Where is the data hosted?
Data is hosted in Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure. Hosting locations can be selected (UK, EU, US, APAC) depending on your data residency requirements.
FAQs
All your questions answered
Still curious about how Merchant Packaging fits into your tech stack? Browse detailed answers below.
Platform & Hosting
Can we request a specific hosting region for compliance?
Yes. You may choose your preferred Azure region to meet local data residency or regulatory obligations.
Is the platform multi-tenant or single-tenant?
The platform supports both shared and dedicated environments. Enterprise customers can request isolated single-tenant hosting.
Is the system available 24/7?
Yes. The platform is designed for continuous global access with monitored uptime SLAs.
Security & Authentication
Does the system support Single Sign-On (SSO)?
Yes. Azure AD, Entra ID, SAML, and OAuth2 identity providers are supported for internal users.
How is data secured?
All data is encrypted at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.2+). Infrastructure is hardened following Microsoft security guidelines.
Is supplier access isolated from internal company data?
Yes. Role-based access control ensures suppliers can only view and submit their own data.
Do you support MFA?
Yes. MFA is available through Azure AD and required for sensitive roles.
Is the platform audited?
All user actions are logged with timestamps, IP addresses, and event type for defensible compliance evidence.
Data & Regulatory Coverage
Which countries' EPR legislation is supported?
The platform supports UK EPR, EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive, and can be extended to other jurisdictions including Canada, Australia, and the US.
Does the system support Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)?
Yes. It captures all required recyclate and material data to calculate UK PPT exposure.
Can the system adapt to changes in legislation?
Yes. Validation rules, required fields, and reporting formats are configurable to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Can we configure custom data requirements?
Yes. You can add, remove, or modify data fields and validation rules without development work.
Data Storage & Retention
How long is data retained?
Retention policies are configurable. Many customers keep 6–10 years of data for auditing and regulatory backtracking.
Can we export our data at any time?
Yes. You can export all packaging data, certificates, submissions, users, and reporting outputs in CSV, Excel, or API formats.
How is evidence stored?
Certificates, PDFs, and documents are stored in secure Azure Blob Storage with version history.
Is historical versioning supported?
Yes. All changes are versioned, allowing full visibility into what was submitted, when, and by whom.
Supplier Engagement & Onboarding
Do suppliers need training?
Typically no; the interface is guided and simple. Optional training materials or onboarding sessions can be provided.
Is there a limit to the number of suppliers or users?
No. The platform scales to support thousands of suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Can the system chase suppliers automatically?
Yes. Automated reminder emails and notifications reduce manual chasing.
Can suppliers bulk upload data?
Yes. CSV, Excel, and API integrations are available for large suppliers.
Integrations
Does the system integrate with ERP/PLM systems?
Yes. Integrations with SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, Netsuite, and internal PLM systems are available via API/Webhooks.
Do you provide API access?
Full REST API access allows product, packaging, user, and submission data to be retrieved or updated programmatically.
Can we automate data flows between systems?
Yes. Webhooks and scheduled exports support automated synchronisation.
Reporting & Analytics
Which regulatory reports are supported?
UK EPR, UK PPT, EU Packaging Waste reporting, supplier compliance summaries, and custom regulatory formats.
Can we build our own dashboards?
Yes. Power BI integration is provided, and raw data can be exported for custom analytics.
Does the platform include sustainability metrics?
Yes. Metrics include recycled content, packaging weight reduction, plastic tonnage, and recyclability indicators.
Customisation
Can we customise forms and workflows?
Yes. All data fields, validation rules, deadlines, and workflows can be configured without code.
Can branding be customised?
Yes. Logos, colours, and messaging templates can be tailored to your organisation.
Can we define our own approval steps?
Yes. Workflows are configurable to match your internal review and approval processes.
Commercial & Licensing
How is the platform licensed?
Licensing options include per-supplier, per-SKU, per-submission, or enterprise unlimited models.
Are there onboarding costs?
Enterprise deployments may include optional onboarding, training, and integration packages.
Is there a free supplier tier?
Yes. Suppliers generally do not pay for access.