FAQ

 

Q: How is flexible packaging priced? Why can prices vary significantly?

A: Pricing is typically based on several factors, including material structure, thickness, bag style, dimensions, number of print colors, converting process, order quantity, and packing method. Significant price differences are often driven by differences in material structure.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity for gravure printing? How are cylinder/plate charges calculated? Do repeat orders require new plates?

A: For custom gravure-printed bags, the standard MOQ is determined by the bag size and order quantity. Printing plate charges are calculated based on the number of colors. If you reorder the same artwork, the existing printing cylinders can normally be reused, so there is no need to pay for new plates.

Q: Can you offer volume discounts? Do you provide tiered pricing for repeat orders?

A: Unit prices decrease as order volumes increase. For customers with stable, recurring annual demand, we can also establish an annual supply agreement to help secure pricing and lead times and reduce the impact of raw material price fluctuations.

Q: Will the price change if raw material costs increase?

A: Once an order is confirmed and the deposit has been received, the agreed unit price is normally locked for the short term. For long-term supply agreements, we generally provide 30 days' advance notice of any price adjustment resulting from significant changes in raw material costs.

Q: Does a thicker bag always mean better strength and performance?

A: Not necessarily. Packaging performance depends primarily on the material structure rather than thickness alone. For example, a PET/AL/PE structure provides significantly higher barrier protection than a single-layer PE film of the same thickness. For frozen or high-fat products, low-temperature resistance, oxygen barrier, and puncture resistance are often more important. We recommend the most suitable structure based on your product's shelf life, application, storage, and transportation conditions, helping you avoid unnecessary material costs.

Q: Can the production color match the approved sample exactly? What color difference is considered acceptable?

A: A completely identical color match cannot always be guaranteed due to variations in substrates, inks, production batches, and environmental conditions. As a general industry reference, a ΔE value of ≤5 is commonly used as an acceptable range, depending on the agreed standard. Before mass production, we provide a press proof or color sample for approval, helping minimize color variation during production.

Q: Which is more cost-effective: automatic packaging film or pre-made bags?

A: If you have an automatic packaging machine, rollstock film is generally the more cost-effective option, as it reduces labor requirements and improves packing efficiency. If products are packed manually or in relatively small batches, pre-made stand-up pouches or three-side-seal bags may be more suitable. We manufacture both rollstock film and pre-made bags.

Q: How are samples arranged? Can the sample fee be deducted from a bulk order? How long does sampling take?

A: Existing stock samples are provided free of charge; shipping is normally charged to the recipient. For samples made to your specific specifications or artwork, a sampling fee may apply. Once a bulk order is placed, the sampling fee can be credited against the order as agreed. Standard custom sampling typically takes 7–14 days.

Q: How long does mass production take after sample approval? Can urgent orders be expedited?

A: Once the artwork, material structure, and color samples have been fully confirmed, standard production typically takes 12–15 working days, with a total lead time of approximately 15–20 working days. Urgent orders can be discussed in advance, and we will do our best to prioritize production based on available capacity. However, lead times cannot be reduced indefinitely, as maintaining consistent quality remains our priority.

Q: What happens if the bags arrive damaged or there are defective/leaking bags?

A: Please provide clear photos and/or videos within 7 working days of receiving the goods. If the issue is confirmed to be caused by a manufacturing defect, we will work with you to agree on an appropriate solution, such as replacement, credit, or a price adjustment. For damage caused during transportation, we recommend contacting the freight forwarder or carrier as soon as possible to initiate a claim.

Q: What is the difference between metallized film bags and aluminum foil bags? How do I choose between them?

A: Aluminum foil (AL) provides complete light protection and excellent oxygen and moisture barrier properties, making it suitable for long-term storage, high-fat pet food, dried foods, and other products requiring strong barrier protection. Metallized film (VMPET) is generally more economical and can offer a different visual appearance, but its barrier performance is lower than that of aluminum foil. If the product has a shelf life of around six months or less and requires a metallic appearance or a transparent window, metallized structures may be suitable. For shelf lives exceeding eight months or products subject to long-term ocean transportation and storage, aluminum foil structures are generally preferred.

Q: What is mono-material packaging? Is it actually recyclable? Can it be used for exports to Europe and the US?

A: Mono-material packaging is made primarily from a single polymer family throughout the film structure, most commonly PE, without aluminum foil or incompatible polymer layers. Properly designed mono-material structures can be compatible with existing recycling streams and are increasingly used to meet evolving packaging sustainability requirements in Europe and North America. However, recyclability requirements vary by country and recycling system. We can provide the relevant material specifications and test reports for the selected structure. Mono-material packaging is a practical option for brands looking to improve packaging recyclability and prepare for evolving EPR and sustainability requirements.

Q: Do your packaging materials comply with food-contact regulations? What standards apply to exports to the US and EU?

A: We can provide third-party test reports and compliance documentation for the relevant raw materials and packaging structures. For products intended for the US market, materials can be supplied to meet applicable FDA 21 CFR requirements. For the EU market, applicable materials can be supplied in accordance with EU Regulation No. 10/2011, where relevant. Batch-specific material documentation can be provided upon request, and we do not intentionally use recycled materials in food-contact structures unless otherwise agreed and specifically documented.

Q: Can you provide a Certificate of Origin and support customs clearance?

A: Yes. We can assist with standard Certificates of Origin (CO) and other applicable origin documentation, such as Form A where applicable. All documents are issued based on the actual shipment and supporting export documentation.

Q: Can you support EU EPR packaging requirements?

A: We can provide material structure information, material composition documentation, and other relevant packaging data to help customers complete their EPR registration and compliance requirements. However, we do not directly register customers for EPR schemes in their local markets.

 

 

Send Inquiry