Inside the Audit: The Teamwork Behind Our Success

We’re proud to share that Royal Containers Group of Companies has successfully completed our latest ISO 9001 surveillance audit across our Brampton and St. Thomas facilities.

The result reflects the work our teams put in throughout the year to maintain consistent processes, meet customer requirements and keep looking for ways to improve.

It also connects directly to Building Partnerships in Packaging. Good partnerships depend on reliable systems, clear communication and people who understand how their work affects the customer.

What the Audit Looks At

As an ISO 9001-certified organization, we undergo regular surveillance audits to confirm that our quality management system continues to meet & exceed the required standard.

The audit looks at much more than paperwork. It reviews how departments work together, how procedures are followed, how employees understand their roles and how we respond when something needs to be corrected or improved.

Successfully completing this latest assessment confirms that our systems continue to meet those expectations across both our Brampton and St. Thomas facilities.

It Takes a Team

One of the biggest takeaways from this audit is just how many people across Royal contribute to maintaining our quality standards.

Our quality system touches every department and each member of our staff upholds the standards in the work they do everyday.  

Employees met with the auditor, answered questions, explained their processes and showed how our policy’s, training and procedures contribute to Royal’s success.  

We would like to recognize Martin Todd our quality and safety manager across all Royal’s Group of Companies.  His knowledge and commitment to ISO as well as our FSC & SQF accreditations requires tremendous attention to detail and organization. Thank you Martin for your persistent dedication.  

We also want to thank Adrian Pooran, David Suarez, Claudio Romano, Tiffany Park, Diana Van Boxtel, Kyle Weare and Aloha Peters for their contributions throughout the process.

A special shout-out goes to Robyn Nolte, Mohammed Azzouz and Terri-Lynn Levesque, who supported the audit teams throughout all four days of the audit. Their preparation, organization and attention to detail helped keep the process moving smoothly.

We also want to thank the many employees who took part in interviews, answered questions and walked the auditor through how their areas operate. This was a company-wide effort.

Why It Matters to Our Customers

For our customers, maintaining our certification provides confidence in how we manage quality and consistency.

Quality affects each stage of an order, from understanding requirements and designing the right solution to purchasing materials, scheduling production, maintaining equipment and delivering the finished product.

A strong quality management system helps us stay organized, accountable and responsive.

It supports:

• Reliable and consistent processes
• Clear customer and product requirements
• Better communication across teams
• Accountability when issues arise
• Regular review and improvement of how we work

These are practical things, but they have a direct impact on the service our customers receive.

Building Partnerships Starts Internally

For us, Building Partnerships in Packaging starts with how our own teams work together.

Customer Service communicates the need. Design develops the solution. Purchasing secures the materials. Scheduling and Operations keep production moving. Maintenance supports the equipment that makes it possible and our dedicated shipping team makes sure the customer gets what they need on time. 

When those pieces work well together, our customers see the benefit in consistency, communication and dependable service.

This audit gave us the opportunity to show that those systems are working as intended.

Quality Is Ongoing

The audit took place over four days, but the work it reviewed happens all year.

Maintaining our certification means continuing to review processes, address issues, improve where needed and make sure our teams have the systems and information they need to do their jobs well.

This successful result reflects the preparation and effort of employees across Brampton and St. Thomas, and it is something we can be proud of as a company.

It is also a good example of how we Respond, Perform, Care and Lead while continuing to Build Partnerships in Packaging.

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Five Packaging Mistakes That Can Cost Your Business Money

When businesses look at packaging costs, the price of the box is often the first consideration. However, the real cost of packaging goes much further. Product damage, inefficient packing, wasted warehouse space, production slowdowns and poor ordering decisions can all add unnecessary expense.

With more than 50 years of corrugated experience, Royal Containers works with customers across industries to consider the complete packaging process, from design and material selection to manufacturing, storage and ordering.

Here are five common packaging mistakes we help businesses avoid.

1. Choosing Packaging Based Only on Price

The least expensive box is not always the lowest-cost solution. Choosing a lighter board to reduce the unit price can become expensive if products are damaged during shipping. At the same time, using more material than necessary adds cost without providing meaningful value.

The right packaging should consider the product’s size, shape and weight, along with transportation conditions and the level of protection required. The goal is simple: use enough material to do the job properly without paying for material or features you don’t need.

2. Using the Same Box for Every Product

Standardizing packaging can simplify purchasing, but forcing different products into the same box can create other costs. Oversized boxes may require additional protective material, use more pallet space and increase storage and shipping requirements. A better approach is to balance standardization with packaging designed around the actual product.

Royal offers both standard and custom corrugated solutions, including boxes, cartons, trays, pads and displays. Before production, customers can review a 3D rendering or physical sample to evaluate fit, dimensions and structure. This helps identify potential issues before committing to a full production order.

3. Ordering Too Much or Too Little

Even the right packaging design can become costly with the wrong ordering strategy. Ordering too much ties up warehouse space and can leave businesses with obsolete packaging when products, promotions or graphics change. Ordering too little can lead to shortages, rush orders and production interruptions.

A practical ordering strategy considers how quickly packaging is used, available storage space, reorder frequency and changing product requirements. Those needs can vary significantly by industry. Retail businesses may need to plan around seasonal promotions, while food, manufacturing and e-commerce customers may have very different production, inventory and shipping requirements.

4. Overlooking Packaging Efficiency

A box needs to do more than protect a product. It should also be easy to manufacture, assemble, pack, store and ship. Small improvements in packaging design can have an impact throughout the supply chain. A box that is quicker to assemble can reduce packing time. Efficient sizing can improve pallet utilization and reduce storage requirements. A design suited to the manufacturing process can also help reduce material waste and unnecessary production steps.

Royal combines packaging design with modern converting and printing technology, supported by Continuous Improvement and lean manufacturing practices. Looking at the entire process helps identify opportunities to improve efficiency rather than focusing only on the cost of the box.

5. Treating Your Packaging Supplier as Just a Vendor

Good packaging decisions should not begin with, “How many boxes do you need?” They should begin with questions about the product: How is it packed? Where is it going? How will it be shipped or displayed? What equipment is being used? What problems does the packaging need to solve?

The answers can uncover opportunities to reduce material, simplify packing, improve protection or make ordering more efficient. That approach is at the heart of Royal Containers’ commitment to Building Partnerships in Packaging. Our sales, design, customer service and production teams work together to understand the application and develop a practical solution.

Better Packaging Starts Before the Order

Many costly packaging mistakes can be avoided before production begins. Considering design, material, quantity, storage, shipping and end use together can help reduce waste, prevent unnecessary costs and make packaging easier to manage throughout your operation.

At Royal Containers, we bring together corrugated expertise, design support, modern manufacturing and continuous improvement to help customers find the right packaging solution and order it the right way.

That is what Building Partnerships in Packaging is all about.

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How AI Is Transforming Corrugated Manufacturing

The corrugated industry has been a valued and established contributor to the broader manufacturing and shipping industries since the early 1900s. While the industry has a long history, the technology behind it continues to evolve; at Royal Containers, we believe in staying ahead of that evolution. As leaders in the corrugated packaging space, we prioritize advanced technology and innovation to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and customer experience.

Artificial Intelligence is the next stage of manufacturing innovation. At Royal Containers, we are leveraging AI to enhance decision-making, accelerate continuous improvement, and empower our people to shape the future of corrugated manufacturing.

Improving Efficiency Through Data

Modern corrugated manufacturing generates a significant amount of operational data. AI can process this data into actionable insights by identifying trends, improving decision-making, and uncovering opportunities to increase efficiency and productivity. It also enables predictive maintenance by detecting potential equipment issues before they cause unplanned downtime, improving reliability while reducing operational disruptions.

Enhancing Quality and Consistency

Maintaining consistent quality is critical in corrugated manufacturing. AI-powered inspection systems can help identify defects, print inconsistencies, and production issues in real time.

Rather than relying solely on manual inspections, manufacturers can use AI-driven technology to continuously monitor production, allowing issues to be detected and addressed earlier in the process. AI-powered technologies, including IoT-enabled monitoring platforms and intelligent vision systems, provide real-time insights that enhance safety, improve productivity, and strengthen quality performance. The result is reduced waste, greater product consistency, and packaging that consistently meets the highest customer standards.

AI at Royal Containers: Supporting Continuous Improvement

Led by Mohamed Azzouz, our Continuous Improvement Director, Royal Containers is exploring ways AI can assist with process optimization, workflow analysis, reporting, and knowledge sharing across the organization. By leveraging AI-powered tools, teams can spend less time gathering information and more time focused on implementing meaningful improvements.

AI is enabling faster insights, greater efficiency, and more informed decision-making across our business. From streamlining processes and enhancing training to improving operational visibility, we are applying generative AI and digital twin technologies to solve practical challenges, support cross-functional collaboration, and strengthen long-term strategic planning.

Most importantly, AI delivers its greatest value when it empowers our people. By automating time-intensive, data-driven tasks, AI allows our experts to focus on the judgment, creativity, and innovation that drive better business outcomes.

Preparing for the Next Generation

At Royal Containers, we are proud of the long tenure and experience of our employees, whose dedication has been the foundation of our success. As we look to the future, we are equally committed to the next generation of talent that will carry this legacy forward. Their familiarity with digital technologies, AI, and emerging innovations, combined with the experience of our seasoned workforce, creates new opportunities to drive continuous improvement and long-term growth. By investing in both our people and technology, we are building on our legacy while positioning Royal Containers for success for generations to come.

The Future of Corrugated Manufacturing

While AI continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: technology will never replace skilled people, trusted relationships, or operational expertise. Instead, it empowers manufacturers to work smarter, solve problems faster, and continuously improve.

Royal Containers made a deliberate decision to be an early adopter of emerging technologies. Rather than pursuing short-term gains, we are investing in meaningful transformation that strengthens our business for the future. Every solution we implement is designed by people, for people, with human oversight at its core.

By combining advanced technology with experienced people and a culture of continuous improvement, we are helping shape the future of corrugated manufacturing while continuing to deliver the quality, service, and reliability our customers expect.

Because at Royal Containers, we’re not just manufacturing boxes—we’re Building Partnerships in Packaging.

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Proprint Achieves SQF Certification

At Royal Containers, our core strength has always been clear: Building Partnerships in Packaging. That means bringing corrugate packaging, folding carton,  POP and retail displays all under one roof. With state-of-the-art printing, Flexo, Litho, digital and state of the art finishing, mounting, die cutting, folding and gluing our customers can move seamlessly from concept to shelf with one integrated team. 

With Proprint, a division of Royal Containers, officially SQF certified for secondary food packaging, we’ve strengthened that foundation even further. 

This certification enhances our folding carton capabilities with globally recognized food safety standards, adding documented controls, full traceability, and structured compliance to the integrated packaging and display expertise our customers already rely on. 

The SQF program is recognized in more than 40 countries, with over 14,000 certified sites worldwide. Proprint is now one of them. 

What Is SQF and Why It Matters 

SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a globally recognized food safety and quality certification program administered by the SQF Institute, a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association. 

The program is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), aligning it with internationally recognized food safety management standards.

For food brands, retailers, and private label programs, SQF certification signals: 

• Rigorous food safety systems 
• Full traceability of materials 
• Documented preventative controls 
• Ongoing third-party audits 

It provides an added layer of assurance that packaging partners are operating under structured, verified processes designed to protect product and brand integrity. 

The Year Behind the Certification 

When our customers grow, we grow with them. Achieving SQF certification reinforces our commitment to operating at the highest global food safety standards — without compromising the speed, flexibility, and service that sets us apart in the marketplace.

Achieving SQF certification required a year-long operational transformation. Proprint’s facility transitioned into a controlled-access food packaging environment, including: 

• Restricted plant access to authorized personnel 
• Dedicated change rooms 
• Additional handwashing stations 
• Ground and polished floors 
• Repaired and repainted walls 
• Secured shipping entry points 
• Comprehensive plant-wide signage 
• Replacement of breakable mirrors with non-glass alternatives 
• Conversion of wood surfaces to non-porous, wipeable materials 

Beyond physical upgrades, we strengthened internal systems around HACCP principles and full material traceability. Every paper stock, ink, and adhesive is documented by lot number and supplier chain-of-custody — ensuring accountability at every stage of production. 

SQF certification includes annual audits and continuous compliance monitoring. It demands discipline every day, not just during inspection.

Proprint achieved certification from our very first audit, which is a huge testament to the diligent commitment by everyone involved. From the office to production, everyone played a part in the success of this initiative. 

A True Team Effort

This accomplishment was the result of extraordinary preparation and leadership. The process was led by Richard Krakower, Martin Sonne and Joel Pelkonen. These individuals, along with many others, invested countless hours of time, focus, and energy into audit preparation, documentation, plant upgrades, training, and system implementation to make this certification a reality.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our press crews, plant staff, and management team who embraced the operational changes required and demonstrated outstanding effort throughout the process. Maintaining SQF standards is a daily commitment, and it is their continued discipline and professionalism that keep the program alive and running every single day.

This was not the work of one department — it was a true team effort.

Strengthening Partnerships — All Under One Roof 

For our customers, SQF certification reinforces the value of working with Royal Containers Group of Companies. 

Within one integrated organization, you now have access to: 

• SQF-certified folding carton manufacturing 
• Advanced lithographic and digital printing 
• POP print and retail display expertise 
• Corrugated packaging and shipping solutions 
• Vertically integrated production capabilities 

One partnership. One coordinated approach. All supported under one roof. 

SQF certification strengthens our operational foundation and enhances the accountability behind everything we produce. It reflects the systems, standards, and structure required to support long-term partnerships and it reinforces what Building Partnerships in Packaging truly means.

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Putting Your Display on Display

Where Packaging Sits on the Shelf Matters More Than You Think

At Royal Containers, our work is guided by how packaging performs beyond the plant and into the retail environment. Years of consumer behaviour and eye tracking research show that shoppers don’t scan shelves randomly. They follow consistent visual patterns that influence what gets noticed, what gets considered, and what ultimately ends up in the cart. These insights are now widely accepted across consumer behaviour, and they play an important role in how retail-ready corrugated packaging should be designed.

Rethinking “Eye Level Is Buy Level”

The long-standing belief that eye level automatically drives sales doesn’t fully reflect how shoppers behave.

Research consistently shows that the strongest visual engagement happens slightly below eye level, closer to chest height. This “golden zone” receives more sustained attention than shelves placed too high or too low, making it a critical consideration for retail-ready packaging and displays.

When key messaging sits outside this zone, even well-designed packaging can miss its moment.

How Shoppers Actually Scan Shelves

Eye tracking studies reveal a few repeatable behaviours that matter for packaging performance:

• Vertical bias: Products positioned about 14–15 inches below eye level attract the most attention.
• Right-side preference: As shoppers move down an aisle, they are roughly 21% more likely to notice products on their right, often starting their scan at the center and moving outward.
• Low-attention zones: Top and bottom shelves receive the least engagement and are better suited for bulk or secondary items.

These patterns aren’t trends, they’re fundamentals.

What This Means for Retail-Ready Corrugated Packaging

Retail-ready packaging is about more than speed to shelf. It’s about placing products where eyes naturally go and making information easy to absorb in seconds.

Effective corrugated packaging takes into account:

• Structural height that aligns with high attention zones
• Clean, uncluttered front panels
• Strong visual hierarchy and contrast
• Consistency across cases, trays, and displays

These details matter most when packaging must perform across high volumes, multiple retailers, and demanding store environments.

Why Royal’s Approach Stands Apart

As a trusted corrugated manufacturer with decades of experience, Royal Containers understands that great packaging doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built through collaboration.

From the first conversation, our sales team works closely with customers to understand their products, challenges, and goals. That insight carries through every stage of the process. Our in-house design team then translates those needs and retail insights into practical, manufacturable corrugated solutions—whether that’s shelf-ready cases, pallet displays, or custom retail programs.

Because sales, design, and production work together under one roof, we’re able to move efficiently from concept to execution while maintaining consistency, performance, and reliability. That’s where partnerships in packaging come to life: aligning strategy, structure, and scale to support long-term success.

Packaging That Performs Where It Matters

In today’s retail landscape, packaging has seconds to earn attention. Corrugated solutions that reflect real shopper behaviour stand a better chance of being seen, considered, and chosen.

At Royal Containers, we build retail-ready packaging with those realities in mind—combining proven consumer insights, thoughtful design, and manufacturing expertise to deliver packaging that performs from the plant to the aisle.

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5 Eco-Friendly Packaging Tips for the Season

As the busy season approaches, many businesses are reevaluating their approach to shipping, displaying, and protecting their products in a responsible manner. At Royal Containers, sustainability isn’t a seasonal initiative, it’s how we operate every day. From our recycled paper mill to our corrugated plants, our vertically integrated supply chain enables us to design smarter packaging with reduced waste and a smaller environmental footprint.

If you’re looking to make your packaging more sustainable this season, here are five practical ways to start, inspired by the practices we live by at Royal.

1. Choose Recycled and Certified Materials

The most effective way to reduce your environmental impact is by choosing materials that have already been part of the production cycle. At Royal, 100% of our materials are recycled, and a significant portion comes from within our own network of sustainable partners.

Through Greenpac, our 100% recycled paper mill, and Tencorr, our corrugated sheet feeder, we ensure traceability and quality throughout the entire process. This integration gives our customers confidence that their packaging supports responsible resource management.

“Greenpac stands as a cutting-edge 100% recycled paper mill, representing the pinnacle of Royal’s commitment to sustainability.” – from sustainability brochure.

2. Design for Circularity

A circular economy keeps materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and regeneration. In packaging, this means designing boxes that can be easily recycled and made from materials that are re-entered into the production stream instead of ending up in landfills.

At Royal, every step of our process supports this principle. Our closed-loop system ensures that what’s recycled today can become tomorrow’s packaging, closing the gap between production and regeneration.

3. Right-Size Your Packaging

Oversized packaging contributes to unnecessary material use, higher freight costs, and increased emissions. By right-sizing your packaging, you minimize waste and optimize every shipment.

Our design and production teams use advanced digital tools to engineer precisely fitted packaging that maintains protection and visual appeal while reducing excess volume. This approach saves materials and resources throughout the entire supply chain.

4. Reduce Weight, Not Strength

Lightweight packaging doesn’t have to mean weaker packaging. Thanks to innovative materials from Greenpac, we can create durable corrugated solutions that are strong, stable, and environmentally responsible. “Through Greenpac, we access top-notch XP lightweight liners that enable us to reduce packaging weight without compromising shipping and stacking strength.” – from sustainability brochure.

Reducing packaging weight also reduces the energy used during transportation, enabling companies to meet their carbon-reduction goals without compromising performance.

5. Partner with a Sustainable Packaging Manufacturer

Choosing the right packaging partner is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your company’s environmental commitment. Our vertically integrated structure enables us to manage every step of the process, from sourcing recycled materials to manufacturing and printing, with precision and accountability. This enables us to continually improve efficiency, minimize waste, and reduce emissions across all our operations.

At all our Royal facilities, we’ve invested in advanced equipment, digital technologies, and energy-efficient systems that help us meet growing demand while lowering our environmental footprint. Our teams collaborate daily to find new ways to reduce material use, increase recyclability, and support our customers’ own sustainability goals.

Partnering with a manufacturer that leads by example ensures your packaging not only performs well but also reflects your values, responsibly made, built to last, and designed with the future in mind.

At Royal Containers, sustainability is built into how we work, from the fibre that starts each sheet to the innovation that shapes every finished box.

Responsible by design. Where innovation meets sustainability.

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Back-to-School Trends in Retail Packaging

The start of a new school year doesn’t just mean sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks; it also means shelves (and shopping carts) full of possibilities. Back-to-school is one of the busiest retail seasons of the year, and while the products may change, one thing stays the same: packaging is the first impression.

This year, we’re seeing packaging trends that do more than protect what’s inside; they create excitement, showcase sustainability, and build stronger connections between brands and families.

Here’s what’s making the grade in 2025:

1. Sustainable Packaging = Smart Packaging

Today’s parents and students are paying attention to how products are packaged just as much as what’s inside. Recycled corrugated boxes, biodegradable materials, and right-sized packaging aren’t just eco-friendly; they show that a brand cares. For Gen Z shoppers, in particular, sustainability is no longer optional.

2. Packaging That Pops Off the Shelf

In the rush of back-to-school shopping, bright, bold designs win. We’re seeing brands use playful graphics, vibrant colours, and engaging typography to stand out. And the surprise doesn’t stop at the store, inside printing transforms a box into a fun unboxing moment (perfect for social media).

3. The E-Commerce Experience

With more families shopping online for supplies, packaging now has to deliver twice: first by protecting items during shipping, and second by creating a memorable moment at home. QR codes on boxes that link to discounts, checklists, or even study tips add an interactive twist that customers love.

4. From Box to Storage

One of the cleverest trends? Packaging that keeps working long after the purchase. Think corrugated boxes that double as storage bins, organizers, or even craft projects for kids. It’s practical, sustainable, and keeps a brand top-of-mind well beyond checkout.

5. Right-Sized & Ready to Go

No one wants oversized packaging that wastes material and space. This season, right-sizing is trending, cutting down on shipping costs, protecting products better, and reducing waste. It’s a win for brands, customers, and the planet.

Back-to-school isn’t just about stocking up; it’s about starting fresh. For brands, packaging is an integral part of their story. The right corrugated solution doesn’t just move products; it builds trust, sparks excitement, and demonstrates to customers that you’re in sync with their values.

At Royal Containers, we respond to these shifts, perform with precision, and lead with sustainable innovation. Because packaging isn’t just a box, it’s a partnership in your brand’s success.

Ready to get top marks with your packaging this season? Let’s connect.

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EV Forklifts Driving Sustainability at Royal Containers

In July, a chapter quietly closed at Royal Containers, as the last propane forklift left our St. Thomas plant. Today, the St. Thomas facility operates with an all-electric fleet. This milestone is more than a swap of fuel types; it reflects our core values and our commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability in action.

A Cleaner, Safer Way Forward

The first noticeable difference is the noise level on the production floor. Electric forklifts run substantially quieter than propane machines, which not only makes the building calmer but also improves how people work together. Spotter calls, horns, and safety alerts carry farther and clearer, reducing the chance of missed signals in busy aisles.

Air quality is another immediate improvement. With propane emissions removed from daily operations, the facility now provides cleaner air throughout, supporting the wellbeing of our team while allowing us to operate efficiently in every part of the plant.

Next-Level Safety with AI Vision

Safety has always been central to how we operate. Our new forklifts are equipped with state-of-the-art AI vision systems that detect pedestrians and obstacles in real time. When someone enters the detection zone, the truck automatically reduces speed, giving operators critical reaction time. It’s proactive protection designed to keep people safe in even the busiest environments.

Smarter Technology Behind the Wheel

The technology powering these forklifts is smarter, too. Onboard telematics have turned each truck into its own diagnostic terminal, logging performance data and simplifying compliance. Pre-operation checklists are now digital, impact alerts trigger automatic notifications, and maintenance shifts from a reactive to a predictive approach thanks to real-time insights.

With connected systems, our forklifts are not just machines but responsive tools that help the plant run more efficiently.

Sustainability at the Core

This transition is also a clear statement: sustainability drives our business decisions. By eliminating propane-powered forklifts, we’ve cut emissions and reinforced our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. For our customers and partners, it’s proof that Royal Containers is serious about building a future where packaging leadership and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Leading the Industry by Example

For Royal Containers, this transition reflects the values that guide every decision we make. We Lead by adopting innovative technologies that set a new standard in our industry. We Perform by delivering consistent, efficient operations. We Care by creating safer, healthier workplaces for our employees. And We Respond by building resilience and agility into our systems. Our investment in electrification and advanced safety systems strengthens our position as a leader in the corrugated industry, proving that operational excellence and environmental responsibility aren’t competing priorities, they’re inseparable. By living our core values, we’re shaping a workplace that protects our people, serves our customers, and safeguards the planet.

One lift, one charge, one shift at a time, Royal Containers is driving toward a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future, starting at St. Thomas.

Interested in learning more about our sustainability initiatives or visiting the St. Thomas facility? We’d be happy to host you for a walkthrough.

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Inside Royal’s Sustainability Strategy

At Royal Containers, we don’t just manufacture boxes; we rethink how they’re made, how they’re used, and how they impact the world around us.

Sustainability is at the core of every decision we make, from the raw materials we select to the way we power our operations. With a fully integrated supply chain, trusted industry partners, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we’re working to reduce waste, lower emissions, and support customers who are equally focused on doing business responsibly.

100% Recycled Material in Every Product

We proudly use 100% recycled containerboard in all our corrugated products. By eliminating the use of virgin fibre, we help conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, and support a cleaner future. Our innovation in using lightweight, recycled linerboard earned us a Sustainability Award at one of our top 3 customers — a proud achievement that reflects our long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.

A Fully Integrated, Circular Supply Chain

Our environmental commitment is directly tied to our vertically integrated supply chain. As shareholders in the Greenpac Mill and Tencorr Packaging, we have visibility and influence over the entire process, from recycled fibre to the final box. This gives us greater control over quality, consistency, and sustainability at every stage of the process.

Our circular economy model begins at Greenpac Mill, where 100% recycled fibres are transformed into high-performance linerboard using advanced technology. Greenpac’s process diverts waste from landfills and repurposes byproducts, such as reject fibres, as animal bedding. The linerboard is then sent to Tencorr Packaging, where it’s combined with corrugated medium to produce durable, sustainable sheets. These sheets arrive at Royal Containers, where we convert them into corrugated packaging that is both functional and environmentally responsible. Once our customers use the packaging for shipping and branding, it re-enters the waste stream as O.C.C. (Old Corrugated Containers) through recycling, often returning to Greenpac Mill to be remade into new linerboard. We also return all scrap sheets and clippings from our own operations to Greenpac, ensuring materials stay in circulation and waste is kept out of landfills.

Investing in Greener Facilities

Sustainability extends beyond materials and manufacturing — it’s also part of how we manage our buildings and daily operations. One of our initiatives was to upgrade the energy-efficient LED lighting at both our Brampton and St. Thomas locations, significantly reducing electricity use at our two facilities. This transition not only lowers our energy consumption but also aligns with our broader goal of reducing our carbon footprint. Every detail, from how we power our spaces to how we move our products, contributes to a more responsible and efficient operation. Our latest example? The introduction of a new electric forklift at our St. Thomas plant — a move that cuts emissions, reduces noise, and drives our commitment to a greener future forward. Look for more on this in our upcoming blog.

Making Sustainability Easier to Understand

To help customers make informed decisions, we created a downloadable sustainability brochure that breaks down key terms, certifications, and practices. It’s a practical tool designed to guide teams in understanding the environmental impact of their packaging, from sourcing to recycling.

Leading with Purpose

Sustainability at Royal Containers isn’t a one-time initiative, it’s a long-term commitment, embedded into how we work and who we partner with. We’re proud to lead by example, from the mill to the finished product, and to give our customers packaging they can feel confident using.

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The Future of Custom Corrugated Design

In a world where packaging is more than just a box, the future of custom corrugated design is bold, brand-driven, and built for sustainability. At Royal Containers, we’re witnessing an exciting shift in how companies utilize packaging as a strategic tool, one that protects, promotes, and performs.

Here’s a look at where custom corrugated is headed, and how we’re leading the way:

1. Smart Design for a Smarter Supply Chain

The days of “one-size-fits-all” are over. Today’s packaging must be engineered to optimize space, reduce waste, and streamline logistics. Whether it’s designing to minimize void fill or creating right-sized packaging for e-commerce, custom corrugated is becoming an essential part of the supply chain strategy. At Royal, our structural design team uses advanced CAD systems to create solutions that reduce shipping costs and carbon footprint, without compromising strength or brand appeal.

2. Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a standard. More than ever, businesses are seeking packaging that aligns with their ESG goals. Our custom corrugated designs utilize recycled content and are 100% recyclable, enabling our customers to meet their environmental commitments while still delivering a premium unboxing experience.

We also invest in equipment and technology that reduces waste during the manufacturing process and ensures consistent quality with fewer raw materials. The result? Packaging that performs and protects the planet.

3. Printing Innovation That Elevates Brands

Brand visibility is everything. With advancements in high-graphic flexo and digital printing, corrugated packaging now doubles as a marketing tool. Whether it’s bold shelf-ready packaging or eye-catching e-commerce boxes, custom design is helping companies stand out in crowded markets.

Royal Containers brings years of experience in creating packaging that connects with consumers and strengthens brand identity. We partner closely with clients to ensure every box tells their story, beautifully and sustainably.

4. Speed to Market with Digital Design

Time matters. Digital prototyping and virtual sampling tools are accelerating the design process, allowing for faster approvals and more agile decision-making. Royal Containers is investing in digital design technologies that reduce lead times and give customers greater flexibility when launching new products or campaigns.

5. The Human Touch Still Matters

Even with all the innovation, packaging design is still about people. That’s why we collaborate closely with our customers to understand their business, challenges, and goals. The future of packaging isn’t just custom, it’s personalized.

As packaging continues to evolve, Royal Containers is committed to staying at the forefront, investing in technology, championing sustainability, and designing more innovative solutions. The future of custom corrugated is here, and it’s built to perform, protect, and inspire.

Ready to innovate your packaging? Let’s talk.

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