Contract Packaging

January 31, 2023 10:00 pm Comments Off

Developing your own packaging system involves much more than investing in the right packaging equipment and materials to get the job done. It also involves warehousing and hiring an additional workforce to run your packaging operation alongside your core business.

(more…)

Key Factors To Consider When Selecting Packaging Materials

January 3, 2023 3:09 pm Comments Off

Product packaging is an essential step in the product life cycle. It not only protects the product from external damage but also serves as an essential marketing tool. Packaging can help a product stand out from the competition. It can also provide information about a product’s features and benefits.

(more…)

What Plastic Is Used in Shrink Wrapping?

October 4, 2022 1:29 pm Comments Off

What Plastic Is Used in Shrink Wrapping?

Three primary types of shrink wrapping exist for various applications in the shipping and retail industries, among others. These include polyolefin (POF), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Each type of material comes with unique properties and benefits.

What Is Plastic Shrink Wrap Made Of?

The three types of shrink wrap materials offer different advantages that make them compatible with various applications. The following are the specific characteristics of each:

PVC Shrink Wrap

While PVC shrink wrap used to be the most popular shrink packaging material used for many applications, in recent years, its lack of sustainability and potential health hazards have made it less common than POF and PE shrink wrap materials. However, many applications still use it across multiple industries, with these materials composing the following:

Clamshell packaging
Blister packaging
Bagging
And other packaging materials

POF Shrink Wrap

POF shrink wrap is considerably safer than PVC shrink wrap and offers superior versatility and durability compared to other shrink wrap materials. Its food-safe nature has led the FDA to approve it for use in many applications. POF shrink wrap consists of polyolefin, which provides reliable protection for a wide variety of products, including those with an irregular shape. This material is also cost-effective and puncture-resistant, further contributing to its popularity.

PE Shrink Wrap

For applications requiring more flexibility than polyolefin shrink wrap but with the same level of durability, PE shrink wrap offers a dependable alternative. Polyethylene is a kind of polyolefin with added ethylene that allows for increased flexibility, making it ideal for shrink wrap and stretch wrap materials. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are available, with the increased durability and strength of LDPE offering more reliability for shrink wrap materials.

The Difference Between Shrink Wrap and Stretch Wrap

Although people often confuse plastic shrink wrap and stretch wrap because of their similar appearance, they each feature unique properties that result in differences in performance. In shrink wrap applications, packaging equipment places a thin film of PE over one or more products. The system then applies heat to the film, causing it to shrink over the items and forming a protective seal that’s resistant to tampering and tears. Stretch wrap applications, on the other hand, rely on a different type of formulation to allow for enhanced stretching.

Stretch wrap offers elastic memory and self-clinging capabilities to form a tight protective layer around products. It’s often used for unitizing or palletizing several products on pallets to keep them stable during transport. Another key difference between shrink and stretch wrap is the stretch limit before breakage occurs. For shrink wrap, this limit is a 50-75% stretch while stretch wrap can stretch to around 100-300% before breaking.

Why Polypropylene Is Less Used for Shrink Wrapping

Many applications forgo the use of polypropylene for shrink wrapping due to its increased hardness compared to other materials. Additionally, shrinking polypropylene leads to decreased stability and it has a higher melting temperature than other more reliable materials.

Shrink Wrap Products from Econo-Pak

If you need high-quality shrink wrap materials for your application, it’s important to determine which material is best suited for your project. Depending on what you need, Econo-Pak can help you select the right 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.

What Materials Are Used in Flow Wrapping?

September 28, 2022 2:43 pm Comments Off

During the flow wrapping process, a conveyor belt moves the product horizontally to the forming area. The product is then wrapped in film and sealed at both ends by applying pressure, heat, or a combination of both.

Similar to vertical form fill seal (VFFS) methods, the finished result is a flexible pouch secured by airtight crimp-sealed ends.

What Materials are Used with Flow Wrapping?

The flow wrapping process is compatible with the same types of materials used in VFFS methods. When choosing a material for a packaging application, it is important to prioritize product safety and quality while considering the type of packaging aesthetic that will best promote the brand and engage the target consumer. Common flow wrap packaging materials include:

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): A member of the polyester family, PET is a durable and transparent thermoplastic polymer resin. This lightweight yet strong packaging material is ideal for protecting items from their surroundings while allowing the consumer to view the enclosed product.
Polyethylene (PE): PE, a type of polyolefin resin, is the most widely used consumer plastic today. This transparent, glossy material makes an attractive and protective package that maintains the integrity and freshness of the product during transportation and on the store shelf.
Metalized film: Metalized films are metal-coated polymer films with a shiny metallic appearance. In food packaging applications, these films offer reliable protection against water and oxygen permeation while conveying a high-end aesthetic.
Poly film: Poly film is a thin, transparent polymeric packaging material that prevents contamination and extends the product’s shelf life.
Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer in the polyolefin family. This clear, glossy material is suitable for packaging everything from sensitive pharmaceutical and medicinal products to perishable food items.

How Does Flow Wrapping Work?

While the flow wrapping process can be customized for various applications and materials, all flow wrapping machines generally consist of the same elements:

Film rolls
Infeed conveyor system
Film feed assembly
Forming area
Delivery area

These elements work together to continuously transport, wrap, seal, and discharge the packaged products. Individual steps of the flow wrapping process include:

Process initiation: The unwrapped products are placed on the infeed conveyor belt, where they are transported to the forming area.
Wrapping: The flow wrapping machine wraps the product in the sealing material and mates the two outer edges of the material.
Sealing: Two rotating fin seal wheels form a longitudinal seal along the mated edges using heat, pressure, or a combination of both.
Cutting: Using rotating cutting heads or end seal crimpers, both ends of the adjoined packages are simultaneously sealed and cut to produce several individual packages.
Delivery: The packaged products are transported to the discharged area.

What Types of Products Are Ideal for Flow Wrap Packaging?

Compatible with a wide range of product shapes and sizes, flow wrap packaging can be used for essentially any solid item that can be transported along a horizontal conveyor belt. Small granular items or liquid products are generally better suited for vertical packaging techniques that allow the product to be dropped into the package.

Examples of commonly flow-wrapped items include:

Candy and confectionery products
Snack foods
Dry products such as pasta, rice, and seeds
Produce
Meat, poultry, and seafood
Pharmaceutical and medicinal items
Industrial products such as tools and hardware
Personal care items and cosmetics

Custom Flow Wrapping Services at Econo-Pak

Flow wrapping is a versatile and efficient packaging process suitable for a wide range of product types and sizes. At Econo-Pack, our flow wrapping capabilities and other packaging services allow us to create functional and visually engaging packaging solutions that maintain product quality and freshness while enhancing brand visibility. As demonstrated by our long-term partnerships with several industry-leading companies, clients trust us to consistently deliver the highest-quality products with unbeatable turnaround times and competitive pricing.

To learn more about our flow wrapping services and other packaging capabilities, please request a quote to get pricing details on 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.

The Benefits of Outsourcing a Co-Packer for Your Business

September 8, 2022 3:13 pm Comments Off

Growing your brand and ensuring your products get to your customers requires a reliable and timely production process. Contracting a co-packer can streamline the process for you.

Contract packaging companies offer packaging services for various products in retail, commercial, and trade industries, including food like snacks and dry pasta.

It’s challenging to find a trustworthy and reliable co-packer that you can depend on for the long term. Here are a few tips to help you find a great co-packing company.

Co-packers: internal vs. external

If you’re unsure whether you want to keep your product packaging in-house or hire a co-packer, consider the complexities of packaging and labeling products.

Contracting with a co-packing company can solve the following problems:

Selling products faster than you can package them
Signs of anxiety and stress in your production staff
Business growth and marketing falling short because of packaging demands
Inability to produce new products because of time spent on packaging

By developing a relationship with a great co-packing company, it gives you more time to build your business by creating additional products and implementing new marketing strategies.

Also, a co-packing company has all the equipment needed for your packaging needs. This is a cost-effective solution because it doesn’t require you to hire additional employees or invest in equipment.

Tips for finding the right co-packer

Before selecting a co-packer, assess the benefits of outsourcing your packaging with a company that has the equipment and qualified staff needed for all aspects of the packaging process.

Check several co-packing companies to see if they offer a fixed cost and hold the required certifications and FDA approval, similar to Econo-Pak’s SQF level 3 certification. Some other key considerations include:

1. Location

Hiring a co-packing company that’s located in another state or country can involve additional costs, increased delivery times, and communication difficulties when problems occur.

A co-packer close to your location can simplify the process significantly. However, if you do select one that is in a different location, ensure that they have the ability to ship nationally, like Econo-Pak.

2. Safety and cleanliness

Keeping the co-packing facility clean and free from packing debris makes the packaging process safe and reduces errors. Choose a co-packing company that implements stringent safety and hygiene protocols.

Quality assurance certifications are indications of co-packing company standards. Econo-Pak takes quality and safety seriously, with certifications at the state and global levels:

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

3. Certifications

Ensure that the co-packer you choose has taken the necessary steps to properly certify their facility, processes, and procedures. Proper certifications will help protect the integrity of your product and ensure high-quality packaging that supports your brand reputation. Some of the most important certifications include:

FDA certification
Kosher Check
USDA Organic certification
Fair Trade

4. Equipment

If possible, examine the equipment to make sure the company uses modern packaging technology for enhanced control of the entire co-packing process.

5. Experience

Experienced co-packing companies offer fast product turnaround times. By using the right equipment, they ensure high-quality packaging with shorter lead times.

Once you’ve finished researching, narrow down your list. You might not need all the services offered by larger companies. Ask if the company is flexible and offers only the services you need.

Since your customers trust your brand, it’s important that the co-packer meets your sourcing requirements. Talk to them about their suppliers, and ask if adjustments can be made to meet your needs.

Econo-Pak can help you outsource your packaging

Now that you understand how to find a co-packer, start your research. It might seem like a huge undertaking, but once you find a reliable company, you’ll wonder how you ever ran your business without one.

Partnering with Econo-Pak provides you with quick turnaround times, affordable pricing, and a commitment to quality packaging. Econo-Pak offers flexible services to both large and small businesses for high-volume co-packing and co-manufacturing. See why our clients love us on our Testimonials page.

Ready to get started? Request a fixed-price quote today for your dry food 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.

Co-Packing vs. Private Label

August 30, 2022 4:08 pm Comments Off

One of the most significant decisions for thriving business owners is private label vs. contract manufacturing.

It’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of co-packing and private labeling to decide which option is best for your business, as the functions and benefits of the two vary greatly.

(more…)

Econo-Pak’s New Salt Analyzer Testing Process

June 14, 2022 5:56 pm Comments Off

Econo-Pak added salt analysis to our on-site testing capabilities to test our clients’ products during the seasoning and/or blending process. This equipment allows us to ensure that the salt levels meet the finished product specifications, before they are packaged and distributed to the market and consumers.

Let’s learn about salt in food products and how salt analyzers manage sodium levels for optimal taste.

(more…)

Three Reasons Why Large Manufacturers Need a Co-Packer

May 31, 2022 1:05 pm Comments Off

The ideal product packaging does much more than simply protect a product during transport. It also keeps out oxygen or contaminants that might otherwise degrade consumable goods, and tamper-evident packaging adds a level of product security.

Beyond that, packaging offers a great branding opportunity, marketing the internal contents and promoting your company while also providing industry-mandated information like expiration dates and ingredients. However, not every business is equipped to handle its own packaging internally. That’s where co-packers come in.

What is a co-packer? Typically, contract packaging companies package and label products that their clients have manufactured to take that strain off their operations. In the food and beverage industry, co-packers will also sometimes work as contract manufacturers, actually handling food processing in addition to packing. Working with a reputable, FDA-certified co-packer can help you grow your business while focusing your own workforce on what you do best.

Co-Packing vs. Manufacturing In-House

When determining whether to outsource your packaging to a co-packer or handle it in-house, there are numerous considerations that are crucial to the decision. The packaging process necessitates quality material procurement, specialized equipment, and a trained workforce. Some companies may have a product or recipe that they feel is too complex to outsource, or production rates are low enough that they won’t meet co-packing company minimums for production.

If you choose to work with a co-packer, finding the right company is important. Research carefully as selecting the wrong co-packer could lead to incorrect labeling, suboptimal marketing, or even compromised product quality. For highly regulated products like consumables, you need a company that can provide the necessary quality assurance to keep from damaging your company’s reputation through a negative customer experience with your brand.

Signs That You Should Work With a Co-Packing Company

How do you know when a co-packer is right for you? There are three main indicators that partnering with a contract packaging company is appropriate for your business.

Your facility, equipment, or workforce can’t successfully meet demand. If you find that orders are constantly outpacing your team’s ability to keep up with them, or you can’t find the space for warehousing, this is your first clue that co-packing could be advantageous for your business. A good co-packer can help you increase your production volume so that your team can focus on your core operations instead. Also, without having to invest in specialty equipment or retraining, co-packers will typically already have certifications for kosher, gluten-free, or organic food handling as well as labeling capabilities.
You want to scale your operations. If you’ve determined that your operation is scalable in that there is appropriate demand for your product and you will be able to retain quality results in bulk production, a co-packer may be right for you. A reputable co-packing facility will have the necessary production capabilities, equipment, and skilled workforce to help you increase production when you need to, and fast, all without having to worry about sacrificing quality or efficiency in the packaging.
You are concerned about budget and time frames. Manufacturing in-house requires a fully equipped production facility, staff with proper training, the right raw materials, and adequate storage, all of which require heavy investments in money and time. Fortunately, using a co-packer can be a solution to those challenges as packaging processes are already in the company’s wheelhouse. Also, co-packaging companies typically source their material in bulk, which often allows them to pass on more economical pricing to customers.

Enjoy Quality Co-Packing With Econo-Pak

Given the current economic climate, Econo-Pak is ready to partner with you to help bring your product to market efficiently and effectively. We are an innovative contract food packaging company that can handle scalable growth, and we bring a wealth of experience as a family-owned packaging company for over three decades.

Our company serves businesses and food packaging needs of all sizes, with over 200 packaging machines in our 240,000-square-foot facility.

Our capabilities for stand-up pouches, flow and shrink wrapping, powder filling, and bulk food packaging benefit our diverse customer base of supermarkets, foodservice businesses, club/wholesale stores, retailers, and pharmacies, among other large food manufacturers.

To provide you with peace of mind when it comes to packaging quality and food safety, all of our operations meet FDA regulations, and we hold numerous food certifications as part of that commitment, including:

Safe Quality Food Certification
Food and Drug Administration Certification
Organic certification by Baystate Organic Certifiers
Gluten-free certification by the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
Costco Safety and Quality Audit Certification
Kosher OU-D Certification

We also have the capability to adjust our processes for certain dietary restrictions and allergy concerns. To learn more about how Econo-Pak’s co-packing services can support your business, contact us 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.

Flexible Food Packaging: What You Need To Know

November 19, 2021 8:51 am Comments Off

Flexible packaging has significantly grown in popularity in the food and beverage industry. Due to its many benefits, it is often the packaging of choice for various food products on a domestic and global level.

Flexible Food Packaging

By using non-rigid materials to package food, manufacturers are better able to customize the container to fit the product and the brand. Flexible packaging is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and it can be created in either formed or unformed configurations. Formed packaging is pre-shaped and can be filled and sealed in-house, whereas unformed packaging comes on a roll that is sent to co-packers for forming and filling.

Types of flexible packaging include:

Sample pouches. These small heat-sealed packets are usually pre-formed for easy in-house packing and filling.
Printed pouches. These are sample pouches that have been customized with branding information for marketing purposes.
Sachets. These flat packets are common for single-use pharmaceuticals and personal care products. They are also ideal for sample sharing in-store and at trade shows.
Printed roll stock. These arrive in an unformed roll that is already printed with product and branding information. The co-packer forms, fills, and seals them.
Stock bags. Stock bags are blank-formed bags or pouches. They can be used as-is or you can add a label with branding and product information.

Flexible food packaging materials can be used to package a wide range of products, including:

Baby food
Chocolate and candy
Beef jerky
Crackers, cookies, and snacks
Grains and flour
Baking mixes and dry foods
Cereal and granola
Vegetables, fruits, and nuts
Cheese and meat products
Popcorn
Seasonings and spices
Soups, sauces, and salad dressings

Flexible containers offer incredible versatility and flexibility. This is important in the food and beverage industry as companies strive to differentiate their products in a competitive space while ensuring the items stay fresh and protected from damage.

Benefits of Flexible Food Containers

Flexible packaging offers a number of benefits, including:

Consumers love it. Flexible packaging is extremely consumer-friendly. Upright flexible pouches make it easy to access snacks or baking ingredients, while resealable packaging ensures freshness, prevents spills, and keeps out contaminants.
Simplified shipping and handling. Lightweight flexible packaging is easier and more cost-effective to transport. This not only helps you save money but also reduces your carbon footprint due to less fuel consumption.
Customizable barrier properties. Custom films and other barrier materials can protect your product from light, air, or moisture.
Good for branding. From custom graphics that highlight your brand to clear windows that allow consumers to see the product inside, flexible containers are easily customized for effective branding.
Environmentally friendly. The amount of greenhouse gases used to produce flexible packaging is lower compared to producing traditional packaging materials.
Increased shelf life and freshness. Barriers and resealable openings keep out UV light, moisture, dust, and more to ensure the product stays fresher, longer.
Lower production costs. Flexible packages are easier to form and require less material than rigid packages, reducing production time, waste, and energy consumption.

Flexible Packaging Industries

Along with the food and beverage industry, many other industries benefit from using flexible packaging. These include:

Cosmetics. Resealable packages can be used for cotton pads and make-up removing wipes while flexible sample pouches can be used for foundation, concealer, lotion, and serum.
Personal care. Sample pouches are ideal for single-use medications and personal products.
Household cleaning. Flexible packaging offers an ideal solution for single-use detergent packets, cleaning powder, and more.
Pet food packaging. Flexible pouches and packages are suitable for containing dog food and treats.

Flexible Packaging from Econo-Pak

For more than 30 years, Econo-Pak has specialized in contract packaging, with a focus on becoming the premier food repackaging company in the country. Over the years, our family-owned and operated company has partnered with clients both large and small, including Fortune 500 companies and independent firms, in a range of industries. With 240,000 square feet of production space and over 200 different packaging machines, we can offer packaging solutions to meet your specifications, no matter the size or scope.

To learn more about our flexible packaging capabilities for the food and beverage industry, 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.

Sustainable Practices For Your Packaging Processes

August 10, 2021 11:50 am Comments Off

In recent years, consumers have been demanding more eco-friendly initiatives from businesses. As a result, adopting more sustainable practices has become essential for companies to thrive. Many manufacturers have begun incorporating more sustainable practices into their packing processes by utilizing recycled materials, finding ways to reduce packaging and other actions.

(more…)