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You may have heard the term before, but what is contract packing (contract packers)? Why do we need it, and what does it involve? Journey into the wonderful world of contract packing. Discover what co-packing is all about, and why we need it.

A definition of Contract Packing:

Contract Packing is the operation of packing items for redistribution.

contract packing business will work under contract to package products for their clients. Contract packing is also referred to as co-packing or co packing. A contract packer, or co-packer, is a company that does this work.

Why do we need contract packing?

Often manufacturers will produce items in bulk. Then ship them as bulk packaged items. This often reduces their manufacturing and logistics costs. They may not have the facilities to package their products in a retail friendly way. Or deliver them in a suitable packaging for the end consumer.

What do contract packers do?

A contract packer will often repackage products for retail or wholesale purposes. Co-packers are hired to help when manufacturers are particularly busy. To lend a helping hand when demand exceeds their capacity. They can help companies expand their production capabilities.

Examples of contract packing

Contract packers are often hired to pack promotional items. Or contracted to pack gifts for special events. Hand packing delicate or awkward shaped products that machines can’t handle.

The assembly of goods for point of sale displays. Bagging or repackaging items for retail is a common task for the professional co-packer.

Typical contract packing services:

Contract packers may offer many different packaging solutions for their clients. Here are some common examples:

  • Hand packing: Fragile or irregular shaped items are often hand assembled into gift sets.
  • Flow wrapping: A packaging process that over wraps a product with film. Common in food packaging.
  • Shrink Wrapping: Often used to wrap many products together. Shrink wrap provides a tamper proof and presentable retail friendly finish.
  • Vacuum Packing: Used to extend the shelf life of food products and reduce the volume of items.
  • Labelling: To add bar codes or for branding purposes. Often used to relabel items for various reasons.
  • Batch coding: To print day codes for traceability or text for product description.
  • Warehousing: Secure storage facilities and inventory management.
  • Logistics: Co-packers are sometimes used for the onward distribution of products.
  • Reworking and remedial work: To rectify packaging problems from another contract packer or manufacturer.

Contract packing, in a nutshell.

Contract packing is more common than you might first think. It is used in many different and varied industries. From food, to pharmaceuticals to beauty products, you will find a contract packer.

How can we help?

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about contract packing.

24-7 Steller Packing have over 20 years of experience in co-packing and we are happy to offer advice. We love talking about contract packing, go on, get us started! We are always looking for innovative ways to save our customers money and reduce the impact on the environment.

Learn more about contract packing.