Contract packagers who establish a long-term relationship with customers can avoid packaging that either can’t run on existing production lines or that requires costly modifications and slows speed to shelf.
Contract packagers often understand the packaging preferences of retailers better than consumer packaged goods companies do. They can leverage that knowledge in producing packaging that wins for everyone across the value chain. John Hayward, manager of packaging engineering at Hewlett-Packard, offers this CPG perspective: “Those contract packagers that have strong relationships with their clients will know what new packaging programs are coming down the path. There should be no obstacles to early disclosure of the new product planning.”
From a contract packager viewpoint, an established relationship with a CPG “establishes your credibility with suppliers” says Diversapack’s Rick Zellen.
See the story that goes with this sidebar: Bulldog-Mentality Changeover Tactics