Parcome stands out from the norm
2021/03/29
Specialising in technical packaging for luxury industries, Parcome can now offer its customers a ‘Made in Europe’ alternative thanks to its new factory in Bulgaria which is another asset in its environmentally-responsible approach.
For 35 years, Parcome, supplier of boxes and bags for all luxury sectors (cosmetics, perfumery, fashion, jewellery, spirits, leather goods, etc.), has made the tailor-made its trademark. ‘Each project is a new adventure!’ said Romain Lacombe, Sales Director, Parcome Paris. And, in recent years, the values of sustainability and responsibility have been part of this adventure …
Parcome’s environmentally-responsible approach is primarily based on its complete control of production. The company has had its own factory in China, with French management (including a CSR & Sustainability Manager since early 2021), since 2012, and, in 2020, it opened a new production site in Bulgaria which is expected to ramp up in coming years: ‘Relocating production to Europe for European customers and reduce transport: French and European brands are increasingly sensitive to these arguments’.
The company is also working on eco-design and conducting research on materials, in particular plastic alternatives for inserts. In this regard, recycled PET (up to 90%) offers excellent results in terms of transparency, as does FSC-certified paper pulp when the project lends itself to it. The even more innovative bagasse-based inserts (made from sugar cane production waste) have the same product maintenance and protection qualities as plastic, but its cost is still an obstacle for some. ‘The mould to produce the insert is around 10 to 20 times more expensive, so it’s an investment, more for brands that require very large volumes’, said Romain Lacombe.
The same goes for laminates: as an alternative to plastic lamination, Parcome offers, for its paper bags, a water-based varnish to avoid seepage and to fix the colour or PLA (cornstarch-based bioplastic) lamination. This produces a glossy or matt effect on the product which is stronger and more resistant to moisture while remaining recyclable. Add woven paper cords or ribbons, which feel like cotton, to the bag and you have an item that can be recycled as is without having to remove the handles.
Aware that the ideal of sustainable development still regularly comes up against cost and, occasionally, design constraints, Romain Lacombe affirms the need for more education on these innovations, and what better than samples to show customers the difference? As such, Parcome is currently developing an EMA (‘Eco Materials Assistant’) kit, a kind of inventory of all its materials, finishes, and expertise in environmentally-responsible packaging, which will be unveiled in June at the show.