When you see a product come in a beautiful wrapping paper, that means it has gone through the process of contract packaging (also known as co-packaging). This is a process in which a product is pre-packed into its casing before being piled into stocks and shipped from the manufacturer. 

Contract packaging is a process that most B2C businesses will require, especially one with a mass-producing factory with heavy machinery. It helps make products more presentable and allows the logistics system to run more smoothly.

However, it’s important to note that these processes can be rather costly to have in-house. If you don’t have the resources to maintain all of these requirements for your packaging needs, it’s best to outsource your packaging needs to a third party company to reduce the work required on your part. 

If you’re looking for a contract packaging company, here are six things you need to keep an eye out for:

1. Diverse & Thorough Experience

The first thing you need to look at when assessing a contract packaging company is to look at their experience. Keep in mind that each type of product requires different storage and packaging procedures, so it’s crucial that they have the expertise to handle those operations without fail. Every part of the process, from pouching, kitting, and hand assembly to delivery should be top-notch to ensure that all of your products are presented neatly to your buyers.

2. Adaptability‍

Contract packaging is a part of the logistics industry and if you ask anybody who has been involved in it for a while, you will know that unpredictability is the only thing they can count on. Therefore, your contract packaging company should have a system in place to minimize the effect of anything that can impact the efficiency of the overall process. 
‍

They should also have a plan to handle any emergency so that you don’t risk losing profits if and when something does happen. This is something that every professional contract packaging service must uphold, so it’s best that you look for one that’s willing to cater to your requirements.

3. Access to Turnkey Services‍

Having a contract packaging company with turnkey services can ensure that everything runs smoothly and requires minimal work and management on your part. They can ensure all parts of the operations, from initial packaging to delivery, is done well and without any issue.

4. Efficient Packaging Design 

Some contract packaging companies will help design the packaging of your products to make things easier for your logistics team. They can also help improve the efficiency of the process by developing a better route and storage procedures, which makes for a more efficient and smooth operation. If you notice a lot of waste in your production and packaging, working with a professional can help you cut down on that.

5. Materials Sourcing ‍

One of the most difficult things about the overall packaging process is finding the right raw materials for the best price. If you go about it on your own, you will have to scour the market for weeks or even months before you find the best option. A professional contract packaging company will have a deal with manufacturers that will help them keep costs down, making it a better investment for both of you.

6. Specialized Project Manager‍

Lastly, a contract packaging company will come with a specialized project manager who will help ensure that the overall process is always optimized for maximum efficiency. This is something you can learn a lot from, as their way of management can be applied to many other domains of your business as well.

If you’re looking for a packaging company in Montreal, get in touch with us today for a free quotation!