With roots dating back to 1737, the Swedish Bong Group is one of Europe’s leading providers of specialty packaging and envelope products. Operating across 13 countries with around 1,000 employees and annual sales of approximately SEK 1.9 billion, Bong offers tailored solutions for the distribution and packaging of information, advertising materials, and lightweight goods. As digitalization reshapes the industry, Bong has strategically shifted focus toward light packaging, addressing the growing needs of both industry and e-commerce.
The Challenge: Complex Processes Needing a Flexible Solution
Before implementing PrintVis, Bong faced the challenge of managing highly complex production processes involving various combinations of materials and formats. “We needed a system that was not only scalable, but also highly flexible – something that could grow with us and adapt to the way we work,” explains the Bong team. The company required a solution that could streamline operations without compromising on the ability to handle custom specifications and tight deadlines.
Why PrintVis: Speed, Accuracy, and Control
Bong’s search for a new system was driven by the need for speed, accuracy, and control. “We were looking for a solution that would allow us to respond quickly to inquiries, generate accurate quotes and still give us full control over cost structures and margins,” they explain. After evaluating several options, Bong chose PrintVis, built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. “It offered the flexibility we needed to handle our unique workflows, while also being rooted in the practical realities of print and manufacturing operations.”
Sustainability at the Core of Innovation
Sustainability is a key driver of Bong’s innovation strategy. As the Bong team explains, “We work with a raw material that comes from renewable resources which is also recyclable several times. To make sure the paper comes from sustainable forestry, we choose our suppliers very carefully.” Bong also evaluates other materials like glue and ink and has modernized its production processes to be more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Innovation plays a central role in this transformation. “Our clients expect sustainable packaging solutions, and our product development constantly looks at more efficient solutions which will reduce packaging material, volume, weight, and waste, such as our ecommerce mailer e-Green. Another example is our most recent product, a bubble mailer without plastic, called AirPro Green.”
To support these innovations, Bong has invested heavily in new technologies. “AirPro Green required some new machinery. The production of embossed paper for the padding was a completely new production step for us. Combining the padding with two paper layers and converting it into a mailer was not possible with our existing machines. So we needed to invest in new technology, and the development and optimization is still ongoing.”
Looking Ahead: A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
Bong’s commitment to sustainability is long-term and deeply integrated into its operations. The Bong group holds certifications as FSC®, PEFC, Blue Angel, and Ecovadis, and continues to push the boundaries of sustainable packaging. “Sustainability is not a trend; it is an ongoing major topic for the industry and consumers. At Bong we will focus further on increasing our efficiency, reducing our environmental impact and on developing sustainable solutions for our clients,” the Bong team emphasizes.
For more information about Bong and their product range, please visit: www.bong.com