SPECTRA PACKAGING
About us
Spectra is a leading independent manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging for the toiletries, cosmetics and personal care markets.
We can produce a range of high-quality products, from versatile packaging in HDPE to glass-like containers in PET. We also offer a variety of closures that perfectly compliment our bottle ranges and can provide recycled plastic packaging in both HDPE and PET.
We boast a comprehensive range of off-the-shelf standard bottle and cap designs and can also provide a bespoke custom moulding and tooling service.
Our purpose built bespoke 17.4-acre production facility benefits from the very latest state-of-the-art machinery and technology. We have also invested in the very best staff too, all industry experts, fully aware and prepared for the demanding expectations of today’s biggest brands.
We can offer the complete packaging solution from initial conceptual design and development, through to the latest techniques in decorative finishing and colouring, all carried out in-house.
Spectra's in-house services include:
Extensive Range of Standard Packs
- In HDPE
- In PET
- Closures
Custom Moulding Solutions
- Innovative designs
- Unique looking bespoke packaging
- Highly Skilled In-house design team
Design and Innovation
- Innovation
- Creativity
- Experience
Decoration and Finishing
- Silk screen printing
- Hot foil blocking
- Precise printing results
- High profile varnishing
Colour Matching
- Polymer Colouring
- Coloured Masterbatch
- Colour Matching
- Colour Effects
Environmentally Responsible Packaging
- Post Consumer Regrind
- Recycled Packaging
- Environmentally Friendly Packaging
- Recycled HDPE and PET
Contact details:
Antonine Way Sparrowhawk Road
Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8RX
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1986 834190
wwww.spectra-packaging.co.uk
Products & services
Innovative Packaging
Developing a reputation for innovation and creativity, Spectra appreciates individual market sectors are different with each customer unique in their own way. As a result, we can help customers operating in fiercely competitive market sectors by assisting with innovative packaging solutions designed to help them stand out from the crowd. Spectra can help brands achieve distinctive cutting edge packaging with clear creative thinking and expert implementation with custom moulding capabilities that enable customers to package their products imaginatively for genuine market differentiation. Conversely, our huge array of standard packs can also be finished to look totally unique through leading edge decoration and colouring techniques. From initial conceptual ideas and development, through to the very latest finishing techniques, Spectra can guide and advise customers to help them transform a product into something that inspires and engages their end user.
Standard Designs
Spectra understand the importance of creating a strong visual impact to help products stand out from the crowd. Because of this, we offer a diverse and extensive range of standard packs, designed to give customers flexibility and freedom of choice. Spectra’s huge choice of off-the-shelf containers are available in both HDPE and PET and can also be made available in PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) and Biopolymer materials for an environmentally friendly outcome.
Caps and Closures
In addition to our comprehensive collection of standard bottles, Spectra can also provide a range of innovative quality closures enabling that total packaging solution. Our caps not only fit and complement the range of containers beautifully, they also complement customers needs too - with a bespoke closure service aimed at delivering truly individual results for a wide range of market sectors.
Custom Tooling
When customers require a totally unique shape, Spectra can deliver a specific custom made pack, designed and tooled in-house at our state-of-the-art facility. This bespoke tooling capacity enables us to design and produce new moulds with total control of quality and timescale. Either working from customer’s drawings or using the very latest in-house design technologies, Spectra can provide a distinctive look and feel, which will enhance a brand's product for a genuine point of difference.
Recycled Packaging
Since 2008, Spectra has pioneered sustainable packaging by championing the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and exploring new bioplastic technologies. PCR materials are derived from everyday plastic products that have completed their first use and been recovered from the waste stream. The most common examples are PET from clear drinks bottles and HDPE from opaque milk bottles, both widely recyclable thanks to well-developed collection systems. As recycling infrastructures and material innovations advance, packaging can increasingly be made with high levels of PCR, even up to 100%. This reduces reliance on virgin polymers and maximises the value of waste materials. The benefits are clear: reduced virgin plastic consumption, diversion of waste from landfill and the environment, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced fossil fuel extraction, and support for a circular economy where plastics retain value for longer. Beyond environmental gains, PCR also offers strong consumer engagement benefits. Growing awareness around sustainability means packaging choices influence purchasing decisions. By using recycled content, brands demonstrate responsible leadership, strengthen loyalty, and connect with environmentally conscious consumers. Responsible packaging creates trust, builds empathy, and enhances reputation in competitive markets. To further drive progress, Spectra launched PCR35 in 2022, aligning with UK legislation requiring 35% recycled content in plastic packaging. Under this initiative, all new quoted projects include a minimum of 35% PCR as standard, unless customers choose to opt out. This follows our earlier PCR10 initiative (2018), which successfully introduced many brands to recycled content. PCR35 represents the next step in raising standards, encouraging wider adoption and supporting customers in meeting both regulatory and consumer expectations.
Decoration and Colouring
Spectra are able to provide innovative decoration and colouring, all in-house for a complete packaging service. Our in-house printing facility can offer pin-sharp 4-pass silkscreen printing using UV cured inks. Additionally, the company can also assist with artwork and the preparation of materials for production. Spectra can also offer a wide range of stunning print finishes to give products a leading edge. These include the firm’s innovative raised embossed printing effect, which gives a genuine tactile "sense of touch”. Our innovative 360 degree seamless printing is another groundbreaking print finish, which adds real value to any product. This exciting print offering gives brands the opportunity to enjoy continual circumference printing. For a premium luxury look, Spectra’s hot foil stamping is ideal for customers seeking a genuine touch of class to any finished pack. Spectra can colour match bottles and closures to customer’s exact requirements, precisely replicating desired colours from any number of sources. Moreover, effects such as fluorescents, frosting, metallic’s, speckling and flecking, pearlescents and sparkling are also available for truly stunning results.
Custom tooling
Spectra packaging can report a huge increase in the number of custom tooling jobs undertaken at their Suffolk based manufacturing plant. Previous record figures have been eclipsed by a significant upsurge from customers looking for bespoke packaging designs to give them a leading edge point of difference. Spectra’s Sale Director, Jonathan Powell attributes the increase to a number of factors. "Spectra are continuing to establish itself in the industry as the go-to company for innovative packaging, with customers enjoying our personal hands-on approach. Trust is also enormously important when embarking on any custom tooling project and many customers are returning time and time again as they see Spectra as a safe pair of hands for their valuable products". Despite excellent return business figures for custom tooling projects, Spectra have also seen a significant increase in new first time customers taking advantage of their innovative approach and impressive lead times. Jonathan went on to say, "Return business figures have been excellent for us, which is down to satisfaction with the end product and a stress-free customer journey. However, it is hugely encouraging to see new business coming on board as our reputation for innovation grows within the industry". As market sectors become more intensely competitive, the need for creative and distinctive packaging can arguably make or break a product in a crowded marketplace. However, providing a pack that is both individual and commercially viable is often the challenge and it’s one that Spectra thrive on.
Colour Matching
Spectra can ensure consistency of colour across a number of materials and processes to bring vibrancy to customer’s products with expertise in pigments and the behaviour of colour masterbatch in the moulding process. Spectra can match and replicate a desired colour for a customer from a number of sources. These can include anything from a Pantone reference number through to an actual object. We believe that it is this precise colour matching which enables its customers to create a lasting and consistent brand identity in their chosen market sector. Spectra can also offer a fantastic array of colouring effects such as fluorescents, frosting, metallics, speckling and flecking, pearlescent and sparkling to ensure products have a true point of difference over their competition. With unique vibrant colours, physical properties and processing benefits, Spectra can further enhance the performance of many packaging products, a service that is proving essential to a number of today’s leading brands.
Closure Top Foil Blocking
STAMP SOME INDIVIDUALITY ON TO YOUR CLOSURES AND STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD Spectra understands the importance of eye-catching, well-designed packaging to help customers communicate their brand values and influence consumer preference. It’s why for nearly 10 years we have been pushing the boundaries in rigid plastics packaging to offer ground-breaking ways to help our customers stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s conceiving distinctive and radical new pack designs, forging ahead with advances in decoration techniques or creating new ways to improve existing components, Spectra has developed an enviable reputation as the “go-to” supplier for innovative packaging solutions. Our commitment to offering cutting edge pack decoration in-house continues with the launch of Closure Top Foil Blocking - designed to make products stand out from the crowd. THE BENEFITS ARE CLEAR TO SEE: This sophisticated print finish is designed to provide a genuine point of difference for brands seeking a touch of individuality in highly competitive market sectors. Traditionally technically challenging, Spectra can work to exacting tolerances to achieve fine and intricate designs with pin-sharp results. Available in a range of silvers and golds, Closure Top Foil Blocking offers customers the compelling opportunity to foil stamp their logo or brand onto the tops of standard closures without the need for custom injection tooling. Working harmoniously alongside Spectra’s other innovative pack print finishes, Closure Top Foil Blocking promises to be the decorative icing on the cake for brands looking for a genuinely individual look, which adds value to their packaging. To find out more about Closure Top Foil Blocking or any of Spectra’s other innovative decoration capabilities call us on +44 (0)1986 834190
Sugarcane Based Biopolymer Packaging
We can offer sugarcane based biopolymer materials for a sustainable alternative to conventional polyethylene. Made from the waste product of sugarcane, this truly recyclable material maintains the same chemical properties as conventional HDPE and PET with no difference in performance, appearance and recyclability to the end result. Capturing CO2 from the atmosphere during its production to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this material eliminates harmful fossil-based raw materials and counters unnecessary landfill dumping for a genuinely sustainable packaging solution.
PCR10 - 10% recycled content now comes as standard
Welcome to PCR10 - Spectra’s bold new environmental initiative aimed at helping customers move towards more sustainable packaging solutions. PCR10 is a mandatory opt-out scheme that will see a minimum of 10% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) materials included in new bottle manufacturing projects by the end of 2018. Provided at no extra cost, with no effect on existing specifications, PCR10 is aimed at reducing the level of virgin materials in the products we manufacture. We are encouraging both new and existing customers to join us in an exciting new initiative designed to help facilitate a circular economy for the good of the environment. What is PCR? PCR is recycled plastic made from discarded items such as plastic milk and drinks bottles and is an environmentally sustainable solution for reusing single-use materials that would otherwise be disposed of in landfill sites. The production of PCR begins with the collection and sorting of these discarded plastics in commercial and residential recycling programs. The recovered items are ground, washed, dried and pelletised - ready to be used again in future manufacturing. Primarily sourced in the UK to minimise transportation carbon footprint, Spectra’s PCR materials are closely monitored for traceability and reassurance and meet stringent European food contact regulations for genuine peace of mind. What are the benefits of PCR? - PCR reduces virgin plastic consumption - PCR reuses recovered plastics such as single-use items - The use of PCR greatly reduces landfill dumping - PCR can be recycled again for new manufacturing - PCR plastics don’t require any further depletion of new fossil fuels - Spectra’s PCR is primarily sourced in the UK to reduce transport and lessen our carbon footprint - Using PCR packaging helps brands show consumers they care about the impact of their product packaging on the environment - The use of post-consumer resins help forge a circular economy You can take PCR to higher levels Although Spectra’s PCR10 provides an ideal introduction to the environmental benefits of recycled plastics, customers can increase the levels of PCR in their packaging to percentage levels up to 100%. Increasing the level of provides an even greater sustainable solution for customers looking to embrace the circular benefits of recycled content in their product packaging. There are hardly any noticeable differences with 10% PCR, however, increasing levels beyond that percentage may result in some colour variations from batch to batch. This is because PCR originates from discarded plastics and as a result, there can be a small number of inclusions in source materials. Reassuringly, Spectra’s expert team can advise and guide on suitability, dependant on specific customer objectives and requirements. Whenever customers look at moving to recycled plastics, Spectra would always recommend testing to ensure they are happy with the end result before manufacture. To find out more about Spectra's PCR10 or any of our sustainable packaging solutions, call +44 (0)1986 834190 or email sales@spectra-packaging.co.uk
Spectra Packaging - Your Responsible Packaging Partner
Founded in 2007, Spectra has quickly become the packaging industry’s go-to for innovation and quality. Our energetic, solutions-led approach has earned long-term partnerships with leading high-street names in toiletries, cosmetics and personal care. From our modern, state-of-the-art site, we manufacture high-quality containers in versatile HDPE and glass-like PET, with a wide choice of precisely matched closures. Sustainability is built in: all Spectra bottles and closures contain a minimum of 35% recycled content as standard. We continue to advance biopolymer options and PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials across both HDPE and PET. As part of this commitment, Spectra supports the Prevented Ocean Plastic™ initiative, incorporating certified POP resins recovered from at-risk coastal regions into new, traceable packaging. This helps customers cut virgin polymer use, demonstrate responsible sourcing and make a measurable environmental difference. We continually expand our extensive range of standard bottles and caps for fast off-the-shelf solutions, while our bespoke custom-moulding and tooling service brings unique designs to life. Significant ongoing investment in our 17.4-acre production facility equips us with the latest machinery and automation, with plans for further expansion. Just as importantly, we invest in people: a dynamic, creative team of industry experts who understand the demands of today’s brands. From concept and material selection to tooling, decoration and logistics, Spectra provides clear guidance at every stage—combining technical know-how with the flexibility to meet each customer’s precise requirements.
Post Consumer Recycled Packaging
Our PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) materials are made from a combination of recycled plastic products and are an environmentally kinder alternative to plastics that would normally be disposed of in landfill sites. Primarily sourced from the UK, our PCR meets stringent European food contact regulations and can be provided in a variety of strengths, from 5% up to 100%. We have witnessed increasing uptake for PCR products over recent years with growing numbers of customers looking to adopt a greener approach with their packaging.
Sugarcane Based Biopolymer Packaging
We can offer sugarcane based biopolymer materials for a sustainable alternative to conventional polyethylene. Made from the waste product of sugarcane, this truly recyclable material maintains the same chemical properties as conventional HDPE and PET with no difference in performance, appearance and recyclability to the end result. Capturing CO2 from the atmosphere during its production to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this material eliminates harmful fossil-based raw materials and counters unnecessary landfill dumping for a genuinely sustainable packaging solution.
Injection Moulded Closures
To complement our EBM and ISB containers, we can also supply innovative quality injection moulded closures to give customers a total packaging solution. We ensure the closures we make not only perfectly fit our bottle ranges, but also fit our customers needs too. We achieve this by offering a bespoke service aimed at delivering the highest quality components for a wide range of market sectors. Our flexible approach enables us to supply minimum order quantities as low as 5,000 pieces for both bottles and caps; this provides genuine versatility for large brands looking to launch new lines or smaller brands wishing to minimise stock levels. Customers can also take advantage of our expert market knowledge, with a whole range of added value benefits. These include polymer colouring expertise which can provide stunning results with a variety of effects such as metallics or pearls, as well as exact colour matching. This service is reinforced with guidance and technical assistance, from design and materials to choose the ideal cap for a particular bottle type. A SINGLE SOURCE SERVICE FOR PEACE OF MIND The success of a finished pack can often be let down by an inferior fitting closure. That’s why we have developed a range of injection moulded products that are stringently tested to provide total reliability when combined with one of our standard bottles. Our ability to manufacture everything in-house makes us a genuine ‘single source supplier’ for both bottles and caps giving peace of mind. Our fully synchronised delivery commitment is aimed at providing a stress-free in-house service. We understand that using two separate manufacturers for both bottle and cap can often result in different lead-times, hampering the progress of your packaging project when all you want is to get your product to market.
Tubular Bottles (EBM)
Our extensive collection of tubular bottles is arguably one of the largest on the market. Alongside a comprehensive selection of tubular designs, this range also includes sleek, slim options, short versions as well as non-aerosols for a versatile and timeless packaging solution for any product application. Our HDPE tubular range is available in 30ml to 500ml capacity sizes.
Boston Round Bottles (EBM)
Ever popular with brands seeking a versatile packaging solution, our Boston rounds provide the perfect all-rounder for a host of market sectors. With standard, tall and flat based options available, these versatile designs are available in 50ml to 500ml capacity sizes.
Round and Oval Bottles (EBM)
Our innovative collection of HDPE ovals and rounds provide genuine diversity. These designs have been developed to give brands unquestionable breadth of choice to ensure products stand out from the crowd. Our HDPE round and ovals are available in a range of capacities up to 500ml.
Square Bottles (EBM)
Our comprehensive range of HDPE square designs provides distinctive styling with the benefit of four faces for maximum impact for branding and decoration. These distinguished square packs are available in standard, short, tall or mid square designs in capacities up to 500ml.
Encore Oval Bottles (EBM)
Designed to accommodate our stylish oval flip-top closure (Ref: 3030), our innovative Encore packs offer a genuine touch of ergonomic distinction. This adaptable oval range provides the perfect solution for a wide range of product applications and is available in 150ml to 500ml capacity sizes.
Tubular Bottles (ISB)
Available in capacity sizes up to 500ml, our PET tubular designs provide simple, understated sophistication for many uses. The versatility of this pack continues to be popular with brands seeking a classic look and includes standard styles as well as short, slim and non-aerosols versions.
Boston Round Bottles (ISB)
Appreciated among customers looking for genuine versatility, our wide range of PET Boston rounds provide a reliable solution for many market sectors. Available in standard, tall and flat based options, this popular collection is available in 50ml to 500ml capacity sizes.
Round and Oval Bottles (ISB)
Our wide choice of off-the-shelf PET oval and round packs have been designed to give brands a leading-edge solution. This diverse collection can achieve that all important point of difference for a host of product applications and are available in 50ml to 500ml capacity sizes.
Eclipse Oval Bottles (ISB)
Our unique Eclipse Oval designs span six capacity options in a range of sizes starting at 50ml. Ideal for brands looking for something different, the Eclipse boasts a distinctive crescent shoulder profile with subtle oval contours. This sophisticated pack is guaranteed to get products noticed.
Square Bottles (ISB)
Our collection of PET squares includes a range of tall, short and regular options in capacities up to 500ml. There are also stylish tapered versions, including our distinctive Veneto family. For a pack with a twisted contour, this range also includes the radical Ritorto design, a pack with a true point of difference.
