When Assessing a Flexible Packaging Supplier Top 6 Factors You Need to Consider

What is Flexible packaging supplier assessment and Why?

Flexible Packaging Supplier evaluation is indeed a crucial and indispensable aspect of any company’s procurement process.

A reasonable and scientific packaging evaluation not only ensures that the company obtains high-quality and stable supplies but also enables it to gain more value and benefits.

A good flexible packaging supplier can guarantee product quality and delivery time, reduce procurement costs, and provide excellent after-sales service.

Indeed, selecting the right partners from numerous suppliers is not easy, especially for bulk and long-term procurement.

Suppliers account for 70% of value-added activities in the entire supply chain, making it crucial to have high-quality collaborative suppliers to reduce supply chain costs and ensure continuity and stability.

The relationship between a company and its suppliers is not just about short-term transactions but long-term partnerships.

The quality of suppliers directly impacts the interests of the enterprise.

This article will provide a detailed introduction on how to evaluate flexible packaging suppliers from 7 aspects

1, Quality Control

Quality drives every aspect of flexible packaging. Poor packaging quality can lead to serious consequences such as product damage, food spoilage, cause significant losses.

Packaging suppliers possessing various production and quality certifications is an assurance for evaluating the quality of the supplier.

For instance, certifications such as ISO and GMP for factories, HACCP and FSSC22000 for food packaging, and GRS for sustainable packaging…

And suppliers with on-site laboratories and dedicated packaging testing facilities are better equipped to provide reliable, timely, and cost-effective quality assurance services and results.

Kinderway Packaging has a complete quality control system, including online automatic inspection systems, manual reinspection, full shipment inspection, and online laboratory product performance testing, to ensure the delivery of high-quality products to customers.

2, Manufacturing Capabilities

Manufacturing capability appears to be the most obvious factor that flexible packaging suppliers should consider.

Assessing a supplier’s ability to meet your production requirements involves considering factors such as equipment capacity, production line efficiency, and turnaround time.

Additionally, issues related to prototyping and packaging customization are important.

The supplier’s ability to address packaging customization solutions is also crucial.

KDW owns a series of high-efficiency machines from printing to lamination to bag making to spout adding, ensuring efficient production, supply on-time shipment quantities, and delivery schedules. We also assist customers in packaging solutions.

3, Customer service and support

The relationship with flexible packaging suppliers isn’t singular or immutable.

While the quality and performance of packaging are core to success, how suppliers support partnerships adds value to supplier assessment.

Consider the supplier’s customer support structure: Is it capable of providing actionable, responsive communication and service daily and in emergencies, and is it timely and effective?

As a business partner, providing comprehensive service and support are the key criteria for evaluating suppliers.

When assessing suppliers, it’s important to consider indicators such as their professional competence and response speed in providing service and support.

From sales, research and development, technical support, and after-sales service to production teams, Kinderway comprehensively ensures first-rate service.

4, Cost and Pricing

Price is always a factor to consider, but choosing a supplier based solely on the lowest price point may come at a high cost.

Therefore, it’s important to understand the pricing and cost competitiveness methods of suppliers to ensure packaging quality and reliability.

Additionally, the facilities of packaging suppliers can fully illustrate what you can gain from your partnership with them.

KDW possesses world-class facilities and leader in creativity, collaboration, and innovation, supporting the future of food and non-food packaging today.

5, Sustainability practices

Considering packaging suppliers’ understanding of sustainable packaging trends and their approaches to sustainable practices is crucial.

For instance, using eco-friendly materials and implementing recycling programs are indicators of a commitment to reducing emissions, carbon footprint, and the overall environmental impact of packaging.

In today’s increasingly dire situation regarding packaging waste, a packaging supplier’s understanding and practice of sustainable packaging reflect their sense of social responsibility.

Kinderway has independently developed single-layer materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, and recyclable, contributing to social sustainability efforts.

6, Supply chain management

The impact of global events four years ago revealed the vulnerability of the global supply chain.

Challenges can arise at any time and for any reason. It’s important to understand how packaging suppliers maintain business continuity.

Inquire about specific aspects of supply chain management practices such as procurement, alternative materials, and risk mitigation, and how they affect product delivery efficiency to ensure timely supply.

By considering these factors such as quality control, manufacturing capabilities, customer service and support, cost and price, sustainability practices, and supply chain management you can effectively evaluate a flexible packaging supplier’s facility to ensure they meet your specific needs and standards.