What is co-packaging?

Contract packers aka “co-packaging,” are known for packaging food, household and other products for clients. Co-packaging varies in involvement as it is customized to the clients product. Co-packers provide services to product manufactures and often act as an extension for the company. Co-packers tasks can vary from as simple as adding a barcode sticker to designing, producing and fulfilling the entire package.

CONTRACT PACKAGING STAGES & SERVICES

There are varying stages of co-packaging services. Co-packaging manufacturers work with product managers and product manufacturers to consult, plan, customize and execute the process according to the timeline, pre-produced or need-to-be produced packaging components and industry requirements. Contract packaging services include:

  • Design: Co-packaging manufacturers often have an in-house design team to help design the final product packaging. This allows for trouble shooting with prototypes along the way to ensure products best fit the packaging and maximize overall production time.
  • Inventory Management / Control: Receiving and auditing inventory of the product and pre-produced packaging components (e.g. packaging, manuals, card stock, promo stickers, etc.)
  • Printing and Component Production: Sometimes packaging might include a card with artwork or a manual, which needs to be printed before inserted into a final package.
  • Plastic / Thermoform Packaging Production: Manufacturing of packaging, which can include the production of plastic / thermoformed packaging.
  • Package Assembly & Fulfillment: Carefully execute product fulfillment into the packaging. This often requires a defined sequence with careful handling of the product, accuracy of placement into the packaging, inclusion of any other required items, such as manuals, coupons, and product finishing – closing, sealing, sticker placement, etc.
  • Warehousing & Distribution: Organizing and storing / housing the packaged product

No matter what capacity of product packaging a product manufacturer or product manager has, simple or complex, a good contract packaging service provider will be with you every step of the way to ensure the product is delivered on time every time.

From leasing a space to buying equipment and hiring a workforce, it can add up to thousands of dollars. Co-packers have already made these infrastructure investments and are ready to take your products to the next level.

At Dure Foods, we can handle co-packaging products to your satisfaction. We will work with you to boost sales and grow your business.