The Ultimate Guide to Contract Packaging in the UK
- Blue30
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Contract packaging is one of those behind the scenes services that quietly keeps modern retail, ecommerce and FMCG moving across the UK.
If you have ever bought a multipack, opened a subscription box, or picked up a seasonal gift set from a retailer, there is a strong chance a contract packaging provider played a role in preparing that product for sale.
For manufacturers, ecommerce brands and growing businesses, contract packaging offers a practical way to scale, meet retailer requirements and launch new products without the cost and complexity of running packing operations in house.
This complete guide explains what contract packaging is, how it works, who uses it, what services are involved, how costs are calculated and how Blue30 supports UK businesses with flexible, professional contract packaging solutions.
What is Contract Packaging?
Contract packaging, often referred to as co packing, is the process of outsourcing the assembly, packing and preparation of products into secondary or retail ready packaging.
This can include packing items into boxes, cartons, pouches, sleeves, bags or wraps, as well as combining multiple products into kits, gift sets or promotional bundles.
A contract packaging company takes products manufactured elsewhere and prepares them for sale, distribution or promotion, ensuring they meet presentation, compliance and retailer requirements.
Although many people think of contract packaging as simply putting products into boxes, it actually forms part of the wider third party logistics process.
At Blue30, contract packaging services can include inbound quality checks, hand assembly of complex packs, relabelling and barcoding, packaging design and print coordination, storage and onward distribution.
What Materials Are Used in Contract Packaging?
Contract packaging uses a wide range of materials depending on the product, industry and route to market.
Common materials include plastic films for flow wrapping and shrink wrapping, sleeves and blister packs, as well as cardboard boxes, cartons, trays and carriers.
Working with a specialist contract packaging provider gives you access to multiple packaging formats and machines without being limited by your own equipment.
This flexibility allows businesses to select the most appropriate packaging for each product, retailer or campaign rather than compromising due to in house constraints.
Why Contract Packaging Has Become So Popular
Contract packaging has grown rapidly across the UK because it allows brands to stay flexible while keeping overheads under control.
Instead of investing in machinery, warehouse space and packing staff that may only be used at peak times, businesses can outsource packaging exactly when required.
This makes contract packaging particularly valuable for seasonal demand, promotional campaigns, product launches and fast growing ecommerce brands.
It also enables manufacturers to respond quickly to retailer changes, compliance updates or new market opportunities without disrupting production.
What Types of Businesses Use Contract Packaging?
Contract packaging is used across almost every industry, from FMCG and ecommerce to healthcare and publishing.
Most products ultimately reach consumers via retail or online channels, but contract packaging also supports exhibitions, trade shows, wholesale and direct mail campaigns.
Food and Drink Brands
Food and drink companies rely heavily on contract packaging for packing dry goods, supplements, confectionery, canned drinks and promotional multipacks.
Many projects require clean room or climate controlled environments, along with strict quality and traceability processes.
Beauty and Cosmetics Companies
Beauty brands use contract packaging for travel sizes, gift sets, advent calendars and premium presentation packs.
Hand packing is often essential for delicate, high value or visually complex cosmetic products.
Household Goods Manufacturers
Everyday household products such as cleaning items, cloths and accessories are frequently repackaged into multipacks or retailer specific formats.
Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical
Medical and pharmaceutical contract packaging supports products such as over the counter medication, blister packs, wipes, sprays and single dose items.
Accuracy, compliance and quality control are especially critical in this sector.
Publishing and Media
Publishers use contract packaging to assemble box sets, launch packs, book bundles and promotional merchandise kits.
Importantly, contract packaging is not limited to large enterprises.
Small and medium sized businesses often outsource packaging entirely as a cost effective way to scale, rebrand or test new products.
The Benefits of Contract Packaging
Outsourcing to a specialist contract packaging provider delivers both commercial and operational advantages.
One of the biggest benefits is access to experience gained across multiple sectors and packaging challenges.
Processes refined for one client often improve efficiency and accuracy for future projects.
Contract packaging also offers flexibility, allowing businesses to increase or reduce volumes without long term commitments.
There is no need to invest in expensive machinery, warehouse space or temporary labour.
This significantly reduces capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs.
Contract packaging also provides access to a wider range of packaging options than most businesses could support internally.
For companies that already pack some products in house, contract packaging offers valuable overflow capacity during peak periods.
Contract Packaging Services Explained
One of the key advantages of contract packaging is the ability to tailor services to your exact needs.
Flow Wrapping
Flow wrapping uses a continuous plastic film to wrap products as they move along a conveyor.
It is ideal for high volume items that require consistency and protection.
Shrink Wrapping
Shrink wrapping uses heat responsive film that shrinks tightly around products or multipacks.
It is commonly used for retail ready bundles and promotional trays.
Sleeve Wrapping and Overwrapping
Sleeve wrapping encloses products in a tight sleeve, while overwrapping adds an extra protective or visual layer.
Pouch and Sachet Packing
Pouch and sachet packing is often used for samples, single use products and marketing campaigns.
Gift and Promotional Packing
This includes seasonal gift sets, advent calendars, influencer boxes and exhibition packs.
Hand Packing
Hand packing is ideal for fragile items, complex kits or smaller production runs.
Relabelling and Barcoding
Relabelling services update branding, pricing, compliance information or retail barcodes on existing stock.
Additional Contract Packaging Support from Blue30
Blue30 offers more than packing alone, providing integrated logistics support.
This includes packaging design and print coordination, inbound storage, inventory management and quality checking.
Reworking services help correct damaged or non compliant packaging before products reach customers.
Finished goods can then be distributed across the UK, into fulfilment centres or directly to end customers.
How Much Does Contract Packaging Cost?
The cost of contract packaging depends on production volume, packaging materials, print requirements and additional services.
Larger volumes usually benefit from economies of scale, reducing the cost per unit.
Because every project is different, contract packaging is typically quoted on a tailored basis.
Is Contract Packaging Right for Your Business?
Contract packaging is well suited to businesses launching new products, managing seasonal demand or selling through multiple retail channels.
It is also particularly valuable for ecommerce brands and Amazon UK sellers that need speed, flexibility and compliance.
Ready to Simplify Your Contract Packaging?
If packaging in house is slowing you down or limiting growth, outsourcing could be the next step.
Blue30 provides flexible, scalable contract packaging services for UK businesses across ecommerce, retail and FMCG.
From hand packing and relabelling to fully managed packaging, storage and distribution, our experienced team works as an extension of your business.
Get in touch with Blue30 today to discuss your contract packaging requirements and request a tailored quote.
