Tips to Source Packaging Materials

No matter what type of business you own and run or what industry you belong to, there are chances that you might need to source packaging materials at some point.

The requirements for packaging materials vary widely, and so do the solutions with the packaging distributors. Whatever your packaging needs are, share it with experts and they can provide you with the best solutions.

Decide if it’s for a one-time use or should be reusable

The easiest solution for shipping products is always the reliable, good ol’ corrugated cardboard boxes, single or double-walled. These boxes are simple, easy to use, sturdy, and disposable. These can also be reused and recycled, if needed.

These corrugated boxes can be used hundreds of times and save you and your supplier some bucks, if you are interested to overcome the significant, first-time investment. Businesses that have green initiatives would also see value in this option. Many companies and start-ups have embraced the business and environmental benefits of sustainable packaging. The small business manufacturers too are reaping the benefits of sustainability.

When you are unable to find the material that you are looking for, look at the next tier

Suppose the packaging team has just sent you a request to source a new customised package that they want to be made out of paper. Because you already have a die-cutter and a company to print the stuff for you that you use for other packaging, it’s simple enough; however, this time the packaging team would need the paper to keep out oxygen and moisture.

Your supplier has the raw materials required, but the printer says that they cannot print on it because of the coating on the paper. You talk to several other printers but all you receive is the same response, “cannot print”. Now what? Do you tell your team that it cannot be done? Surely not!

What you can do is break down the challenge- You can find the material easily, but the printer can’t do his because the coating is on both sides of the packaging. But the team needs it on the inside only to maintain the oxygen and moisture integrity as required. Then what if, you could find a someone who could make that particular one-sided coated material that you need? Bingo!

There are always creative ways to solve a challenge.

Look into the details when you are sourcing stock packaging products

There are packaging products such as jars, bags, bottles, tubes, and boxes that you can source off-the-shelf from any packaging supplier. Sourcing a standardized size to configure a product usually allows you to check the prices from different vendors, keeping the costing down and a lesser delivery time.

Packaging things to consider that would work through with your packaging materials’ supplier

Once you done reviewing your needs and discussing those with a prospective new vendor. It’s time for you to work through the specifics. Compatibility of the packaging materials with your product that is being packaged is the key.

Here are A Few Examples of Great Packaging Ideas:

• Environment: Are there chances of the product to be exposed to the outside weather conditions throughout its journey to the receiver? Choosing a type of packaging material that can withstand extreme exposure to various temperatures. Rough handling and chemicals that the parcel may encounter is to be kept in mind.
• Capping Options: The capping options include cap liners, cap materials, attached or detached caps and tampering evidence. Think about the user experience and how you would optimise this to enhance the overall product appeal.
• Bulk Packaging/Convenience Packages: Are you considering about bulk packaging now or might need in near future? If you have multiple flavours (of maybe a drink or edible item) or similar products, would it be profitable to offer them combination packs? Give it a thought.
• Labels: Does your product need labels? Talk to your vendor if he can supply them if needed. Consider how you can optimise the labelling either by printing those on the packaging itself, or what else can you do to expand your brand story through labelling.