5 Questions to Ask Your Flexible Packaging Manufacturer Before Ordering

You’ve got your product. You’ve got your branding. You even have your target market figured out.But now comes one of the most critical (and costly) steps — choosing the right flexible packaging manufacturer to bring it all together.

Flexible packaging isn’t just about bags and pouches — it’s about barrier protection, compliance, sustainability, and your brand’s first impression on the shelf.And here’s the truth: not all packaging suppliers are created equal.

Before you send that purchase order, it pays (literally) to ask the right questions. These five will help you separate the “film sellers” from the true packaging partners who can protect your product, your brand, and your bottom line.

1. What Industries and Packaging Types Do You Specialize In?

Every manufacturer has a core strength — and it’s critical that your project fits squarely within it.

A supplier experienced in snack-food pouches might not meet the cleanliness or traceability standards needed for medical device packaging. Similarly, a vendor focused on e-commerce mailers might not understand the film barriers required for frozen food.

Ask about:

• Experience with your specific industry (food, medical, electronics, chemical, etc.)

• Their ability to meet industry certifications (like ISO 9001 or ISO 8 clean room standards)

• The range of packaging formats they produce — stand-up pouches, rollstock, flat-bottom bags, large gusseted bags, etc.

• Whether they can handle customization — from zipper styles and spouts to sustainable materials.

Pro tip:If you’re working with a manufacturer like LPS Industries, you’re getting the benefit of multiple verticals — food, medical, hazmat, and industrial — under one roof. That cross-sector expertise means proven materials, quality processes, and long-term reliability.

2. What Materials and Barrier Options Do You Offer?

Packaging is only as good as the film it’s made from.Choosing the right structure means balancing cost, sustainability, appearance, and performance.

Here’s what to discuss before ordering:

Your manufacturer should clearly explain:

• What film structures they recommend — and why.

• If materials are FDA or EU compliant for food or medical use.

• What barrier testing or validation data they can provide.

• Whether they offer recycle-ready or post-consumer recycled (PCR) options.

Pro tip:Ask about shelf-life simulations or real-world testing data. A good supplier can quantify the barrier performance, not just describe it.

3. How Do You Ensure Quality and Regulatory Compliance?

In packaging, mistakes don’t just waste materials — they can destroy your product or even trigger recalls.

A reliable manufacturer has formal quality control systems in place from raw material inspection to finished product testing.That means clean environments, standardized processes, and traceable records.

Questions to ask your manufacturer:

• “Do you operate in an ISO 8 clean room for sensitive products?”

• “Can you provide Certificates of Analysis (COA) or material traceability reports?”

• “How often are your clean rooms or equipment audited?”

• “What testing do you perform for seal integrity and barrier performance?”

Pro tip:If you’re in medical, pharmaceutical, or electronics packaging — look for suppliers that operate under controlled environments and maintain ISO 8 certification, like LPS Industries does.

4. What Is Your Printing and Customization Capability?

The science of packaging gets you protection.The art of packaging gets you sales.

Custom printing, color management, and finishing options are what make your pouch or bag jump off the shelf.

Ask your manufacturer:

• What printing technologies do you use (flexographic, rotogravure, or digital)?

• How many colors can you print, and what’s your color consistency process?

• Do you offer finishes like matte, gloss, or metallic accents?

• Can you produce short-run or variable designs (great for seasonal SKUs)?

• How do you handle artwork setup, proofs, and revisions?

Pro tip:Request printed samples of past work. A reputable supplier will gladly share examples — and you’ll get a real feel for color accuracy, surface finish, and material quality.

5. What Kind of Support and Lead Times Can I Expect?

A manufacturer can have great products — but if they can’t deliver on time or communicate clearly, it’s a deal-breaker.

Before you commit, clarify:

• Lead times for both prototypes and full runs

• Minimum order quantities (MOQs)

• Response time for quote requests, art approvals, and order updates

• Dedicated account manager or point of contact

• Emergency or rush order capabilities

Ask your packaging partner to walk you through their typical timeline — from design approval to shipment — so you can plan product launches or reorders without delays.

Pro tip:A good supplier will offer transparent communication and realistic scheduling. The best ones build relationships — not transactions.

Wrapping It Up: From Vendor to Partner

Choosing a flexible packaging manufacturer isn’t about finding the lowest price — it’s about finding the right fit.

A true partner will help you:

✅ Protect your product with proper barrier films

✅ Maintain compliance and traceability

✅ Elevate your brand through print and finish

✅ Reduce costs through efficiency and reliability

✅ Meet deadlines without cutting corners

When you ask the right questions, you get the right answers — and the right results.

Key Takeaways Table

We’ll help you choose the right materials, verify barrier performance, and design packaging that’s ready for market.