The co-packing community and seamless supply chains

Mick Clark, Managing Director at WePack, affirms all of this: “Co-packers have become much more important in recent years. In the past, they were mainly used to handle overflow or basic packing work, but now they’re seen as real partners in the supply chain. Companies are under pressure to cut costs and stay flexible, so outsourcing to experienced co-packers has become a smart move.”

As an independent contract packing company, WePack offers bottling, sachet and pouch filling, and hand assembly projects, as well as a host of complementary services for food and non-food applications.

Clark continues: “What’s changed is the level of professionalism. Many co-packers now offer technical expertise, quality control, and even help with packaging design or compliance. It’s no longer just about packing boxes; it’s about adding value and helping brands deliver efficiently.”

At the heart of transforming modern supply chains are technology, digitalisation and AI. Real-time tracking, automation, and advanced analytics allow for greater visibility and control across every stage of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final delivery. Predictive data helps companies anticipate disruptions, optimise dispatch routes, and reduce waste, while warehouse automation and robotics improve accuracy and speed of production.

“The role of third-party co-packers is expanding in response to an ever-demanding retail supply chain,” confirms Verkaik. “Shorter product lifecycles now require brands to react to market forces more rapidly, and while planning remains essential, the requirement for flexibility and agility has never been greater. Without a trusted supply chain partner, achieving this level of responsiveness is increasingly difficult.”

Then there is the demand for greater sustainability. With increased pressure placed upon customers by ESG guidelines, third-party suppliers are adopting greener logistics strategies. Electric vehicles, optimised transport networks, sustainable packaging, and carbon tracking are all playing a role in meeting both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

Verkaik adds: “Traditionally, co-packers have acted as custodians of their customers’ products, but their responsibilities have now broadened significantly. They must also navigate a range of external pressures, including the need for more granular data to comply with new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, changes to labelling requirements, and ESG. Furthermore, for products being shipped to mainland Europe, greater agility is essential to meet diverse market requirements and local regulatory nuances.

“Collaboration is the way forward, and co-packers are responding to these market demands by expanding their service offerings. They now provide a wider range of value-added solutions designed to support their customers at every stage, helping them to navigate challenges, overcome inevitable hurdles, and ultimately achieve greater supply chain resilience and efficiency.”