Category Archive: Contract Packing

Cost-Effective Cardboard Packaging Advantages

Cardboard Packaging

Cardboard is becoming the go-to material for companies looking for eco-friendly, adaptable, and affordable packaging solutions in the dynamic packaging industry. The usage of cardboard packaging has many advantages that can greatly boost a product’s chances of success.

Peoria Production Solutions (PPS), with over 80 years of experience in providing comprehensive production solutions, including an array of secondary packaging options, stands as a testament to the enduring value of cardboard in the packaging industry. Learn more about the many advantages of cardboard packaging and how to find solutions for all your packaging needs.

The Multifaceted Advantages of Cardboard Packaging

  • Sustainability and Environmental Friendliness
    One of the most lauded benefits of cardboard packaging is its environmental sustainability. Cardboard is made from renewable resources, primarily recycled paper and wood pulp, making it easily recyclable and biodegradable. This feature aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging options, reducing the carbon footprint and contributing positively to environmental conservation efforts.
  • Cost-Effectiveness
    Cost efficiency is a critical consideration for businesses in any industry, and cardboard packaging stands out for its affordability. The materials and production process involved in creating cardboard boxes are relatively low-cost, especially when compared to alternatives like plastic or metal. This cost-effectiveness does not compromise the quality or protection that cardboard offers, making it an attractive option for companies looking to optimize their packaging budgets.
  • Versatility and Customization
    Cardboard’s inherent flexibility allows for a wide range of customization options in terms of size, shape, and design. This versatility enables businesses to create unique, brand-specific packaging that can enhance the unboxing experience and reinforce brand identity. Whether it’s for small electronic devices or large household items, cardboard can be tailored to fit virtually any product, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
  • Durability and Protection
    Despite its lightweight nature, cardboard is surprisingly durable and offers excellent protection for the items it encases. Its cushioning properties help absorb shock during transportation, reducing the risk of damage to the products. Additionally, cardboard can be reinforced or layered to increase its strength for shipping heavier items, ensuring that products arrive at their destination in pristine condition.
  • Ease of Access and Convenience
    Cardboard packaging is widely accessible and can be easily assembled and disassembled, saving time and resources for businesses. Its lightweight nature also reduces shipping costs, making it a cost-efficient option for both companies and consumers. Furthermore, cardboard boxes can be conveniently stored and stacked, optimizing warehouse space and streamlining the logistics process.

Peoria Production Solutions: Enhancing Cardboard Packaging Solutions

At Peoria Production Solutions, we understand the critical role packaging plays in the success of a product. With more than 80 years of experience in the industry, PPS has honed its expertise in providing high-quality, cost-effective packaging solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients.
Our services extend to various types of secondary packaging, including:

PPS adheres to your specific assembly, packaging, and shipping requirements for total logistics solutions. You can have faith in our automated systems with real-time inventory tracking for full accountability of all supplied materials. Our quality processes and product output showcase our commitment to versatility and customer satisfaction.

  • Tailored Solutions for Every Need
    PPS takes pride in offering unique, customized packaging solutions. Our team works closely with clients to understand their specific needs and implement packaging strategies that highlight the product’s features while ensuring its protection. Whether it’s creating an eye-catching POP display or assembling subscription boxes that excite and engage customers, PPS’s dedication to innovation and quality is evident in every project.
  • Sustainability at the Forefront
    In line with our commitment to sustainability, PPS leverages the environmental benefits of cardboard packaging to help our clients achieve their green initiatives. By optimizing the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials, we not only contribute to reducing environmental impact but also align with consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging solutions.
  • A Not-for-Profit Leader in the Packaging Industry
    As a not-for-profit provider, PPS’s mission goes beyond profit generation. Our goal is to offer superior packaging solutions while fostering community development and social responsibility. Our history of service and dedication to excellence underscores our commitment to delivering value to our clients, our community, and the environment.

The advantages of cardboard packaging are clear and manifold, encompassing sustainability, cost-effectiveness, versatility, durability, and convenience. Peoria Production Solutions embodies these benefits through our comprehensive range of packaging services>, leveraging our vast experience and innovative approaches to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Whether you’re seeking environmentally friendly packaging options, unique design customization, or efficient assembly and fulfillment services, PPS has the expertise and resources to elevate your packaging strategy. Contact us today to explore how our cardboard packaging solutions can enhance your product’s success while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Complete Guide to Secondary Food Packaging

Secondary Food Packaging Provider

When it comes to food packaging, there’s more than meets the eye. Secondary food packaging, the first thing your customers see when picking up your products from retail shelves, plays a pivotal role in not only protecting your food and drink items during transit but also in conveying vital information about your brand.

Elevate Your Brand and Protect Your Products

Secondary food packaging is the unsung hero of the packaging world, and understanding its significance can make all the difference in the way your products are perceived and chosen by consumers.

Defining Secondary Packaging

Secondary packaging is the outer material that envelops and safeguards food, beverages, and consumer goods as they make their journey from production facilities to store shelves. It’s the layer that surrounds primary packaging, such as the packaging directly in contact with the product, and ensures that your products remain in pristine condition until they reach the end consumer.

In essence, secondary packaging is the gateway between your brand and your audience. How you choose to package, market, and display your products can influence a customer’s decision to purchase your merchandise over that of your competitors.

Secondary vs. Primary and Tertiary Packaging

To fully grasp the benefits of secondary food packaging, it’s essential to understand the three distinct types of packaging in the food industry: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

  • Primary Packaging: This is the packaging that directly contains the product meant for consumption. For instance, it could be the plastic or paper wrapping around individual cookies, preserving their freshness and quality.
  • Secondary Packaging: Secondary packaging contains one or more primary packages. Think of it as the metallic container holding individually wrapped cookies. It provides an additional layer of protection and organization.
  • Tertiary Packaging: Tertiary packaging involves the cardboard box in which a certain number of secondary packages (cookie tins, for example) are placed for convenient and secure transportation to retail locations. It acts as a buffer against damage during transit and can even serve as an in-store display.

The Primary Functions of Secondary Packaging

While primary packaging is designed for direct contact with the product, and tertiary packaging focuses on transport and display, secondary packaging serves a unique set of functions that are vital for your brand and product presentation. The primary functions of secondary packaging include:

1. Making Your Products Display Ready
Secondary packaging is all about making your products visually appealing and display-ready. It provides a platform for product grouping and attractive display solutions, ensuring that your items catch the eye of potential customers.

2. Enhancing Branding
Packaging materials can play a crucial role in your company’s marketing strategy. They offer an opportunity to reinforce your brand identity and promote new products effectively. Your logo and branding elements on secondary packaging materials are the first things customers see when opening a package, leaving a lasting impression.

3. Adding Layers of Protection
In addition to primary packaging, secondary packaging materials act as an additional barrier during shipping and handling. They protect your goods from damage, preventing costly returns and keeping your customers satisfied. No one wants to receive products that are loose, broken, or scratched in any way.

4. Ensuring Customer Satisfaction
Secondary packaging is a critical element in ensuring the satisfaction of your customers. It not only safeguards your products but also conveys a sense of quality and care. At Peoria Production Solutions (PPS), we understand the importance of secondary packaging and go to great lengths to treat your products with the utmost care and attention through our secondary packaging services.

Common Secondary Food Packaging Materials

Secondary packaging comes in various forms, depending on the specific needs of a company’s packaging requirements. The type of packaging method chosen depends on the product and the stages it goes through during shipping, receiving, and unloading. Some of the most common types of secondary packaging materials include:

  • Shipping Cartons: Sturdy cartons designed to protect and transport products safely.
  • Shrink Wraps: Transparent wraps that provide protection and hold products securely.
  • Outer Films: Protective films that wrap around multiple products or bundles.
  • Cardboard Boxes: Versatile boxes used for various packaging needs.
  • Trays: Custom trays that hold products securely in place.
  • Paperboard Enclosures: Paper-based packaging for added protection.
  • Plastic Packaging – Plastic is lightweight and comes in two primary forms: rigid and flexible, both serving as effective protectors for various food products.
  • Glass Packaging – Glass offers the added benefit of being easily recyclable and chemically safe. However, its substantial weight and susceptibility to breakage present challenges when it comes to transporting bulk quantities.
  • Metal Packaging – Metal is highly recyclable, rendering it an environmentally friendly storage solution.

Ideally, these secondary packaging materials are the only components making contact with primary packaging, ensuring the safety and integrity of the products inside.

Why is Secondary Packaging Important?

The significance of secondary packaging cannot be overstated, and it directly ties into the overall customer experience. When consumers purchase your products, they must interact with outer secondary packaging materials before reaching the primary packaging and the actual merchandise. Here’s why secondary packaging is so important:

Expressing Brand Identity

Secondary packaging provides a canvas for expressing your brand identity. Through branding phrases, signature color schemes, custom text, and eye-catching designs, you can make your products stand out and convey what your merchandise offers to the buyer.

Protecting Products in Transit

Getting products safely to their final destination requires meticulous planning. Everyone involved in handling your inventory interacts with your secondary packaging materials, making it crucial to safeguard your products during transit.

The Main Benefits of Secondary Food Packaging

Secondary packaging provides many benefits to food manufacturers and distributors. At PPS, we specialize in secondary packaging, and with more than 80 years of experience, we deliver a host of benefits to our food packaging customers.

1) Greater Protection for the Product
Secondary packaging shields contents from shocks and scratches, preventing items like cookies or chocolates from breaking or getting crushed. Additionally, it safeguards against the detrimental effects of light, which can compromise the taste and quality of certain products, such as tobacco or tea.

2) Enhanced Preservation Once Opened
Secondary food packaging not only prevents the deterioration of products before they are opened but also excels at preserving them once they are exposed.

3) Enhanced Presentation at the Point of Sale
Secondary food packaging immediately conveys a premium image. It is common to find food products meant for gifting, such as chocolates, cookies, or spirits, packaged in appealing materials that convey the uniqueness of the products inside. The presentation should be attractive and enhance the perception of the gift, conveying the value and quality of the food products inside.

PPS: Your Partner for Secondary Food Packaging

Peoria Production Solutions understands the unique advantages of secondary packaging. Our commitment to delivering quality secondary food packaging is unwavering. We recognize the importance of treating your products with care and attention, ensuring they reach their destination in perfect condition.

We offer a large, modernized facility with automated equipment and a trained, dedicated staff. PPS has vast experience in product kitting, assembly, packing, packaging, wrapping, bag-filling and auto-bagging, shrink-wrapping, labeling, palletizing and many other production solutions. We can help our customers to meet their production demands and provide input on the latest trends in secondary packaging services.

Stay Ahead with the Latest Food Packaging Trends

No comprehensive guide would be complete without a glimpse into the cutting-edge trends shaping the world of food packaging. Here are some of our favorite food packaging trends that can set your product apart from the competition:

Embrace Minimalist Designs
Minimalism isn’t confined to a specific industry; it’s a global trend. Step away from cluttered designs and opt for simplicity. Remember, less can often be more, especially in today’s design landscape.

Engage Through Interaction
Interactive packaging has taken the food industry by storm. In fact, it’s a trend we’ve highlighted in our top packaging trends for 2022. The key here is to let your creativity shine and introduce an interactive element into your packaging. This could involve technology or a unique physical characteristic that engages consumers and enhances their experience.

Embrace Bold Colors
While this may seem contradictory to the concept of minimalist design, bold colors are making a big statement in food packaging. When used thoughtfully, bold hues can complement a minimalist approach and draw the customer’s eye. They have the power to capture attention and leave a lasting impression.

These trends represent the forefront of food packaging innovation, offering exciting opportunities to elevate your product’s presence and appeal. By staying ahead of these trends, you can position your brand as a leader in the ever-evolving world of packaging design.

Secondary Food Co-Packing & Assembly Services

PPS offers a range of secondary food co-packing and assembly services, including secondary food carton kitting. Our highly trained and skilled packaging operators excel in providing quick and accurate carton kitting services, including subscription box fulfillment. We precisely pack your primary packaged food products into specified cartons with extraordinary efficiency focused on high-quality processes.

Quality Standards and Accountability

At PPS, we maintain strict quality standards with top-down involvement in every process. Our commitment to quality control includes rigorous testing of secondary packaging materials to ensure they meet your specifications. We implement lot code tracing and utilize our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for full accountability. Materials are inspected for the right thickness and dimensions, and quality control tools are employed to meet your requirements for critical dimensions.

Partner with PPS for Quality Secondary Food Packaging

With over 80 years of experience in providing contract packaging solutions, PPS stands as a leader among secondary packaging suppliers. What sets us apart is our commitment to our staff and our not-for-profit status, which prioritizes jobs over profits. This unique approach allows us to meet your requirements at a different level, offering customized packaging solutions tailored to your needs and budgetary goals.

Peoria Production Solutions is your trusted partner in secondary food packaging. Our skilled staff, controlled processes, and unwavering dedication to quality make us a leading packaging supplier, assisting OEMs of all sizes in meeting their shipping and distribution goals. Contact us today to discover how our secondary packaging solutions for food and beverage items can enhance your brand and protect your products.

Subcontract Repackaging: Enhancing Business Operations with Contract Packaging

Subcontract Repackaging

There often comes a time when businesses need repackaging services for a variety of reasons in the constantly evolving landscape of product packaging. Whether it’s a change in labeling, alterations in packaged components, or dealing with non-conforming products, the need to rework packaging can be a critical aspect of ensuring that your products reach the market safely and efficiently. This is where the expertise of a subcontract repackaging company can prove to be invaluable.

The Role of Contract Packaging

Your products are not just commodities; they are a direct representation of your company’s dedication and hard work. As you strive to release your products into the marketplace with the utmost quality and precision, a contract packaging company can become your perfect last-step partner. These companies can serve as quasi-extensions of your business, offering specialized services, capabilities, and expertise to safely and efficiently deliver your products into the hands of consumers.

One of the key aspects of contract packaging involves pack-out and kitting, which includes packing products into retail packaging or displays. This process can encompass bundling different products together or packaging them in a specific manner tailored to your requirements.

When to Collaborate with a Contract Packager

There are several scenarios where partnering with a contract packaging company becomes a strategic move:

  • Lack of In-House Packaging Capabilities: If your company is not equipped for packaging operations and doesn’t plan to start in-house packaging in the near future, a contract packager can bridge the gap.
  • New Packaging Requirements: When your product adopts a new packaging scheme that your current manufacturing line cannot accommodate, a contract packaging partner can step in.
  • Cost Efficiency: Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to send components to a location near a remote point of sale and distribution for packaging. Contract packagers offer cost-efficient solutions.
  • Capacity Constraints: If your in-house packaging lines are already at capacity or prioritized for another product, outsourcing can be the solution.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Certain products have specific regulatory requirements, and contract packaging companies are well-versed in meeting these standards.
  • Short-Run Packaging: For products designed for a short run, investing in new in-house staff and equipment might not be the most practical option.
  • Resource Constraints: During downsizing or when personnel are not available to handle packaging projects in-house, a contract packager can step in to fill the gap.

The Diverse Landscape of Repackaging Services

Repackaging services encompass a wide range of activities tailored to specific needs. Some packages may require simple relabeling, while others might need to be completely unpacked and sorted. In the case of assembled kits, perhaps only one product needs replacement, repackaging, and resealing. Repackaging can also involve transitioning products from wholesale packaging to retail packaging or assembling them into gift sets or kits.

These services include, but are not limited to:

  • Relabeling
  • Sorting
  • Inspection
  • Counting
  • Adding or removing components from kits
  • Transitioning from wholesale to retail packaging
  • Creating gift sets or kits

The Advantages of Contract Packaging Outsourcing

Opting for a contract packager can bring a host of benefits that significantly improve your business operations and overall efficiency. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Expertise and Experience

Contract packaging companies possess specialized knowledge and experience in packaging. They stay updated on the latest trends, use effective materials and practices, and excel in complying with various industry regulations, especially in sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare components with stringent packaging requirements.

2. Customized Solutions

These companies offer a range of services tailored to your specific product needs. From high-speed vision inspection to shrink wrapping, laminating, cartoning, and bottle labeling, these customizations ensure that your products are packaged optimally for safety, efficiency, and market appeal.

3. Cost Efficiency

Outsourcing packaging operations means savings on expenses related to setting up and maintaining an in-house operation. This includes costs for equipment, training, and staff. Contract packagers have the infrastructure to provide high-quality packaging at a lower cost.

4. Increased Internal Capacity

Outsourcing frees up your company’s resources, allowing you to focus more on core manufacturing processes. This can lead to increased productivity in your primary business operations.

5. Improved Flexibility and Speed to Market

Contract packaging companies can quickly adapt to changes in packaging standards and consumer trends. They also have established supply chains for faster material sourcing and reduced turnaround times, enhancing your product’s speed to market.

6. Reduced Capital Investment

Working with a contract packager means you don’t have to make heavy investments in packaging equipment and supplies, offering significant financial advantages, especially for businesses aiming to allocate resources more efficiently.

7. Seasonal Packaging Solutions

For companies with seasonal production, contract packaging is an ideal solution. It allows you to manage increased production during peak times without investing in additional packaging resources.

8. Comprehensive Services

Many contract packagers offer a wide array of services, including product packaging, shipping, labeling, and package design. This comprehensive approach streamlines operations and ensures consistency in the packaging process.

Partnering with Peoria Production Solutions

Peoria Production Solutions is a reputable provider of secondary packaging services, including repackaging, with over 80 years of experience. As a fully sustainable, not-for-profit organization, we invest in individuals with alternate abilities, providing them with training and a promising future. Our dedicated workforce boasts nearly perfect attendance and extremely low turnover. Our organizational structure allows us to offer cost-competitive packaging services and to meet your budgetary goals.

We offer customized repackaging services to meet your specific production requirements, including labeling and shipping as per your instructions. Our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system provides complete lot number traceability, ensuring a controlled flow of goods and full accountability of customer-supplied materials. We strictly adhere to a quality policy as part of our ISO9001:2015 certification, enforced throughout the company with top-down management involvement.

Our primary focus is on total customer satisfaction through high-quality secondary production services, competitive pricing, and on-time delivery. We have the resources, staff, and capacity to provide high-quality rework, sorting, or repackaging services promptly and efficiently.

Subcontracting repackaging to a contract packaging company can offer significant operational and financial benefits, leading to improved efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced product presentation.

Peoria Production Solutions is your skilled contract packager, allowing you to concentrate on core business activities while leveraging our packaging expertise. Trust Peoria Production Solutions for all your repackaging needs and experience the difference in efficiency and quality. Contact us for more information on our repackaging services and a glimpse into our comprehensive production and packaging solutions.

Heat Seal vs. Cold Seal Packaging: Which Is Right for Your Products?

heat seal and cold seal packaging

Two distinct methods for sealing products have gained prominence in flexible packaging applications – heat seal and cold seal packaging. These methods come with their own unique characteristics and applications, making it crucial for businesses to make an informed choice when creating packaging solutions for their products.

The Significance of the Right Seal

While it may seem like a minor detail, the type of seal chosen for product packaging can significantly impact the shelf-life and overall protection of your products. Particularly in the realm of food packaging, the seal plays a critical role in regulating the entry of gas and moisture, ensuring that your products remain fresh and safe for consumption.

Sealing a package is not merely about closing it; it’s about achieving both protection and user-friendliness through seal quality and integrity. In this context, two sealing methods, namely cold seal adhesives (also known as self-seal adhesives) and heat seal adhesives, come into play. Both are employed in various flexible packaging applications, including food packaging and medical devices. However, each seal type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making the choice dependent on specific product requirements.

Understanding the Seal Mechanism

It is essential to grasp how these sealing mechanisms work. This understanding is crucial for preventing product spoilage and ensuring consistent food quality during storage.

Heat Seal Packaging

Heat sealing, the more commonly used of the two methods, is the go-to choice when high-integrity seals are required. Contrary to its name, the actual bond is not formed until the package structure solidifies during the cooling phase. Pressure must be continuously applied during this cooling process to maintain control over the package and ensure a visually appealing and secure seal.

Heat seal packaging does not necessitate special processes or materials like pressure-sensitive adhesives, making it a cost-effective option. Moreover, it offers a wide range of laminations and performance characteristics that can be customized to suit specific product needs.

  • Process: Heat is applied to create a seal, typically involving a multi-layered film with an outer layer to prevent melting, a core layer (e.g., polypropylene), and an interior sealant layer.
  • Applications: Commonly used in packaging foodstuffs, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and more, especially when high-integrity seals are essential.
  • Advantages:Economical, versatile in terms of performance characteristics, and allows for the creation of tamper-evident seals.
  • Considerations: Requires precise management of heat, dwell time, and pressure during the sealing process for effectiveness.
  • Common Usage: Seen in the packaging of bags, films, and containers made from thermoplastics, particularly in food packaging.

Achieving an effective heat seal necessitates careful control of three factors: heat temperature, dwell time, and pressure applied by the sealing machinery. Any change in one of these factors requires adjustments in the other two, which underscores the importance of manufacturers understanding the procedures, methods, and materials involved in achieving quality seals.

Cold Seal Packaging

Cold seal adhesives have a long history and are employed in a different manner. This method involves using a combination of rubber, resins, plasticizers, extenders, and other additives to create an adhesive bond between the substrates used in flexible packaging. Commercial cold seal packaging can comprise anywhere from two to a dozen or more layers.

In cold seal packaging, adhesives are coated onto plastic films or substrates, forming layers that strongly bond when pressure is applied. This adhesive is applied in a wet form to the substrate using a revolving gravure cylinder, then dried in an extended oven before being reeled up at the end of the press. One interesting facet is that the adhesive is applied in a specific pattern that enables seal formation without the need for heat. Recent advancements involve the use of copolymers of vinyl acetate and ethylene combined with rubber latex, sometimes without the inclusion of natural rubber latex.

Making the Right Choice Between Heat Seal and Cold Seal Packaging

The choice between heat seal and cold seal packaging hinges on various factors, primarily the specific needs and requirements of your products. Considerations include machine speed and capacity, barrier properties (e.g., moisture, oxygen, UV light), and seal strength. For some products, a high-integrity heat seal might be the ideal choice, while for others, the convenience and efficiency of a cold seal adhesive might be more appropriate.

The sealing method you select plays a pivotal role in preserving product freshness, quality, and safety. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of heat seal and cold seal packaging carefully, ensuring that your choice aligns with the unique demands of your products. Ultimately, the right seal can make all the difference in delivering a superior packaging solution that protects your goods and enhances user experience.

Leading Flex Pack Provider

When it comes to flexible packaging, PPS stands out as a leading provider of comprehensive solutions. As a prominent player in the realm of contract packaging, we offer a wide array of secondary packaging services, including flexible packaging, to businesses of all sizes. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition in the industry, making us the go-to choice for companies seeking high-quality packaging, wrapping, filling, and bagging services.

Unmatched Expertise and Cutting-Edge Technology

At PPS, we leverage the latest in automated equipment to streamline our packaging processes. Our modern equipment includes auto bag filling, auto labeling, heat sealing, heat tunnel technology, shrink sleeve applications, and vertical continuous band sealing, complete with a stand and hot stamp imprinter. This cutting-edge equipment, combined with a trained and dedicated staff, ensures efficient and precise packaging solutions for your products.

With over 80 years of industry experience, PPS has earned its reputation as a leader in secondary packaging solutions. Our range of production solutions extends beyond packaging to include wrapping, kitting, assembly, commercial sewing, and more. Contact us today to learn how we can collaborate to improve your packaging solutions and help you choose the best method of sealing, whether heat seal or cold seal packaging.

How PPS’s Secondary Packaging is Better Than Others

Secondary Packaging Suppliers In secondary packaging, where quality, cost-effectiveness, and transparency are paramount, Peoria Production Solutions (PPS) emerges as a beacon of excellence.

Unveiling the Many Advantages of PPS for Secondary Packaging

Our commitment to providing high-quality secondary packaging services at lower costs and full transparency in our bids and pricing sets us apart from the competition. But what truly distinguishes PPS are the hidden advantages embedded in our workforce and operational practices.

The PPS Workforce Advantage

One of the most significant advantages PPS offers is rooted in our workforce. While many competitors may hide additional costs within their pricing structures, we prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness from the beginning. Here’s how our workforce advantage translates into tangible benefits:

1. High Attendance and Low Turnover Rates
In today’s employment landscape, high turnover rates are the norm, often exceeding 20% in many companies. However, at PPS, we take pride in maintaining turnover rates under 5%. This remarkable feat translates into substantial cost savings for our clients.

Reduced turnover means less recruitment, onboarding, and training expenses. It also ensures that the same experienced individuals work on projects repeatedly, leading to heightened accuracy and efficiency. The continuity in our workforce means that our team becomes intimately familiar with each project’s specific needs and intricacies, resulting in consistently exceptional outcomes.

2. Empowering Individuals with Disabilities

PPS’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity extends to our workforce, offering another distinct advantage. We draw from a pool of individuals with disabilities, a demographic that faces an unemployment rate exceeding 60%. By providing employment opportunities to this talented and often overlooked workforce, we contribute to social good and benefit from their unique skills and perspectives.

The dedication and commitment of our disabled workforce further enhance our efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This approach sets us apart, especially in the post-COVID era and amid the challenges of the Great Resignation.

Transparency in Bids and Pricing

While hidden costs can erode savings and lead to client dissatisfaction, PPS prioritizes full transparency in our bids and pricing structures. We firmly believe that an informed client is a satisfied client. Here’s how we ensure transparency at every step:

1. Inclusive Cost Structures
Unlike some competitors who may offer seemingly low bids only to add hidden costs later, PPS includes comprehensive cost considerations in our initial quotes. This means that clients are fully aware of all expenses from the outset, allowing for accurate budgeting and preventing surprises down the road.

2. Upfront Recycling Costs
Recycling is an integral part of responsible secondary packaging practices. While others may charge additional fees for recycling services, PPS incorporates recycling costs directly into our initial quotes. This ensures that clients are aware of and can plan for these environmentally responsible practices without incurring unexpected fees.

3. Packaging and Return Shipping
Thoroughness is a hallmark of PPS’s approach. We go beyond the basics by including the cost of packaging and return shipping in our quotes. This transparency eliminates the need for clients to navigate additional charges or fees for these essential services, further simplifying their budgeting process.

4. Clear Communication on Storage Fees
Storage fees often catch clients off guard when choosing a low-bid supplier. At PPS, we prioritize open and transparent communication. We proactively discuss and communicate potential storage fees upfront, ensuring that clients are fully aware of any additional expenses they may encounter.

Collaborative Approach

At PPS, we emphasize a collaborative approach with our clients, viewing ourselves as an extension of their businesses. We understand that our clients have unique needs and preferences, and we strive to accommodate them. Whether they want to be closely involved in the process or prefer to delegate tasks, we tailor our approach to their requirements.

We offer clients the flexibility to participate as much or as little as they desire in the entire project. Whether they want to see the first ten builds or only the initial one, we adapt to their needs. Additionally, we can provide images of master cartons before sealing, ensuring our clients feel confident about our commitment to their products.

From the initial stages of a project to the final inspection of outgoing pallets, we remain fully engaged and committed to delivering exceptional results. We aim to be more than just a service provider; we strive to be a trusted partner and an extension of our clients’ businesses.

PPS: Refreshing Approach with No Hidden Costs, Transparency & Reliability

In the complex world of secondary packaging, where hidden costs can quickly erode initial savings, Peoria Production Solutions (PPS) offers a refreshingly different approach. We provide thorough and accurate bids without hidden costs, prioritizing transparency and reliability. Our non-profit status and unique workforce set us apart, enabling us to deliver cost-effective solutions while maintaining unwavering quality and consistency.

By avoiding the low bid trap and making informed decisions, you can safeguard your company’s reputation, enhance product quality, and achieve exceptional value for your hard-earned money. Peoria Production Solutions is your trusted partner for transparent and reliable secondary packaging solutions.

Discover how we can help you achieve your secondary packaging needs with excellence and efficiency. Contact PPS today to experience the advantage of working with a partner who values transparency, quality, and collaboration for high-quality and timely secondary packaging solutions.

Hidden Costs in Secondary Packaging Suppliers’ Quotes

Secondary Packaging Suppliers As a procurement professional, your role revolves around maximizing value for your company’s hard-earned money. The art of procurement is a delicate balance between securing cost-effective secondary packaging suppliers while ensuring quality, efficiency, and reliability.

Hidden Costs in Secondary Packaging Suppliers’ Quotes: Avoid the Low Bid Trap

In the quest to optimize returns on investment, outsourcing services often emerge as a strategic choice. Outsourcing can deliver substantial cost savings, boost productivity, and elevate product quality. Nevertheless, finding the right contract service provider is riddled with challenges.

The allure of the lowest bid can be irresistible, promising immediate cost savings. However, falling into the trap of choosing the lowest bidder without thorough examination can lead to hidden costs and complications down the line. In this article, we will explore the common pitfalls associated with relying solely on low bids and the critical factors that procurement professionals should consider before making their decision.

The Temptation of the Low Bid

The procurement landscape is a battleground where cost optimization reigns supreme. The allure of a low bid often tempts organizations to opt for what seems to be the most financially prudent choice. The notion of saving money upfront is appealing, especially when budgets are tight. However, the adage “you get what you pay for” rings particularly true in the procurement world, especially regarding secondary packaging suppliers.

Avoid the Low Bid Trap

It’s easy to fall into the low bid trap, but seasoned procurement professionals understand that the lowest price tag does not always equate to the best value. Assessing prospective contractors’ bids on several key factors is crucial to making an informed and strategic decision.

1. Understanding Your Needs
The first litmus test for prospective contractors is their comprehension of your company’s unique needs. Do they genuinely understand the intricacies of your requirements, specifications, and expectations? A superficial understanding can lead to costly missteps and complications throughout the project. Ensure that the chosen supplier understands the scope of work and can align their capabilities accordingly.

2. Meeting Timelines
Time is money in business, and timelines are often tight. A critical consideration is whether the prospective contractor has the capacity and commitment to meet your specified timeline consistently. Delays in secondary packaging can have cascading effects, leading to costly disruptions in production schedules.

3. Internal Capabilities
Beyond understanding and timeliness, evaluating the internal capabilities of the supplier is paramount. Do they have the necessary staffing, expertise, and facilities to execute the work outlined in the bid effectively? Secondary packaging demands precision, skill, and access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Choosing a low bid without confirming these capabilities can result in subpar quality and unforeseen costs.

4. Industry and Product Experience
An often overlooked but vital aspect is the supplier’s experience within your industry and with your specific products. Different industries come with unique requirements and challenges. Suppliers with experience in your industry are more likely to understand your needs and deliver quality results. A low bid from a supplier lacking industry knowledge can lead to complications, delays, and increased costs in the long run.

The Hidden Costs of the Low Bid

While the initial cost may appear lower with a low bid, numerous hidden costs may manifest throughout the duration of the project:

1. Rework and Corrections
The project may require frequent rework and corrections if the chosen supplier fails to grasp your needs or lacks the necessary expertise. This consumes valuable time and incurs additional costs for materials and labor.

2. Delays and Downtime
Timelines are critical in business, and any delays in secondary packaging can disrupt your production schedule, leading to costly downtime and missed opportunities.

3. Quality Issues
Suppliers lacking industry experience or internal capabilities may compromise the quality of their work. This can result in product damage, recalls, or customer complaints, all of which carry substantial financial implications.

4. Lack of Flexibility
Low-bid suppliers may not be as flexible when unexpected changes or challenges arise. This lack of adaptability can lead to increased costs to accommodate alterations or rush orders.

5. Additional Fees
Some suppliers may quote a low price upfront but include hidden fees in the contract. These extra charges can quickly erode any initial cost savings.

6. Reputational Damage
Poor quality secondary packaging can tarnish your brand’s reputation, leading to a loss of customer trust and potentially long-term financial consequences.

The Peoria Production Solutions Advantage for Secondary Packaging

Choosing the lowest bid may seem like a cost-effective choice initially, but hidden costs can quickly erode any savings. In a landscape where low bids may be enticing but come with hidden costs, Peoria Production Solutions (PPS) stands as an example of transparency and reliability. PPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which affords us many tax advantages resulting in cost savings.

This cost advantage is reflected in our competitive pricing when bidding against for-profit competitors. We include anticipated costs in a transparent and thorough bid, resulting in fair up-front costs with no surprises.

Peoria Production Solutions (PPS) offers a different approach. We provide thorough and accurate bids with no hidden costs, offering transparency and reliability. By avoiding the low bid trap and making informed decisions, you can protect your company’s reputation, enhance product quality, and achieve greater value for your hard-earned money. Contact PPS today to experience the advantage of transparency and reliability in secondary packaging solutions.

Types of Secondary Packaging- Infographic

Secondary packaging acts as a bumper with protective layers that are distinctly different from the primary packaging materials. In the above example, secondary packaging would be the outer cardboard 12-pack of soda that displays the company name, logo and eye-catching design that prompts a consumer to pick it up and put it in their cart.
Types of Secondary-Packaging

Unlocking Growth: Boost Your Capacity with Co-Packing Expertise

Co-Packing Expertise

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, scaling up operations while maintaining product quality and meeting market demand can be a challenging endeavor. Enter co-packing, a strategic collaboration that holds the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate and expand.

Businesses in all industries can realize many benefits when they understand the concept of co-packing and explore its many advantages.

Understanding Co-Packing: A Game-Changing Partnership

Co-packing, short for contract packaging, is a business arrangement where a company entrusts a specialized co-packer to handle the packaging and sometimes even secondary production work of their products. This collaboration allows businesses to leverage the expertise, resources, and scalability of the co-packer to optimize production processes and boost their capacity. The practice is particularly prevalent in industries such as food and beverage, where packaging plays a pivotal role in product presentation and preservation.

Five Key Benefits of Co-Packing

Numerous advantages come with integrating co-packing into your business strategy, particularly when working with an experienced contract packaging company

Scalability:

Co-packers are equipped to handle large production volumes, making it easier for your business to meet surges in demand without the need for significant infrastructure investments.

Cost Efficiency:

Co-packing eliminates the need for capital expenditures on specialized equipment and facilities, reducing operational costs and freeing up resources for other strategic endeavors.

Expertise:

 Co-packers are well-versed in the intricacies of packaging and production. They bring specialized knowledge to ensure your products are packaged efficiently, aesthetically, and with regulatory compliance in mind.

Speed to Market: 

With streamlined operations and established processes, co-packers enable quicker turnaround times, allowing your products to reach the market faster and capitalize on trends.

Focus on Core Competencies:By outsourcing packaging to experts, your business can allocate more time and energy to its core competencies, such as product innovation, marketing, and customer engagement.

Scaling Your Food Business with Co-Packing

In an insightful article from Forbes, the significance of co-packing for scaling food businesses is explored. The article underscores how co-packing can be a game-changer for food entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach and maintain consistent quality as production scales. It delves into key considerations, such as finding the right co-packing partner and ensuring alignment of values and goals.

Peoria Production Solutions: Pioneering Co-Packing Excellence

As the co-packing landscape evolves, Peoria Production Solutions stands out as a premier provider of contract packaging services. With a proven track record of excellence, Peoria Production Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of co-packing solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses across industries.

From product packaging to kitting and assembly, Peoria Production Solutions is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team that ensures your products are handled with care and precision. Our commitment to quality, coupled with our expertise in navigating industry regulations, positions us as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their capacity and streamline operations.

Elevate Your Business with Peoria Production Solutions

Co-packing emerges as a transformative strategy for businesses seeking to boost their capacity, streamline operations, and focus on growth. With its array of benefits, co-packing holds the potential to revolutionize the way products are packaged and delivered to market. For those ready to embrace this evolution, Peoria Production Solutions stands as a beacon of excellence, offering tailored co-packing solutions that align with your business objectives.

Are you prepared to take your business to the next level? Discover the full spectrum of co-packing services offered by Peoria Production Solutions and experience firsthand the impact of strategic collaboration. Contact us today to embark on a journey of growth, efficiency, and success with co-packing solutions.