Many manufacturers outsource the packing of their products. They hire contract packers that provide a range of services, from sterilisation, liquid dispensing and packaging, design of cardboard packages, shrink-wrapping, and blister wrapping. Some contract packers offer special services such as package design. The services of contract packers apply to various industry sectors, including freight liner cargo shipping, industrial equipment, original equipment manufacturing, and bulk manufacturing.
Many companies that need smaller batches of products with special packaging – such as promotional products, short production runs, and product test runs – usually hire a contract packing company, which is more cost-effective. At the same time, they can have their products in attractive packages before their promotional activities.
When to hire a contract packer
A company should think about hiring a contract packing company if it is under these situations:
- No resources to invest in in-house packing.
- A product needs a new packaging strategy that needs testing.
- A specific product needs to meet regulatory requirements.
- The product and packaging are for seasonal use.
How to choose a contract packer
Before you get in touch with a contract packer, you should first define your project. This step is necessary so that you can choose the most suitable packer. Qualities to look for in a contract packer include:
- Expertise. The contract packer must have the experience and knowledge to need your project’s specific needs. You must review their portfolio.
- Equipment. Ensure that the contract packer has the right equipment for your project.
- Location. Choose a contract packer with facilities near your manufacturing facility so you can reduce delivery costs.
- Communication. It is important to work with a contract packer willing to discuss all the options you can avail of to ensure the success of your project.
- Cost. This is always a consideration, but you should work with a contract packer with the right experience, equipment, and cost for the services you need.
Types of product packing
A contract packer provides many packing solutions, including package design, product testing, packaging, and shipping. These services as almost standard among contract packers. Moreover, many contract packers specialise in specific product packaging, which you can see in wholesale and retail stores.
- Flow wrapping. This service wraps products in a protective film (coloured, clear, or opaque).
- Blister packing. This involves heat-sealing small products, such as medicine in tablet form, small candies, and other items that can be heat-sealed in uniform plastic blisters or printed cardboard.
- Clamshell. It seals the product in two pre-formed plastic sheets that ensure the package is harder to open, making it secure and resistant to tampering.
- Shrink-wrapping. This packing method shrinks a plastic polymer film with heat to seal products like DVDs, appliances, cheeses, meats, and books.
- Liquid and dry filling. Some package contractors specialise in packing power or liquid products. They apply funnelling and injection processes to fill pouches, bags, tubes, and bottles with dry or liquid goods, such as baby powder, granulated sugar, consumer drinks, medical creams, and glue.
Knowing the services contract packers provide can help you choose which one matches your contract packing requirements.