The introduction of mandatory folic acid fortification has already been widely discussed in terms of public health. What’s less talked about, but just as important for flour producers, is the ripple effect this regulation will have on operations, supply chains and long-term business strategy.

Packaging is no longer a passive part of production; it’s become a frontline issue that affects compliance, efficiency, sustainability and even brand reputation. For those who get it right, this shift is an opportunity to strengthen customer relationships, win new contracts, and demonstrate leadership in a changing marketplace. For those who delay, the risks extend far beyond the packaging floor.

The Cost of Delay

Flour producers who wait until the last minute to adjust packaging processes may find themselves in crisis. It’s not just the threat of regulatory non-compliance, although fines and recalls are severe enough on their own. The real danger lies in operational bottlenecks.

• Supply shortages: As fortification becomes mandatory, demand for compliant paper sacks is set to surge. Securing supply now means avoiding bottlenecks later.

• Retailer pressure: Supermarkets and foodservice buyers are already signalling tighter procurement rules. Businesses without compliant, sustainable sacks risk being delisted.

• Operational inefficiency: Poorly designed packaging slows down filling lines, increases wastage, and damages margins.

In short, failing to act now doesn’t just put you behind your competitors – it puts your entire business model at risk.

A Strategic Opportunity For Businesses To Step Ahead

It’s important to recognise that packaging compliance isn’t just a regulatory hurdle; it’s a strategic opportunity. By rethinking packaging today, flour producers can position themselves as leaders in three critical areas:

1. Food safety – Show regulators and retailers that your brand prioritises product integrity and consumer health.

2. Sustainability – Demonstrate commitment to reducing plastic waste and cutting carbon footprint, aligning with consumer expectations.

3. Brand value – Use packaging as a communication tool, from bold graphics and clear labelling to sustainability messages that resonate with buyers.

This is where Peter Marsh Group’s expertise stands out. We don’t just deliver sacks — we deliver confidence.

How Peter Marsh Group Helps Producers Stay Ahead

Our team has been working side by side with leading UK flour producers to create packaging that doesn’t just meet requirements but adds measurable value to their businesses. From food-grade kraft papers to bespoke coatings, from batch labelling to export-ready compliance, we take a holistic view of your needs.

  • Consultative approach – We analyse your current packaging, identify gaps, and propose future-proof solutions.
  • Custom solutions – Every flour producer is different, so we design sacks around your machinery, storage, and branding needs.
  • Proven track record – As our long-term clients have already experienced, our paper sacks consistently outperform plastic when it comes to preserving fortified flour.

One milling client recently told us that making the switch wasn’t just about compliance, it was about unlocking efficiency. With condensation eliminated and shelf life improved, their packaging waste dropped, their filling lines ran more smoothly, and their brand presented a more professional face to retailers.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Packaging transitions are not achieved overnight. Sampling, testing, and scaling production take time, which means early movers will always have the advantage. Leaving it late risks forcing change under pressure, with fewer choices and higher costs.

By working with Peter Marsh Group now, you:

  • Secure access to capacity before demand spikes.
  • Protect your brand from the reputational risks of last-minute scrambling.
  • Turn compliance into a marketing advantage by being ahead of your competitors.

In other words: you don’t just avoid disruption, you gain momentum.

Let’s Future-Proof Your Packaging

At Peter Marsh Group, we see this as more than a regulatory shift. It’s a chance to lead the flour sector into a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future. With over 150 years of experience, we’ve guided producers through countless industry changes, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Don’t wait until the shelves are filled with competitors who moved faster. Contact Peter Marsh Group today for a free consultation or to request a sample pack tailored to your production needs.

Visit www.petermarsh.co.uk or call our Business Development Team now.

Your flour packaging is changing and you should change with it.