challenges

Samadhan Corrugated ERP, built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, is tailored for the corrugated box industry to address these operational pain points.

Here’s what sets it apart:

End-to-End Process Automation: From order management to dispatch, Samadhan automates workflows and eliminates manual errors for smoother operations.

Advanced Production Planning: The ERP optimizes machine scheduling and resource allocation to maximize output and minimize downtime.

Accurate Costing and Quoting: With pre-sales costing dashboards, manufacturers can confidently quote customers while safeguarding profitability.

Real-Time Inventory Tracking: Gain complete visibility into raw material usage and inventory levels to prevent wastage and avoid stockouts.

Integrated Quality Control: Ensure consistent product quality with built-in quality checks at every stage of production.

Actionable Business Intelligence: Interactive dashboards provide key insights for strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

Results After Implementing Samadhan Corrugated ERP

Manufacturers using Samadhan Corrugated ERP report measurable improvements:

  • 30% faster production cycles
  • 25% reduction in raw material wastage
  • Up to 40% improvement in on-time delivery rates
  • Significant increase in profitability through smarter costing
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction and repeat business

For example, a leading corrugated box manufacturer reduced trim loss by 18% and scaled production capacity by 22% within 12 months of implementing Samadhan.

Why Choose Samadhan for Your Corrugated Packaging Business?

  • Microsoft Gold Partner: Trusted expertise with certified solutions.
  • Available on Microsoft AppSource: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft platforms.
  • Industry-Focused ERP: Designed specifically for corrugated packaging manufacturers.
  • Proven Track Record: Successful implementations across India and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1:- What is corrugated box ERP software?

Corrugated box ERP software is a business management solution designed specifically for the corrugated packaging industry. It helps manufacturers streamline operations, manage inventory, plan production, and maintain profitability.

2:- Why should corrugated packaging manufacturers choose Samadhan ERP?

Samadhan ERP is tailored for the unique needs of the corrugated packaging sector. It offers advanced features like pre-sales costing dashboards, production optimization, and seamless Microsoft Dynamics 365 integration.

3:- Is Samadhan ERP available on Microsoft AppSource?

Yes, Samadhan Corrugated ERP is listed on Microsoft AppSource and is built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

4:- What kind of support does Samadhan provide after implementation?

Samadhan offers comprehensive post-implementation support, including training, troubleshooting, and system upgrades to ensure your operations run smoothly.

5:- Can I schedule a demo to see how Samadhan works?

Absolutely. You can book a free demo session with our experts to explore how Samadhan Corrugated ERP can be tailored for your business needs.

Transform Your Corrugated Packaging Operations with Samadhan Corrugated ERP?

Switch to Samadhan Corrugated ERP and unlock smarter, faster, and more profitable manufacturing.

 Book your FREE demo today to see how our solution can drive efficiency and growth in your operations.

 Samadhan Corrugated ERP is available on Microsoft AppSource and is trusted by corrugation leaders across India.



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