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Contract Packaging Companies

Last updated: January 2026

This directory lists 84 contract packaging companies across the United States, from regional converters to nationwide packaging partners.

Buyers typically engage contract packaging companies to address critical pain points such as production overflow, market expansion into new regions, specialized packaging requirements (e.g., blister packaging, form-fill-seal pouches), or to launch new products without significant capital expenditure on internal lines. They seek partners who can seamlessly integrate with their supply chain, offering expertise in everything from material handling to final quality control and shipping logistics. The nuanced understanding of specific packaging formats and the ability to execute complex kitting or promotional bundling efficiently are paramount.

Supplier types in this sector range from highly specialized packagers focusing on a narrow set of capabilities (e.g., only liquid filling or only thermoforming) to full-service co-manufacturers who offer end-to-end solutions, including raw material sourcing, primary processing, and integrated packaging. Differentiating factors often include the depth of their engineering support for package design, their specific equipment roster for unique formats, and their regulatory compliance footprint, which is particularly vital for industries like food, pharma, and medical devices.

84 companies·57 emails·76 phones

Company Directory

84 companies nationwide

St. Louis, MO

AgraForm, based in St. Louis, MO, offers contract packaging for chemical producers across the U.S. They provide inventory management, package assembly, fulfillment, and warehousing services. Integrated contract manufacturing capabilities like bulk formulation and spray drying deliver complete product solutions.

Hughes Springs, TX

Ameripack Foods LLC, based in Hughes Springs, TX, provides co-packing, private label, and custom brand food packaging services. Its 57,500 sq ft USDA/FDA and GFSI SQF Level 2 certified facility offers form-fill, vacuum, MAP, bulk pack, ovenable tray, and blister packaging for frozen or fresh food products.

Bloomingdale, IL

Based in Bloomingdale, IL, Assemblies Unlimited, Inc. is a turnkey contract packaging company and co-packer. They provide packaging solutions for food, powders, supplements, and liquids. The company emphasizes quick turnaround times and operates from multiple plant locations to meet diverse product requirements.

Big Brands LLC specializes in co-packing and manufacturing services for the beverage industry. The company provides clients with a comprehensive selection of can options for their manufacturing needs, focusing on high-quality beverage co-packing solutions.

Kansas City, MO

Based in Kansas City, MO, Bennett offers contract packaging and co-packing services. They leverage automated equipment and trained hand labor to build assembly lines for various products, providing custom solutions. Bennett focuses on delivering client products packed precisely, on-time, in-full, and within budget.

Beloit, WI

Based in Beloit, WI, Bushel & Peck's provides small batch co-packing and private label food processing services from its licensed plant. They handle product development through fulfillment for items like acidified foods, jams, jellies, and fermented goods, serving food entrepreneurs, chefs, and local farms.

Toledo, OH

Based in Toledo, OH, Canberra Corporation provides contract packaging manufacturing services for the cleaning chemicals industry. Their comprehensive solutions include blending, filling, and packaging, alongside private label support, custom manufacturing, and custom formulation. They assist businesses ranging from global companies to small private brands.

Carolan Packaging is a family-owned and operated contract packaging company with over four decades of experience. They offer comprehensive services including filling, distribution, fulfillment, and fully automated assembly. Carolan Packaging helps businesses manage their packaging needs efficiently and affordably, ensuring products are ready for market.

Houston, TX

Consolidated Mills, Inc. offers food contract packaging and manufacturing from its Houston, TX facility, serving the food service industry. Services include wet and dry blending, private label product development, and small production runs. Capabilities encompass beverage concentrates, various processed foods, herbs, spices, and bakery emulsions.

Little Canada, MN

Based in Little Canada, MN, Contract Packaging Solutions provides co-packing, assembly, and various packaging services. They offer display building and retail packaging for business and consumer manufacturers across multiple industry sectors, serving clients from Fortune 50 companies to entrepreneurial startups.

Cincinnati, OH

Based in Cincinnati, OH, Crescent Way provides traditional and turnkey contract packaging services. They serve Food and Beverage, Health and Beauty, Personal Care, and Household Goods sectors. The company offers comprehensive supply chain solutions, managing design, sourcing, assembly, and direct-to-store shipping.

Conroe, TX

Based in Conroe, TX, Custom Packaging Products specializes in industrial contract packaging services. They work with companies to screen, blend, bag, and distribute products like fertilizer, minerals, fish meal, frac sand, and wood pellets. They offer packaging under client names or private labels, catering to small to mid-size businesses.

Delphos, OH

Based in Delphos, OH, D&D Ingredients LLC provides co-packing and specialty packaging solutions for private label products. They offer responsive outsource manufacturing services with multiple packing lines, handling various package types including paper, plastic, and BOPP bags. The company also features in-house distribution capabilities.

Kaufman, TX

Based in Kaufman, TX, ELIS Manufacturing & Packaging Solutions provides end-to-end contract manufacturing and packaging for nutraceuticals, beauty, and food & beverage. They specialize in tailored blending, precise filling, and custom packaging for bottles, pouches, and stick packs, complemented by printing, kitting, and fulfillment services.

Albuquerque, NM

Based in Albuquerque, NM, El Pinto Co-Packing offers private label and co-packing services for food products like salsas, sauces, marinades, and dressings. The SQF certified plant provides hot-fill packaging in formats including glass jars, plastic bottles, and single-serve cups, with significant capacity for growth.

Richmond, VA

Productiv offers comprehensive contract packaging services across the USA, including custom packaging design, co-packing, specialized processing, and quality control. They handle all packaging needs to help clients streamline operations and focus on business growth effectively.

Wichita, KS

Based in Wichita, KS, HOC Industries offers full-service contract manufacturing and order fulfillment for liquid products. They specialize in comprehensive production-to-packaging solutions for various industrial clients. HOC Industries operates as Contract Packaging Specialists, helping businesses efficiently bring liquid goods to market.

Webster, MA

Based in Webster, MA, Industrial Packaging specializes in outsourced secondary contract packaging services for foods and consumer packaged goods. They provide turn-key, certified solutions designed to streamline supply chains and meet customer quality requirements. The company also offers flexible packaging materials and machinery.

Manchester, NH

Based in Manchester, NH, Iron Heart Canning provides contract and co-packing services for beverage brands. They offer solutions for various liquid types, including beer, cider, wine, coffee, and seltzer, across multiple can sizes. The company supports brands with production from test runs to large scale, leveraging an extensive network.

Milwaukee, WI

Based in Milwaukee, WI, Jonco Industries offers comprehensive contract packaging services, leveraging over 40 years of experience. Their dedicated team of designers and engineers provides tailored packaging solutions, from simple tasks like labeling to complex design and fulfillment. They serve clients near Milwaukee and across the United States.

Chattanooga, TN

Based in Chattanooga, TN, Kenco Group specializes in comprehensive contract packaging solutions. Capabilities include primary and secondary packaging, kitting, assembly, display building, and labeling. They utilize both automated and manual processes for various product types, serving diverse industries seeking efficient, integrated packaging and distribution services.

Grand Prairie, TX

Based in Grand Prairie, TX, KPAK provides contract packaging services and food co-packing solutions for various industries. The company operates climate-controlled warehouses and has over 35 years of experience in the packaging sector, supporting clients with their fulfillment needs.

Boca Raton, FL

Based in Boca Raton, FL, LF of America manufactures various packaging options and offers contract filling services. They specialize in unit dose packaging, wand tubes, bottles with droppers, dual chamber bottles, and containers for specific uses like enema and vaginal applications.

Nelsonville, OH

Based in Nelsonville, OH, Milo’s Whole World Gourmet provides co-packing services, specializing in bottling sauces for the specialty food industry. They offer a one-stop shop, manufacturing products to high quality standards. Complimentary consulting is also provided on pricing, sales support, and industry information for co-pack customers.

Greenville, SC

Based in Greenville, SC, Multi-Pack Solutions offers comprehensive turnkey contract manufacturing and packaging services. They provide integrated solutions designed to meet diverse production needs, from concept to completion, for various industries requiring specialized packaging.

New Caney, TX

New Caney Beverage, based in New Caney, TX, offers comprehensive contract packaging. Services include canning carbonated beverages and bottling non-carbonated liquids. They also provide packaging for free-flow powders in canisters, stick packs, and sachets, plus gels and thicker liquids in various plastic containers.

Toledo, OH

Ohio Specialties, based in Toledo, OH, provides custom industrial packaging services. They specialize in export and domestic packaging, custom boxes, crates, pallets, and specialty items like racks and carts. With over 60 years of experience, they design tailored solutions for businesses.

Port Arthur, TX

Based in Port Arthur, TX, The Olive Packing Company provides co-packing and contract packaging services from its 35,000 sq. ft. facility. They specialize in food products, including gourmet and specialty items, packaged in various deli cup sizes. Their services help clients reduce capital requirements and efficiently expand product lines.

Garden Grove, CA

Aaron Thomas Company, Inc. offers contract packaging services including pouching, stick packing, kitting, and filling for bottles, pouches, or sticks. Operating from facilities in California, Illinois, and Tennessee, the company is SQF Level 2, cGMP, and organically certified, serving commercial clients.

Newark, OH

Based in Newark, OH, Packhill specializes in contract packaging services, offering custom design, assembly, labeling, and distribution. The company also provides industrial packaging solutions, including custom foam and plastic fabrication for durable returnable and expendable packaging. Packhill manages packaging logistics for businesses of all sizes, ensuring efficiency and customization for diverse industry needs.

Warrington, PA

Based in Warrington, PA, Polysciences provides contract manufacturing and packaging solutions. Services include cleanroom filling (ISO 7/8), custom blending, and hazardous material handling. They offer diverse packaging capabilities for various formats, in-line labeling, and kit assembly, all from their US facilities.

Granville, OH

Based in Granville, OH, Prime Solutions provides comprehensive contract packaging services, specializing in liquid and powder co-packing and private labeling. They offer chemical contract manufacturing, toll blending, and warehousing for HazMat and flammable materials. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and registered with the Ohio EPA.

Indianapolis, IN

ProStar Contract Packaging is an SQF Edition 8 certified, full-service provider. Based in Indianapolis, IN, with five strategic US locations, they offer flexible contract packaging solutions. Specializing in kitting and assembly, ProStar leverages extensive production capabilities, a large team, and certifications including FDA to deliver high-quality, efficient projects on time.

Franklin, OH

Based in Franklin, OH, ProtoPack LLC offers co-packaging and contract packaging services for industrial and commercial clients. They provide in-house design, prototyping, and manufacturing of protective inner packing, including custom build-ups, foam, and partitions. Services also encompass gluing, hand assembly, kitting, and rework.

QPSI offers comprehensive contract packaging and manufacturing services, providing a streamlined approach for quick market entry. Their collaborative co-packing team aligns packaging and distribution support with client needs, focusing on cost savings, faster delivery, and enhanced product design. They deliver customizable co-packing solutions and supply chain management.

Rexall Solutions provides comprehensive contract packaging and supply chain solutions. Services include repackaging bulk chemicals, custom blend formulations, and offering various container options in metal and plastic. They also assist with packaging design, material sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics, ensuring efficient product movement from concept to market.

Ryder System, Inc. offers comprehensive contract packaging and co-packaging services, delivering turnkey solutions for various brands. Capabilities include research & development, display engineering, product manufacturing, technology, and scalability. They specialize in bulk packaging and sampling, enabling regional product testing while maximizing quality and efficiency for clients.

Mundelein, IL

Based in Mundelein, IL, Sigma Services Corporation provides comprehensive contract packaging solutions with over 20 years of experience. They offer both primary and secondary services including dry and liquid filling, pouching, VFFS, flow wrapping, rigid containers, POP displays, shrink wrapping, and kit assembly, managing product execution from sourcing to distribution.

Homerville, OH

Based in Homerville, OH, SprintPak, Inc. offers comprehensive contract packaging solutions with an emphasis on speed and cost-free setup. Capabilities include visual packaging such as clamshell, blister, Stretchpak, pouches, and polybags. They also provide liquid bottle filling, labeling, P.O.P. display assembly, and re-packaging services for quick market entry.

Newtown Square, PA

Based in Newtown Square, PA, SupplyOne operates as a full-service packaging manufacturer and distributor. The company crafts custom packaging strategies and solutions for diverse products, including food items like meat, poultry, and fish in various forms. SupplyOne also offers packaging automation equipment and related services.

Fort Worth, TX

Based in Fort Worth, TX, Southwest Packaging provides end-to-end contract packaging services. Capabilities include material sourcing, filling, bagging, kitting, assembly, labeling/relabeling, and distribution. With over two decades of experience, they support private labels and renowned brands, also offering alcohol co-packing and specialty packaging for spirits.

Marion, OH

Based in Marion, OH, TRG Company provides custom packaging solutions, including tailored corrugated designs, retail displays, and folding cartons. They specialize in protective packaging, kitting and assembly services, and offer comprehensive warehousing and logistics support to optimize supply chains for businesses.

Fort Worth, TX

TexBev is a Texas-based beverage co-packer specializing in manufacturing and packaging drinks for small and mid-size brands. The company provides comprehensive co-packing services, focusing on quality throughout the production process to meet client specifications.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, Third Coast provides contract manufacturing and chemical packaging services for a wide variety of petrochemical products. The company offers over 50,000 gallons of daily packaging capacity and builds assets within its facilities to manufacture specialty products to customer specifications, ensuring tailored solutions.

Cincinnati, OH

Based in Cincinnati, OH, TPC Packaging Solutions provides comprehensive contract packaging and conversion services. The company designs and manufactures reliable, ready-for-retail product packaging, offering assembly and labeling solutions. They specialize in tailoring packaging applications for manufacturers, building on expertise since 1967.

Baltimore, MD

Tulkoff Food Products, Inc. is a high-volume co-packer based in Baltimore, MD, specializing in condiments, sauces, and dressings. Their SQF certified facilities in Baltimore and Cincinnati handle hot, cold, and emulsion-based items. They offer full-service contract manufacturing across various consumer to bulk packaging formats for nationwide clients.

Corona, CA

U.S. Continental Packaging, based in Corona, CA, specializes in private contract packaging and turnkey solutions. They offer liquid, flammable, and tube filling, labeling, assembly, and shrink wrapping services. The company also provides innovative lab services for formula development and quality control, alongside warehousing, distribution, and drop shipping.

Litchfield Park, AZ

Based in Litchfield Park, AZ, US Merchants Inc. specializes in contract packaging and co-packing services, helping businesses scale production efficiently. They also offer injection molding solutions, integrated logistics, warehousing, and packaging and distribution services to support a range of client supply chain needs.

Elkhorn, WI

Based in Elkhorn, WI, U.S. Packaging, LLC provides comprehensive contract packaging solutions. They specialize in flexible packaging like form fill seal, pouches, and stick packs, alongside rigid packaging for bottles, jars, and cups. The company also offers retail packaging, kitting, and assembly, serving the food, beverage, and personal care industries.

Harlingen, TX

Based in Harlingen, TX, Valley International Cold Storage, LLC specializes in co-packing and cold storage for food, beverages, and sauces. They offer contract packaging services including assembly, filling, labeling, and shrink wrapping, using advanced equipment. The company provides tailored packaging solutions and cold chain management.

Waukegan, IL

Based in Waukegan, IL, The Visual Pak Companies provide end-to-end contract packaging and manufacturing solutions. They offer formulation, blending, and filling services, along with design, packaging, fulfillment, and logistics for CPG companies, retailers, and their suppliers. They operate with two million square feet of production and distribution space.

Woodway, TX

Based in Woodway, TX, Waco Bottling Co. is a contract packaging provider specializing in hot-fill and cold-fill products. They offer canning and private label solutions for beverages, sauces, dressings, sweeteners, coffees, supplements, and shots. Their SQF Level 2 facilities also provide product development support, including ingredient sourcing.

Paris, TX

Based in Paris, TX, We Pack Logistics offers flexible contract packaging, repack, display, and co-manufacturing services. With over 30 years of experience, they provide multi-packing, display building, shrink wrapping, case count changes, and carton packing for food, beverage, and CPG markets.

Nottingham, MD

Based in Nottingham, MD, Wildpack provides full-service beverage co-packing, labeling, and sleeving for middle-market beverage producers. The company offers can packaging services and production with flexible run sizes, starting from 4000 gallons per SKU. Facilities are SQF certified, ensuring quality standards.

Montgomery County, TX

Based in Montgomery County, TX, Bottle n Pak Texas provides efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for manufacturing and production processes. They emphasize quality control to streamline operations for clients, offering direct contract packaging services.

Houston, TX

Ernest Packaging Solutions, based in Houston, TX, provides full-service custom packaging solutions. They deliver high-performance packaging for diverse sectors including energy, manufacturing, medical, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and retail industries. Their offerings ensure durability, cost-effectiveness, and industry compliance for client supply chains.

Burley, ID

Based in Burley, ID, Suntado, LLC provides advanced co-packing services for ESL and aseptic dairy and plant-based beverages. They utilize Tetra Pak® and Evergreen packaging solutions across various types and sizes, ensuring products remain fresh and safe with extended shelf life.

Kettering, OH

Based in Kettering, OH, Crown Packaging offers full-service contract packaging, co-packing, warehousing, and distribution. With 50 years of experience, they serve automotive, truck, and retail manufacturing facilities in the Midwest. They utilize skilled labor, flexible shifts, and automated equipment, offering on-site, near-site, or corporate site services.

Louisville, KY

Derby Supply Chain Solutions, based in Louisville, KY, provides comprehensive contract packaging and co-packing services. As a value-added 3PL provider, they offer primary and secondary packaging solutions. Their advanced facilities comply with FDA and GFSI standards, supporting various industries. Derby helps companies streamline labor and optimize product flow into the marketplace.

Fremont, OH

Based in Fremont, OH, First Choice Packaging offers full turnkey contract packaging services from its 290,000 sq ft facility. Capabilities include retail/POP display assembly, automated shrink-wrapping, and bagging solutions for retail and industrial applications. The company focuses on efficient production, inventory management, and quality control for various order sizes.

Maitland, FL

Based in Maitland, FL, H&H Products Company offers contract packing, co-packing, and white labeling services from its 41,000 square foot SQF certified facility. They specialize in ambient liquid filling for beverages, pancake & waffle syrups, and soft-serve mixes in PET or HDPE bottles.

Cleveland, OH

Based in Cleveland, OH, Jamestown Container Companies provides contract packaging and custom corrugated solutions. Their facility ensures quick turnarounds and reliable, on-time delivery by controlling the supply chain with their own fleet. They offer efficient and quality packaging services to businesses, helping them enhance product presentation.

Lebanon, OH

Based in Lebanon, OH, JBM Packaging provides contract packaging services specializing in paper packaging solutions. They offer comprehensive services including design, creation, filling, and kitting for various customer needs.

Newark, NY

Based in Newark, NY, Maco PKG provides comprehensive contract packaging and co-packing services. Their 240,000 sq ft facility supports capabilities like automatic cartoning, blister packing, shrink wrapping, labeling, folding, and kit assembly. They also offer liquid and dry filling, along with storage, sorting, and assembly for various products and materials.

Barberton, OH

Based in Barberton, OH, Malco Products, Inc. offers contract packaging services for liquid, powder, and wipes products. The company operates three ISO-certified production facilities in northeast Ohio, employing R&D chemists and manufacturing engineers to provide flexible manufacturing and continuous improvement, optimizing production methods for partners.

Portage, IN

Based in Portage, IN, MSI Express, Inc. is a single-source contract manufacturing and packaging company. They offer engineering and technical expertise to solve complex challenges, specializing in dry foods blending, liquid packaging, vitamins, supplements, dry pet food, and secondary packaging solutions.

Lima, OH

Based in Lima, OH, Nelson Packaging Company provides full-service contract manufacturing for consumer product goods. They specialize in chemical blending, precise filling, and scalable packaging for diverse container sizes, from small receptacles to large railcars. The company also offers warehousing and comprehensive microbial content testing services.

Franklin, OH

Liquid Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. provides comprehensive co-packing services in Franklin, OH, specializing in liquid products. They offer end-to-end solutions for private label and store brand production, including formulation, sourcing, filling, labeling, and warehousing. This enables businesses to focus on marketing and sales, accelerating product launches and market presence.

Toledo, OH

Based in Toledo, OH, Peacemaker Coffee Company provides dedicated coffee co-packing services. They specialize in roasting, grinding, and packaging coffee into various formats, including K-cups and bags. The company offers packaging solutions for clients' roasted beans or their own, while also supporting veterans and first responders.

Toledo, OH

Performance Packaging, Inc., based in Toledo, OH, provides full-service contract packaging solutions. Capabilities include shrink wrapping, cartoning, high-speed flow wrapping, and hardware packaging. They also offer fulfillment, warehousing, and export shipping from their 50,000 sq. ft. AIB-certified facility, handling food and non-food items for retail and food service channels.

Grand Rapids, MI

Praxis Packaging provides primary and secondary contract packaging services for OTC, RX pharmaceutical products, and retail goods. Capabilities include solid dose bottling, blister packaging, liquid filling, DSCSA serialization, rework, and inspection. They operate five FDA & cGMP-compliant facilities across Michigan, New Jersey, and Florida, offering comprehensive packaging solutions.

Maumee, OH

Based in Maumee, OH, Pro-Pak Industries offers ISO-certified quality management services for corrugated packaging. They provide industrial and retail display (POP) solutions, protective services, design and testing, JIT inventory fulfillment, and program management, simplifying creative packaging for clients.

Grand Prairie, TX

Based in Grand Prairie, TX, Pro Pac specializes in custom food packaging solutions, offering primary and secondary food co-packing services. They also provide complete packaging line integration, custom engineering lines to enhance production speeds, minimize waste, and improve overall quality control for clients across the United States.

Grand Prairie, TX

Based in Grand Prairie, TX, Qual Pac specializes in large-volume primary and secondary food co-packing services. They also provide comprehensive large-volume contract packaging for non-food products. The company offers additional services such as beverage re-packing and order fulfillment, serving various commercial industries.

Westwood, NJ

Based in Westwood, NJ, Sonic Packaging Industries provides contract packaging and filling services. With over 30 years of experience, the company offers innovative packaging solutions and guidance from concept to market. They are ISO 9001:2015 Certified, ensuring quality for unique products.

Hebron, OH

Based in Hebron, OH, State Contract Manufacturing offers comprehensive contract manufacturing services. Their expertise includes chemical blending, private labeling, material sourcing, and custom packaging solutions, all handled in-house. They cater to businesses requiring specialized manufacturing and packaging for their chemical products.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, Texas Custom Spice Company, LLC offers co-packing and private labeling services for seasonings. They provide mass production and packing into various retail containers and bags. The company also handles labeling, nutrition facts statements, UPC codes, and documentation, preparing spice products for retail shelves.

Fairfield, NJ

Based in Fairfield, NJ, T.H.E.M. provides contract packaging services for dry and liquid food products. Specializing in single-serve and multi-up flexible stick packs, sachets, and pouches, the company also offers packaging solutions for rigid containers. They utilize their own state-of-the-art facilities.

Elkhart, IN

Based in Elkhart, IN, Welch Packaging Group specializes in comprehensive packaging solutions for industrial, retail, and e-commerce clients. They offer assembly and fulfillment, warehousing with JIT and VMI services, and private fleet delivery. The company manages the entire packaging process, from design to delivery, for businesses.

Toledo, OH

Based in Toledo, OH, Betco Corporation offers contract manufacturing for consumer packaged goods and professional cleaning product lines. Their comprehensive services include formulation, mixing, blending, and diverse filling and packaging capabilities such as liquid and powder filling, labeling, and cartoning. They also provide warehousing and fulfillment solutions.

Denton, TX

Based in Denton, TX, GPC Texas provides custom corrugated boxes, foam cushioning, and wood products. They specialize in contract packaging, offering efficient product assembly and kitting services to client specifications. The company also provides warehousing and distribution, delivering comprehensive, end-to-end packaging support.

Defiance, OH

Keller Logistics Group provides third-party contract packing, co-packing, and repacking services from its facilities in Napoleon, OH, and Covington, KY. The company is SQF-certified and specializes in handling products from the food, beverage, retail, health & beauty, and consumer goods industries. They repack customer products into various configurations.

Lockwood Distilling Co. provides co-packing services for custom spirit brands, encompassing distilling, bottling, and packaging. They support clients with label design, flavor development, and legal guidance for products like vodka, whiskey, and liqueurs. Projects are managed from initial details through production and delivery, with custom brands launching within 90 days.

Truvant provides global contract packaging and manufacturing services, offering tailored and integrated solutions. They specialize in customized packaging, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions for leading brands. Capabilities include packaging operations, food and liquid co-manufacturing, and promotional display assembly, with dedicated facilities in the US.

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How to Choose a Company

  • Validate Industry-Specific Certifications: For food or beverage products, insist on GFSI-recognized certifications like BRCGS, SQF, or FSSC 22000. For medical devices, ISO 13485 is non-negotiable, while pharmaceuticals demand strict cGMP adherence.
  • Assess Packaging Format Expertise: Beyond generic capabilities, verify they have specific equipment and proven experience with your required packaging formats, whether it’s high-speed form-fill-seal for sachets, intricate clamshell packaging, or specialized retort processing.
  • Evaluate Quality Control & Validation Protocols: Dig into their Quality Management System (QMS). Request their standard operating procedures (SOPs) for incoming material inspection, in-process quality checks, and final product release. For new product launches or critical lines, inquire about their validation protocols for equipment and processes.
  • Scrutinize Material Sourcing & Inventory Management: Understand their process for handling client-supplied materials (packaging components, raw ingredients) versus their own sourcing capabilities. A common red flag is a lack of clear FIFO/LIFO tracking or robust inventory reconciliation processes, leading to costly discrepancies.
  • Demand Serialization and Traceability Capabilities: Especially for regulated industries like pharmaceuticals or cannabis, confirm their ability to implement and manage serialization at the unit, case, and pallet level. Ask about their track & trace systems and data integration capabilities.
  • Review Capacity and Scalability for Your Growth Path: Don't just verify current capacity; understand their expansion plans and flexibility. A good fit for a startup will offer lower MOQs and agility, whereas an enterprise buyer needs a partner with redundant lines and proven surge capacity.
  • Beware of Undefined Scope Creep: A frequent misstep is failing to explicitly define all services, from design support for secondary packaging to final freight coordination. Ensure your Statement of Work (SOW) clearly outlines every responsibility to prevent unexpected costs or project delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a co-packer and a co-manufacturer?

While often used interchangeably, a co-packer typically focuses on packaging a client's pre-manufactured product, often handling secondary packaging, kitting, or assembly. A co-manufacturer (or contract manufacturer) takes on a broader scope, including the primary manufacturing process (e.g., mixing ingredients, filling, processing) in addition to packaging. Understanding your specific need for primary processing versus just packaging assembly is crucial for selecting the right partner.

How do contract packagers ensure product integrity and food safety?

For consumables, look for facilities with robust food safety programs, specifically GFSI-recognized certifications (e.g., BRCGS, SQF, FSSC 22000) which incorporate HACCP principles. They should have stringent allergen control programs, pest management, and environmental monitoring, along with documented cleaning and sanitation protocols for all equipment, especially for form-fill-seal operations.

What kind of lead times should I expect for a contract packaging project?

Lead times vary significantly based on project complexity, packaging format, and material availability. Initial setup and validation for a new SKU requiring specialized blister packaging or intricate kitting can take 8-16 weeks. Reorder lead times for existing products might be 2-6 weeks, heavily dependent on the lead time for packaging components (films, cartons, bottles) and their current production schedule.

Do I need to supply my own packaging materials, or can the contract packager source them?

Many contract packagers offer both options. They can work with client-supplied components (CSM), which often requires careful inventory management and reconciliation. Alternatively, 'turnkey' services mean the co-packer sources all necessary primary and secondary packaging materials based on your specifications, leveraging their supplier networks and potentially offering better economies of scale. Clearly define this early in the negotiation.

What are common minimum order quantities (MOQs) for contract packaging services?

MOQs are highly dependent on the type of packaging, the equipment used (e.g., form-fill-seal machines have different changeover costs than manual kitting lines), and the co-packer's business model. For highly automated lines, MOQs can be in the tens or hundreds of thousands of units. Smaller, more flexible packagers or those specializing in manual assembly might offer MOQs in the thousands. Always discuss this upfront, especially for pilot runs or seasonal products.

How important are facility audits when choosing a contract packager?

Facility audits are critically important and non-negotiable, especially for regulated products. Beyond reviewing certifications, an on-site audit allows you to assess their Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), observe cleanliness, evaluate equipment maintenance, verify adherence to validation protocols, and personally review their quality control processes. It's your best defense against potential issues like cross-contamination or production errors that could impact your brand.

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