5 Signs It’s Time for a New Poly Bag Supplier

5 Signs It’s Time for a New Poly Bag Supplier

Feb 11, 2021 | Polybag Supplier

If you’ve been working with the same poly bag supplier for a while, things may not be the same as when you placed your first order. Maybe they consistently make mistakes, deliver your order late, or never answer the phone. If things keep going wrong with your orders, you’ll need to consider switching to a new one. Let’s take a look at 5 key signs it’s time to start looking for a new poly bag supplier.

5 Signs It’s Time for a New Poly Bag Supplier

It can be hard to end a relationship with a poly bag supplier, but if you’ve noticed any of these signs, it might be time to do it anyway. You deserve better.

#1 Missing or Incomplete Orders

If you’re dealing with a poly bag supplier that makes mistakes with your order by shipping the incorrect quantity, you consistently notice flaws with the bag design or quality, or you have orders that are missing altogether, it’s time for a new poly bag supplier. A poly bag supplier that doesn’t work hard to exceed your expectations — or even meet your basic order specifications — can’t provide the quality product that you and your business need. It’s time to find one who can get it right the first time and every time.

The right poly bag supplier puts its customers first, and knows how to get the job done correctly and efficiently. They will design poly bags that best suit the needs of your business and craft them using the highest quality materials. Then, they’ll always double check the order details to make sure they ship exactly what you need, when you need it.

#2 Low Quality Products

If your poly bag supplier gives you sub-par products, don’t put up with it. If your poly bags don’t last, the plastic rips or tears, and the promised quality doesn’t match what you’re paying, it’s time to ditch your current supplier and find a new poly bag supplier that works with better quality materials, and designs products that actually hold up. 

The right poly bag supplier will take the time to understand what you need your poly bags to do — the tensile strength, durability, and functionality of the bags — and design the perfect bag type for you. Considering factors such as the type of material, bag thickness, custom branding, clarity, sustainability, and more, the right supplier will dial in all the features that matter to you, so you end up with a product perfectly suited for your needs.

#3 Rising Prices

If you’re tired of weeding out hidden fees and battling rising prices for the same poly bag order, it might be time to look for a new poly bag supplier. Some suppliers try to nickel and dime their customers by imposing minimum order amounts or asking them to increase their order amount or frequency, which isn’t putting their customers’ needs first. You shouldn’t have to haggle to get the poly bags you need at a reasonable price, just find the right poly bag supplier.

The right poly bag supplier will be transparent about pricing — so you understand the costs that go into your product and the value you’ll receive for your investment. There’s no reason to hide behind a pricing wall because the right poly bag supplier will let the quality of the product speak for itself. The price of your poly bag order will match the product value, timely delivery, and exceptional customer service.

#4 Complicated Ordering Process

If it feels like it’s consistently a struggle to place a new order every time you need more poly bags, it might be time for a new poly bag supplier. If your supplier can’t make the time to talk to you about your order, find a new one!

With the right poly bag supplier, ordering should be simple, even enjoyable. They will be able to navigate the ordering process to solve for your needs. They will always be reachable at any time to answer questions, talk over the details of your order, or receive feedback.

#5 Lacking Customer Service

If you have a problem with your order, do you have a poly bag supplier you trust to fix it? If you have a last minute request or a rush order, can you rely on them to help you out? If your poly bag supplier isn’t willing to go above and beyond to provide excellent service, or they simply can’t be bothered to help, it’s definitely time for a new poly bag supplier.

The right poly bag supplier understands that things can change quickly for your business. If you need to increase or adjust your order, your poly bag supplier should be ready to help you get what you need. They genuinely care about creating a product you’ll be excited about, and are always looking for opportunities to demonstrate their skill and problem solving abilities. If you’ve got a reliable poly bag supplier in your corner, you’re ready for just about anything that comes your way.

Choose the Right Poly Bag Supplier

You’ll know you’ve found the right poly bag supplier when they take the time to understand your product needs and specifications, get your order right and delivered to you on time, and make the process simple, straightforward and enjoyable. Finding the right poly bag supplier can even save you money, because you get a better product, of a quality you can trust to handle what you need it to.

Time for a new poly bag supplier? A-Pac Manufacturing is ready to help. We offer custom poly bags at no minimum order, and with a 2-3 week lead time. Let us know how we can help you.

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta
Discover the 5 Best Benefits of Poly Bag Packaging

Discover the 5 Best Benefits of Poly Bag Packaging

Jan 21, 2021 | Polybags

While many new ways to package products have emerged over the years, poly packaging bags are still one of the most popular options, and for good reason! Poly bags are weatherproof, durable, fantastic for branding, and can be used for almost any product you can imagine. 

Are you considering poly bag packaging for your business? You’re in the right place! Read on to discover the top benefits of investing in poly bags. 

5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Poly Packaging Bags

Whether you’re trying to cut back on costs, invest in more versatile packaging, or find a supplier with fast turnaround times, poly packaging bags could be the right choice for your business. 

#1) Poly Bag Packaging is a Cost Effective Solution

Polyethylene is significantly cheaper to produce than other materials. For example, while a paper bag may cost 4-5 cents to produce, a similarly sized plastic bag costs substantially less. As a result, poly bag packaging is one of the most cost-effective packaging options on the market.

If you have large quantities of products to package, poly bag packaging will win every time in a cost comparison. If you’re interested in cutting costs, your company can save money on poly bags by working with the right poly bag supplier.

#2) Poly Bag Packaging Has a Short Production Time

Another advantage of using poly packaging bags for your products is the rapid production process. Poly bags are made from poly sheeting, which is stretched, cut, and sealed to the size, shape, and design of your custom poly bags in a quick, streamlined process. The average production time for custom poly bags is about 4 weeks, but some poly bag packaging suppliers can fill custom orders in less. 

At A-Pac Manufacturing, we take pride in our swift turnaround times so you can get the packaging you need, when you need it. We offer 2-3 week lead times and no minimum order quantity. When you partner with us, you’ll never have to worry about being without packaging again!

#3) Poly Bag Packaging is Strong and Durable

Poly bags are a superior packaging material because they can be developed in varying strengths. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and MDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene) are two of the strongest types of poly packaging that are ideal for packaging sharp-edged or bulky products. 

When ordering your custom poly bags, you can specify the mil strength of your bags, which will determine the thickness of the material. Generally, the thicker the bag, the stronger and more resistant to punctures or tears it is. 

Poly packaging is also highly durable – few materials offer the same resistance to moisture. For many products, having a protective barrier against humidity and elements is essential. Products like food items or electronic components could be easily compromised without this defense and are best protected by poly bag packaging.

#4) Poly Bag Packaging Has Versatile Uses

When it comes to custom packaging options, poly bags are unmatched. At A-Pac Manufacturing, we can support custom branding for your brand, including logos, fonts, and colors, and can easily design any bag to display what your company chooses. 

Our poly bags can also have customized sealing and handle options and contain special additives for appearance, clarity, or texture, depending on your company’s needs. It’s truly the most versatile material for packaging because it can be uniquely suited to your company and your product.

#5) Poly Bags Are Available in Environmentally-Friendly Options

Poly packaging bags have come a long way in terms of sustainability. While they are known for their affordability and durability, modern polyethylene bags can also be eco-friendly. 

A-Pac Manufacturing is committed to supporting greener and more eco-friendly packaging initiatives, and our new, more sustainable poly bags are our next step in offering you more of the environmentally friendly solutions you’re looking for. Using NuPlastiQ®, we can provide poly bags that are made from 20% plant-based materials. 

Discover Custom Poly Bag Packaging from A-Pac Manufacturing

If you’re looking for a highly customizable, durable, and versatile way to contain and ship your products, poly bag packaging is the most reliable, cost-effective solution. You can order custom poly bags to look, feel, and perform exactly the way you want. Plus, you can have them ordered, shipped, and ready to use in just a few weeks!

When looking for a new packaging manufacturer, look no further than A-Pac Manufacturing. We thrive on working with smaller businesses and are dedicated to offering quick turnaround times while maintaining superior quality. If you want to learn more about our products and prices, contact us online today! 

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta
How to Order Custom Poly Bags

How to Order Custom Poly Bags

Jan 15, 2021 | Polybags

Ordering custom poly bags is a simple process, but it’s important to make sure you know all the details about your bags before you order. To do this, figure out exactly what you need before you call your supplier with your order.

What Custom Poly Bags Do You Need?

Consider what you need from your bags — how they should look and feel, and what you need them to do. Do your bags need to hold heavy items? Do they need to be a specific color? Will they display your branding information? The more customizations you add to your bag design, the more information you’ll need to communicate to your supplier. When you order custom poly bags, you should know:

    • The type of poly bags you’re looking for: flat, wicketed, gusseted, sideweld, bottom seal, or other type of custom poly bags
    • How is the bag going to be closed?: fold over, tie, twist tie, taped, sealed
    • What custom branding you need on the bags: including your logo, the placement on the bag, printing (multiple labels), and your preferred colors
    • How many bags you need in your order

The other important piece of information you need to specify is when you need your custom poly bags. This will determine when you place your order.

When Do You Need Your Custom Poly Bags?

The process to make custom poly bags is streamlined to prepare your product quickly, but it takes time to develop the perfect product for your application. Ordering well ahead of when you need your custom poly bags will ensure the proper time and attention is given to product quality so you receive the best bags for your investment.

Consider the average production time for custom poly bags, and talk to your supplier about an estimate based on your specifications. Understand that the more customizations you have for your product, the longer lead time you’ll need to factor into your order. Our typical lead times for registered print bags are 6-8 weeks.

A good rule of thumb is to go back at least 4-6 weeks from the earliest time you need your bags in hand. For example, if you need your bags at your facility on January 30th, you’ll want to order at least a month, to a month and a half before, so place your order by December 15th.

How to Order Custom Poly Bags

When ordering your custom poly bags, be as specific as possible. Your supplier will need to know all the relevant information about your order to be able to design a proof and provide you with an accurate estimate. 

Your order should include the following information: size, style/shape, color, thickness, branding information (including branding copy, location of copy on the bag, specific colors) bag quantity, shipping instructions, and any other relevant information about the bag’s use and strength requirements.

When you order your custom poly bags, it’s important to include all the relevant details. The more information you provide upfront, the smoother the ordering, proofing, and manufacturing processes will roll out.

Confirming Your Custom Poly Bags Order

Confirm the details of your order with your custom poly bags supplier to make sure the details are as you require. It’s easier to fix problems before the bags are made than after they’ve been manufactured and packaged to ship. You can also confirm with your supplier the estimated shipping date and arrival of your custom poly bags. 

A trustworthy, reputable poly bag supplier will communicate with you along the way to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, when you need it. They prioritize customer service so you understand every step of the process of making your custom order, and make sure you’re satisfied with the quality of the end product. This level of communication not only builds trust with your supplier, but also saves you time and money.

A reputable poly bag supplier should follow up with you three times about the status of your order: 

  1. Once, with a proof of your bag before printing including style, colors, and branding information. This stage will require your approval before the production of the bags can go ahead. 
  2. Again, when your order has been manufactured and shipped. 
  3. Finally, after you’ve received your order to make sure you are satisfied with the product quality, order quantity, and service.

Looking to make a custom poly bag order? A-Pac offers no minimum orders and custom capabilities to get you exactly the bags you need, when you need them. Contact us for more information.

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta
FSSC + GFSI Food Safety Certifications Explained

FSSC + GFSI Food Safety Certifications Explained

Dec 9, 2020 | Products

If you’re in the food production, packaging or retail industries, you’ve likely heard the terms GFSI and FSSC certifications — but what are they and what do they mean for businesses in our industry?

What is GFSI?

GFSI, the Global Food Safety Initiative, is an independently-reviewed organization which establishes standards and certifications to regulate food safety on a global scale. GFSI delivers confidence to companies and consumers that food is grown, produced, packaged, shipped, and sold safely. 

GFSI continues to develop new ways to improve food safety and standards, ensuring unbiased reporting and accountability. This agency established the food safety certification FSSC 22000 to govern food quality in a way that is comprehensive, effective, and versatile for different industries. 

What is FSSC 22000?

FSSC 22000, or Food Safety System Certification, is a complete food safety certification which ensures the management of quality through the entire food production process – from production, to processing, to packaging, to purchase.

What About ISO 22000?

Both ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 are international standards that regulate components of food safety. FSSC 22000 uses ISO 22000 as a building block, to be customized for food quality in your industry’s specialty. It incorporates the quality management system established in ISO 22000 with a few additions.

The main difference from ISO 22000 is that when your facility complies with the FSSC 22000 standard, you will receive approval from the Global Food Systems Initiative (GFSI). This allows you to access worldwide markets under the GFSI umbrella. 

That’s just the basics — let’s break down FSSC 22000 a bit further.

FSSC 22000 Food Safety Certification

FSSC 22000 was developed by GFSI based on ISO 22000, to provide a more focused look at standards in the food industry. The expansion of ISO 22000 includes:

  • Prerequisite Program: A system of procedures that regulate operating conditions and practices in food facilities in order to ensure product quality and consistency, and consumer safety. The procedures are relevant to the activity itself — for example, food packaging vs. farming do not share the same procedure, so are governed by related but distinct methods. 
  • Refined focus to food industries and the operations at each facility. 
  • Additional standards for food fraud and food defense against bioterrorism.

FSSC 22000 ensures food safety by defining standards for quality at all levels of food production, managing risks that occur during the supply chain, and evaluating facilities for compliance with a clear set of procedures. It regulates food industries for safety in all stages, including processing, manufacturing, packaging, storage, transportation, handling, distribution, and retail.

The FSSC 22000 food safety certification lasts for 3 years and requires at least one unannounced audit before renewal.

Who Does FSSC Apply To?

The FSSC 22000 certification was designed to meet the needs of an international industry for a global food safety scheme. It applies to all companies in the food supply chain including farming of produce and animal products, food processing, animal feed production, food ingredients (including additives, cultures, and vitamins), and food packaging manufacturing. 

GFSI-recognized companies that are able to meet international standards may enter the international markets and be accepted by new customers and suppliers who share the quality management system. This means a seamless integration of food safety standards from source to consumer, which protects both the company and the customer.

Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification 

The FSSC 22000 certification allows facilities to ensure that a product meets specific international standards. A FSSC certified company can assure their customers that their products have been manufactured, packaged and handled correctly and safely. 

Some other benefits of the FSSC 22000 certification are:

  • A comprehensive food safety and quality management system that ensures product quality and consistency throughout the supply chain.
  • Compliance with food safety legislation, regulations, and customer expectations.
  • A framework that can be tailored to your industry and customer needs through activity-specific prerequisites. FSSC 22000 can be easily integrated with other management systems. 
  • Innovation and continuous improvement of procedures throughout the company. The FSSC 22000 demonstrates a commitment to delivering the best possible product to the consumer.
  • International recognition by GFSI, which owns and maintains the FSSC 22000 certification — something ISO 22000 can’t offer. GFSI approval offers access to top retailers worldwide.

For companies that are already ISO 22000 certified, achieving the FSSC 22000 is the logical next step. It upgrades their food safety certification and grants them access to a broader market.

Why Do FSSC 22000 and GFSI Certifications Matter?

For consumers, working with a company that is FSSC 22000 certified, they can trust the company to maintain strict quality standards throughout their manufacturing process. The certification not only establishes trust for the consumer, but also protects the company brand and minimizes risk. The quality management system of FSSC 22000 and GFSI approval means consistently better quality products and a consistently better business.

A-Pac Manufacturing is proud to hold the FSSC 22000 certification and GFSI recognition. This means we can guarantee our product quality for food industry applications, and better serve our customers with exceptional poly bags for all their needs. For more information about our food grade products, reach out to us today.

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta
What Size Poly Bag Do I Need?

What Size Poly Bag Do I Need?

Dec 9, 2020 | Polybags

Choosing the right poly bag size for your business is important. Your bags must be large enough to fit your product and offer viable protection against dirt, debris, and moisture – but you also don’t want to use a poly bag that has more material than you need, or you risk generating unnecessary waste and extra costs. 

So, how do you know what size poly bag you need? We’re here to help. 

To find what size poly bag you need, follow these four steps:

  1. Measure your product
  2. Determine your necessary poly bag measurements
  3. Choose the correct type of poly bag
  4. Confirm poly bag sizes with the proof 

Note: Any time you find that you need a bag sample, we’d be happy to help. Order a sample bag from A-Pac Manufacturing and talk to our team to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need. 

Let’s break these steps down further so you can figure out exactly what size poly bag you need for your product.

Follow These 4 Steps to Find the Right Poly Bag Sizes

1. Measure Your Product

For packaging purposes, you’ll need to measure your product or bag contents to find the correct poly bag size. You can find your product’s dimensions by taking measurements of your product’s length, width, and depth.

The shape of your product will also determine the type and style of bag you need. For example, if your product is flat and two-dimensional, a simple flat poly bag will best serve your needs and come in standard measurements. However, if your product is three-dimensional or a nonstandard shape, you’ll need a poly bag that can fit around it and cover all parts of the product. To find the minimum size bag you need for oddly shaped items, measure the space the product will take up in the bag from the widest points.

If you’re looking for a poly bag to fit in your product, such as a drum liner, these measurements will differ from the container’s length, width, and depth. Drum liners are measured in gallons. However, length and width calculations can easily be converted to express capacity in gallons using a bag guide to determine poly bag sizes.

2. Determine Your Necessary Poly Bag Measurements

When taking measurements of a poly bag, account for the space your product will take up. To adequately fit your product, the bag’s dimensions must be greater than what you want it to enclose. What size poly bag you’ll need will be the one that fits your product comfortably and will be easy to handle for packaging and shipping.

It’s also essential to consider the bag’s fit around your product. Add a few inches to the dimensions if you want the bag to fit loosely. A loose fit will ensure the product fits in any direction or arrangement in the packaging. Too tight of a fit could stretch or tear the poly bag, which could be a concern if your product has blunt or sharp edges.

3. Choose the Correct Type of Poly Bag

Poly bags come in various sizes and constructions and have designated uses, so it’s important to understand that different poly bags will require other measurements and ordering procedures. Here are a few examples of common types of poly bags:

  • Flat Poly Bags: Standard flat poly bags are available in a wide range of poly bag sizes with straightforward measurements — just length and width.
  • Gusseted Poly Bags: The sides of this bag type can expand to allow for a more fitted shape. For gusseted bags, in addition to length and width, be sure to also measure the desired depth when at full capacity.
  • Bags on a Roll: Flat poly bags are often sold on a roll of uniform bags attached with perforated edges end-to-end. For each roll, the total roll length is the combined lengths of the bags. The width of the bags will be the same as the roll. 

Also, some bags have extra material at the top for handles, sealing options, etc. This part of the bag is not included in the overall measurement. The dimensions for your bag will cover the size of the bag pouch up until the bottom of these features. Keep this in mind when measuring what size poly bag you need, and also that your poly bags will take up more space than just the basic pocket size.

4. Confirm Poly Bag Sizes With the Poly Bag Proof

When ordering your poly bags, it’s always wise to talk with your supplier about what size poly bag they think will best meet your needs. During the poly bag ordering process, your supplier should develop a poly bag proof — a sample of your bag that meets your exact specifications and design requirements. You can use this proof to confirm that your product will fit comfortably inside the bag to ensure you have the correct size before production begins.

Talk to an Expert at A-Pac Manufacturing for Help Determining Poly Bag Sizes

Do you need help determining what size poly bag you need? Contact us today at A-Pac Manufacturing. We’re happy to help you choose the best-sized bag for your product. Also, be sure to check out our free guide for How to choose the right poly bags for your company.

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag to fit your needs cta