Category Archive: Contract Packing

Custom Repackaging Solutions For Custom Problems

Custom Repackaging

Companies are getting creative with their packaging processes, looking for ways to improve efficiencies and save money. Some companies have switched from corrugated boxes to reusable totes, for example, when shipping products to suppliers who may perform assembly or secondary production work and then use the same totes to return products. As no two factories or warehouses are alike, companies are realizing that they can shape their packaging and shipping processes to meet their own specific needs based on their industry, their purpose in the marketplace, and their geographic location.

According to a recent Smithers analysis, the packaging industry broke the $1 trillion mark in 2021 and is slated for a study compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% through 2026, reaching an estimated $1.22 trillion. Packaging is big business and it is a big part of a product’s expenses throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Customizing the type of packaging and the way companies perform the packaging of their products can drastically improve operational efficiencies, productivity, and profitability. Many companies are realizing that outsourcing their packaging to an expert contract packager is actually much more affordable than performing this process in-house.

The Benefits of Outsourcing to a Contract Packaging Company

Many manufacturers continue to perform their processes the same way they always have, from production to packaging, to inventory and/or shipping. This makes sense for some applications, but for others that invest in continual improvement and look for innovative ways to improve their processes, outsourcing packaging to a secondary packaging company has proven to deliver many benefits.

When companies outsource packaging to an experienced packaging provider, they can free up a lot of floor space in their own facility and eliminate packaging labor expenses. Additionally, an experienced contract packaging provider will ensure a quality packed product with experience in using a variety of materials. Oftentimes, contract packaging companies are aware of innovative materials such as flexible packaging bags, or pouches that can save companies a lot of money over rigid packaging materials.

Contract packagers that also perform assembly provide added value, as manufacturers that need to assemble components can simply ship everything to one supplier who will assemble and repackage components, returned and ready for stocking or delivery.

PPS Provides Customized Assembly and Packaging Solutions

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, has been providing contract assembly and packaging solutions for more than 80 years. PPS is a leading contract packaging company and provider of secondary production solutions such as assembly and kitting with experience in a wide range of packaging materials. We follow strict quality policies as part of our ISO9001:2015 certification and utilize Enterprise Resource Planning, ERP, software to track all incoming and outgoing materials.

PPS has the capacity and experience to customize your packaging needs for the most efficient and cost-effective process. We are experienced in a wide range of packaging services including:

  • Secondary
  • Repackaging Services
  • Club Pack
  • Shrink Wrap
  • Gift Set Packaging
  • Palletizing
  • Clamshell
  • Auto Bagging
  • Flex Pack
  • Bag Filling
  • Labeling

As a fully sustainable not-for-profit company, we are in the unique position to provide high-quality packaging solutions at the most affordable costs in the market. PPS is committed to total customer satisfaction and improving your secondary production and packaging processes, acting as an extension of your team.

PPS offers high-quality, customized secondary production and packaging solutions to meet your specific requirements. We invest in our staff with ongoing training who are skilled in using many of our automated solutions to meet your delivery schedules on time. Contact us to learn more about improving your packaging process with customized solutions to meet your unique specifications.

Improve Shipping with Flexible Packaging: Top 5 Benefits

Benefits of Flexible Packaging

The type of packaging that companies choose for their products plays many important roles throughout the entire operational supply chain. Packaging is an important factor in marketing products to consumers with appealing aesthetics but is also a critical factor when shipping and storing products and is often one of the largest expenses factored into an item’s production lifecycle.

Making the switch from rigid packaging to flexible packaging can provide significant improvements to a company’s operational efficiencies and bottom line, with the top 5 benefits including:

  • Enhanced durability
  • Product preservation and extended shelf life
  • Optimized shipping space
  • Greater product-to-package ratio
  • More sustainable packaging and shipping

Flexible Packaging Provides Enhanced Durability

All types of products are damaged every day during shipping which leads to losses of damaged products, a waste of fuel delivering damaged goods, and added costs for reshipping the same products. Packaging materials like corrugated boxes and even dent-prone types of aluminum cans can still experience damage during shipping. Flexible packaging, however, is designed to absorb impact better and is non-breakable. Flexible packaging can be custom designed to incorporate multiple layers depending on the level of protection needed for the product.

Product Preservation and Extended Shelf Life

Flexible packaging materials have the ability to preserve products and extend shelf life. Many types of products benefit from packaging that resists corrosion, oxidation, and moisture, which corrugated and other packaging materials provide limited protection against. Flexible packaging such as stand-up pouches and powder bags has the ability to preserve products with air-tight seals and protective coatings, extending product quality and shelf-life.

Optimized Shipping Space

Stacking boxes on top of skids is the ‘way it’s always been done’ for packaging and shipping a wide variety of products. This often requires dunnage such as air-filled bags, Styrofoam, or wadded-up paper to prevent products from slipping during transit. Filling space with added products costs money and is wasteful in many ways.

Flexible packaging optimizes shipping space with less empty space and no need to pack protection around products in boxes. Flexible packaging can cost much less to ship when rates are based on box dimensions with no need for filler material. This allows for shipping a greater quantity of product on the same truckload, drastically improving logistics and reducing carbon emissions.

Greater Product to Package Ratio

Flexible packaging provides a greater product-to-package ratio, with more product compared to the packaging material used. This means less waste and less resource consumption. A higher product to package ratio also means there is less weight which can reduce shipping costs, and more products can be stored in the same space.

More Sustainable Packaging And Shipping

Flexible packaging is a more sustainable option than other packaging methods, providing sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle, according to the Flexible Packaging Association. Flexible packaging results in less greenhouse gas emission, less fossil fuel usage, less transportation-related energy, and less environmental pollution.

With all of these benefits, companies that make the switch from rigid packaging to flexible packaging can significantly reduce their packaging expenses and improve capacity in their warehouse or facility. Working with an experienced flexible packaging provider helps companies to realize maximum benefits and improvements to their operational efficiencies.

PPS Is a Flexible Packaging Provider

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is an experienced contract packaging company offering a wide range of packaging solutions including flexible packaging. We provide secondary packaging solutions to some of the largest corporations in America and improve efficiencies for companies of all sizes. Our skilled staff specializes in wrapping, bagging, filling, and packaging, with high attention to detail and quality-driven policies based on our ISO9001:2015 registration.

PPS excels in meeting our customer needs with high-quality and cost-efficient packaging solutions. We offer packaging, kitting, wrapping, assembly, sewing, and more to act as an extension of your production team. Contact us to learn more about the many benefits flexible packaging can provide to your company when working with an experienced flex packaging provider.

Why Are Brands Spending More On Packaging?

 

As reported in several articles published by the Flexible Packaging Association, consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands have steadily increased over recent years and continue to grow. 65% of CPG brand owners anticipate increasing spending during 2022 and 2023 and also plan to increase spending on packaging. While just about every supply chain has been affected by world events, there are many reasons why changes in packaging are dramatically impacting the CPG industry.

Trends Impacting Increase in CPG Packaging

There are a few significant reasons that are leading the trend for companies to invest more into their packaging. Some of the most important reasons driving the increase in spending on packaging include an increase in e-commerce, a raised awareness to eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, and competition for market share.

Increase in E-Commerce and Lighter Weight Materials 

Online shopping increased considerably due to the global pandemic, and as people realized the convenience of consumer goods shipped right to their front door, an increase in e-commerce took off. With more companies selling their products direct to consumers online instead of in the store, an increase in packaging is inevitable.

This makes the type of packaging that much more important.  With increased shipping costs, companies are striving for lighter weight, high-performance materials to protect their goods during shipping as well as heavier corrugated or plastic containers. This drastically reduces shipping expenses and can help to offset an increase for better packaging materials.

Eco-Friendly Awareness and Corporate Sustainability Goals 

With an increased awareness on environmentally friendly products and processes, corporations are instituting sustainability goals to do their part to reduce their carbon footprint and attract eco-conscious consumers. As brands evolve their packaging for consumer packaged goods to reflect their concern for the environment, they may be willing to spend a little more on recyclable shipping materials that attract a large segment of consumers. As CPG brand owners shift to sustainable packaging, they are investigating various types of flexible packaging materials such as flexible poly bags which weigh less and take up less space during shipping.

Flexible packaging materials weigh  considerably less than boxes or plastic containers which significantly reduces shipping expenses as less weight means greater fuel efficiency, and more products can be stacked on a skid as opposed to stacking boxes. Therefore, more products can be shipped in one truckload with flexible packaging as opposed to rigid packaging options.

Packaging Helps Brands to Gain Market Share 

How many times have you made a purchasing decision based solely on the appearance of a product’s packaging? If something looks new, hip, modern, fresh and clean or appealing we are more likely to purchase that product over something that looks dull and boring. The old adage “you can’t judge a book by its cover” strictly has no place in consumer marketing. Consumers judge products by their cover automatically without even thinking about it.

CPG brand owners are doing everything they can to respond to competitive demands and seizing every opportunity to get the attention of their target audience. This includes continually redesigning packaging with the goal of converting that shopper to a buyer.

If your company is considering making shifts in your packaging to evolve with market trends, you should consult with an experienced contract packaging company for guidance in material options and supply chain solutions.

PPS Offers Contract Secondary Packaging and Flex Packaging Solutions 

Peoria Production Solutions is an experienced contract packaging company, assisting companies of all sizes with packaging solutions for more than 80 years. We continually invest in modern equipment and new technologies to meet the demands of upcoming innovative packaging trends. We provide all types of secondary packaging solutions including flexible packaging, variety pack packaging, gift set packaging, clamshell packaging, point-of-purchase displays and more.

PPS leads the industry in providing a wide range of secondary production solutions including all types of packaging, kitting, and assembly. We follow strict quality procedures as part of our ISO9001:2015 certification, ensuring quality product delivered on time. Contact us to learn more about improving your packaging to meet upcoming and innovative packaging trends.

Single Part Packaging & Kitting

Single Part Packaging & Kitting

Packaging and kitting products is a process performed to promote convenience and efficient operations.

Manufacturers and Retailers Benefit from Kitting

Manufacturers often kit products together such as raw materials needed for an assembly process so all items are conveniently located and foster lean manufacturing practices. This ensures that employees have all materials necessary at the right point in time of a manufacturing process. Material kitting for manufacturing can vary and depends solely on the process such as tools, raw materials or other items needed during production.

Companies selling direct to consumers will perform kitting of items that typically go together that provide an appealing and convenient choice for their customers. Kitting items together involves the process of bundling several different products together to create just one SKU for direct sale. Product kitting is very common and includes things like subscription boxes, toolkits, arts and crafts, meal preparation products and many others.

Single Parts Packaging 

Single parts packaging is similar to kitting although involves just one particular item. Manufacturers may perform single parts packaging to ensure that a particular item is ready when needed during a production process. Retailers often package single items for direct sale that do not need to be part of a kit.

Both single parts packaging and kitting provide many advantages to companies and many businesses are realizing the benefits of outsourcing this process.

Is Outsourcing Single Part Packaging and Kitting Beneficial? 

Contract packaging and kitting companies can provide many benefits to businesses that require single part packaging and kitting. In determining if outsourcing packaging and kitting is beneficial to your business, it is important that you know the fine details about your process. If your company is having a hard time keeping up with orders, spending too much time picking products, packaging, labeling, and shipping, it may be a good idea to evaluate the benefits of outsourcing packaging.

Whether you are a manufacturer struggling to make sure your kits are ready for your assembly line, or a retailer struggling to keep up with packaging orders for timely shipping, outsourcing this packaging process can provide many benefits. Allowing an experienced contract packaging company to perform this process for you can significantly improve your internal efficiencies, and free up a great deal of capacity allowing businesses to focus on their niche market and what they do best.

Outsourcing packaging and kitting can help companies to:

  • Meet production demands
  • Ship sales order deliveries on time
  • Reduce internal labor expenses
  • Free up internal capacity
  • Improve customer satisfaction
  • Improve productivity and profitability

These are some of the many benefits that can be realized when outsourcing packaging and kitting to the right provider.

PPS Adds Value to Your Supply Chain with Packaging and Kitting 

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, has been providing packaging and kitting solutions for companies for more than 80 years.  We understand the importance of efficient operations and having all necessary materials readily available. PPS offers a large, state-of-the-art facility with the capacity to set up a dedicated kitting process to meet your specific requirements.

As a fully self-sustainable, not-for-profit organization, our focus is on creating jobs for our employees and providing employment to people with all disabilities, helping them to achieve social and financial independence in a safe, encouraging, and respectful environment. We invest in our employees with training and cross training to eliminate bottlenecks in our process and practice lean manufacturing with exercises such as value stream mapping (VSM).

We enjoy a dedicated staff that enjoys coming to work and is committed to a job well done with meticulous attention to detail. PPS follows a strict quality policy as part of our ISO9001:2015 certification encouraged with top-down involvement of all personnel. Our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system tracks all incoming customer supplied material with lot code traceability and full accountability throughout our entire packaging and kitting process.

 

PPS is a recognized leader among contract packaging companies offering kitting and assembly, packaging, flex packaging, and a variety of secondary packaging solutions. We utilize modern, automated equipment to ensure efficient, quality processes. Contact us to learn how to improve your supply chain with contract packaging and kitting from the leading Midwest contract packaging company.

 

Are You Over Packaging Your Products?

Packaging

 

There is a big difference between over packaging and under packaging products, and somewhere in the middle is the perfect balance with an optimized packaged item. Depending on who you talk to, about half of consumers consider that the packages they receive are overpackaged. This happens when a small item is placed in a box much larger than needed and stuffed with various types of dunnage like bubble wrap or wadded up paper in an attempt to protect the item from damage and from moving around during shipping.

In spite of this, still a large number of consumers receive products that are damaged which suggests that they were not packaged adequately for protection during transportation. This is a big problem in the packaging industry and continues to gain more attention as more focus is placed on eco-friendly &  sustainable packaging practices.

The Disadvantages of Overpackaging 

There are many disadvantages of overpackaging products that affect a company’s costs, customer satisfaction, and impact to the environment.

Added costs – shipping products with more packaging than needed adds up to a significant waste of money in terms of oversized corrugated boxes, plastic containers or dunnage to protect products. This costs the shipping company more money to purchase and store packaging items and it costs more money to ship oversized packages.

Damaged items –  when products are not properly secured in a right-sized fitting container, they are more prone to damage during shipping. This greatly impacts customer satisfaction and can affect future potential sales.

Impact the environment – all that extra packaging uses greenhouse gases to produce, fuel to ship, and takes up space when wasted in landfills.

Overpackaged products are far from eco-friendly and are not always the best choice to safely deliver products without damage.

The Disadvantages of Under Packaging 

Under packaging results when products are received in a container that either crams them too tight without enough space and dunnage surrounding the item for protection and shock absorption.

Unsatisfied customers – No one likes to receive broken and damaged items and most consumers would not buy from the same company again.

Additional expenses – when customers return broken items, companies must repair or discard the product and ship a replacement free of charge, costing money and additional shipping and packaging expenses.

Repeating the process impacts the environment the same way all over again with more packaging, more transportation and fuel expenses.

Overpackaging and the Impact to the Environment

As stated earlier, overpackaging negatively affects the environment in many ways and as reported by Climate Collaborative, packaging makes up about 5% of the energy used in the average lifecycle of a food product.  Plastic waste alone used for packaging any type of product is one of the greatest sources of pollution with a great deal of this plastic waste ending up in landfills and natural environments. It is estimated that about 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year, according to Supply Chain Solution Center. 8 million tons of plastic waste polluting our oceans every year is nearly unfathomable.

Reducing or eliminating plastic from your packaging may or may not be the solution, as utilizing recyclable shipping products or methods may be your best option and necessary to protect your goods. Flexible packaging solutions are providing shippers with many innovative options to replace hard plastic containers with light weight flexible polymer bags. This greatly reduces package size, weight, shipping costs, and environmental impact.

If you have been overpackaging your products with oversized cartons or plastic containers because it’s “the way you’ve always done things”, it may be time to explore new eco-friendly and cost-efficient options. Speak to a contract packaging company with experience in flexible packaging services to see if you can reduce your overall packaging expenses, and your carbon footprint.

PPS Provides Flexible Packaging Solutions 

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, has been providing packaging solutions to companies of all sizes for more than 80 years. We are experienced in all types of packaging materials and continually invest in new technologies to provide innovative packaging solutions. We offer flexible packaging solutions with automated equipment such as a heat tunnel, heat sealer, band sealers and hot stamp printers to provide custom flex packaging solutions.

We partner with companies to provide contract packaging that meets their specifications with custom label or tag insertions, kitting, assembly, or other secondary packaging needs. 

PPS is a leading contract packaging company experienced in packaging all types of goods and items in a proper fitting container with secure protection during shipping. We offer custom secondary packaging solutions to meet your needs whether filling corrugated boxes, plastic containers, or flexible packaging materials. Contact us to learn more about improving your packaging process for cost-efficient and eco-friendly solutions.

Top 5 Tips For A Successful Countertop POP Display

Countertop POP DisplayCountertop point-of-purchase (POP) displays provide a strategic method to sell products to consumers mostly as a spontaneous, last-minute purchase. We are all familiar with the impulse buys we make while standing in the checkout line at grocery stores, clothing stores, or just about any retail store.

To create a successful countertop POP display that catches a shopper’s eye and attention away from the tabloid news, companies need to put some thought into their packaging and marketing approach.

Here are the top five tips for creating a successful, irresistible countertop POP display:

  • Choose the right items to display – this should go without saying, but choosing the right items is just as important as your packaging and marketing approach. The items need to represent a good value to the buyer, although you do not need to represent a clearance rack. Countertop impulse buys should be low-cost, $10 or less, yet something that shoppers actually want to buy. This is not the time to market products or brands that do not sell well on the shelves but rather offer popular and common products that people would like to buy anyway, and you are making it more convenient for them.
  • Focus on one countertop display at a time – multiple displays can become distracting and move shoppers away from your products of focus. Too many last-minute items to choose from and shoppers are more likely to ignore all of them.
  • Keep your display simple – creative, eye-catching colors and messaging is important, but shoppers do not waste much time reading too much at the checkout counter. Recommendations are to keep your text at seven words or less for a countertop display so consumers can look it over in an instant and decide to grab it, or not.
  • Choose distinct packaging that stands out – choosing colors and graphics that entice consumers with aesthetically pleasing and distinct messaging makes your products stand out and get noticed.
  • Update your displays – be sure to change out your displays with items that appeal to your largest audience and products that are relevant to the demographics. Change out your display every couple of weeks to keep it fresh and grab the attention of your customers. Failing to update your countertop POP displays will get boring pretty quick and you run the risk of losing sales. 

Whether you are promoting electronics, food, beverages, candy, cosmetics or convenience items, choosing the right type of packaging and contract packaging company will help make your countertop POP displays a success.

PPS Offers POP Display and Secondary Packaging Solutions 

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is a leading contract packager offering a wide range of high quality and cost efficient packaging solutions. We have been providing packaging, kitting, assembly, sewing, and other production solutions to companies of all sizes for more than 80 years. PPS supports some of the largest Fortune 100 companies in the U.S. and helps small businesses to improve efficient packaging and delivery of goods.

PPS is a leading contract packaging company offering secondary packaging solutions including flexible packaging, POP displays, blister packs, clamshell packaging and more. As a successful and fully sustainable not-for-profit business, we offer cost efficient solutions that set us apart from other contract packaging companies. Contact us to learn more about improving your secondary and POP display packaging.

Not All Blister Packs Are Created Equal

Types of Blister PacksA 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.

 

How To Approach Club Store Packaging

Club Store Packaging solutionsClub 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.

      1. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. 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.

 

Why Is Dunnage Important?

commercial packaging materialDunnage 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.

 

Heat Seal or Cold Seal Packing: Which to Choose

cold and hot seal packagingThe 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.

Cold Sealing 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.