Contract packager
A contract packager, or copacker, is a company that packages products for their clients. The packaging and labeling services can be used for many types of products: foods, pharmaceuticals, household products, industrial products, etc.
Functions of contract packaging
There can be a variety of reasons for using contract packaging. [1][2]
- A contract packager may have specialized equipment and expertise needed for a particular packaging operation.
- There may be a temporary need for additional capacity: surge projects
- Contract packagers often can be more flexible than a large corporation to schedule urgently needed production.
- A test market, promotion, or product modification may need a limited packaging run to produce products for evaluation
- Primary packages can be sent to a contract packager for assembling Multi-packs or a Point of sale display
- Some large retailers or Warehouse clubs demand special package sizes or printing.
- Bulk products can be sent to a contract packager for making Private label products and packages.
- Clinical trials of medical devices or Pharmaceutical drugs often need a limited packaging operation for preparation of trial material
Relationships
The details of the relationship between the manufacturer, brand owner, and contract packager can vary. Some contract packagers perform limited operations, with all materials provided by the primary manufacturer. Product engineers are sometimes present to observe and supervise packaging operations. Other contract packaging firms are active in the package design process, provide purchasing services for materials and components, and provide shipping and logistics operations.
A Contract manufacturer can also be a contract packager. If not a separate contract packager can be employed.
See also
references
- ↑ Peters, J; Higgins, Richmond (2013). Creating Value Through Packaging. DEStech Publications, HAVI Solutions. pp. 84–86. ISBN 978-1-60595-087-7.
- ↑ "Why Use a Contract Packager". Contract Packaging Association.
- Yam, K.L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6
- Soroka, W, Illustrated Glossary of Packaging Terminology Institute of Packaging Professionals,