Compliance built into every quote
Recyclable substrates, food-contact certification, and BRCGS-certified supply, matched to your category at quote stage. Honest about what's recyclable and what isn't. No greenwashing.
Compliance mapped to every format
We match every format and substrate to the options your category needs, food-contact certified and audit-backed, with recyclable substrates across the range.
Recyclable substrates for EU retail
Recyclable substrate options for brands selling into UK and EU retail. We map the right material to your category and barrier needs at quote stage.
Sunrise 2027 brings 2D barcodes to UK retail
GS1's Sunrise 2027 initiative is a capability milestone for retail point-of-sale systems to read both 1D and 2D barcodes by end of 2027. Major UK retailers are rolling out QR codes powered by GS1 today, with Tesco becoming the first to transition an entire own-label range (sausages, 13 SKUs) in April 2026. Most brands plan a 3-5 year dual-marking transition where 1D and 2D codes sit together on pack.
What Multiprint provides
Barcodes and QR codes, handled at artwork stage. Whatever your packs need to carry, whether retail barcodes, QR codes, or both, we work the code requirements into artwork across stand-up, flat bottom, and rollstock. Sizing, placement, and print clarity are checked during sign-off, so what reaches press is set up to scan reliably.
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Why it matters
2D codes encode batch and expiry data, enabling batch-level recalls instead of full-product withdrawals. For supplement, food, beverage, and cosmetic brands where recall precision protects margin, dual-marking is the operational case.
Timeline to know
Sunrise 2027 is end-2027 for POS capability, not a brand deadline. Most UK supplement brands should plan an 18-24 month dual-marking artwork transition starting now, with full retirement of 1D barcodes deferred until major retailers confirm 2D POS parity.
Recyclable substrates across every format
Recyclable substrates are available across all three formats. Mono-PE, mono-PP, PP/PE blended structures, and paper. We match the right material to your category and barrier needs.
What we supply
Our recyclable substrates span stand-up, flat bottom, and rollstock. Mono-PE, mono-PP, PP/PE blended structures, and paper. Multi-material laminates are available on request where barrier needs demand them.
Why it matters
Choosing a recyclable substrate early supports your retail and regulatory position. We confirm the right material at quote stage.
OPRL labels build consumer trust
The On-Pack Recycling Label is the UK's consumer-recognised system that tells shoppers whether packaging is recyclable. Brands who are OPRL members can display the official Recycle and Don't Recycle marks at shelf. Multiprint substrates accommodate OPRL labelling for member brands, alongside general recycling marks or your own brand symbols.
BRCGS-certified supply across our network
BRCGS is the global standard for packaging manufacturers, with full audit certification covering quality systems, product safety, and operational integrity. Multiprint works exclusively with BRCGS-certified suppliers, giving brands the supplier validation that major UK retailers, specialty retailers, and DTC fulfilment partners require.
What it covers
BRCGS audits cover supplier facilities, quality management systems, product safety processes, and traceability across the production chain. Certification requires ongoing compliance with the BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging Materials.
What it means for buyers
BRCGS certification gives major UK retailers, specialty retailers, and DTC fulfilment partners industry-recognised supplier validation. Documentation available on request for retailer onboarding, brand audits, or due diligence.
Food contact across categories
Our substrates meet EC 1935/2004 and UK retained law for direct contact with food, supplements, pet food, and skincare products. Material grade matched to your category, with documentation available on request.
Honest about what's recyclable. No greenwashing.
Every substrate we supply has a defined recycling pathway in UK and EU streams. We won't claim compostability without certified backing. We won't position multi-material structures as recyclable. We're scoping mono-PE, mono-PP, PP/PE blended, and paper today so brands don't switch substrates mid-production.
What we claim
Recyclable substrates across stand-up, flat bottom, and rollstock. Substrates accommodate OPRL labelling for member brands.
What we won't claim
Compostability without EN 13432 certification. Multi-material structures positioned as recyclable. Specific recycling rates we can't substantiate. Future regulatory positions before they're finalised.
Ready to ship compliant
Discuss your requirements at quote stage. We'll map your SKU to the right substrate and confirm the right material for your category before production. Pricing response within 24 hours. Free sample packs in 2-3 working days.
Questions
Compliance rules shift fast. We've answered the questions we hear most from founders and procurement teams.
Yes if you're on our recyclable substrates. Stand-up and rollstock are available in PE, PP, PP/PE blended, and paper. Flat bottom is mono-PE. Confirm your structure at quote stage so we map the right substrate to your category and barrier.
Recyclable mono-PE, mono-PP, PP/PE blended, and paper substrates qualify for lower modulated fees. Multi-material laminates (PET/PE, PET/AL/PE) attract higher fees. We discuss fee impact at quote stage where it affects your decision.
Our recyclable substrates accommodate OPRL labelling for OPRL member brands. You apply your OPRL classification at artwork stage based on your own membership. Substrates that aren't classified as recyclable don't carry recyclable claims.
Yes. All substrates and inks meet EC 1935/2004 and UK retained law for food contact across dry, oily, acidic, and aqueous food categories. Declaration of Compliance documentation is available on request.
Not yet. Sunrise 2027 is a point-of-sale capability milestone, not a brand packaging deadline. Most UK brands plan a 3-5 year dual-marking transition with both 1D and 2D codes on the same pack. We accommodate GS1 QR with Digital Link and GS1 DataMatrix at artwork stage so you can transition on your timeline.
We supply BRCGS-certified packaging where retail customers require it. BRCGS covers food safety and packaging hygiene across the supply chain. Confirm your certification needs at quote stage.
We handle the pouch. Your regulatory team handles the content. We don't review nutrition labels, INCI lists, EFSA claims, MHRA submissions, FEDIAF or PFMA formulations, or HFSS classifications. We accommodate the artwork your regulatory team approves.
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