Innovating for Industry

By Stuart Wilkinson, Sales & Marketing Director, P Wilkinson Containers  

For over 90 years, P. Wilkinson Containers has been at the forefront of packaging innovation, working with leading global brands to create specialist containers that enhance functionality, sustainability, and efficiency. From pioneering metal tins for the ink industry to developing eco-friendly paint cans and cutting-edge PCR plastic packaging, our expertise in manufacturing has set new industry standards. 

Pioneering Packaging for Fujifilm Inks 

Fujifilm Inks is a leading manufacturer of high-quality inks, offering solutions for various printing applications, including photography, textiles, packaging, and industrial printing. With a rich history dating back to 1934 in Tokyo, Fujifilm has continuously evolved to meet the demands of the printing industry. Their advanced UV inks even enable printing on unconventional surfaces such as metal, plastic, and glass. 

To meet Fujifilm’s unique packaging requirements, P. Wilkinson Containers pioneered the outside curl tin, a revolutionary design developed at our central London site. Unlike traditional paint tins, which can trap product beneath a standard rim, the outside curl tin ensures maximum ink usage, leaving minimal residue behind. 

This design allows users to efficiently apply ink using a palette knife, smoothly spreading it over inkjet rollers. The durable metal structure protects the viscous ink during transport and storage, while the opaque sides prevent product degradation.  

Initially developed for Sericol by Fujifilm, this signature tin remains an essential packaging solution for the ink industry. What’s more, these tins are now manufactured using solar power, further reducing their environmental footprint. 

Eco-Friendly Solutions for Thorndown Paints

Wilkinson Containers also partnered with Thorndown Paints, a company committed to producing eco-friendly, water-based, and non-toxic paints. Their innovative wood paint features long-lasting UV protection and can be diluted to create a stained effect, while their peelable glass paint can be applied directly to glass surfaces and simply removed by peeling it off.

Understanding the importance of sustainability and ease of use, we developed a specialist paint tin with a wider diameter of 176mm—larger than a standard 2.5-litre can—to make dipping a brush easier for decorators, DIYers, and tradespeople. The increased air space above the paint level also allows for better mixing and stirring when open. 

Additionally, our team designed a custom embossing tool, enabling Thorndown’s logo to be stamped onto paint can lids across all sizes, from 150ml to 2.5 litres. Our manufacturing line also applies digitally printed labels with a velvety, tactile finish featuring Thorndown’s iconic fox or crab motif. 

Quick Turnaround and Flexible Storage 

One of the key advantages P. Wilkinson Containers provides is our quick turnaround. While most suppliers require six weeks, we can deliver packaging solutions within three weeks, allowing brands like Thorndown to order in smaller quantities, reducing storage needs and improving efficiency. 

“P. Wilkinson Containers’ ability to turn around packaging within a three-week period, half the time of other suppliers, has been essential to the growth of Thorndown Paints,” said Ben Thornborough, Managing Director of Thorndown Paints. “We are able to order smaller quantities of packaging as and when we need it, saving on valuable storage space.” 

To further streamline operations, we store packaging on-site, ensuring that Thorndown Paints has access to ready-made packaging whenever required. 

Pioneering PCR Plastic Packaging for Industrial Use 

Sustainability is a growing concern across industries, and P. Wilkinson Containers is leading the way with Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic packaging. We now stock a range of industrial PCR plastic containers, including: 20-litre Europack canisters and 5-litre compact jerry can. 

Both contain over 30% PCR material, a significant innovation given that PCR has historically struggled with consistency and contamination concerns in industries such as medical and food production. 

Our new range has been rigorously tested to ensure consistent performance and quality, making it a viable, eco-friendly option for industrial applications. These containers can also be colour-matched to suit individual brand requirements, demonstrating our commitment to customization and sustainability. 

Committed to Innovation and Sustainability 

At P. Wilkinson Containers, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of packaging innovation. Whether it’s developing solar-powered metal tins, eco-conscious paint containers, or pioneering PCR plastic solutions, we are constantly finding ways to support our partners with cutting-edge, sustainable packaging. 

By combining decades of experience with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, we remain the trusted partner for brands looking for packaging that is functional, environmentally responsible, and tailored to their specific needs. 

For more information about our packaging solutions, get in touch today and discover how we can help bring your products to life with innovative, industry-leading containers.