How does contract packaging work?

Contract packaging is also called ‘co-packing.’ The name is given to the procedure of assembling goods or products in their final packaging. Co-packing or contract packaging can be a complex or a simple process considering it is customized as per the scope of the product packaging. It can vary across commercial, retail, and trade industries. 

Contract packaging companies offer co-packing services to various product manufacturers. The final stage of packaging comes in various forms (it all depends on the product). It could be blister packaging, a plastic bag, or a plastic/thermoformed clamshell.

Contract packagers can also take care of simple tasks like putting a bar code sticker on the product or taxing tasks like designing, producing, and fulfilling the package.

If you’re keen on understanding the contract packaging process, keep reading as we will tell you about the stages of packaging contract manufacturing and more.

The Various Stages of Contract Packaging

Contract packaging manufacturers work closely with product manufacturers and product managers. The services include the following:

1. Design – A contract packaging manufacturer has an in-house design team who design and execute the final packaging.
2. Inventory control/management – The product and pre-produced packaging components are received, and then inventory is audited. 
3. Printing: There are times when packing would have a card with some manual or artwork. The team takes care of printing the card before it goes into the final package.
4. Thermoform/plastic packaging production – The process of packaging contract manufacturing includes thermoformed or plastic packaging production. Furthermore, this includes blisters, clamshells, trays, etc.
5. Package assembly, fulfillment – Handling the product carefully and placing it in the packaging. The team also includes any other items such as coupons, manuals, and product finishing.
6. Warehousing – Organizing the products and then storing these packaged products safely is an essential task.

How to choose the best contract packaging company?

There are a few aspects you must consider before contacting a contract packaging company:

• How much expertise do they have? Check their portfolio and list of clientele. There is a possibility of speaking with their existing clientele and getting a first-hand review.
• Does it fulfill your needs? If yes, then you can choose this contract packaging company. Some contract packagers can accommodate military-grade and FDA-approved products. They should be able to handle the requirements of your project.
• The contract packager should be located close to the sale point. It will help in reducing shipping costs.
• Is the contract packaging company able to communicate clearly? They should be willing to sit down and discuss possible solutions.
• Cost should not be a concern. You must be worried about whether the contract packaging company has the required expertise to do the job.

If you are confused about which company you should get in touch with, do some research and talk with the top ones. Safrel offers contract manufacturing, packaging and labeling, and testing and quality control.

Just like we did our homework, you should also focus on finding the best packing contract manufacturing.