Contract packaging companies address a wide range of needs, including primary and secondary packaging, as well as other solutions. It is imperative that you understand both the “tangible” advantages of the provider and their “intangible” assets. 

This is so that you can compare your options and decide on the best one for your company. The main objective is to make sure that your supplier has the proper qualifications, certifications, production capabilities, and other things that are necessary to make your packaging project successful.

Today, it is now a common practice to outsource to a contract packaging company. Whether your company is a start-up or a major Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company, there are certain things that you have to take into consideration when choosing the right contract packaging partner to work with. Listed down below are some of the most important ones:

1. Expertise

Make sure that your packaging partner is resourceful and competent. It takes more than skilled workers and high-tech machinery for your packaging project to be a success. For example, factors such as package design support and sourcing and procurement of raw materials need be taken into account as well. 

Packaging companies that offer full-service operations will have more experience managing projects, including a thorough understanding of the supply chain, picking out materials, and getting high ROI at each stage of the packaging process. 

As the packaging industry becomes more and more complex - with required certifications, specifications, and retail packaging requirements - you are better off partnering up with a full turnkey expert or someone who truly understands every stage of the process, from start to finish.

2. Capability

The packaging company you choose should be able to maintain the machinery, personnel, and workspace required to carry out your work. Make sure that you ask your contractor what equipment they are planning to use for your project. Also, ask them to give you an overview of the process that they recommend as well. 

You should not commit to any contract packaging company unless you are certain that they have the capability and capacity to manage your program in a timely and efficient manner. In addition, be sure to select a company where their main specialties fit with your most demanding needs. Before you settle on one particular contract packaging company, ask for references on similar projects that they have done in the past just to be confident.

3. Adaptability

In the contract packaging industry, changes are common and unavoidable. Therefore, you need a packaging partner who is flexible and quick to respond to changes. This is extremely important as they need to be able to make a swift decision in case something unexpected happens in the middle of a project. Last-minute changes can lead to conflicts that can affect timelines, and in some cases, line shutdowns. 

This is why you need to choose a company that can handle these challenges effectively and professionally. Although you may have to pay some extra fees for these hiccups, it is a worthwhile investment that will be good for you in the long run. 

In other words, find a company with a management style that knows how to deal with obstacles productively. It is crucial that you spend time talking with the key person who will be responsible for your project to ensure that everything will be carried out successfully.

Takeaway

It is vitally important that your contract packaging company has all these qualities mentioned to ensure your product’s profitability. The right turnkey packaging specialist will lower expenses and enhance efficiency in the supply chain. All in all, make sure that your packaging partner is experienced, resourceful, and a problem solver. 

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