At Direct Packaging & Solutions Ltd, we value the trust you place in us and are committed to protecting your personal data. When you choose to shop with us, you place a great deal of trust in our business. You rely on our top-quality service and products and expect a positive shopping experience.

As individuals, we want to know that personal information about ourselves is handled properly, and we and others have specific rights in this regard. In the course of its activities the company will collect, store and process personal data, and it recognises that the correct and lawful treatment of this data will maintain confidence in the organisation and will provide for successful business operations.

The types of personal data that the company may be required to handle include information about current, past and prospective employees, suppliers, customers, and others with whom it communicates. The personal data, which may be held on paper or on a computer or other media, is subject to certain legal safeguards specified in the Data Protection Act 2018 (the Act) and other regulations. The Act imposes restrictions on how the company may process personal data, and a breach of the Act could give rise to criminal sanctions as well as bad publicity.

If your personal or bank details change please inform the company straight away so that accurate records may be maintained

It doesn’t end there—we have further responsibilities towards our customers, such as protecting your personal data. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website https://directpackaging.online, make a purchase, or interact with us. We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Status of this Policy

This policy sets out the company’s rules on data protection and the eight data protection principles contained in it. These principles specify the legal conditions that must be satisfied in relation to the obtaining, handling, processing, transportation and storage of personal data.

The company’s Data Protection Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and with this policy. The Data Protection Compliance Manager is the Managing Director. Any questions or concerns about the interpretation or operation of this policy should be taken up in the first instance with the Data Protection Compliance Manager.

This policy is not part of the contract of employment and the company may amend it at any time. However, it is a condition of employment that employees and others who obtain, handle, process, transport and store personal data will adhere to the rules of the policy. Any breach of the policy will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action.

Any employee who considers that the policy has not been followed in respect of personal data about themselves or others should raise the matter with their Line Manager and/or the company’s Data Protection Compliance Manager in the first instance.

Definition of Data Protection Terms

Data is recorded information whether stored electronically, on a computer, or in certain paper-based filing systems. 

Personal data means data relating to a living individual who can be identified from that data (or from that data and other information in possession of the company).Personal data can be factual (such as a name, address or date of birth) or it can be an opinion (such as a performance appraisal). It can even include a simple e-mail address. It is important that the information has the data subject as its focus and affects the individual's privacy in some way. Mere mention of someone's name in a document does not constitute personal data, but personal details such as someone's contact details or salary would still fall within the scope of the Data Protection Act 2018. 

Data controllers are the people or organisations who determine the purposes for which, and the manner in which, any personal data is processed. They have a responsibility to establish practices and policies in line with the Act. This company is the data controller of all personal data used in its business. 

Data Users include employees whose work involves using personal data. Data users have a duty to protect the information they handle by following the company’s data protection and security policies at all times. 

Data Processors include any person who processes personal data on behalf of a data controller. Employees of data controllers are excluded from this definition, but it could include suppliers which handle personal data on the company’s behalf. 

Processing is any activity that involves use of the data. It includes obtaining, recording or holding the data, or carrying out any operation or set of operations on the data including organising, amending, retrieving, using, disclosing, erasing or destroying it. Processing also includes transferring personal data to third parties. 

Sensitive Personal data includes information about a person's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or similar beliefs, trade union membership, physical or mental health or condition or sexual life, or about the commission of, or proceedings for, any offence committed or alleged to have been committed by that person, the disposal of such proceedings or the sentence of any court in such proceedings. Sensitive personal data can only be processed under strict conditions, including a condition requiring the express permission of the person concerned. 

Data Protection Principles

Anyone processing personal data must comply with the eight enforceable principles of good practice. These provide that personal data must be:- 

1        Processed fairly and lawfully

2         Processed for limited purposes and in an appropriate way

3         Adequate, relevant and not excessive for the purpose

4         Accurate

5         Not kept longer than necessary for the purpose

6         Processed in line with data subjects' rights

7         Secure

8         Not transferred to people or organisations situated in countries without adequate protection

Fair and Lawful Processing

The Act is intended not to prevent the processing of personal data, but to ensure that it is done fairly and without adversely affecting the rights of the data subject. The data subject must be told who the data controller is (in this case this company), the purpose for which the data is to be processed by this company, and the identities of anyone to whom the data may be disclosed or transferred. 

For personal data to be processed lawfully, certain specific conditions have to be met. These include, among other things, requirements that the data subject has consented to the processing, or that the processing is necessary for the legitimate interest of the data controller or the party to whom the data is disclosed. When sensitive personal data is being processed, additional conditions must be met. In most cases the data subject's explicit consent to the processing of such data will be required.

Processing for Limited Purposes

Personal data may only be processed for the specific purposes notified to the data subject when the data was first collected or for any other purposes specifically permitted by the Act. This means that personal data must not be collected for one purpose and then used for another. If it becomes necessary to change the purpose for which the data is processed, the data subject must be informed of the new purpose before any processing occurs.

Adequate Relevant and Non-Excessive Processing

Personal data should only be collected to the extent that it is required for the specific purpose notified to the data subject. Any data which is not necessary for that purpose should not be collected in the first place. 

Accurate Data

Personal data must be accurate and kept up to date. Information which is incorrect or misleading is not accurate and steps should therefore be taken to check the accuracy of any personal data at the point of collection and at regular intervals afterwards. Inaccurate or out-of-date data should be destroyed. 

Timely Processing

Personal data should not be kept longer than is necessary for the purpose. This means that data should be destroyed or erased from the company’s systems when it is no longer required. 

Processing In Line With Data Subject’s Rights

Data must be processed in line with data subjects' rights. Data subjects have a right to:-

1         Request access to any data held about them by a data controller

2         Prevent the processing of their data for direct-marketing purposes

3         Ask to have inaccurate data amended

4         Prevent processing that is likely to cause damage or distress to themselves or anyone else 

Data Security

The company will ensure that appropriate security measures are taken against unlawful or unauthorised processing of personal data, and against the accidental loss of, or damage to, personal data. Data subjects may apply to the courts for compensation if they have suffered damage from such a loss. 

The Act requires the company to put in place procedures and technologies to maintain the security of all personal data from the point of collection to the point of destruction. Personal data may only be transferred to a third-party data processor if he agrees to comply with those procedures and policies, or if he puts in place adequate measures himself. 

Maintaining data security means guaranteeing the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the personal data, defined as follows:-

• Confidentiality means that only people who are authorised to use the data can access it
• Integrity means that personal data should be accurate and suitable for the purpose for which it is processed
• Availability means that authorised users should be able to access the data if they need it for authorised purposes. Personal data should therefore be stored on the company’s central computer system instead of individual PCs 

Security procedures include:-

• Entry controls. Any stranger seen in entry-controlled areas should be reported
• Secure lockable desks and cupboards. Desks and cupboards should be kept locked if they hold confidential information of any kind. (Personal information is always considered confidential)
• Methods of disposal. Paper documents should be shredded. Floppy disks and CD-ROMs should be physically destroyed when they are no longer required
• Data users should ensure that individual monitors do not show confidential information to passers-by and that they log off from their PC when it is left unattended

Dealing With Subject Access Requests

A formal request from a data subject for information the company holds about them must be made in writing. Employees who receive a written request should forward it to the Data Protection Compliance Manager immediately. 

When receiving telephone enquiries, employees should be careful about disclosing any personal information held on the company’s systems. In particular they should:- 

• Check the caller's identity to make sure that information is only given to a person who is entitled to it
• Suggest that the caller put their request in writing where the employee is not sure about the caller's identity and where their identity cannot be checked.
• Refer to the Data Protection Compliance Manager for assistance in difficult situations. Employees should not be bullied into disclosing personal information

Who We Are

Direct Packaging & Solutions Ltd
Watergate, Broxhill Road, Havering-Atte-Bower, Romford, Essex RM4 1QH, United Kingdom

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy, please contact our Data Protection Officer at:

. Email: privacy@directpackaging.online

Your Personal Data

When you open an account with us, either over the phone, online, or face-to-face, we require your basic personal information to provide you with the best possible service. We treat this information in accordance with this privacy policy and in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

By entering your personal information on our website, you accept that we may retain your information and that it may be processed by third-party companies on our behalf.

Which Data We Collect and Why

The data we collect enables us to operate and improve the service we offer you. This includes:

• Account Information: When you register with us, we ask for personal information such as your first name, last name, address (or business address), email, and phone number. This helps us to recognize you as our customer and offer our services effectively. This data is essential for order processing, customer service, and delivery of goods.
• Payment Information: When you choose to pay online, we collect your payment card information, but we do not store these details. All payment processing is handled by third-party payment processors that are GDPR compliant.
• Shopping History: We retain information about your purchase history to enhance your shopping experience and recommend relevant products.
• Customer Correspondence: We keep records of emails and other communications with you, helping us resolve any issues with products or services.
• Third-Party Information: We may collect information about you from third-party service providers, such as credit reference agencies, to recognize you as a trusted customer.
• Technical Information: This includes details like IP addresses, browser information, and visit history. We use this data to improve website functionality and security.

How we use cookies

• To estimate our audience size and usage pattern;
• To store information about your preferences, and so allow us to customise our site according to your individual interests;
• To speed up your searches;
• To recognise you when you return to our site.
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You may refuse to accept cookies by activating the setting on your browser which allows you to refuse the setting of cookies. However, if you select this setting you may be unable to access certain parts of our site. Unless you have adjusted your browser setting so that it will refuse cookies, our system will issue cookies when you log on to our site. 

How We Use Your Data

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Registering you as a customer.
• Processing and fulfilling your orders.
• Planning and managing our business operations.
• Providing customer support and responding to your requests.
• Analysing customer shopping behaviour to improve services.
• Gathering anonymized statistical information for business research.
• Marketing products and services, with your consent.
• Preventing and detecting fraud.
• Complying with legal requirements.

Marketing

We may contact you with information about promotions, products, and special offers. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time using the following methods:

• Email: Unsubscribe via the link in the email or by visiting our website and entering your email. Contacting us at info@directpackaging.online.
• SMS: Reply STOP to any SMS marketing message.
• Postal: Contact us via email at info@directpackaging.online with your postal address to unsubscribe.

Account Deletion

If you create an account with us, you have the option to delete your account at any time. To delete your account, follow these steps:

• Log in to your account on our app or website and navigate to the Account Settings section.
• Select Delete Account and follow the instructions to permanently delete your account and associated personal data.

Alternatively, you can request account deletion by contacting us at support@directpackaging.online

Please note that once an account is deleted, it cannot be restored, and all associated data will be permanently removed unless legally required to be retained.

Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal data:

• Account Information: Full name, email address, telephone number, delivery address, and other contact details when you register on our site, make a purchase, or contact us.
• Payment Information: We collect payment details, but these are securely processed by third-party payment processors. We do not store your payment information.
• Purchase and Order Information: Your shopping history and information related to your purchases.
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, and usage data collected through cookies.
• Correspondence: Emails or messages exchanged with customer service.
• Cookies: Used to enhance your experience and improve website performance. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings.

1. Why We Collect Your Data

We collect your data for the following purposes:

• To process and fulfil your orders.
• To provide customer support.
• To manage your account and update you on order status.
• To analyse customer trends and improve our services.
• For legal and regulatory compliance.
• To market products and services, with your consent.

Third-Party Data Sharing

We may share your data with trusted third-party service providers for:

• Payment Processing: (e.g., Barclaycard ePDQ).
• Delivery Services: To fulfil your orders.
• Email Marketing: (e.g., Mailchimp).

We ensure that all third parties comply with GDPR and handle your data securely.

Trustpilot Integration for Customer Reviews

We value your feedback and strive to provide the best possible service. To help us improve, we have integrated Trustpilot, a third-party platform, to collect and verify customer reviews about your experience with our products and services.

As part of this integration, Trustpilot may place cookies on our website to facilitate the review process and ensure the authenticity of submitted reviews. These cookies allow Trustpilot to invite verified customers to write reviews and validate their submissions.

Please note that:

• Trustpilot operates as an independent service, and their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.
• We ensure that this integration complies with applicable laws and regulations.
• Your consent is obtained before any data is shared with Trustpilot as part of this process.

For more details about how Trustpilot handles data and cookies, please refer to their Privacy Policy.

If you have any questions about this process or your privacy, feel free to contact us.

Data Sharing

We may share your personal data with third parties for payment processing, delivery services, or fraud prevention. These parties are GDPR-compliant and handle data in accordance with privacy regulations. We do not share your data with third parties for marketing without your consent.

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Deletion: Request the deletion of your data (this may affect services such as order processing).
• Objection: Object to the processing of your data for marketing or legitimate interest purposes.
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@directpackaging.online.

1. How We Secure Your Data

We take data security seriously and implement the following measures:

• Encryption: Data is encrypted where applicable, including during transactions.
• Access Control: Only authorized personnel have access to personal data.
• Secure Payment Processors: We use third-party processors for secure payment handling, and we do not store payment card information.
• Data Retention: We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law.

Optional Login and Data Collection

Our app allows you to browse and use its core functionalities without requiring you to create an account. Account registration is only required for placing orders, accessing customer-specific features, or using services that depend on personal data (e.g., delivery).

We only collect personal data that is necessary for fulfilling the services you request. You can opt not to provide certain data (such as phone numbers or addresses) unless it is essential for order processing or delivery.

How Long We Retain Your Data

We will retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes we collected it, such as fulfilling orders, customer support, or legal compliance.

Access and Correction of Your Data

You have the right to access and correct any personal information we hold about you. To request access to your data, please contact us at privacy@directpackaging.online, including your account details and the specific data you would like to receive.

Data Protection Officer

Our Managing Director serves as the Data Protection Compliance Manager, responsible for ensuring compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations. Any concerns or queries regarding data processing should be directed to the Data Protection Compliance Manager.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal compliance. The most recent version of the policy will always be available on our website. By continuing to use our website or services, you agree to the updated policy. This privacy policy was last updated on 1^st January 2024.

Deductions 

The DIRECT PACKAGING & SOLUTIONS LTD  reserves the right at any time to make deductions from your wages in respect of any overpayments made to you and/or monies that you owe the company including in respect of holiday pay, loans, advances, allowances, expenses, cost of repairing damage to company property or vehicles. 

The company will not make deductions in respect of pensions benefits due to you.

Contact Information

If you have questions about your personal data or this privacy policy, please contact us at:

Data Protection Representative

Direct Packaging & Solutions Ltd.

Watergate, Broxhill Road, Havering-Atte-Bower, Romford, Essex RM4 1QH, United Kingdom