What is a Co-Packer?

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Businesses always look for cost-effective yet innovative ways to grow their brand and enhance productivity. One way businesses often achieve this is through the use of a contract packager.

Contract packagers, or co-packers, are third-party companies that carry out packaging, manufacturing, and sometimes distribution processes on behalf of another business. By outsourcing these operations, brands can focus on other more profitable aspects of their business while benefiting from specialized packaging expertise.

The Role of a Co-Packer

Co-packers offer their customers comprehensive services, including formulation, blending, filling, labeling, and quality control. Contract packagers have the experience to package a vast array of consumer goods and commodities, with some of the most common co-packed products being sauces, snacks, supplements, personal care items, and more. Many co-packers may specialize in one area. For example, Econo-Pak focuses solely on dry food products.

Working with a co-packer delivers several benefits, including the following:

  • Access to specialized equipment and expertise
  • Production scalability
  • Ability for businesses to focus on their core competencies
  • Cost-effective

Why Businesses Choose to Work With a Co-Packer

More and more businesses are choosing to work with co-packers for the following reasons:

  • Cost savings and efficiency. Outsourcing your production and packaging operations eliminates the need to invest in costly equipment, labor, and facilities.
  • Access to specialized equipment and expertise. Partnering with an experienced co-packer gives you access to seasoned experts and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure optimal quality.
  • Scalability and flexibility. Co-packers can easily adjust production to keep up with demand. This allows businesses to scale up or down as needed.
  • Focus on core competencies. Delegating production and packaging tasks to a co-packer makes it easier for businesses to focus on marketing efforts, innovation, and other core competencies.
  • Market expansion and geographic reach. Co-packers often have multiple production facilities in different locations, enabling brands to easily extend their geographic reach and enter new markets.

Industries That Utilize a Co-Packer

Industries that often utilize contract packaging include:

  • Food and beverage. Food and beverage companies turn to co-packing for producing and packaging various products, including snack items, pasta, powders, and much more. At Econo-Pak, we specialize in contract food packaging, with capabilities that include:
  • Cosmetics and personal care. Contract packagers play a critical role in formulating and packaging skincare, personal care, and cosmetic products.
  • Pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Pharmaceutical contract packagers ensure that medicines and other healthcare products meet the necessary regulatory requirements and quality standards.
  • Consumer goods and electronics. Co-packers can produce and package everything from household items to electronic devices.

Finding the Right Co-Packer

Selecting the right co-packer requires careful consideration of numerous factors, including production capacity, quality control procedures, cost, and location. It’s also critical to evaluate a co-packers experience level, reputation, and client testimonials. Doing so will ensure you select a partner who can not only meet your unique needs but also has a history of completing successful projects. Once you’ve found the ideal partner, you can work together to draft a clear, detailed contract to establish any responsibilities and expectations.

Working With a Co-Packer: The Process

Working with a co-packer typically begins with a consultation to understand your specific needs, followed by an evaluation of your product. Depending on your requirements, a co-packer may assist with product formulation and development based on your specifications.

 

Once the product has been developed, production can begin. Co-packers produce your products following strict quality control measures to ensure optimal safety and consistency. Your products are then packaged, labeled, and prepared for shipment. To streamline business operations, co-packers can also assist with distribution and logistics, with many providers offering shipping, receiving, and warehousing capabilities.

Challenges of Partnering With a Co-Packer

Although co-packing offers numerous benefits, there are some challenges to keep in mind. For example, outsourcing your production and packaging operations can often mean relinquishing some control over the manufacturing process. Reputable co-packers like Econo-Pak work closely with customers to ensure you maintain creative control while still benefiting from our expertise.

Quality control is also a common challenge. Maintaining consistent product quality can be hard when relying on a third party. To give you peace of mind, Econo-Pak offers the following quality control capabilities:

  • 50+ person quality control staff
  • Full product traceability
  • SOP system
  • 5-year record retention
  • X-ray
  • HAACP plans for each product and line
  • Food defense plan

Lastly, building trust and maintaining effective communication can oftentimes be difficult. Econo-Pak understands the importance of good communication and strives to provide prompt responses and personalized customer support to help address any issues.

Learn if a Co-Packer Is Right for Your Business

As the business landscape becomes more complex and competitive, brands are looking to contract packaging to streamline their operations. At Econo-Pak, we have over 40 years of experience providing quality contract food packaging and manufacturing services for companies of all sizes. For help determining if co-packing is right for your needs, or for more information about Econo-Pak’s contract packaging capabilities, request a quote today.

Let's start scaling.

Is your demand outpacing your ability to package your own product? Then consider outsourcing with Econo-Pak.

With over 40 years of experience working with both small brands and Fortune 500 companies, we are capable of handling your specific dry food product.

Get in touch with our team for a fixed-price quote for your project.

Food Repackers: Challenges in the Industry

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Food repacking is a critical component of the food supply chain that often gets overlooked. Food repackers and contract food packaging both play an important role in ensuring the safety and quality of food products before they hit retail shelves.

However, the food repacking industry faces numerous challenges that demand constant attention and innovation to overcome.

The Role of Food Repackers

Food repackers receive large quantities of bulk food products and then repack them into smaller, more user-friendly packages. This process is vital for increasing the shelf life of food products while meeting the ever-changing demands of consumers.

By properly packaging, labeling, and transporting food products to the shelves, food repackers make items more easily accessible to consumers. Additionally, because food repacking boosts the longevity of products, it helps to minimize food waste, resulting in cost savings for businesses.

Regulatory Challenges of Food Repackers

A common challenge faced by food repackers is the need to be compliant with strict industry regulations. This includes adhering to specific requirements surrounding labeling, food safety, and handling allergen concerns. Common regulatory standards that food repackers must comply with include the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), FDA and USDA requirements, and many more.

How Econo-Pak Overcomes Regulatory Challenges

Econo-Pak stands apart with a quality control system that regularly undergoes independent audits. As a testament to our dedication to quality and food safety, we’ve earned the following industry certifications:

  • Food and Drug Administration Certified (FDA Compliant)
  • Safe Quality Food Certified (SQF Level 3)
  • Organic Certified under Baystate Organic Certifiers
  • Kosher OU-D (Orthodox Union Certified)
  • Gluten-Free Certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
  • Costco Safety and Quality Audit Certified

Supply Chain Challenges of Food Repackers

Another area of difficulty for food repackers is supply chain management. This includes everything from managing inventory and stock rotation to transportation and distribution. Recently, businesses have seen extended wait times when it comes to procuring packaging materials, resulting in extended delivery dates for food products. Another food packaging challenge revolves around certain packaging supplies being difficult or impossible to obtain.

How Econo-Pak Overcomes Supply Chain Issues

While certain supply chain and logistics issues can be beyond control, experienced partners like Econo-Pak implement measures to make it easier to successfully navigate these challenges. Econo-Pak understands the importance of procurement when it comes to the quality of food products and offers a comprehensive range of procurement services to optimize your supply chain operations.

We help businesses overcome supply chain issues by providing the following:

  • Supplier identification and evaluation
  • Supply chain risk management
  • Contract management and negotiation
  • Performance monitoring and reporting
  • Sustainable procurement
  • Access to a global network of trusted suppliers

Food Repackers and Sustainability Challenges

Sustainability is also a common challenge for food repackers, especially with the increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly packaging alternatives. To meet these demands, food repackers require materials that strike the right balance between sustainability and extended shelf life.

How Econo-Pak Is Leading the Way in Sustainable Food Packaging

At Econo-Pak, we’re deeply invested in the future of sustainable food packaging. We continue to adapt our packaging designs and materials to numerous sustainability standards, helping businesses across various industries meet their green initiatives while still ensuring safe, high-performance packaging solutions.

Market Trends and Food Repackers

Consumer preferences for food packaging are always changing, and it’s often challenging to adapt to them. For instance, consumers tend to prefer specific types of food packaging like flip-top closures over other containers. Consumers also want packaging that is sustainable, attractive, increases shelf life, and provides detailed information about the product.

Econo-Pak strives to deliver packaging solutions that align with customer preferences and emerging trends. We’ve developed a range of creative, non-traditional packaging methods to fulfill different requirements, with some of our most innovative products including:

  • Edible packaging
  • Minimalist packaging
  • Smart packaging

Food Repackers’ Technological Advancements

 

A key way that food repackers can overcome common challenges is by adopting new technologies. Automated equipment and advanced inventory management technology can greatly improve repacking efficiency and streamline operations. In addition to boosting productivity, investing in technological advancements also reduces the risk of error, increases product quality, and shortens the time to market.

At Econo-Pak, we are committed to continually investing in advanced machinery to improve and add to our service capabilities. We own approximately 200 different food packaging, seasoning, blending, and distribution machines in our facility, allowing us to fulfill your repacking needs with optimal efficiency.

Overcome Food Repackers’ Challenges

Food repackers face many challenges. For this reason, it’s important to partner with an experienced provider who is capable of adapting in the face of supply chain issues, shifting consumer demands, and changing regulatory requirements. At Econo-Pak, we have over 40 years of food repacking experience and have the necessary resources to overcome nearly any industry challenge.

For more information about our capabilities, request a quote today.

Let's start scaling.

Is your demand outpacing your ability to package your own product? Then consider outsourcing with Econo-Pak.

With over 40 years of experience working with both small brands and Fortune 500 companies, we are capable of handling your specific dry food product.

Get in touch with our team for a fixed-price quote for your project.

What to Look For in a Food Co-Packer

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Businesses in the food industry must be able to efficiently and consistently deliver high-quality products, which is where food co-packers can help. Food co-packers, or contract packagers, can help optimize your operations by improving efficiency, scaling production, and keeping food products consistent.

Benefits of Using a Food Co-Packer

There are multiple benefits of using a food co-packer to improve your operations, including:

  • Efficiency and cost-effectiveness: Co-packers can streamline production and reduce operational costs by streamlining scalability and giving you access to advanced processing equipment.
  • Expertise and resources: Food co-packers also have the industry knowledge and infrastructure necessary to give you the results you need.
  • Scalability and flexibility: The right co-packer will be able to adapt to your needs as they change, whether you need to scale up or down based on demand.
  • Focus on core competencies: You’ll be able to focus more on your core business while your co-packing partners take over production tasks, freeing you up to spend more time and energy on product development, marketing, and other essential business areas.

Determining Your Food Co-Packing Needs

Here are some aspects to think about when integrating the services of a food co-packer:

  • Product type and complexity: Your specific product type and its complexity should match the co-packer’s expertise.
  • Production volume and frequency: It’s also crucial to align your unique production requirements with the co-packer’s contract packaging solutions, which could range from auger and cup filling to cartoning and repackaging.
  • Distribution requirements: You may have specific distribution needs that the co-packer must be able to meet.
  • Regulatory compliance and certifications: Your co-packer should also be capable of adhering to food industry safety standards and certifications, along with your own company’s unique standards and requirements.

6 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Food Co-Packer

The following are some critical factors that go into selecting a food co-packer.

1. Location and Proximity

The ideal co-packer will be close to your operations to facilitate effective collaboration and reduced shipping expenses.

2. Industry Experience

Look for a co-packer with experience in your niche—the right co-packer will have experience handling a wide range of products and understand the needs of each product type.

3. Production Capabilities

Assess the co-packer’s equipment, facilities, and technology. For instance, you might look for a co-packer with a large facility and extensive equipment for packaging and other production processes.

4. Quality Control and Safety Standards

Food co-packers should maintain safety and quality across operations using compliant equipment and quality assurance teams. The right co-packer will adhere to rigorous standards for sanitation, employee training, product traceability, allergen control, and more.

5. Capacity and Lead Times

Your co-packer should also be able to meet all deadlines and keep your operations on track.

One way a co-packer can facilitate this is the use of robotics. Automated robotic systems can perform labor-intensive, repetitive tasks with greater speed and efficiency than human workers. These solutions also optimize quality and scalability through their programming, and they can operate 24/7 for continuous production. Using robotics also reduces safety risks in the workplace by completing potentially dangerous tasks in place of employees.

6. References and Reputation

Find out what kind of reputation the co-packer has by reading reviews and learning about the experience that others had with the company.

Food Co-Packer Contractual Considerations

Some contractual obligations to consider include:

  • Terms and conditions: You and your co-packer should clarify your partnership’s terms with transparent terms and conditions.
  • Pricing structure: Gain a deep understanding of the pricing model the co-packer uses, which will account for everything from setup to future costs.
  • Minimum order requirements: Minimum order quantities must align with your unique company goals.
  • Intellectual property and confidentiality: Ensure that the co-packer will protect the recipes for your products and branding, among other intellectual property.
  • Exit strategies: In the event you need to end your partnership, you should have a contingency plan in place that allows for alternatives.

Food Co-Packer Due Diligence and Background Checks

Take these steps to learn the ins and outs of your prospective food co-packer:

  • Visit the co-packer’s site and inspect their facility: Have someone from your company visit the co-packer’s facility and conduct an inspection of the co-packer’s processes.
  • Ensure financial stability: Determine whether the co-packer is financially stable, which will help gauge whether the company is capable of a fruitful long-term partnership.
  • Check references and client testimonials: Find out what others have to say about the co-packer.
  • Look at the company’s legal and compliance history: Your co-packer should also have a history of maintaining compliance with industry and customer requirements.
 

Food Co-Packer Regulatory Compliance and Certification

Your co-packer should meet all requirements under industry regulations and standards. Here are some of the requirements and certifications to look for.

FDA and USDA Requirements

The co-packer must comply with federal regulations for food safety under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

HACCP and GMP Standards

The company should follow best food production practices, with certifications such as Organic and Kosher, among others.

If needed, your co-packer should also be able to meet your product’s unique requirements.

Are You Ready to Partner With a Food Co-Packer?

Food co-packers can optimize your production processes in many ways, but you must find the company that’s most compatible with you. Learning everything you can about a potential partner will help you make the right decision.

Get started with making your selection by reaching out to Econo-Pak. Request a quote today!

Let's start scaling.

Is your demand outpacing your ability to package your own product? Then consider outsourcing with Econo-Pak.

With over 40 years of experience working with both small brands and Fortune 500 companies, we are capable of handling your specific dry food product.

Get in touch with our team for a fixed-price quote for your project.

Track Your Food: Traceability in Co-Packing

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Traceability has become a fundamental practice in the food industry. It refers to tracking any food or substance intended to be incorporated into food through all production, processing, and distribution stages.

Traceability is crucial for several reasons:

  • Food safety: Traceability helps quickly identify and address issues like contamination or spoilage, preventing potential health hazards.
  • Quality control: It ensures that quality standards are maintained throughout production.
  • Consumer trust: Knowing the origin and journey of their food enhances consumer confidence in the products they purchase.
  • Regulatory compliance: Many countries have stringent regulations regarding food traceability, making it a legal necessity.

Traceability in Co-Packing

Co-packing involves a complex network of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. Here’s how traceability plays a vital role in the co-packing industry:

1. Ingredient sourcing

Traceability begins at the very start of the supply chain. Co-packers must thoroughly understand where each ingredient comes from, especially if clients have requirements like gluten-free certifications. This includes information about the suppliers, the origin of the ingredients, and the conditions under which they were produced and transported.

 

2. Production process

Co-packers need to track various parameters like batch numbers, production dates, and processing conditions during the production process. This data is crucial for ensuring quality consistency and tracing any issues back to their source.

3. Packaging and labeling

Packaging and labeling are critical components of traceability. Barcodes, QR codes, and RFID tags are commonly used to provide information about the product’s journey from the co-packer to the retailer.

4. Distribution

Traceability doesn’t end once the product leaves the co-packing facility. It extends to the transportation and distribution of the products, ensuring they are stored and handled correctly throughout the journey.

Get Full Insights with Econo-Pak

Traceability in co-packing is not just about tracking products; it’s about ensuring the safety, quality, and integrity of the food we eat. Econo-Pak implemented scanning traceability in our facility in 2023 to further improve our services for our clients.

If you’re interested in getting a fixed price for your food packaging project, request a quote today. Our team will be in touch!

Let's start scaling.

Is your demand outpacing your ability to package your own product? Then consider outsourcing with Econo-Pak.

With over 40 years of experience working with both small brands and Fortune 500 companies, we are capable of handling your specific dry food product.

Get in touch with our team for a fixed-price quote for your project.

What is Co-Packing, Co-Manufacturing, and Outsourcing?

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A co-packer, also known as a contract packer, is a company that packages products for other businesses. A co-manufacturer, or co-man, is a firm contracted to produce another company’s product line, often seen in the food industry. Outsourcing refers to the broader business practice of hiring external firms to perform services or create goods traditionally performed in-house by the company’s employees.

What is Co-Packing and Why is it Crucial?

In today’s competitive market, food and bakery manufacturers are constantly seeking innovative solutions to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This is where co-packing and co-manufacturing come into play. These services involve producing and packaging food products by a third party, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to in-house packaging.

The Secondary Packaging Advantage

Econo-Pak excels in secondary packaging, which involves grouping various pre-packaged products together. This not only enhances product presentation but also contributes to operational efficiencies, particularly vital in the bakery, food, and beverage sectors.

We offer numerous packaging formats for food products, such as:

Co-Manufacturing: A Strategic Outsourcing Approach

Co-manufacturing, a specialized form of outsourcing, is a boon for businesses looking to expand their product lines without incurring significant overhead costs. Econo-Pak helps businesses fulfill large projects efficiently without needing additional staff or equipment.

Why Choose Econo-Pak for Co-Packing?

 

Econo-Pak stands out in the co-packing industry for several reasons:

1. Cost-effectiveness: By managing production costs and offering expert services, we provide a more affordable route to market your products.

2. Expertise and quality control: Our established relationships with suppliers and our efficient production methods ensure high-quality outputs.

3. Flexibility and efficiency: Econo-Pak’s ability to adapt to various needs and our efficient processes make us a top choice for businesses of all sizes.

Navigating the Co-Packing Process with Econo-Pak

Selecting the right co-packer is a critical decision. Econo-Pak makes this process seamless by offering expert advice and legal assistance to ensure that your products meet your standards and expectations. Our focus on clear communication and quality control sets them apart, ensuring a productive and mutually beneficial partnership.

Partnering with Econo-Pak for co-packing and co-manufacturing services is a strategic move for food and bakery manufacturers aiming to enhance their operational efficiency, manage costs effectively, and focus on their core competencies. Request a quote today to get a fixed price for your project.

Let's start scaling.

Is your demand outpacing your ability to package your own product? Then consider outsourcing with Econo-Pak.

With over 40 years of experience working with both small brands and Fortune 500 companies, we are capable of handling your specific dry food product.

Get in touch with our team for a fixed-price quote for your project.

What Is the Safe Quality Food Certification?

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Consumers prioritize quality and safety when buying food, and companies that consistently and reliably deliver high-quality products are more likely to gain and keep their business.

One way for organizations to show their commitment to food quality and product integrity is to achieve and maintain the Safe Quality Food Certification. Learn more about the SQF Certification and why working with an SQF-certified business is beneficial.

Purpose of the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification

Since 1994, the SQF Certification, of the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), has set forth food industry quality and safety standards measuring companies’ compliance. Its three core tenets are:

  • Food safety, or ensuring that food products are safe for consumers to eat or drink
  • Quality management, or verifying quality as well as consistency in both products and processes
  • Environmental responsibility, or showing dedication to environmental safety and sustainability initiatives like sustainable food packaging

When consumers, as well as contract food manufacturers and packagers, retailers, and related business partners, see the internationally recognized SQF Certification symbol, they tend to have greater faith in both a product’s safety and that brand’s integrity.

Types of Safe Quality Food Certifications

Based on its unique operations and products, a business can receive one of three levels of SQF certification, as follows:

  • Level 1: Food Safety Fundamentals. This level defines standard food safety compliance for small-scale manufacturing operations.
  • Level 2: Certified Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Food Safety Plans. This certification level is more stringent. It’s designed for any organization that wants to implement HACCP standards in their operating processes.
  • Level 3: Comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Management System. This is the highest level of SQF Certification, and the one that Econo-Pak maintains. It’s achievable for food industry businesses that thoroughly prioritize food quality and safety.

Each level includes all the requirements and obligations of the preceding level(s).

Benefits of Safe Quality Food Certification

Businesses that undergo certification can establish trust among their consumers and build a reputation for quality that can give them an edge over similar, uncertified companies, particularly in niche or international markets.

When you work with an SQF-certified organization, you can be confident that the company is fully committed to producing quality products and maintaining safe operations. Certified businesses must comply with predetermined, globally recognized standards, which means that the company has established processes in place that meet industry regulations and food safety laws. This ensures that the company consistently maintains and systematically improves the quality and safety of their food products.

Safe Quality Food Certification Process

Obtaining an SQF Certification involves six general steps.

Completing a Pre-Assessment of Operational Readiness

Companies typically start by identifying any gaps between SQF requirements and their current practices. By evaluating their organization and focusing on any areas that need improvement prior to applying for certification, businesses begin with a clear picture of where they stand so they can address any deficiencies.

Choosing an SQF Consultant

While not a requirement, an SQF consultant can help guide a business through the certification process. For small or generally straightforward operations with a clear understanding of SQF requirements, these companies can proceed independently. For large or complex businesses — or those simply wanting to achieve certification as efficiently as possible — a consultant can offer expert support and facilitate the application process.

Designing and Initiating an SQF System

Next, the organization will develop an SQF system that encompasses the food safety and quality processes and policies that will guide its operations, and then incorporate this system into its business. This includes:

  • Implementing new procedures and standards surrounding food quality and safety based on the level of SQF Certification a company wishes to achieve
  • Creating monitoring and verification systems to internally ensure continued compliance
  • Training staff on any new practices
  • Documenting these practices

Keeping Records and Documenting Processes

Keeping well-organized records that document adherence ensures operational transparency, which helps boost consumer confidence. Also, documented processes are traceable, enabling companies to trace products from start to finish for better quality assurance. They can take corrective actions, as needed, and their business will be prepared for future audits.

 

Facility Auditing for Potential Certification

After successfully putting an SQF system into practice, an external auditor will inspect the facility and carry out interviews to evaluate a company’s adherence to the SQF Code. The facility’s safety and quality practices, overall cleanliness, staff, and process documentation will all be under review to ensure that they meet certification qualifications. If everything passes, the company will officially receive SQF Certification.

Committing to Continuous Improvement

SQF compliance doesn’t stop the day a business is awarded certification. It must continue to uphold SQF standards and practices to maintain it, making updates and improvements based on the current SQF Code. Businesses can do this successfully through continued training and documentation, periodic internal audits, and committing to continuous improvement in their safety and quality processes.

Econo-Pak: Your SQF-Certified Partner

Having an SQF Certification underscores a company’s dedication to food safety and communicates that commitment to business partners and customers. To best serve our clients, Econo-Pak maintains a Level 3 Safe Quality Food Certification.

Let's start scaling.

Is your demand outpacing your ability to package your own product? Then consider outsourcing with Econo-Pak.

With over 40 years of experience working with both small brands and Fortune 500 companies, we are capable of handling your specific dry food product.

Get in touch with our team for a fixed-price quote for your project.

How Does Co-Packing Work?

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Contract packaging, otherwise known as co-packing, involves outsourcing your product production, packaging, and sometimes even distribution to an expert partner. Let’s dive into the specifics of co-packing, including how it works, its many advantages, and how to get started.

The Basics of Co-Packing

Co-packing is when a business hires another company to handle its production and packaging operations. The two main parties involved in a co-packing arrangement include:

  • The brand owner. The brand owner is responsible for conceptualizing the product and holds the brand name. They also retain all intellectual property and marketing rights to their product.
  • The co-packer. The contact packaging provider turns the brand owner’s concept into a tangible product, handling everything from production to packaging.

Contract packaging can often include private labeling, wherein the co-packer produces the product under your brand name. It can also encompass contract manufacturing, which involves producing a brand’s products based on their required specifications.

The Co-Packing Process & How to Get Started

So, how do you get started with co-packing? It’s important to first make sure that your business has a need for it. Companies typically turn to co-packing when they experience increases in product demand, require production scalability, or wish to focus on their core competencies while benefiting from a packaging expert.

Once you determine that co-packing is right for you, the next step is to choose the right contract packaging provider. To ensure you select the right co-packer for your needs, be sure to evaluate their capabilities, quality standards, capacity, location, markets served, and cost. After you’ve found an ideal partner, you can work with them to establish clear terms and agreements that detail responsibilities, pricing, and other expectations.

From that point on, the co-packing process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Product development & formulation. This stage involves developing your product, including ingredient selection and packaging design creation. During this process, effective collaboration between the co-packer and brand owner is critical in ensuring the finished product aligns with the brand’s vision.
  2. Production and quality control. The co-packer handles every aspect of the production process, as well as quality control. Implementing quality control measures during this stage is important in ensuring product consistency and adherence to any necessary standards or regulatory requirements.
  3. Packaging and labeling. During the packaging phase, the co-packer selects the appropriate contract food packaging materials and ensures all labels adhere to regulatory standards. Labels should include information such as ingredient lists, allergen warnings, and nutritional information.
  4. Storage and distribution. Co-packers often provide inventory management services, which are key to ensuring a seamless supply chain. Depending on the agreed-upon terms, your co-packer may also handle distribution.

Throughout all phases of the co-packing process, it’s important to maintain open communication. This helps to build trust and foster a long-lasting relationship.

Advantages of Co-Packing

Co-packing offers numerous benefits, including:

    • Cost savings. Contract packaging can result in significant cost savings for companies. By outsourcing their production and packaging operations, businesses avoid having to invest in costly equipment, facilities, and labor.
    • Expertise and efficiency. Co-packers are experts in their industry, offering specialized equipment and knowledge. This leads to improved production efficiency and product quality.
    • Co-packing enables businesses to easily scale production to keep up with shifting demands, whether you require large-scale production or small-batch runs.
    • Focus on core competencies. Delegating production and packaging processes to a third-party company allows businesses to focus on their core competencies, such as product innovation, marketing, and brand development.
 

Outsource Your Food Packaging With Econo-Pak

Co-packing is a great solution for businesses looking to improve efficiency, focus on other areas of their business, and benefit from specialized packaging expertise. At Econo-Pak, our contract food packaging solutions can meet nearly any packaging requirement. We work with businesses of all sizes and prioritize getting your products to market quickly and efficiently. With over 240,000 square feet of production floor space and 200 different packaging machines, we can handle projects of all sizes and scopes.

For more information about co-packing, or to work with Econo-Pak for your contract food packaging needs, request a quote today.

Let's start scaling.

Is your demand outpacing your ability to package your own product? Then consider outsourcing with Econo-Pak.

With over 40 years of experience working with both small brands and Fortune 500 companies, we are capable of handling your specific dry food product.

Get in touch with our team for a fixed-price quote for your project.

Food Packaging Robots: The Future

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In recent years, the food packaging industry has seen a significant improvement in technology, with one of the most revolutionary advancements being the use of robots.

Robotic systems offer many advantages over manual processes and are continuing to transform the food packaging industry now and into the future.

The Current Landscape of Food Packaging Robots

Food packaging robots come in numerous types, each specializing in different packaging tasks. Common types include:

  • Pick and place robots. These robots perform well in tasks such as arranging, sorting, and placing food products into packaging containers with precision.
  • Collaborative robots. Collaborative robots work alongside human workers and are commonly used in packaging applications requiring a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.
  • Retort machines. These automated machines are specifically designed to preserve food products and ensure optimal quality, safety, and shelf life.
  • Fully automated packaging lines. Automated packaging lines utilize a combination of robotics, conveyors, and other equipment to streamline the entire food packaging process.

Benefits of Food Packaging Robots

Food packaging robots offer several advantages over traditional manual processes. These advantages include:

  • Better efficiency and productivity. Food packaging robots are capable of working continuously without breaks for enhanced productivity. They greatly reduce packaging times, resulting in significant cost savings and faster delivery to consumers.
  • Enhanced product quality and consistency. Robots can package food products with minimal risk for error. This leads to enhanced packaging quality, precision, and consistency.
  • Cost savings and reduced labor dependency. Although the initial investment in advanced robotics technology may be high, the long-term cost savings are often significant due to lower labor costs and enhanced efficiency. Robots can also be easily reprogrammed or reconfigured to handle different packaging tasks without the need for additional labor.
  • Minimization of rote task-related injuries. Food packaging robots take on tasks that require repetitive motions. These types of movements can lead to overuse injuries in humans, so workers can enjoy a more comfortable job position while the robots do the menial labor.
  • Improved food safety and hygiene. Robotic packaging systems can operate in sterile environments, helping businesses reduce the risk of contamination while remaining compliant with FDA food packaging regulations. They are also capable of handling delicate food products without the risk of damage or contamination.
  • Reduced human error and packaging waste. The automated nature of food packaging robots minimizes the risk of human error, resulting in reduced waste and improved product quality.

Food Packaging Robots Applications

Robotics are capable of carrying out numerous tasks related to the food packaging process. Common applications include:

  • Pick and place of randomly oriented food items
  • Raw food packaging
  • Depanning
  • Denesting
  • Boxing
  • Palletizing
  • Warehousing tasks

Technological Components of Food Packaging Robots

The efficacy of food packaging robots depends on various cutting-edge technological components. Today’s advanced robotics systems typically include the following:

  • Sensors that allow robots to perceive their environment
  • Machine vision systems for quality control purposes
  • Sophisticated software and programming tools

In addition to the abovementioned elements, food packaging robots are often integrated with other packaging machinery and systems to create a seamless and efficient packaging process.

Challenges of Food Packaging Robots

Despite their numerous benefits, food packaging robots can come with several challenges, including:

  • Higher upfront costs, which may deter smaller businesses
  • Require a certain level of maintenance and technical expertise to remain operational
  • Can be difficult to ensure compliance with food safety regulations
  • Concerns about potential job displacement as automation becomes more common in the industry

If you are considering outsourcing your food packaging due to the limitations discussed above, contact us today and we’ll give you a fixed-price quote for your project.

The Future Prospects of Food Packaging Robots

The future of food packaging will undoubtedly see increased implementation of robotics and other automated systems. As we dive deeper into Industry 4.0, the food packaging industry will continue to use robotics to enhance packaging efficiency and decrease costs.

On top of the previously mentioned benefits, robots are also expected to help with sustainability initiatives by reducing waste and creating more eco-friendly food packaging materials. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will further improve the capabilities of food packaging robots by enabling them to easily adapt to changing demands and product requirements.

Meet the Future of Food Packaging With Your Own Robotic Solutions

Robots not only improve the speed and quality of food packaging operations but also help to reduce waste and labor costs. At Econo-Pak, we are dedicated to continuously advancing our contract food packaging services through the use of cutting-edge equipment and robotic automation.

For more information about our contract food packaging capabilities and the equipment we use, request a quote today.

Let's start scaling.

Is your demand outpacing your ability to package your own product? Then consider outsourcing with Econo-Pak.

With over 40 years of experience working with both small brands and Fortune 500 companies, we are capable of handling your specific dry food product.

Get in touch with our team for a fixed-price quote for your project.

Compostable Plastic Food Packaging: A Guide

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The reality of today’s fast-paced economy means consumers demand convenience in every facet of life, including the ability to easily store, transport, and consume various dry foods. Packaging plays an important role in the convenience, shelf life, and freshness of cereal, chips, nuts, pasta, and more.

Packaging types also affect consumer purchasing decisions. In this blog, we’ll discuss the 10 most common dry food packaging options and why they’re favorites among consumers.

Factors Influencing Dry Food Packaging Popularity

Many factors make certain types of packaging for dry food better than others.

Food safety is the top priority when it comes to food packaging. Preservation and shelf-life are particularly important features, both in stores and in the homes of consumers. Throughout the supply chain, effective packaging should protect dry goods from moisture, air, and light to extend product shelf life. 

Convenience and portability are also essential to meet the needs of modern consumers. On-the-go lifestyles require packaging that is easy to open, close, and transport throughout the product lifecycle. At the same time, the packaging should be cost-effective—it shouldn’t substantially add to the product’s cost. 

Other factors have to do with certain consumer preferences. Eye-catching product packaging attracts immediate attention on crowded store shelves. Furthermore, increasing environmental awareness has made sustainable and eco-friendly packaging more important to consumers. Sustainable packaging materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, or made from sustainable sources appeal to consumers because such packaging helps consumers feel like they are having a positive impact on the environment.  

The Top 10 Most Popular Dry Food Packaging Options

Dry food packaging needs to be durable and preserve product shelf-life. These popular dry food packaging options appeal to consumers for different reasons. 

  1. Resealable Stand-Up Pouches: Popular because they’re easy to reseal, store, and display, stand-up pouches take up minimal shelf space and create minimal environmental waste. They are used for a variety of products, including coffee, snacks, and dried fruits.
  2. Ziplock Bags: Low cost, easy use, and wide availability make ziplock bags one of the most preferred packaging options. They are commonly used to portion and store various snacks or sandwiches.
  3. Cardboard Packaging: Sturdy, highly customizable, and eco-friendly, cardboard packaging is well-suited for store shelves and consumer homes. Common uses include individually packaged and bulk-packaged snacks and foods, like granola, cereal, and crackers. 
  4. Tin Tie Bags: Featuring a built-in paper-covered wire at the top, tin tie bags are easy for users to fold up and down to open and reseal. These eco-friendly, versatile bags are commonly used for bulk foods and specialty coffees. 
  5. Vacuum-Sealed Bags: One of the best ways to retain freshness, vacuum-sealed bags are used to store a variety of freeze-dried foods and spices. 
  6. Plastic Containers: Popular for their durability and airtight seal, plastic containers are ideal for extending product shelf life. Their reusability also makes them ideal for eco-conscious consumers. Common uses include pet food, cereal, and snacks.
  7. Paper Bags: A long-standing favorite for their eco-friendly, lightweight, and customizable properties, paper bags are commonly used for bakery items and bulk goods. 
  8. Foil Packets: Commonly used for instant coffee and other powdered products, foil packets are in demand for their excellent barrier properties and because they’re lightweight.
  9. Glass Jars: Although they require special care to avoid breakage, glass jars are prized for their aesthetic appeal, reusability, and recyclability. Glass jars are often used for spice packaging and can be reused for nuts, grains, flour, and more. 
  10. Flexible Packaging Films: Ideal for snacks, these packages are lightweight, customizable, and cost-effective. They are frequently used to package items like popcorn, chips, and dried fruit.

Emerging Trends in Dry Food Packaging

While some packaging options are long-time popular choices for practical reasons or visual appeal, several emerging trends are shaping the future of dry food packaging. Smart packaging, sustainable packaging, minimalist designs, refillable packaging, innovative shapes and sizes, and personalized packaging are gaining popularity, as they address the evolving preferences of consumers.

Learn More About Dry Food Packaging

While there are many dry food packaging options available, not all of them will be suitable for your dry food product. With over 40 years of experience in the food packaging industry, Econo-Pak can help you develop or select the ideal packaging for your particular product. Learn more about the most popular dry food packaging materials, and request a quote today to start your packaging solution.

Let's start scaling.

Is your demand outpacing your ability to package your own product? Then consider outsourcing with Econo-Pak.

With over 40 years of experience working with both small brands and Fortune 500 companies, we are capable of handling your specific dry food product.

Get in touch with our team for a fixed-price quote for your project.