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Are you looking for bespoke contract packing? Our packing and repacking services provide a comprehensive range of options for packing or repacking your product and total compliance with local market regulations.

If your products need to be packaged before they’re distributed, you might want to consider outsourcing the job to a specialist contract packing company. Using a contract packer can have many advantages, such as lower costs, improved efficiency, and faster turnaround times.

From processed food to medicines, contract packing services are available for a wide range of products and industries. For example, at ReAgent we specialise in packing and repacking a variety of chemicals, including hazardous liquids, powders, and gels. These types of products require specialised packing solutions to ensure they comply with local regulations and aren’t compromised during transit.

In addition to the product’s bottle or container, contract packing may include other components like desiccant packets, custom labelling, and bubble wrap for fragile items. Yet contract packing services aren’t only designed to protect items from potential harm – they can also add value to your product and make it more appealing to customers. 

What is contract packing?

Contract packing is an outsourcing service offered by companies that specialise in packing certain products in a particular industry. When you hire a contract packing company, you specify the packaging material, container, and products per pack, and they’ll take care of the rest. Some contract packers, including ReAgent, even offer custom labelling options.

Typically, a contract packing company will also be responsible for distributing the products to market. In some cases, however, the packed products are delivered to the client company for storage and distribution. It all depends on the signed agreement between the client company and the contract packer.

As we explain below, there are several reasons why a business might choose to outsource its packing or repacking requirements to a specialist third-party. Some manufacturing companies don’t have the right facilities or technical know-how to do the job, while others may have too many orders to package their products in-house.

A contract packer may have an exclusive contract with one client company for a fixed period or it might provide services to multiple client companies at the same time. 

When to use a contract packing company

Not every company needs to use contract packing services – some businesses have in-house packing facilities that can handle the volume of products that need to be packed. 

Here are some of the main reasons why you might want to consider hiring a contract packing company:

1. New packaging scheme

Even if your business has the facilities to pack most of its products in-house, you might choose to use a contract packing company to explore new packing schemes. You may want to trial more eco-friendly and sustainable packaging options, for instance. In this case, look for a contract packer that has the expertise and experience in the particular packaging scheme you need. 

2. Lacking the necessary equipment

Some companies, particularly start-ups and fledgling businesses, may not have the equipment required to package their goods. This is especially true for products that need to go through a specialist and meticulous packing process. 

Some packing equipment, such as that required to pack ampoules, is also very expensive and can only be operated by someone with the right expertise. Other products need to be packaged under strict hygienic conditions in specialist clean rooms.

3. Product has specific regulatory requirements

The introduction of new regulatory requirements for certain products can sometimes make compliance challenging for businesses. For example, a company might have to retrofit facilities or completely change their processes, which can be very disruptive. In this case, it may be better to hire a contract packing company that’s already compliant with the regulatory requirements and quality standards.

Advantages of outsourcing contract packing

There are several financial and logistical advantages to outsourcing your company’s packing needs. Some of the main benefits are summarised below:

Minimal investment, maximum profit

Outsourcing your contract packing means you won’t have to invest significant amounts of capital in buying and maintaining expensive equipment. It also gives you greater flexibility as you can hire a contract packing company for a fixed period (this is particularly useful if your business is seasonal). All of these factors can help to lower your overhead expenses and maximise profits.

Provides a faster turnover

Contract packing companies specialise in providing services to a particular industry. This means they can do the job better than a company that has to juggle multiple manufacturing tasks while also running an in-house packing facility. Plus, contract packers can usually deliver a faster turnaround because they’re experts in their field. A label making machine being used

Enhances efficiency

Outsourcing your packing requirements means you can use your time more efficiently. Instead of devoting energy and resources to packing, you can focus your efforts on product research and development. You may also be able to allocate other resources, including factory space, to product manufacturing to help grow your business.

Ensures long-term sustainability

Many contract packing companies have developed their packing materials and methods in response to the need for long-term sustainability. Some of them now offer more eco-friendly packaging options and processes with a lower carbon footprint. As well as being better for the environment, sustainability can be a big selling point for customers.

Reduces the need for manpower

Using a contract packing company means you won’t have to hire additional employees to operate packing machinery. This helps to reduce labour costs and, in turn, maximise profits.

Summary

Hiring a contract packing company has several financial and logistical advantages for your business. As well as helping to reduce costs, it can improve efficiency, increase turnaround time, and ensure long-term sustainability. Outsourcing your packing can be particularly beneficial if your business lacks the necessary equipment or technical expertise, or if your product needs to meet specific packing regulations.

Download our comprehensive guide to contract packing to find out more or watch our short video here.

About the author

Simon Tasker

Managing Director

Simon was made Managing Director of ReAgent in 2019 following eight successful years as General Manager and Operations Director. He has worked in the manufacturing industry for 20+ years and is a big believer in continued professional development. When he’s not at work, Simon is biking the trails of North Wales or in his caravan.

Disclaimer

All content published on the ReAgent.co.uk blog is for information only. The blog, its authors, and affiliates cannot be held responsible for any accident, injury or damage caused in part or directly from using the information provided. Additionally, we do not recommend using any chemical without reading the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which can be obtained from the manufacturer. You should also follow any safety advice and precautions listed on the product label. If you have health and safety related questions, visit HSE.gov.uk.