Sustainable Packaging Solutions That Give Co-Packers an Edge
Sustainability has moved from a marketing buzzword to a requirement. Retailers, regulators, and consumers are holding brands accountable for the environmental impact of their packaging, and brands are turning to their co-packers to help meet those expectations.
Retailers are tightening packaging guidelines. Governments are enforcing policies to reduce single-use plastics and waste. Consumers are choosing products packaged with recyclable, compostable, or responsibly sourced materials.
For co-packers, this shift brings opportunity and pressure. Brands need partners who can run eco-friendly materials smoothly and at scale. Those who deliver will secure strong, long-term relationships. Those who can’t risk losing contracts to competitors who are ready to step in.
The numbers are clear: the North American sustainable packaging market is projected to grow from $83.4 billion in 2022 to $156.7 billion by 2032, at a 6.6% CAGR. Sustainable packaging isn’t a trend; it’s the new standard brands expect.
The Challenges Co-Packers Face
While sustainability creates opportunities, it also introduces challenges that many co-packers aren’t equipped to handle. Running eco-friendly materials is far more complicated than simply swapping out film rolls.
Complex Materials Create Complex Problems
Recyclable films behave very differently from traditional films.
- Thinner recyclable films can wrinkle or tear at higher speeds.
- Small differences in material batches can lead to inconsistent results, even within a single production run.
These complexities can cause frequent jams, mis-seals, and stoppages, especially on older machines not designed for modern substrates.
Downtime and Waste Hurt Profitability
Eco-friendly materials cost more than conventional plastic films. Every mis-seal, jam, or failed run isn’t just frustrating; it’s expensive. Rework eats into margins, while wasted materials directly impact the bottom line.
For brands paying a premium for sustainable packaging, inconsistent production can strain relationships and lead them to seek a different co-packing partner.
Rising Brand Expectations
When brands commit to greener practices, they move quickly. They expect co-packers to support new SKUs, updated packaging designs, and flawless execution without slowing down production.
If your equipment can’t keep pace, even a skilled team will struggle to deliver. That creates a ripple effect of missed deadlines, strained client relationships, and lost revenue opportunities.
Introducing the MSB Series: Sustainable Packaging Solutions That Deliver
Switching to recyclable or compostable films is one thing; running them efficiently is another. Many older machines struggle with these newer materials, causing jams, mis-seals, and costly downtime. Our Multi-Lane Sachet Baggers were designed to address these challenges head-on, giving co-packers the speed and precision they need to package sustainably without sacrificing productivity or profitability.
With lane configurations ranging from 2 to 20 and production speeds of up to 1,000 sachets per minute, the MSB Series adapts to a variety of production needs, from smaller specialty runs to large-scale output for major brands. This scalability makes it easier to add sustainable packaging projects to your line without disrupting your existing operations.
Precision That Protects Fragile Films
Recyclable and compostable films are often thinner and more sensitive than conventional packaging materials, which means they require exact sealing control to avoid damage or weak seals. The MSB Series solves this with servo-driven horizontal sealing jaws and an advanced Omron Sysmac controller, which synchronizes the form, fill, and seal process for smooth, repeatable runs.
This precision reduces errors like wrinkles, tears, and mis-seals, preventing waste of both product and costly sustainable films.
Reducing Downtime with Smart Design
When you’re working with expensive eco-friendly materials, downtime hurts even more. The MSB Series is built with pneumatic vertical sealing jaws that open 90 degrees, making it easier to clean and maintain between runs. Faster maintenance means fewer stoppages and more consistent output, helping you stay on schedule for clients who need sustainable packaging delivered on time.
Protecting Materials with Smooth Film Handling
Sustainable substrates can be more prone to stretching or wrinkling during production. The MSB Series features intermittent motion film pull and seal functions to maintain proper film tension throughout the process. This ensures smoother runs and reduces the risk of film damage, keeping output consistent and minimizing wasted materials.
Versatile for Different Sustainable Product Lines
Many brands are launching eco-friendly SKUs across multiple product categories. The MSB Series supports this growth with optional auger, volumetric, or piston fillers, allowing co-packers to run powders, liquids, and granular products on the same machine. From plant-based drink mixes to organic sauces, you can take on diverse sustainable product lines without needing separate equipment for each.
Scaling Up as Demand Grows
As more brands shift to sustainable packaging, production demands will continue to rise. The MSB Series offers the flexibility to grow alongside this demand:
- MSB-406: 2 to 10 lanes, up to 500 sachets per minute — ideal for moderate runs or niche eco-friendly SKUs.
- MSB-508: 2 to 12 lanes, up to 600 sachets per minute — a mid-range solution for expanding production.
- MSB-813: 4 to 20 lanes, up to 1,000 sachets per minute — perfect for high-volume sustainable packaging output.
Why This Matters for Sustainability
Every feature of the MSB Series is designed to help co-packers reduce waste and improve reliability when working with modern materials. By running recyclable and compostable films smoothly, you:
- Keep production on schedule without costly stoppages.
- Minimize wasted product and expensive sustainable films.
- Deliver consistent, high-quality packaging that meets retailer and regulatory requirements.
- Build a reputation as a trusted partner for eco-conscious brands.
When sustainability is part of your equipment design, it stops being a hurdle and becomes a competitive advantage.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Confidence
Sustainability isn’t a trend to watch; it’s a daily reality shaping the decisions of brands and co-packers alike. The expectations are high, and the challenges are real, but they’re also manageable with the right tools.
The Multi-Lane Sachet Baggers give co-packers the speed, precision, and flexibility to meet modern sustainability demands while keeping production efficient and profitable. By equipping your operation to run recyclable and compostable films seamlessly, you strengthen your client relationships and position your business for long-term growth.
Ready to see how sustainability can work for your business?