Product packaging sourcing is the selection and purchase of packaging materials and suppliers for a defined product and sales channel. The brief must cover protection, presentation, compliance, production equipment and logistics.
Source the pack as a system
Treat the container, closure, label, insert, inner protection, retail pack and shipping case as connected components. A dimensional change in one part can affect filling, case quantity, freight and fulfilment.
| Area | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Specification | Material, dimensions, tolerances, print and finish |
| Performance | Barrier, seal, drop, compression or other required tests |
| Production | Tooling, print method, minimum order and lead time |
| Approval | Artwork revision, physical sample and change control |
Commercial risk
Low unit prices can be offset by high print minimums, excess components or freight caused by poor cube efficiency. Compare usable delivered cost and expected write-off, not only price per piece.
Related terms
contract packaging, retail-ready packaging, product specification sheet, total landed cost.
