In the current age, it is essential to know about every food-related aspect. One such thing that not many people think of when grocery shopping is what type of packaging their groceries come in. However, depending on the customers’ needs, this can be a crucial factor; for instance, you need to ensure that all allergens get correctly identified in your products if they have any allergies or sensitivities. Hence you need to pick the right contract packager company.
What does a Contract Company Do?
There are many different things a contract packaging company does. For example, contract packaging companies can provide primary and secondary packages, food certifications, and liquid-fill or dry-fill solutions. As a result, the supplier landscape is wide-ranging, with specialists in each area of the industry like:
- Primary packaging for liquids (glass bottles),
- Secondary packages (boxes made out of paperboard) that need to be labeled before they go into stores;
- Food certifications which require checking expiration dates on products and then labeling them accordingly, so consumers know what type of product it is;
- Liquid fill solutions when there’s space left over inside glass jars that need to be filled up again after getting rid of some air from vacuum packing machines because you don’t want any extra weight added.
You might have a minimal idea of where to start when it comes to finding a contract food packaging company. Or, you’re overwhelmed by the available options and need some guidance on how to find the right one. Then, you’ve come to the right place! This blog will help you choose the best option for your needs. The following are some of the critical guidelines when looking for a food packaging company that offers sustainable packaging.
The type of food
One of the crucial things to consider when selecting a contract packaging company includes the type of packaged food product and how you want your products labeled. If more than one item (e.g., dairy needs to be refrigerated), decide which is most important for labeling purposes; this will determine where it should go on the label or package design. Hence, having this in mind will guide you in selecting the right company to work with.
Check on the Capability and Resourcefulness of the Company
You will need to be ready for any number of changes when you develop a plan and start production. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that the company can supply all your needs, but it is also essential not just to ask questions about their capabilities but also to prevent delays from happening down the line. It would be wise if you contacted them beforehand and got an idea of what machinery they have available and the space resources necessary for completing such big orders.
Do you need help sourcing or procuring raw materials? Are you looking for package design support to provide a creative solution to your needs and meet deadlines? Confidence comes with assurances of an expert co-packing partner who is resourceful, competent, and innovative.
Look at the Costs
Affordability is a factor, but it should not be the primary consideration when choosing to package your retail items. For example, assume that you budget 10% of the total cost for packing materials and services; then if an item costs $1 to make and sells at wholesale price (or even without any markup) at $3 per unit, this would mean that you will have sold each package before being shipped!
It’s crucial for you as a business owner to be aware that some goods may cost more than others, but if we can follow one simple rule, it should help us stay on budget: plan on setting 10% aside from whatever amount you’re spending to cover manufacturing or purchasing costs before they come due!
Check on the Flexibility of the Company
Flexibility is essential in the contract packaging industry, as changes are inevitable. Working with a partner that can quickly respond to these changes allows them to guarantee their ability for quick and decisive action if needed. Often “last minute” requests from customers will put deadlines at risk or even have adverse effects on production lines which could hinder an entire project’s success; however, working closely with partners who understand their needs may allow you to take control of any last-minute issues before they get out of hand by flexibly responding through creative solutions tailored for your specific situation.
Consider the Location
Packaging projects often require proximity to both ingredients and distribution centers. However, it is crucial not only that you think about the size of your end product when selecting a location for packing but also if there are factors such as shipping efficiency which increase in importance depending on where precisely those two key elements reside.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a contract food packaging service for your business can be overwhelming. There are many things to consider, especially if you’re new to the process and don’t have much experience. The key factors need to be considered when selecting the right company for you – what type of food do you want to be packaged? Is there flexibility in how they package it? What about affordability? Do they provide any resources that will help with marketing or distribution after packaging? Where is their location? Is it relative to yours, so shipping costs aren’t too high? Following the guidelines listed will help you find the right company to partner with.
