A blister pack is a type of packaging with a preformed clear plastic bubble, or blister, that is attached to a type of backing like a paperboard. The bubble can be pre-cut or custom formed to the shape of a product, to show visibility of the product inside while still encasing and protecting the item.
Think about those glade refill packages we see hanging at the grocery store, or countless other items that are packaged in blister packs.
Where Are Blister Packs Used?
Blister packs are used in a wide range of industries to package just about any type of small to medium-sized product such as:
Pharmaceuticals
Pills and lozenges
Supplements
Hardware items like screws and nails
Health and beauty products like razors
Cosmetics
Craft supplies
Toys
Food items
Blister packs are used to package and showcase these many products and others. Blister packaging is not ideal for all products, and provides the most benefits in the following situations:
When small products must be contained, protected and organized
When increased visibility for branding is desired
When an additional security and theft deterrence is required
When companies are looking for a sustainable and affordable option
Types of Blister Packs
There are different types of blister packs that provide different benefits depending on a product’s need. Not all blister packs are created equal, the type of product being packaged, the shipping and retail sale needs will dictate the type of blister pack required. The most common types of blister packs are:
Full face blister pack
Standing blister pack
Combo blister packs
Footed blister packs
Trapped or fold-over blister pack
Depending on the type of plastic film used to create the blister, some blister packs may provide UV protection to the product inside, humidity control, or tamper-resistant packaging solutions.
Considerations for Blister Pack Design
There are many considerations when choosing your blister pack design such as:
Product shape
Type of blister needed
Type of paperboard
Ceiling
Printing
Branding
Type of paperboard
Types of Paperboard for Blister Packs
Choosing the paperboard to attach with your blister pack is a big decision as different types of paperboard can affect the appearance and quality of your packaging. Some paperboard, for example, may accept printed ink better than other types of paperboard for branding purposes, while some may be stronger and sturdier than others when security is required. Remembering the most important considerations for blister pack design will help you to choose the right type of materials for your product packaging.
The paperboard backing is an important component of blister packaging and is available in different material types such as:
Clay coated board (C1S and C2S)
Chipboard
Tear resistant board
Laminated board
Recycled paperboard
Solid bleached sulfate (SBS)
Clay coated board, solid bleached sulfate, and recycled paperboard are quite popular blister pack materials. Clay-Coated C1S means that the board is coated on one side which provides a shiny, smooth surface while the other side is a matte finish. C2S simply means that both sides are Clay coated for a shiny, smooth surface on the front and back. Recycled paperboard is popular due to availability in the market and for packagers focused on sustainable, eco-friendly packaging solutions.
PPS Offers Secondary Packaging Solutions
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, has been providing contract packaging solutions for more than 80 years. We offer a wide range secondary production and packaging services to meet the needs of various companies, distributors, and manufacturers. PPS is experienced with all types of secondary packaging including flexible packaging, POP displays, gift set packaging, auto bag filling and many other services.
PPS is a leading contract packaging company providing various kitting, assembly, and packaging solutions to companies of all sizes. We are an ISO9001:2015 registered company with more than 80 years of experience, a dedicated staff, and a state-of-the-art facility. Contact us to speak with a packaging specialist about the many options available with blister packs, POP displays and quality secondary packaging services.
Club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are popular for many reasons, consumers can purchase common products in bulk quantities for usually less than if items were purchased separately at a retail store. Most club stores are nothing fancy and consist of gray cement floors, high ceilings and rows and rows of pallets with products stacked and on display.
This type of high bulk channel, high-volume club store packaging requires a specific approach to be successful and can be fraught with challenges. There are two most important tasks that your club store packaging must accomplish and best practices to help you get there.
The Most Important Tasks of Club Store Packaging
Any company shipping products that will go straight to a retail shelf or in this case, a high-volume bulk floor, must ensure their products arrive safely and are ready to entice the customer. The two most important requirements of club store packaging are:
Ensure safe delivery of products
Be retail ready with consumer friendly display packaging
Because most products are typically picked right off the pallet, club store packaging must arrive ready to greet the customer. This is known as Retail-Ready packaging and allows club stores to move your pallets of material directly onto the store floor with minimal handling other than removing the shrink wrap around your pallet. Given that many pallets are laid out in rows, your product needs to stand out the minute your pallet hits the floor.
This is especially important for any product or item, but particularly for food and beverage products, refrigerated and frozen items. These products must be packaged properly with secondary packaging that is resistant to moisture or damage if items are stacked. What your individual product looks like to the consumer as they remove it from the pallet or refrigerator section makes all the difference in whether or not they put that item in their cart.
Tips for Designing Club Store Packaging
Always remember the setting in which your items will be on display. In the case of high-volume bulk stores, most often consumers remove products from the pallet to reveal more products left behind. Here are some of the most important tips when designing your club store packaging.
Pay attention to your color theme – your pallets of products must stand out from the others around it, and research shows that creating an aesthetically pleasing color combination with your primary and secondary packaging is most appealing to customers. Creating a strong color cube catches the consumer’s eye and enhances visibility to your products.
Prioritize images and brand icons – in marketing, a picture is worth a thousand words. Making sure that your customers can see your trusted brand icon clearly and readily, from all angles is important.
Remember the five sided rule – your pallets will be visible from all four sides and do not forget about the top view. Your products must be appealing from every vantage point and as your products are removed from your display, all sides and each layer will be exposed and visible. Maintain consistency for the most appealing visual impact.
Speaking with an experienced wrapping, packaging and palletizing provider can help you to ensure that your products are packaged for successful delivery and display.
PPS Offers Palletizing Solutions
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is a leading Midwest provider of contract wrapping, packaging, and palletizing solutions with more than 80 years of experience. We offer a state-of-the-art facility and a dedicated staff committed to high quality in every process. We offer a wide range of secondary production and packaging solutions including assembly, sewing, kitting, packaging and palletizing to meet your specific production requirements.
PPS follows a strict quality policy as part of our ISO9001:2015 registration and is committed to lean processes, continual improvement, and total customer satisfaction. We provide production solutions for companies of all sizes from small to medium size businesses to some of the largest Fortune 100 companies in the country. Contact us to speak with a packaging and palletizing specialist for primary and secondary packaging solutions.
Dunnage is a term that is common in the packaging and shipping industry and refers to a variety of materials that protect the main products being packaged or shipped. There are many types of dunnage material and many benefits dunnage provides, especially when choosing the right type of dunnage. An experienced contract packaging company can help you evaluate and choose the right type of dunnage and packaging material for your products.
Types of Dunnage
Dunnage provides some sort of padding or security to products being shipped to protect loose, fragile, or valuable items. Most types of dunnage are inexpensive compared to the protection they provide. We are all familiar with the Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap and wrapping paper, there are many more types of material that are considered dunnage that provide benefits to the packaging industry.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap has been used for years as one of the most common types of dunnage and continues to be popular among big retailers like Amazon and Walmart. It is usually readily available at shipping companies like FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Post Office. Bubble wrap is lightweight so it does not add much to shipping expenses, yet it protects a variety of items during shipping. Bubble wrap can be reusable which is another plus.
Foam Pieces
Foam pieces are another type of dunnage that is commonly used with electronics like computers, televisions, medical equipment, or sharp edge products. Foam pieces provide a protective cushion that gives a little to protect fragile equipment.
Air Pillows
Air pillows are another common type of dunnage similar to bubble wrap yet these lightweight thin plastic films are inflated with air and used to protect products from sliding around a shipping box. They are convenient to fill up extra space in shipping containers.
Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor, VCI, Bags
A VCI Bag is a type of poly packaging film that is made with added vapor corrosion inhibitor chemistry. The VCI molecules protect against metals causing corrosion by forming an invisible, thin barrier on the surface. This barrier inhibits the corrosion process caused by exposure to water, oxygen, and contaminants.
Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is another common type of dunnage material that is inexpensive, although depending on how it is packaged it could provide less protection than bubble wrap. Crumpling up the paper to create padding helps to prevent it from flattening. These large sheets of paper are eco-friendly, reusable and recyclable.
Corrugated Paper
Corrugated material is also popular and inexpensive, and the cardboard like material provides a stronger construction over paper. Corrugated makes a good dunnage choice when shipping various products of different sizes or weights and if those items could potentially be exposed to moisture.
Wood
Pieces of wood can be used to secure shipments like equipment on pallets for industrial shipping uses. Bracing equipment with a wood barrier can provide added protection during freight shipments.
Plastics
Using a plastic type of dunnage to brace products or equipment can be a more expensive choice so it is often reserved for valuable pieces of machinery and equipment.
Steel
Steel is another expensive type of dunnage and is typically used for heavy products, machinery and equipment.
These are some of the most common types of dunnage, although new technologies are introducing bio-based materials and alternatives to petroleum based dunnage packaging. Using reusable and/or recyclable dunnage material can provide cost-saving efficiencies and contribute to eco-friendly practices.
Why Choosing the Right Type of Dunnage Is So Important
The most important role that dunnage provides is protecting goods during shipping. Dunnage is important for additional reasons as well, the three most valuable benefits that dunnage provides include:
Protection against damage – protecting goods from sliding around inside boxes and protecting sliding inside of freight trucks is a critical role of dunnage. The proper dunnage can be the least expensive part of the packaging and shipping process but provides a valuable role when protecting fragile and valuable items.
Protection against moisture – products that are prone to damage from exposure to moisture such as electronics need dunnage that prevents moisture exposure. VCI bags provide added protection against corrosion with vapor corrosion inhibitor chemistry.
Shock absorption – dunnage protects products in many ways and absorbing shock when getting tossed around, dropped, or stacked with other boxes or pallets is an important role of dunnage.
Peoria Production Solutions has more than 80 years of experience as a contract packaging company. We offer assistance to our customers in evaluating and choosing the best type of dunnage to protect your products. Contact us to learn more about high-quality and cost-efficient wrapping and packaging and why choosing the right type of dunnage is so important.
The flexible packaging industry continues to increase as the need for packaging of products is one of the most vital components in fast-moving market sectors such as food and beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and more. Packaging preserves and protects products and also provides valuable communication and marketing for companies and their brands. Flexible packaging is also increasing due to consumer demand for sustainable products and with paper, cardboard or plastic packaging, the new mantra is less is more.
As companies meet increasing e-commerce demands, packaging and sealing of their products throughout the product life cycle is critical. Choosing the right type of sealing method to protect your product in a pouch or mylar bag is an important decision. An experienced flexible packaging company can help you determine which sealing method is best for your products and application needs.
Choosing the right sealing method depends on a number of variables such as the specific requirements for a particular item, barrier properties, FDA requirements, sealing strength required, volume and capacity. Knowing the difference between heat sealing and cold sealing can help you decide what is best for your packaging needs.
Heat Sealing for Flexible Packaging
Heat sealing is commonly used in the flex packaging industry and is preferred when maintaining integrity seals is critical. Heat sealing is an economical sealing method that provides high quality packaging sealing solutions. The three most important considerations when heat sealing include:
Heat temperature of adhesive and sealing surfaces
Dwelling time that the machine is in contact with the sealing material
Pressure applied by the heat sealing equipment
Heat sealing is permanently adhered while pressure is applied during the cooling process. Heat sealing can provide a good appearance with high-quality, tamper-evident and cost-effective sealing solutions although may not be ideal for all sealing situations.
Sealing products like chocolate, for example, or other heat sensitive materials may require a cold sealing process, although heat sealing is quite popular for many food and beverage product pouches in many shapes and sizes.
ColdSealing for Flexible Packaging
Cold sealing, also referred to as self-sealing, is the preferred method for sealing packages which are temperature sensitive such as ice cream or confectionery items as well as certain pharmaceuticals or medical packaging. Self-sealing only requires pressure without the need for heat. Two films are involved, one provides a barrier to the product while the exterior is printed with the product brand information.
When choosing cold sealing options for packaging, companies can choose from a variation in bond strength from low to high, depending on the product requirements. One of the greatest advantages of using a cold, self-sealing process is the time savings over heat sealing, allowing for a much faster cycle time.
One downside to cold sealing is that it usually provides less chemical resistance and may not meet FDA requirements, depending on the product and packaging requirements.
PPS Offers Packaging and Sealing Solutions
Both heat sealing and cold sealing provide specific advantages and one may work better than the other in certain applications. Peoria Production Solutions provides packaging and sealing solutions including flex packaging and heat sealing. We partner with many food and beverage businesses to provide secondary and flexible packaging solutions for many drinks, protein shakes, and other edible products. Our experienced team also provides packaging solutions for certain medical products.
PPS is a leading secondary and flexible packaging contract provider with more than 80 years of experience. We offer a wide range of services, a state-of-the-art large facility with the capacity and resources to meet your production requirements. Contact us to learn how to improve your production process with cost-effective, high quality packaging and sealing solutions.
We hear the terms frequently, eco-friendly and sustainable. Consumers increasingly want to purchase eco-friendly materials and companies are touting their sustainable practices. But do you know exactly what these terms mean? At times they seem almost interchangeable although there are some differences in the exact meanings that you should be aware of.
Eco-Friendly Vs. Sustainable
Eco-friendly
The main definition for eco-friendly means that the products or materials are not harmful to the environment. Eco-friendly materials can be applied to manufacturing products, production materials, packaging materials, fluids, cleaning products and many other items. Eco-friendly products and packaging must include environmentally responsible materials and processes from beginning to end to have zero negative impact on the earth and the earth’s natural resources.
Eco-friendly products cause the least possible harm to the planet, they require less energy use during production, and/or feature highly renewable or biodegradable materials. There are no real global standards to determine or support a company’s claim that their products are eco-friendly, it is more a statement that describes the brand’s values and practices.
Sustainability
Sustainability refers more to the practices of a company which ensure zero harm to natural resources and promoting conscious practices focus on the future. The action, process, or product touted as being sustainable or manufactured with sustainable practices must generate social, economic, and/or environmental benefits without causing any type of pollution throughout the entire lifecycle.
Sustainability can be even more encompassing than eco-friendly as it holds a company to a higher set of standards that includes eco-friendly products as well as environmentally conscious activities.
Eco-Friendly Flexible Packaging Materials
Packaging materials is one area where companies can make a big difference in using eco-friendly materials and is also an area where consumers can drive the market. Brands that advertise their eco-friendly packaging appeal to a wide array of buyers in the marketplace who search for these environmentally conscious, sustainable activities.
As eco-friendly products and materials continue to grow in demand, companies are taking note and changing their packaging methods. Flexible packaging is quickly gaining in popularity over rigid packaging materials due to the many benefits it provides with eco-friendly materials and a smaller carbon footprint throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Flexible packaging can be made smaller to fit the product such as a tight shrink-wrapped bag around materials as opposed to placing products in an oversized box and using additional packaging material to protect items. This drastically reduces packaging materials required while at the same time, allows for more product to be shipped on a pallet, or in a truckload, which reduces shipping space, weight, and fuel.
When searching for the best packaging materials for your products, consult with an experienced contract packaging company.
PPS Supports Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials and Sustainable Practices
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, has been providing high-quality secondary packaging and production solutions for more than 80 years. We offer vast experience in helping our clients to choose the best packaging materials to meet their needs as well as environmental regulations or sustainability goals. PPS takes pride in practicing eco-friendly processes since our inception, as is evidenced by earning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR certification in 2020.
PPS offers high-quality secondary packaging solutions including flexible packaging for an eco-friendlier solution. We offer high-quality coupled with cost-saving efficiencies, helping our customers to meet their production demands with accurate performance and timely delivery. Contact us to learn more about how to improve your sustainability operations with eco-friendly flexible packaging materials.
Manufacturers of powders and granules have historically used fiber drums for storing and shipping their products. While using large drums has been the norm and provides some benefits such as convenience for filling into a large mouth open container, many manufacturers are realizing the benefits of flexible packaging. The size of the typical drum used in this industry is somewhat limiting and results in a high total cost of ownership.
Manufacturers looking for a more cost-effective packaging solution which reduces their carbon footprint while maintaining product integrity are realizing the many benefits of flexible packaging such as durable polymer bags.
Many Benefits of Flexible Bagging over Drums with Powder Filling Process
Many industry trends point to manufacturers shifting to flexible packaging and a number of benefits are noted as the key reasons for making the switch. Key considerations when choosing flexible packaging versus rigid packaging options like drums include:
Product quality and integrity
Sustainability
Transportation
Total cost of ownership
Safety
Product Quality and Integrity
Fiber drums have a high oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) compared to other types of packaging. Adding foil linings or drum coatings requires an added cost and the drums still may not be the ideal packaging selection. Flexible packaging that provides an airtight seal can better protect against moisture, some types of bags include valves that allow for degassing without any moisture or oxygen inclusion.
Sustainability
Companies worldwide are continually working to reduce their carbon footprint and consumers are increasingly seeking out these socially responsible brands. Thinner, flexible packaging requires less energy to manufacture, store, and transport. Thinner, lighter weight materials also reduce the amount of material waste in landfills.
Transportation
With thinner, lightweight packaging options over rigid drums, more product can be shipped in less space. This optimizes fuel costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions for a smaller carbon footprint.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The total cost of ownership from flexible packaging compared to rigid packaging is quite a bit less when all expenses over the product lifecycle are considered. From more efficient manufacturing to shipping more product in less space, improving transportation fuel efficiency and waste in landfills, flexible packaging has the potential to greatly reduce total cost of ownership.
Safety
Managing flexible packaging is easier and less cumbersome than moving large fiber drums which pose a risk of injury to employees. Drums can fall and roll, creating a hazardous spill and injury on impact.
Many companies are moving from rigid packaging to flexible packaging options including the powder, granule and resin market. When choosing a partner for your flexible packaging requirements, consult with an experienced contract packager like Peoria Production Solutions, PPS.
Peoria Production Solutions: Experienced Flex Packager
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, has been providing contract packaging services for more than 80 years to companies of all sizes including Fortune 100 manufacturers. We offer secondary and flexible packaging solutions including auto bagging, bag filling, labeling, assembly, wrapping, powder filling and more. PPS utilizing stainless steel, automated powder filling equipment with a high rate of accuracy. We provide auto bagging and powder filling services for many products such as bird seed, pet neutralizing granules, starch, etc…
Let PPS help you to improve your powder bagging process with tight quality control and cost-efficient contract packaging services. As a fully sustainable not-for-profit organization, we offer the flexibility to meet your needs with high quality product, service and delivery.
PPS is a leading contract packager in the Midwest, servicing companies of all sizes with a variety of packaging solutions. We help companies meet their sustainability efforts with flexible packaging solutions that reduce costs and waste. Contact us to learn more about eco-friendly, sustainable flexible packaging options.
The vitamin, supplement and nutraceutical market is expected to experience growth with a Compound Annual Growth Rate, CAGR, at 4.62% to reach $26.93 billion by 2026, according to a report published by Global Newswire. People around the world are more interested than ever in boosting their overall health and wellness with products that provide immune support and preventive care.
Packaging solutions for vitamins and supplements must meet production and consumer demand with compliant labeling and convenient, flexible packaging which can improve the consumer experience and expand brand awareness in a growing market.
Flexible Packaging Supports the Vitamin and Supplement Industry
Vitamins and supplements come in all different forms such as pills, capsules, soft gels, tablets, powders, and liquid. Various types of packaging include primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging with custom options such as blister packs, strips, bottles, rigid papers, and stand up pouches with childproof sealing options. Flexible packaging has been a favorite type of packaging for both manufacturers and consumers for many products including vitamins and supplements.
Dietary supplements are defined as products that are intended to complement one’s diet and may contain ingredients such as minerals, vitamins, amino acids, herbs, and other botanicals. FDA requirements for labeling of dietary supplements mandate that the name of the product should be readily identifiable, the quantity, list of ingredients, name and address of the manufacturer or distributor must all be clearly labeled.
Benefits of Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging provides environmental benefits over rigid plastic, with thinner, lighter weight packaging. This is appealing to both companies with a social responsibility and also to consumers that care about the planet. Flexible packaging requires less energy to manufacture and transport and reduces product waste in landfills for a smaller carbon footprint than rigid plastic counterparts.
Flexible packaging is more cost efficient for manufacturers with easier shipping and storage. Flexible packaging materials today are made of advanced polymers that provide protective qualities to prevent moisture, mold, oxidation, or dehydration. Supplement products in a powder form naturally attract moisture. Packaging in multiple layers of water resistant material provides added protection.
Flexible packaging is easier for consumers to handle when shopping and takes up less space when storing. Flexible packaging such as stand up pouches allow for easy opening, easy access such as scooping product out of a bag, and easy reliable sealing to improve nutritional value and shelf life.
By choosing flexible packaging and working with an experienced contract packaging company, manufacturers can improve internal cost efficiencies while improving brand awareness and meeting consumer demand.
Peoria Production Solutions Offers Custom Flex Packaging
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is an experienced contract packaging company providing packaging solutions to companies of all sizes for more than 80 years. We offer a wide range of secondary and repackaging services including club pack, clamshell, bag filling, labeling, auto bagging, and more. We help many companies in the food and beverage industry such as makers of tea, fitness drinks, protein shakes, and more.
PPS utilizes a modern facility, a highly trained staff, and automated equipment such as a heat tunnel, heat sealer, vertical continuous band sealer, hot stamp imprinter, auto bagging equipment and more. We have the capacity to set up dedicated stations to follow meticulous assembly, wrapping and packaging instructions to your exact specifications. Our Enterprise Resource Planning, ERP, system keeps track of all incoming customer supplied material with lot code traceability for full accountability.
PPS is an ISO9001:2015 registered company providing secondary packaging solutions with quick turnaround and competitive pricing. We provide high-quality services with a dedicated staff committed to meticulous detail for total customer satisfaction. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about our flexible packaging solutions for the vitamin, supplement, and nutraceutical market.
Many brands follow the rules when it comes to labeling, particularly regarding safety warnings and nutritional values of food, etc. When it comes to inclusivity, while many companies have taken great strides, there is still a lot of room for improvement. People with disabilities are the world’s largest minority, according to the United Nations, yet when it comes to regulatory standards regarding inclusivity, particularly about obtaining information, this large segment of the consumer base is poorly represented.
Inclusive Labeling Attracts, Informs, and Accommodates
Companies do everything they can to increase brand awareness from revamping packaging with attractive colors, font styles, and textures, although more businesses are aiming to accommodate as well as attract and inform consumers. Take the food industry, for example, mandatory information is required regarding ingredients and nutritional value with a minimum font size, yet these standards will not do much for those with limited or failing eyesight and will do nothing for the blind population.
Some brands are finding innovative ways to enhance the in-store shopping experience as well as day-to-day usability of various products for the vision impaired.
Improving Inclusivity for the Vision Impaired
Basic compliance standards do not represent the social responsibility of a company or the real value to consumers. Some companies like Procter & Gamble have started to include tactile markers on their bottling for those that read braille. Understanding the context in how products are used can help companies to improve their inclusivity.
For example, someone with vision loss may line up assistance to have someone shop with them to read labels or tell the difference between a bottle of shampoo and conditioner. But who is going to help this person in the shower when they need to distinguish between two different similar bottles? Inclusive labeling to meet the context of product use can go a long way to improve a company’s brand awareness and social responsibility.
Some ways that companies are improving their packaging to be more inclusive particularly to the vision impaired population include:
Braille Labeling
Since the invention of braille in 1829 by Louis Braille, this tactile writing system has provided a means for countless people with blindness and visual impairments to be able to read books, music, signs, and mathematical equations. In Europe, braille is required to be included on pharmaceutical packaging, although this is not required in the U.S. Braille can make a big difference to a large population of people whether consumers shopping in a store or navigating various bottles of products and medications in their own home.
Larger Print
Larger print on labeling can help those with a visual impairment and a clean, unadorned font such as Arial is a good choice. Font size should be 16 point when possible with adequate spacing between letters and lines of text. Light text on a darker background is sometimes easier to read. Avoiding italics, or fancy lettering can help the visually impaired to feel more included as a consumer.
Whatever type of packaging your company incorporates to improve your inclusivity measures, Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, applauds you and offers contract packaging services customized to your specific requirements.
PPS Practices Inclusivity on a Daily Basis
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is a not for profit contract packaging company offering secondary packaging services including wrapping, packing, and labeling. We offer more than 80 years of expertise in providing high quality, production solutions for some of the largest corporations and Fortune 100 companies in America. We started as a not for profit company employing individuals recovering from tuberculosis, and have grown to be a fully sustainable, ISO9001:2015 registered company employing individuals with disabilities.
Our team comes to work every day with a can-do attitude, and a dedication to a job well done. We provide a wide range of services requiring meticulous attention to detail and invest in continual training and automated equipment. With exceptionally low employee turnover, we enjoy a dedicated team committed to high quality and total customer satisfaction. As our mission is providing jobs not profits, we offer unique flexibility to meet our customer needs with high quality services that meet your budget.
PPS is a leading contract packaging services company located conveniently in the Midwest with the resources, capacity, and skilled staff to meet your unique packaging requirements. We believe in inclusivity for all, providing equal opportunities for all people with alternate abilities. Contact us to learn more about improving your inclusivity labeling for greater brand awareness and social responsibility.
Flexible packaging, or flex packaging, is exactly that, packaging that is literally flexible, capable of bending without breaking. There are many types of flexible packaging such as bags, pouches, and wrappers. The next time you see potato chip bags, juice pouches, even the wrappers around granola bars, these are all examples of flexible packaging.
Flexible packaging can be used as primary packaging, which actually touches the product and holds the product like the potato chip bag. It can also be secondary packaging, where several pouches can be packed into a larger flexible bag for shipping and handling. Flexible packaging can be made of a variety of materials such as plastic, foil, paper, or film and comes in various forms such as bags, pouches, liners, sleeves, wraps or rollstock.
Many companies are shifting from traditional rigid packaging forms such as cardboard boxes to flexible packaging due to the many benefits it provides.
Benefits of Flexible Packaging
The flexible packaging industry continues to increase in popularity due to the many advantages achieved when replacing rigid pack formats. According to the Flexible Packaging Association, flexible packaging continues to grow as one of the fastest growing packaging segments in the country. One of the biggest reasons is the sustainability of flex packaging.
Sustainability Throughout The Entire Product Lifecycle
More sustainable to manufacture – flexible packaging has a more positive impact on the environment than rigid pack forms, resulting in less usage of fossil fuels, less greenhouse gas emissions and water usage than other packaging forms.
Cost-efficient transportation – because flex packaging materials can be shipped on large rolls, or several plastic bags packed flat for transportation, many more types of flexible packaging can be shipped at once over traditional boxes. Due to the light weight of flex packaging, it is much more cost-efficient to transport than rigid packaging. This also means that more packaging types can be delivered in one truck, which cuts down on deliveries and CO2 emissions.
Higher ratio of product-to-package – the product to package ratio is a measure of material efficiency and helps determine the weight of the entire package versus the weight of the product. Flexible packaging provides a higher product to package ratio when compared to other packaging formats.
Provides protection to products – flex packaging protects products against scratches or dents, prevents contents from spilling and helps reduce spoilage.
Increases shelf life – flex packaging helps to reduce food waste by extending the shelf life of many types of food and perishable items.
Source reduction – source reduction is one of the top activities a company can do to reduce waste. Flex packaging allows for companies to receive larger quantities of packaging materials at once, which cuts down on the amount of deliveries needed and also reduces the amount of storage space required.
These are some of the most important benefits and the main reasons for the shift from traditional to flex packaging. Speak with an experienced contract packaging company to learn more about your options for switching from rigid to flex packaging.
Contract Packaging Company Offers Flex Packaging Solutions
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is a leading Midwest supplier of secondary packaging solutions with more than 80 years of experience. PPS offers wrapping and packaging services for companies of all sizes including Fortune 100 companies. We offer a highly skilled staff trained in wrapping, shrink wrapping and various types of packaging. We utilize automated packing equipment such as auto bagging, bag filling, and more.
PPS invests in our staff through continual training and development and enjoys a committed team with less than 3% overall employee turnover. In the midst of a widespread labor shortage, PPS is in the unique position to provide reliable packaging services to meet your production and delivery needs.
PPS offers a wide range of production solutions including packing, bag and pouch filing, wrapping, cello wrapping, shrink wrapping and more. We have the staff, the resources and capacity to customize packaging solutions to meet your needs. Contact us to learn more about improving your supply chain with a leading contract packaging company experienced in flex packaging solutions.
How does contract packaging support 3PL? Let’s first understand what this term we’ve been hearing more of really means. 3PL is a term that means Third Party Logistics and has become increasingly popular with the rise in online ordering and subscription services. 3PL providers offer inventory management, warehousing, and order fulfillment for companies, allowing businesses to focus on their core capabilities instead of picking, packing, and shipping.
3PL providers take a lot of responsibilities with managing the logistics of order fulfillment off the hands of businesses. 3PL providers utilize automated technologies such as sophisticated warehouse management software and equipment to precisely sort and track products throughout their entire process. Full accountability of customer supplied products is an absolute must.
As every job is unique with specific packaging requirements, a 3PL provider may also provide the packaging or outsource to a contract packaging company.
Contract Packaging Companies Support 3PL Providers
Contract packaging companies provide a wide range of packaging services from simply receiving customer product, packing, and labeling in corrugated boxes to assembling full kits of products in display ready packaging. When secondary packaging services are required, an experienced contract packager may provide valuable insight and services to 3PL providers and businesses seeking 3PL services.
An experienced contract packager is familiar with all types of packaging materials and dunnage. Dunnage is the term that refers to the many types of packing filler materials like bubble wrap, crinkle paper, Styrofoam fillers like blocks and planks and other packing materials that help to support products through shipping and handling. From safely packaging materials in corrugated with dunnage to carefully assembling multiple components in display ready kits, a contract packager can do it all.
Experienced Secondary Packaging for Companies and 3PL Providers
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, offers customized contract packaging services such as packing, repackaging, bag filling, auto bagging, bottle labeling, stretch wrapping and palletizing. We provide solutions for companies of all sizes with a highly skilled and trained staff, automated packaging equipment, the resources and capacity to meet custom packaging requirements. As an ISO9001:2015 registered contract packager, we provide quality services and finished products, on time with competitive pricing.
PPS is a not-for-profit company with more than 80 years of experience in building a dedicated staff with less than 3% employee turnover. Our focus is on jobs, not profits, as we provide employment to persons with alternate abilities and provide opportunities to realize their full potential. We provide quick turnaround time of high quality products from a staff committed to meticulous attention to detail.
PPS is experienced with all types of packaging material and various secondary packaging services, offering cost-efficient solutions for companies of all sizes, including Fortune 100 companies. We provide high quality secondary production services with quick turnaround time. Contact us to learn how our contract packaging services can help support your 3PL logistics needs.
