2025: A Year in Labels, Packaging & People

2025: A Year in Labels, Packaging & People

As another eventful year draws to a close, we’re taking a look back at the highlights, milestones and memories that made 2025 one to remember for everyone at Baker Labels, BakPac and Baker Materials.

It’s been a year full of progress – from major investments and award nominations to team adventures, community projects and charity fundraising. None of this would be possible without our customers, suppliers and partners. Their continued trust in us enables not only our growth and innovation, but also the support we’re able to give back to our local community through the Bakers Foundation.

Putting People & Wellbeing First

At Bakers, our people are our biggest strength, and this year we’ve continued to prioritise their wellbeing, training and happiness.

We kicked off the year with a visit from Paws in Work – an event full of puppy cuddles and smiles designed to boost morale. This was followed by Digital Health Checks for all staff and our recognition as a Working Well Accredited Employer.

We also celebrated together in true Baker style – with a VE Day “Street Party” and a muddy team challenge at the Nuclear Races.

The team spirit extended into the local community too. We sponsored and supported both the Brentwood Half Marathon and the Try-a-Tri event. (Both these events went on to win local sports awards.) We finished off the summer with our much-loved Bakers’ Big Adventure weekend, this time in the New Forest.

Innovation & Investment

2025 was a landmark year for investment and growth across all areas of the business.

At Baker Labels, we installed two brand-new HP Indigo 6K+ presses – the latest generation of digital print technology, boosting quality and efficiency for our trade customers.

At Labelexpo 2025, we announced over £1 million of investment in new equipment to strengthen our print capabilities even further. Meanwhile, at BakPac, capacity soared with the installation of additional Galaxy Packtech pouchmakers – taking us to five in total – and production hitting an incredible milestone of over 1 million pouches in a single week!

It was also a busy year for knowledge sharing and collaboration. We hosted a Durst Open House at our Brentwood HQ, bringing together print professionals to see the Durst TAU RSC LED in action, and our MD, Steve Baker, took to the stage at Labelexpo to share his insights on the future of digital print.

Awards & Recognition

It’s always nice to see our team’s hard work recognised, and 2025 brought several proud moments.

We were Highly Commended in the Printweek Company of the Year Award and  finalists at the Digital Labels and Packaging Awards. This year we were also crowned winners of the Outstanding Employer of the Year award at the BPIF Training Awards for our investment in developing people and Active Essex Employer of the Year.

Our young talent continued to shine. Two Bakers team members were recognised as Rising Stars, celebrating at the House of Lords in July.

Community & Charity

Thanks to the continued loyalty of our customers, the Bakers Foundation was able to donate a record-breaking £175,000 to 36 charities this year. We supported everything from children’s hospices to mental health programmes and community services.

We also funded a pond-dipping platform for local schools at a nearby reservoir, giving young people a fun and educational space to learn about nature.

Our team has gone above and beyond for great causes. From Cycling for Kids Inspire, getting muddy for charity, and proudly wearing pink for Breast Cancer Now. It’s a huge part of what makes Bakers who we are: a company that cares about the people behind the products.

In Memory of Marian Baker

This year also brought a moment of deep sadness for everyone at Bakers with the passing of Marian Baker, who, alongside her husband Roy, founded the company in 1973. Marian remained an inspiring presence throughout our journey, and her warmth, determination and belief in people helped shape the culture we are so proud of today. We are grateful for her incredible legacy, which lives on in every part of the business and in the Bakers family she helped create.

A Message From Steve Baker

“2025 has been another reminder of what makes this company truly special – not just our labels, packaging or materials, but the people and partnerships behind them. Every customer, colleague and supplier plays a part in our story, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a restful break, and a happy, successful 2026.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

We’re heading into 2026 with gratitude, excitement and plenty of momentum. Our plans for next year include continued investment in technology, growing our flexible packaging capabilities at BakPac, and further strengthening our sustainability and wellbeing programmes.
To every one of our customers, suppliers, and partners – thank you. Your support allows us to keep innovating, employing, training, and giving back to the community that’s grown with us for over 50 years.