How to Repackage a Product
Repackaging refers to the act of altering the packaging on a product to a fresh one or doing It again. The former usually involves changing the style, the overall design, or the quantities of a product, majorly making it more appealing to customers or returning it to a sellable state.
Most businesses repackage their products while changing the brand and primarily with resale. However, rebranding may land a company in serious trouble, especially if it is done behind the manufacturer’s back. Repackaging is only legal if a written agreement exists between the product’s original manufacturer and the business that wishes to rebrand. Otherwise, the market should be willing to pay a markup. Markup, in this case, refers to the product availability, service, better packaging, manuals, support, and warranty. Another crucial legal requirement is compliance with FDA requirements. There are several registered repackaging companies to guide you through the processes involved.
Now that we understand what repackaging is and the legal judgment, let us get into the ‘hows’ of repackaging. How you proceed to repackage your products primarily depends on several crucial factors. This is especially true if your objective is to end up with competitive retailer goods. In this case, innovation comes to play as the goal is to personalize a product manufactured by someone else.
If your sole purpose of repackaging is rebranding, then you need to take the following into account:
- Why do you need to rebrand
The motivation behind rebranding is the driving force for repackaging the products. The first and most dominant reason for repackaging is redefining your presence on the market and massive customer acquisition. After a severe blow from scandals, other businesses or firms use repackaging and rebranding as damage control. A new image is a great tactic to recover from a corrupted or wrong impression.
- The risks involved and Return on Investment
Rebranding hence repackaging, is a form of investment. Conducting a risk assessment is an excellent way to quantify whether or not repackaging is a viable option. At this stage, it is vital to weigh out the implications of several rebranding details, including the product logo, overall design, creativity, signages and advertising, the print materials, and the cost of marketing the new product online and offline.
- Involvement of relevant stakeholders in the rebranding, thus repackaging process.
All the relevant parties must be involved in the process. Since repackaging is a huge part of branding, approval by the internal stakes is fundamental for the success of the process. All the pertinent details concerning the repackaging process should be communicated adequately and efficiently to all the relevant parties to avoid future problems.
- The Repackaging Process
The repackaging process is highly dependent on the types of products in question and their quantities, e.g., repackaging bulk products and repackaging food products. It is critical to remain practical and functional to boost the brand’s image at this stage. Aesthetics make a massive contribution to the process; thus, factors like colors and shapes are key players. Additionally, the product should be authentic and original to the brand.
- Effective rollout and implementation
This step could quickly render your efforts null and void. An effective e rollout starts at the internal level by collecting suggestions from the closest parties, including employees. Also, it is at this stage that marketing campaigns come in. An excellent way to do so is by hinting at the change to keep people anticipating the change. When ready to launch the new package, ensure the world spreads effectively.
Product Packaging Examples
It is different types of packaging for both business and domestic packaging. As earlier mentioned, the method used majorly relies on the product’s style, nature, or size to be repackaged. While choosing a packaging method, it is crucial to prioritize sustainability and cost-efficiency. The following are among the commonly used repackaging product examples:
- Shock mount packaging
Shock mount packaging is the best alternative for highly fragile and delicate goods such as chemical compounds. This technique is very safe as the products are protected from shock, noise, and vibration. It works by offering shock absorption making it the preferable option for shipping these products. Additionally, it protects them from dust and moisture.
- Shrinkwrap packaging
Shrinkwrap refers to tightly wrapping PVC around a product and creating a seal by exposing it to heat. This method is widely used domestically for repackaging food for preservation, often after buying in bulk. It is easy to mistake shrink wraps for plastic wrap. However, the former does not possess the clingy and stretchy characteristics of the former. Shrinkwrap keeps products intact while protecting them from puncture and abrasion while boosting impact resistance.
- Vacuum packaging
Vacuum packaging is one of the innovative product packaging examples used to preserve perishable and dehydrated goods. The technique involved sucking out all the air in the packaging, usually PVC, to eliminate oxygen, thus leaving zero room for mold, bacteria, and yeast to thrive. This method is also used to preserve some medical supplies and most products that require hermetical sealing. Vacuum packaging significantly maintains the shelf life of products and makes it easier to carry food for activities such as camping or backpacking trips.
- Pallets and crates
Pallets and crates are widely used in packaging and shipping products. They are primarily used as secondary packaging to enhance the safety of goods during transportation and raised from the surface –away from dust, dirt, and moisture. Pallets and crates are often made from recyclable and reusable plastic or wooden material.
- Preservation packaging
The main goal of preservation packaging is to maintain the usable state of products for longer. It cuts across different areas and includes other packaging techniques such as shrink wrapping, vacuum packaging, and canning. Preservation packaging also consists of aluminum cans, glass jars, egg cartons, etc. Another inexpensive technique of preservation packaging is bubble wrap. They preserve goods by cushioning, thus providing impact protection.
Several firms have developed various creative and innovative product packaging techniques. Some of the most remarkable include
- Smirnoff Caipiroska- the beverage company, launched new flavors in textured bottles that consumers can peel off, giving them the unique experience of peeling a regular fruit.
- Butter better- disposable butter containers fitted with s wooded knife-shaped lid for quick and easy spread.
- The tulip- Ann ingenious innovation for single-serving wine. The wine is sealed in wine glass using patented technology to last for a year.
Is Repackaging considered Manufacturing?
Essentially, repackaging refers to the process of receiving, storing, relabeling, or re-shipping goods that had been packaged prior. On the other hand, Manufacturing refers to making new products from raw material facilitated by manual labor or appropriate machinery. The manufacturing process is usually very systematic, follows standard protocols, and heavily involves the division of labor. Therefore, repackaging is not manufacturing.
Some may argue that the repackaging and labeling of medicines are considered manufacturing processes since they have to be conducted by the relevant Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). However, repackaging affects very little or none of the actual content. Instead, it aims to alter the target audience’s impression of the product, thus affecting investment value.
Repackaging products business
Repackaging is undisputedly a critical part of rebranding. Although the process requires a lot of investment, it creates a higher potential to maximize profit margins. The four core reasons for repackaging include:
- Image branding
Repackaging is as good as useless if it does boost the business’ customer acquisition process. Typically, customers judge products from what meets the eye before going into the details of what they stand to gain. Thus your repackaging options must remain outstanding and leave a lasting impression. Repackaging is also an excellent way to give the brand a fresh start after going through problems or scandals.
- Adjust to functionalities and specifications.
Innovations are unveiled every day; technology facilitates the improvement of product formula and additional ingredients. Repackaging is an excellent way to complement such changes and stay up-to-date and relevant in the market.
- To protect the product.
Product packaging is essential in maintaining quality, ensuring that they are free from defects and cannot easily be compromised. Repackaging can be used as a measure to improve a product’s protection.
- Promote Sustainability
Most brands have been moving towards more eco-friendly packaging alternatives to protect their users and the environment from pollution. With many people gradually embracing an ethical and sustainable lifestyle, your company must stay part of the movement. Therefore repackaging products and goods into more sustainable packaging helps brands tap into new markets and maintain existing ones.
Most businesses that repackage products act as middlemen between the manufacturer and the end-user. Therefore their ultimate goal is to generate profit. In this case, they were repackaging products for resale. Regardless, following all the necessary procedures is essential while repackaging as a value addition tactic. This optimizes the business’s ability to profit and compete with other companies.
A lot of effort, time, money, and resources go into repackaging; therefore, it is vital to take the time to carefully evaluate the needs of your target audience while remaining relevant to the business objectives. It is also worth noting that if not carefully analyzed and executes, repackaging can easily jeopardize the credibility of a product. It is fundamental to capitalize on creating a sustainable image and enhancing functionality, thus promoting value.