Learn how to quickly adapt packaging and labeling in food manufacturing after an unexpected supplier change.

In my experience, this is overlooked all the time. Companies think that the law provides transitional periods for such changes, but this is a mistaken thought. This kind of labeling changes, as well as the change of your address or business name, are company decisions and do not benefit from any transition plan. Therefore you have to carefully plan the changes, looking at your packaging stocks, to avoid significant damages or disruptions.

Last updated on Jul 18, 2024

You're facing a sudden supplier change. How can you swiftly adjust your packaging and labeling?

Navigating a supplier change can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to adjusting packaging and labeling in the food manufacturing industry. You need a plan that's both efficient and compliant with regulations. Whether it's due to unforeseen circumstances or strategic decisions, the key is to remain adaptable and informed. Understanding the requirements for packaging materials and labeling standards is critical for a smooth transition. This article will guide you through the process of swiftly adapting your packaging and labeling in the event of a sudden supplier change.

1 Assess Needs

Your first step is to thoroughly assess your current packaging and labeling needs. Take inventory of your existing materials and determine what must be replaced or altered. It's crucial to understand the specifications of your products, as well as any regulatory requirements that your packaging must meet. This includes food safety standards, nutritional information, and any other pertinent labeling information. By having a clear picture of your requirements, you can quickly communicate your needs to new suppliers and ensure that there's minimal disruption to your manufacturing process.

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Muhammad Muneeb Riaz

MSc. Food Technology | Food Quality Assurance | Production | Food Safety
To swiftly adjust packaging and labeling in response to a sudden supplier change, consider the following steps: 1. Confirm their packaging and labeling requirements. 2. Identify what can be used, and what needs to be updated. 3. Utilize digital printing for quick turnaround. 4. Order new packaging materials that meet the new supplier's requirements. 5. Coordinate with production and logistics teams to ensure a smooth transition. 6. Verify the new packaging and labeling meet quality and regulatory standards. 7. Ensure accurate tracking and rotation of updated packaging materials. 8. Inform sales, marketing, and customer service teams of the changes.
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2 Identify Suppliers

Once you've assessed your needs, begin identifying potential new suppliers. Look for those who can provide materials that match your specifications and can do so within your required timeframe. It's important to consider the quality of their materials, their reliability, and their capacity to meet your demands. Contact multiple suppliers to compare quotes and services. Building a good relationship with new suppliers is also essential, as it can lead to better service and potential cost savings in the long run.

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Jimmy Chen

CEO at AOVISS | one-stop bakery and kitchen equipment manufacturers. Offering Specialized Spiral Mixers, Deep Fryers, Ice Cream Machines to all bakeries and restaurants. Looking for distributors all over the world
Needs Assessment: Assessing your needs before identifying suppliers ensures that you are clear about the specifications, quality, and quantity of the materials you require. This clarity helps in finding suppliers who can meet your exact requirements. Quality and Reliability: Considering the quality of materials and the reliability of suppliers is crucial. High-quality materials are essential for maintaining product standards, and reliable suppliers ensure that you receive materials on time, preventing production delays.
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3 Update Design

If your new supplier offers different packaging sizes or materials, you may need to update your design templates. This involves adjusting the layout of your labels and packaging to fit new dimensions or printing specifications. Ensure that all the required information, such as ingredients, allergens, and barcodes, is still prominently displayed and meets legal standards. It's important to manage this process efficiently to avoid delays in your production line.

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4 Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring regulatory compliance is critical when changing your packaging and labeling. Familiarize yourself with the latest food labeling regulations to guarantee that all changes adhere to legal requirements. This may involve updating nutritional information, ingredient lists, and health claims. It's advisable to have a compliance officer or legal expert review all changes before they go into production to prevent costly errors and potential recalls.

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Kelsie Garrett

CEO @ IssuesUp Solutions | Project Management
Make sure that your project team includes the regulatory department to ensure all food labeling is in compliance. Some changes may require immediate packaging updates, while others can have a 6 month grace period for the change. Knowing this will help you understand what effect the change will have on the product.
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5 Production Testing

Before fully integrating new packaging into your production line, conduct thorough testing. This includes checking for compatibility with your machinery, verifying the durability of the materials, and ensuring that the new labels adhere properly and maintain legibility throughout the product's shelf life. Small-scale testing can help identify any issues before they become large-scale problems, saving you time and resources.

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6 Transition Plan

Creating a detailed transition plan is essential for a smooth changeover to new packaging and labeling. This plan should outline the timeline for the switch, including when to phase out old materials and introduce the new ones. It should also include contingency plans for any potential issues that may arise during the transition. By having a clear plan in place, you can minimize downtime and ensure that your production continues to run efficiently.

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Cesare Varallo

Food Lawyer I Founder of Foodlawlatest.com & Food Orbit Experts I Business advisor @Celerya I Guest Instructor at MSU IFLR I Associate at Iseven Servizi
In my experience, this is overlooked all the time. Companies think that the law provides transitional periods for such changes, but this is a mistaken thought. This kind of labeling changes, as well as the change of your address or business name, are company decisions and do not benefit from any transition plan. Therefore you have to carefully plan the changes, looking at your packaging stocks, to avoid significant damages or disruptions.
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Report contribution

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're facing a sudden supplier change. How can you swiftly adjust your packaging and labeling?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Identify Suppliers

3 Update Design

4 Regulatory Compliance

5 Production Testing

6 Transition Plan

7 Here’s what else to consider

Food Manufacturing

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You're facing a sudden supplier change. How can you swiftly adjust your packaging and labeling?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Identify Suppliers

3 Update Design

4 Regulatory Compliance

5 Production Testing

6 Transition Plan

7 Here’s what else to consider

Food Manufacturing

Rate this article

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