Finding the right shrink film at the right price to package your products perfectly is a significant challenge. The key to finding the perfect match is finding the right packaging distributor to work with. But how do you select the right one from the many packaging distributors on the market? Folene Packaging presents the top qualities to look for in packaging distributors to help you make an informed decision.
The Qualities of Leading Distributors for Retail Display Film
While there is never one thing that makes a distributor ideal to work with, Folene Packaging has compiled a comprehensive list of the key qualities to look for when selecting a packaging distributor for your packaging materials. Let’s dive right in.
Expertise in Packaging Supplies & Equipment
Large Product Range
Different products require different types of packaging and finding that perfect match is essential to the packaging success. Top packaging distributors offer a wide range of packaging products that are compatible with a range of industry applications and packaging equipment to meet the diverse needs of your business.
Product Expertise
Excellent distributors will also have skilled product managers with the knowledge to guide customers to the right grade, gauge, and properties of film that are best for their packaging needs, such as selecting the best shrink film for gift baskets.
Large Stock of Popular Film Grades & Gauges
A distributor with a substantial stock of popular grades and sizes will generally have faster lead times than competitors that need to wait for shipments of materials to arrive from abroad. This factor alone can make a huge difference in your production, sales, and profits during a busy season when you need a rush order on packaging products.
Strong manufacturing network or conversion resources
Leading distributors have a strong network of supplier partners and manufacturers to ensure a steady supply of high-quality packaging materials and low lead times for customers. Alternatively, they have the internal conversion manufacturing capabilities to turn around custom orders quickly for customers.
Sustainable Solutions: Innovative Engineering for Eco-Friendly Packaging
Rising demand from consumers and innovative engineering are driving sustainable packaging solutions that reduce waste and promote sustainability. Sustainable packaging solutions are designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining product protection and safety.
Look for packaging distributors that offer a range of sustainable solutions to promote eco-friendly packaging practices bearing an SPC membership. For example, Folene Packaging offers both a fully biodegradable shrink film and a PCR-content film, both with excellent optics and performance on par with other traditional shrink films.
As customers seek to shrink their carbon footprints, sustainable packaging solutions are becoming key to both staying responsive to customers’ preferences and minimizing the packaging industry’s environmental footprint.
Technical Knowledge & Customer Support
Choose a packaging distributor with the technical knowledge to match your products and equipment with the best grade and gauge of shrink film. This perfect pairing is what will yield excellent packaging results.
Test runs are crucial to ensure product and machine compatibility, calibrate speed, temperature, and film specifications, and ensure that the entire process is running smoothly. Excellent packaging distributors will have a representative to attend test runs and assist the customer in troubleshooting and technical adjustments until seamless packaging is achieved successfully.
High Quality Plastic Packaging Manufacturer
Wholesale plastic packaging manufacturers produce high-quality products compatible with various industries.
Manufacturers should carry a large range of high quality products, with excellent strength, tear resistance, shrink, and optical properties. Different films may perform differently depending on the industry applications, but the high caliber of the products should be consistent.
Cost should be a factor, but not the only factor. Compare and contrast the quality of different brands with their price points. After examining the technical data sheets, you may find that smaller packaging distributors and manufacturers like Folene Packaging offer similar or better quality products at much more competitive prices than other more prominent, more well-known brand names.
Look for manufacturers that offer custom packaging solutions, including custom coloring, text, logo, and printing on plastic packaging materials and products for branding impact.
What to Look for in Industrial Film Distributors
Industrial shrink film is a different industry entirely, where price is the main concern and optics are of little importance. Keep these tips in mind to help you find the best industrial packaging distributors.
Although price is the main concern, don’t look for the cheapest price per pound. Instead, seek distributors carrying the thinnest gauge film with the strongest shrink and strength properties. That is what will ultimately yield the best price-per-packaged case.
Look for wholesale packaging options if your business requires large quantities of packaging materials, as bulk packaging can be much more cost-effective for companies with high packaging needs..
Seek industrial packaging suppliers offering personalized service and strong technical support to help customers find and utilize the best packaging solutions for their business.
Customer Support: Personalized Service and Support
Whether you’re looking for industrial or retail display packaging distributors, one thing to always look for is excellent customer support. Shrink film and equipment are highly technical, and working with a distributor that stands behind their products and assists you through a packaging malfunction is priceless. That relationship is worth developing.
Top packaging distributors and manufacturers offer personalized service and support to their customers.
Look for distributors that will assign you a dedicated contact person familiar with your company’s packaging needs and preferences, and who will help guide you to the right products. Personalized service and support help businesses find the best packaging solutions for their industry and application.
Industry leaders in packaging distribution and manufacturing prioritize customer satisfaction and loyalty, as personalized service and support are essential for building long-term relationships with customers.
Finding the Right Packaging Distributors: In Conclusion
Selecting the right packaging distributor is crucial for ensuring quality, cost-efficient, and sustainable packaging solutions. Key qualities to consider include a wide product range, expertise in packaging supplies, strong manufacturing networks, and a commitment to sustainable practices. Technical knowledge and robust customer support can significantly enhance the packaging process, while high-quality materials must remain a priority alongside competitive pricing. By keeping these factors in mind, businesses can make informed decisions that align with their packaging needs and sustainability goals, ultimately driving success in their operations.
