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.
Packaging is an important part of any manufacturing process, although packaging today has more purpose than just storing or shipping your goods. Packaging plays a critical role in a company’s marketing strategy and brand recognition. Working with a contract packaging company provides many benefits such as cost efficient logistics, improved brand awareness, and many other advantages.
Here are some of the top benefits of working with a contract packaging company.
Less capital investment
Contract packaging companies are experts in the art of packaging as that is their niche.
They already have the staff, the capacity, equipment, and supplies to efficiently package your products. This saves the manufacturer from investing in automated packing equipment, training staff, and devoting resources to a secondary process outside of their niche manufacturing.
When a company adds up all of the expenses devoted to packaging, they could very well realize that a contract packager not only provides a quality product with a quick turnaround time, but also at a lower cost than what they are spending now.
Increased internal capacity
By outsourcing packaging, the company can devote floor space and staff to their manufacturing process and increase their internal capacity. Some companies devote a lot of time training staff on proper packaging methods only to experience high turnover which seems like a never ending training process. Manufacturers can eliminate this headache of hiring and training by outsourcing packaging. Outsourcing packaging allows companies to devote floor space to the profitable part of their business, manufacturing their unique products and goods.
Improved flexibility
Most manufacturers do not have the time or staff to investigate various packaging types, creative or cost-saving options. An experienced contract packager can make recommendations on cost-efficient packing material and options for secondary packaging. Contract packagers have experience in kitting, assembly, and packaging goods in beautiful, display ready packages. A contract packager can offer cost-efficient suggestions that improve your product image while also saving money.
Quick turnaround time
Contract packagers are skilled in meeting tight deadlines and providing quick turnaround time. Many manufacturers today operate in a just-in-time environment, receiving their materials just in time for production which requires fast production and shipping. Skilled packagers can accommodate these tight deadlines to help companies maintain or improve their on-time shipping statistics.
Smart option for seasonal packaging
Many companies experience seasonal production and would have to make added investments to package the additional product. Contract packaging is the perfect solution for seasonal production and allows companies to produce to their capacity while experienced packagers finish the job.
These are just some of the benefits of working with a contract packaging company. You can experience all of these benefits and more with Peoria Production Solutions.
Contract Packaging Solutions with Value-Added Benefits
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, has been providing contract packaging services for more than 80 years. We are a fully sustainable, not-for-profit company, focused on providing jobs rather than profits. This puts us in the unique position to offer greater flexibility to our customers to meet their budgetary needs.
PPS is a leading Midwest supplier of secondary production solutions including packaging, kitting, assembly, bagging, filling, commercial sewing and more. We offer competitive secondary packaging services over traditional contract packaging companies. Contact us to learn more about the many benefits of working with an experienced and professional contract packaging company.
Reducing your packaging costs can provide significant cost reductions for improved profitability. It is worthwhile to evaluate all expenses and consider alternatives such as using a contract packaging company.
Packaging costs include the expenses for various packaging materials as well as all required labor and are an important part of overall production costs. Packaging is an integral part of producing products, whether manufacturers are shipping corrugated to other companies or creating beautiful packaging to appeal to consumers. For business to consumer (B2C) companies, appealing to consumers with colorful packaging and catchy phrases might be what sells their product the first time, but the quality of product inside is what creates future sales.
Packaging is unavoidable, but there are things that companies can do to reduce their expenses without jeopardizing product quality or brand recognition.
Factors That Contribute to Higher Packaging Expenses
Analyzing your overall packaging expenses periodically is definitely a worthwhile exercise that can deliver significant cost savings. New materials may have come on market since you last evaluated your packaging process or there may have been advancements in automated equipment. Considering outsourcing your packaging to a contract packager is another option to save money and maintain product quality.
Whatever your analysis reveals, looking at your packaging with a holistic view of your current processes including all purchasing and storage of materials, labor expenses, cost of automated equipment, and footprint of packaging work areas that take up capacity is the only way to know your true packaging costs. When you take a good hard look at all of your packaging expenses, you will discover valuable cost-saving opportunities that increase your bottom line.
Factors that contribute to increased packaging costs include:
Bottlenecks in the packaging process
Inefficient storage and retrieval of packaging items
Ineffective packing materials that allow damage
High shipping costs
Using larger packaging boxes the necessary
How to Reduce Your Overall Packaging Expenses
Here are some things you can do to reduce your packaging expenses:
Evaluate purchasing and inventory of packaging materials – obviously, cost comparisons must be completed to compare vendors for the many packaging materials used in your packaging processes. Packaging materials include a wide variety of items with many types of each item in various categories such as:
Corrugated boxes of various sizes
Sealing materials such as tape and shrink wrap
Plastic bags of all sizes with various features such as zip lock, adhesive or drawstring closure
Packing paper such as brown paper or crepe paper
Packing materials for stuffing such as Styrofoam, filled air bags and bubble wrap
Check price comparisons and check inventory reports and return on inventory analysis to ensure your purchasing processes are efficient.
Consider the layout of your warehouse – evaluate the layout and flow of goods throughout the warehouse to look for inefficiencies such as any backtracking from receiving through shipping.
Improve packing time with automation – automating your packaging line will increase your output with improved picking and packaging, improve your brand recognition with precise, perfectly packaged products, and reduce your carbon footprint as automated systems use only the exact amount of material needed.
Use smaller boxes – using boxes larger than necessary for your product is one of the biggest money wastes in packaging.
Outsource to contract packager – speak with a contract packaging company and you might be surprised when you compare your current total packaging expenses to that of a contract packager. Outsourcing your packaging allows your business to focus on your niche market and devote floor space to what you do best.
Peoria Production Solutions offers contract packaging services with more than 80 years of experience and a highly skilled staff. We utilize automated packaging equipment and provide many secondary services such as bag filling, bottle labeling, auto bagging, palletizing, and more. Contact PPS, an ISO9001:2015 registered company and set apart from other contract packaging companies to provide the greatest value with high quality service that can reduce your packaging costs.
There are many different levels and types of packaging, each with a specific purpose. For any company that packages their products, it is important to distinguish between the different types of packaging which include primary, secondary, and tertiary. Each of these levels of packaging are intended for different purposes.
Types of Primary Packaging
Primary packaging includes packaging materials that come into direct contact with the product that you are selling. Primary packaging protects or preserves your goods for optimal condition until removal. The first layer of packaging that contains your finished product such as the plastic bag that holds cereal inside the box would be the primary packaging. Another example of primary packaging would be a small glass bottle that contains oil or tincture. These small glass bottles would be packaged into a cardboard retail box, which could arguably be primary packaging but also serves the function of secondary packaging.
Primary packaging for fast-moving consumer goods would be a bag, pouch, foil bag, bottle, can, or jar.
Types of Secondary Packaging
Secondary packaging pulls all primary packaging forms together into a single product such as group packaging. Secondary packaging would be a large box or container that holds several smaller boxes that make it easier for storage or shipping. Secondary packaging is designed to optimize efficiency and typically contains a specific number of units. Types of secondary packaging help to maintain the integrity of primary packaging and are highly useful for e-commerce. Secondary packaging typically includes multiple components such as separators, padding, and reinforcements.
Types of Tertiary Packaging
Tertiary packaging is to secondary packaging, what secondary is to primary packaging. Tertiary allows for safe and efficient movement of secondary packaged products at scale. Tertiary packaging ensures that minimal space is used during storage and protects products from environmental hazards. Tertiary packaging should allow for efficient movement like with forklifts or pallet jacks.
This type of packaging may also be referred to as transit or bulk packaging, typically used to group larger quantities of products for transportation from one point to another.
Secondary Packaging Provider Makes All the Difference
Working with an experienced secondary packaging provider makes a big difference in not only the safety and security of your products but for marketable, display ready packages. An experienced packaging provider like Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, can offer suggestions as to the best type of secondary packaging for your product and provide customized packaging services to meet your specific needs.
PPS offers a wide range of secondary packaging services including POP display, clamshell packaging, sample kits, club packs, kit assembly, cello wrapping, pouch and bag filling, gift set packaging, and repackaging. PPS offers more than 80 years of experience in providing customized packaging solutions with a skilled and experienced team dedicated to your total satisfaction.
Peoria Production Solutions is a leading Midwest provider of secondary production and packaging solutions. We follow a strict quality policy with top-down involvement, investing in our staff with ongoing training and personal development. Contact us to learn how to improve your supply chain with an experienced secondary packaging provider on your team.
