Root Innovation – packaging innovation and brand sustainability consultant

We are driven by the urgency for change.

We reduce the impact of every product we work on by helping producers deliver the most responsible packaging solutions possible.

Root supports the world’s most prolific producers of goods and packaging to become fit for a regenerative future.

We are actively working towards a world where all organisations use less and are regenerative, inclusive and kind to people and planet.

We use decades of technical, environmental and creative expertise to deliver industry-leading analysis, strategy and consultancy. This is driven by our Design for Life methodology and informed by our unique data store – Root Knowledge Bank.

We work in partnership with your team to create low-impact circular packaging solutions and blueprints for business sustainability. Sustainable packaging isn’t a box ticking exercise. It is integral to your brand’s future. It is integral to the planet’s future survival. We are independent which means we will objectively critique all aspects of the packaging cycle. From legislation to implementation, we pride ourselves on providing clear, workable and immediate actions.

Design For Life is our unique and highly-regarded science-based methodology used for measuring the holistic impact of packaging on the planet and its people. It drives every single analysis and strategy project we deliver.

We go above and beyond Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) using our own carefully designed analytics to assess real-world impact across people and planet. Our core team and network of experts draw on our vast Knowledge Bank of technical, environmental and creative data as well as their own cutting-edge expertise in their fields to evaluate and create robust reports and practical working strategies.

Built up over decades, our data bank is a unique resource that we continually tap into and draw on when needed. When we work with you, we grant you access to this vast collection of information and evaluation.

We invest 25% of our time each year to stay up to date with innovations throughout the lifecycle of packaging. From design and manufacturing through to collection and reuse or recycling. Every year we attend the most relevant events worldwide specific to sustainability, packaging and resource management. We send our enthusiastic, expert team to relevant site visits, training and research trips to get to the root of subjects including zero waste and waste management in developing countries to ensure we are always at the forefront.

WE BELIEVE IN

WE ACT

LEADERSHIP
Our unique blend of specialist insight, influencer networks and innovation research keeps us at the forefront of this fast-changing industry. It enables us to apply disruptive thinking, dislodge limiting patterns, and inspire future-forward ideas that help clients adopt a leadership position in their sector.

PERSONAL SERVICE
Every client and every brief is unique. We curate expert teams tailored to the specifics of each brief. Personal relationships and collaboration are at the heart of our success, and we work hard to build rapport with every stakeholder.

LASTING CHANGE
Our vision is for lasting change. We aim to leave every client with the capability and confidence to continue on their sustainability journey as an integral part of business–as-usual.

PRAGMATISM
Our solutions are developed to be practical, affordable and lasting. We invest time in understanding the business and consumer in depth so that solutions are commercially astute as well as responsible.

TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO…
Policy and legislation has started to incentivise brands to ensure their packaging is fully recyclable. This so-called ‘progress’ will not help us change the way we use and degrade the world’s precious resources. We will push our clients to go further…

FOR THE FUTURE…
We take a step back from the traditional granular approach to packaging and look at the bigger picture. We keep up to date and on the ground when it comes to the latest academic thinking, innovations and legislation so we are able to stay ahead of governments and policy: it’s the way we make sure our clients are future-proofed.

TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE…
Brands come to us because they want us to push them outside of their comfort zones to explore new packaging systems and solutions that enable them to grow their business while knowing it is fit for a regenerative future where all businesses do more to lessen their impact.

‘Root have been a great asset in helping us analyse and adapt our POS agenda to help perpetuate our corporate sustainability goals. The outputs are driving a more sustainable POS agenda and overall positioning. They are agile and thorough and a pleasure to work with'

Global Customer Marketing Manager at a leading global spirits brand.
'The team at Root widened my vision on sustainability from initially only thinking about packaging, to considering waste management throughout my business and complete supply chain, also considering other topics such as energy, water and worker welfare. Sustainability is now rooted at the core of the business and involved in all decision making; and not only as a way of meeting our own objectives, or those of legislation, but its quite simply smarter , more efficient and overall better business.'

Founder of emerging nutrition brand
‘We have gained valuable insights about packaging and how to protect the environment and the work has enabled us to save time and money. The outcomes of the work will help the business reduce it’s impact on people and planet and help us meet our environmental targets.'

Ash Sinfield, Founder at Teals
'Tracy is an incredibly capable consultant and mentor. Root have made a huge impact within less than 12months; shaping clients' sustainable NPD; inspiring clients' environmental focus; and impacting clients UK marketing strategies. Their thorough and personable approach makes them easy to trust and easy to learn from. Enterprise Ireland would highly recommend Root’s services for all packaging sustainability projects.'

Conor Stone, Cleantech & Consumer Business Development, Enterprise Ireland
'Tracy has a great empathy for brands and their subtleties. Root were instrumental in translating our brand values into a clear packaging strategy. Their simple and focused approach drilled down into our USPs to craft a set of guidelines that we are using to drive the design and production of all physical brand touch points'

Riz Smith, Co Founder or Riz Boardshorts
‘The strategy work Root delivered for us is really leading the way’

Sustainability Director, Global beverage business
‘Root helped us navigate a complex issue with new insight and clarity. They combine technical expertise with deep sustainability know-how, and are fantastic to work with.’

Vicky Murray, Sustainability Manager, Pukka
'Tracy and the team’s specialist knowledge in sustainable packaging and understanding of the luxury market make Root an excellent partner to work with. Their ability to translate the complex needs of global brands and designers and evolve them into NPD briefs is invaluable. Their understanding of the complex landscape we work in and knowledge of international waste management and government policies enables them to create excellent strategic solutions.'

Phil Wild, CEO James Cropper
We worked with Root to analyse the impact of key packaging SKU’s using their Impact Analysis tool and help us understand competitive performance. They developed a Packaging Strategy that met immediate customer needs and help me to build a strong strategic business case for a broader shift for how the business approaches packaging development. The outputs were translated into pilot projects developed into blueprints for roll out. Root is one of our most valuable suppliers - their knowledge and approach is helping reduce costs to the customer while developing a new competitive advantage for the company.

Ian B, 2017 to 2020, Business Unit Director, $15bn market cap, global medical device manufacturer