1. What is a Contract Packager?

A contract packager is a small subset of the overall packaging industry which provides a variety of packaging services ranging from standard to complex processes. In addition to routine packaging, a contract packager may provide additional services such as product labeling, assembly, warehousing, and distribution. A contract packager acts as an outside department for a manufacturer, providing services that are not available in-house.

Contract packaging companies range from large to small, and may provide standard or custom packaging services. Some packagers specialize in liquid filling; some in shrink wrapping or blister sealing; some offer a wide range of manual or mechanized processes. In addition, a full-service packager may source all of the manufacture’s component needs.

2. What should I look for in a Contract Packager?

You will want to look for a contract packager that fully meets your needs. It is recommended that you use a contract packager that belongs to a professional contract packagers association and one that is not afraid to talk to you and tour you through their facility. Meet the staff, get to know the business, ask lots of questions. Be sure to get a quote and discuss with the staff any concerns you may have. Resist the temptation to base your decision on price alone; contract packagers ultimately act as an extension of your own business. Look at all of the services offered, not just the price.

3. What is the benefit of using a contract packager? How does this save me money and time?

There are many reasons to use a contract packager. The primary advantage is to free up your company’s time and resources to focus on product and market development and let the contract packager take care of the packaging requirements. The cost of outsourcing this work is often significantly lower than keeping it in-house.

You may turn to a contract packager when introducing a new product and you do not want the cost of purchasing new equipment. If you have a sudden surge in demand, a contract packager can assist you. You may want to test a new product with a small run prior to going into full in-house production. If you are expanding into a new area a contract packager may be able to package your product more economically and efficiently. Is free space an issue for you? This is another good reason to use a contract packager.

These are some of the most commonly asked questions about contract packaging. For more specific information on SRS Packaging Services please contact Tony Gill at (604) 644-8903 or (604) 588-9565.