In today’s competitive market, packaging is more than just a necessity. It is a strategic tool. Thoughtfully designed packaging enhances a product's value, boosts customer satisfaction and keeps costs competitive. Achieving this balance requires expertise in design, execution and supply chain integration.
Many brands turn to supply chain experts, such as Metro Supply Chain, for contract packaging and co-packing services. These services include packaging, labelling, bundling and distribution, which help streamline operations and allow businesses to concentrate on their main activities. Contract packaging employs advanced technologies and customized solutions, helping businesses scale sustainably.
In this blog, we explore the latest contract packaging innovations and how they’re helping brands grow.
Contract packaging and co-packing are often used interchangeably in the packaging industry, but there are subtle differences based on the context. Here's a breakdown:
Contract packaging involves outsourcing packaging operations to a specialized third-party company. These providers handle various supply chain tasks, including assembling, packaging, distribution, quality control, custom packaging design, logistics, and inventory management. It is widely used in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and retail, where specialized packaging or regulatory compliance is crucial.
Co-packing, or cooperative packing, focuses primarily on the physical act of packaging products, including filling containers, labeling, shrink-wrapping, display building, bagging, pouching, and other turnkey solutions with material sourcing. For instance, a co-packer might fill jars of sauce, label them, and prepare them for shipment. This approach is popular in industries like food and beverage, personal care, and small-scale production.
Bringing it all together—a contract packer’s suite of service offerings can include co-packing services for clients.
Robotics in co-packing operations are reshaping the industry by bringing speed, precision and adaptability to packaging workflows.
According to research by McKinsey, automation will represent 30% or more of capital spending in the next five years for logistics and fulfillment companies. At Metro Supply Chain we’re constantly looking for better ways to serve our contract packaging customers, and that includes investing in automation. Through economies of scale, you can benefit from our investment while gaining a more efficient supply chain.
Some advanced robotics Metro Supply Chain has employed to revolutionize our contract packaging operations and support our workforce include:
By adopting these robotic solutions in our contract packaging operations we’re able to boost productivity, reduce costs and enhance consistency, all while meeting the growing demands of modern supply chains.
AI is transforming contract packaging by making operations smarter, faster and more adaptable. By harnessing real-time data and machine learning algorithms, AI can optimize everything from production schedules to inventory management, reducing waste and improving efficiency. Here are ways AI is driving contract packaging efficiency:
In a high-performing contract packaging operation, incorporating AI means higher throughput, fewer errors and the ability to scale quickly to meet our changing customer needs—all while driving cost savings and improving overall performance.
Having a clear understanding of your operations is crucial for making informed business decisions. We use advanced tools, including:
With these tools, you get a front-row seat to every step of the contract packaging process, from inventory management and labour allocation to production statuses and shipping schedules. This level of insight from the shop floor to the loading dock means no surprises, faster problem-solving and smoother workflows. We can track and optimize every aspect of your contract packaging operation and prevent potential bottlenecks.
Metro Supply Chain’s experienced IT teams can seamlessly integrate these solutions with even the most complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, ensuring that data flows efficiently and workflows are customized to suit your specific needs. This integration gives you a clearer picture of your cost structure and areas for improvement.
Sustainability is reshaping the packaging industry, sparking innovation and collaboration as companies look to reduce CO2 emissions and waste and embrace clean energy. With shifting consumer expectations and rising demand for eco-friendly products, there’s no better time to make the change to more sustainable packaging options. Some trending options include:
At Metro Supply Chain, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. We’re committed to finding smarter ways to serve businesses while minimizing environmental impact. Through automation and advanced technologies, we design, build and optimize supply chain operations to deliver both efficiency and sustainability for our customers. For example, our implementation of a box-on-demand solution reduced one client’s carbon footprint by 25% while significantly cutting down on waste.
Partner with us to achieve your corporate sustainability goals through smart procurement, optimized packaging and efficient technology solutions tailored to your business needs.
Every business has unique packaging and supply chain requirements. We bring decades of experience in delivering flexible, turnkey contract packaging solutions with value-added services tailored to your needs, including:
Our services grow with your business, providing seamless support through every surge and shift in demand. From high-volume operations to custom solutions like price tagging, display-ready packaging, or wrapping, we craft tailored strategies that drive your success and align perfectly with your goals.
Contract packaging is more than just a support service—it’s a strategic tool to unlock efficiency, exceed customer expectations, and drive sustainable business growth.
At Metro Supply Chain, we go beyond packaging. As a trusted leader in contract packaging and third-party logistics, we offer end-to-end solutions tailored to your needs. From custom packaging and inventory management to seamless distribution, we help simplify your operations while positioning your business for long-term success.
Partner with us and focus on what you do best—innovating, growing, and delivering exceptional experiences. Let Metro Supply Chain empower your next chapter of growth.
Contact us today to get started!