In a significant move towards sustainability, Paul Dungate from stevensdrake’s Corporate and Commercial Law Department has successfully secured a strategic partnership between B Corp sustainable packaging company BioPak UK and the SOCIUS Network.

This deal, focusing on certified compostable packaging solutions, aims to maximise National and European distribution while fostering world-class product development. The collaboration promises to meet the growing market demand for sustainability for years to come, offering innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Mike Revell, Managing Director of the SOCIUS Network, said: “The SOCIUS Network has used Paul for over ten years, and this recent project was the largest our business has been involved in. Paul was involved right from the beginning, and his advice, experience, and tenacity resulted in a contract with our client being able to move forward. 

His patience and his understanding of the details of the contract were grasped very early on, for not only SOCIOUS Network but also its members.”

The partnership was formalised through two key agreements: an agency agreement to promote and encourage SOCIUS Network members to adopt BioPak’s products and a distribution agreement tailored to maximise the reach and impact of BioPak’s sustainable packaging solutions. 

Paul’s involvement was crucial in navigating the complexities of both agreements, ensuring that the interests of SOCIUS Network were well-represented.

With 22 members and 28 locations across the UK, Ireland, and the Channel Islands, and a partnership with the DHYS Group European Network, the SOCIUS Network is one of the leading distributors of catering disposables, paper hygiene, glassware and crockery, food packaging, and chemicals to the catering and hygiene sectors. 

This new partnership allows SOCIUS Network members to expand their product portfolio by switching to more sustainable, plant-based alternatives offered by BioPak. Additionally, BioPak will act as an advisor and expert in sustainable packaging, providing valuable insights and guidance to the SOCIUS Network. 

Paul Dungate’s role extended beyond securing the agreements; he provided continuous support and legal advice throughout the process. 

Revell claimed, “It was a long process but it was nice to have a good solicitor to support and protect your back…We will continue to use Paul’s services moving forward when the needs are required.”