BOPP Bags Manufacturer: Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering

BOPP Bags Manufacturer: Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering
BOPP Bags Manufacturer

The process of selecting a manufacturer of BOPP bags cannot be as simple as obtaining three quotes and picking the one with the lowest price in the quotes.

In the procurement process, packaging issues usually surface in the production stage, such as print colors not matching from batch to batch, bag dimensions causing problems in the filling line, seams failing in transportation, delivery dates being irrelevant, etc.

At this stage, changing a manufacturer partner may be costly.

Therefore, the better approach is to prepare well by asking the key questions before placing the purchase order.

The process of selecting a BOPP bag supplier needs to be organized in a way that considers aspects such as manufacturing capacity, specifications of materials used, printing options, quality control practices, customization, capacities, lead times, and terms of business, among others, in conjunction.

Let us identify the questions that the buyers ought to be asking.

1. What BOPP Bag Specifications Can You Manufacture?

The first criterion that one must look for is capacity. Not every manufacturer who sells BOPP bags has the ability to make all sizes, designs, styles, and printing requirements in one go. 

Before discussing about the price with the supplier, one should mention the application, which can include the product being packed, the desired weighment, size of bags, handling conditions, storage area, printing, closure, and quantity etc. 

One should then ask the supplier if they are making the required characteristics all the time. A supplier who is up to the task would be able to tell what woven fabric is suitable for making BOPP film. 

Comsyn’s BOPP and PP woven range consists of printed BOPP bags, BOPP laminated bags, circular bags, and easy-open solutions and offers customized sizes, prints, and colours. For procurement teams the variety of bags offered is essential as one should choose the best match to the application and not make the product fit into one particular bag design.

2. What Material Specifications Will You Recommend?

Among several vital questions to pose to the BOPP bag provider, one noteworthy aspect pertains to the material specification recommended and the rationale behind it. A quotation must clarify the important relevant aspects of the construction so that the client knows what they are buying. Depending on the usage scenario, they can include:

  • woven fabric specification
  • BOPP film specification
  • lamination
  • bag weight
  • dimensions and tolerances
  • liner requirements, and
  • stitching or closure details

While Comsyn has always offered information on the BOPP film options along with the printing measurements and several film thickness ranges for BOPP packaging, the actual specifications must depend on the product and supply chain. 

For instance, a 5 kg consumer package should not be designed in the same way as a high-volume industrial sack.

Consult your supplier to clarify specifications. Don’t be prompted by the manufacturers to accept their specifications, since that is how they normally operate.

You need to ask yourself:

  • Why is this particular fabric specification suitable for us?
  • Why is this particular film advised to use?
  • Is this construction appropriate for our handling conditions?
  • Can it be optimized?

3. What BOPP Bags Quality Standards Do You Follow?

Quality of packaging must be quantified. Terms such as “high-quality” or “high-strength bags” do not mean much if there are no specifications and procedures for testing. Manufacturers should be asked how they measure the following parameters:    

  • Dimensions of bags
  • Homogeneity of fabric
  • Lamination
  • Printing registration 
  • Color consistency  
  • Quality of seams and stitching
  • Weight of bags 
  • Aesthetics of bags
  • Quality of finished product

There may be different standards of quality for BOPP bags depending on the use and market.     

That is why companies should always ask what the testing conditions of their specifications are and avoid assuming that all manufacturers follow the same approach.    

Comsyn produces BOPP bags and at the same time manufactures FIBCs and all types of polypropylene packaging. The main conclusion here is that customers need to check the standards that apply to their orders instead of relying on a generic statement about packaging quality.

4. How Do You Maintain Quality Across Large Production Runs?

One sample may look great. The more significant verification is that of repeating the same process for many bags, sometimes even tens of thousands. One should understand that it is vital to get information from the producer on how they ensure such stability of production. These may include:

  • How often do you check the size?
  • How do you track print registration?
  • How do you manage color changes?
  • How do you monitor lamination quality?
  • What do you do if a production lot does not comply with the requirements mentioned in the specifications?
  • Are the ready bags checked prior to sending?
  • How do you store your quality control documents?

With big orders, consistency is more important than producing the most stunning first sample.

5. What Printing Capability Do You Have?

The first reason for choosing BOPP as a retail-facing packaging option is the print quality of BOPP. 

BOPP provides better graphics, imagery, and shelf presentation than basic printed woven sacks. However, customers need to know everything about the printing capabilities of the supplier.

  • They should check:
  • How many colours can be printed?
  • What printing methods are used?
  • How detailed can the graphics be?
  • How is colour matching done?
  • What format is required for the artwork?
  • Are there additional costs for installation or cylinders?
  • What if there are changes in the artwork?
  • Can multiple SKUs be handled at the same time?

Comsyn points out that BOPP allows for high-quality and custom printing and that BOPP has already been mentioned in literature concerning up to eight-colour printing.

Ask About Repeat-Order Colour Consistency

The significance of this issue is particularly high for brands with recognized names. Despite being satisfactory from a technical aspect, a bag may lead to issues due to noticeable differences in brand colour between production batches. 

If shelf consistency is of great concern, inquire about the methods employed to preserve print references, sample approvals, and colour standards for reorders.

6. How Much Customization Can You Handle?

There are times when buyers want more than just a logo printed on an ordinary bag. Manufacturers of custom BOPP bags may also have to deal with variations in terms of:

  • size
  • design
  • colors
  • type of lamination
  • surface
  • how bags are made
  • size of gussets
  • type of liners
  • how bags are closed, and
  • how bags open

Comsyn currently has listed all options for customizing the size, printing, lamination, and colors of BOPP and woven packaging and available finishes (matte, glossy, metallic).

However, it is very important for buyers to not only ask about possibilities of customization. Thus, it’s necessary to find out how each customization influences:

  • required quantity,
  • set-up costs,
  • turnaround,
  • efficiency of production, and
  • prices for repeat orders.

Some features might be technically advanced but very inefficient from the business perspective for the ordered quantity.

7. Can You Support Our Number of SKUs?

This question is often overlooked. A purchasing department might inform a vendor that they need a million bags each year. At first glance, this appears to be an enormous volume. However, if the requirement covers 30 different products or packaging formats, the need becomes much trickier to fulfill.

Inquire with the vendor:

  • How do you handle various versions of the artwork?
  • Is there a minimum order quantity per SKU?
  • Is it possible to combine similar SKUs in one production run?
  • What steps are taken to implement modifications to the artwork?
  • How to ensure old artworks are not utilized?
  • Can you execute multiple repeat orders for different variations?
  • This is especially true in the markets of fertilizer, seeds, grains, animal feeds, etc., where manufacturers produce a lot of products and product types.
  • It should be noted that a supplier that is adept at producing a lot of volume is not necessarily good at handling the complexity of high SKUs.

8. What Is Your Minimum Order Quantity?

Ask at the earliest stage about the MOQ. Some buyers invest considerable time and effort in creating specifications and designing the artwork only to find out later the manufacturer’s minimum production quantity is inappropriate for their needs.

There are three levels of MOQ to be inquired about:

  • Standard bag MOQ refers to an existing or not particularly complex specification.
  • Custom specification MOQ involves the necessary changes in terms of size or construction.
  • Printed SKU MOQ involves different production runs for each version of the artwork.
  • It is also desirable to learn whether MOQ can be changed depending on the use of high-end finishes and/or special construction. 

For the purchasing teams operating multiple product lines, knowing MOQs for each design is often more valuable than knowing the manufacturer’s general minimum order quantity.

9. What Is Your Actual Production Lead Time?

There could be variations in the meaning of “four weeks.” It may refer to:

  • When the purchase order (PO) is received;
  • When the artwork is approved;
  • When advance payment is received;
  • When raw materials are allocated;
  • How the complete process works.

A proper sequence may start with:

  • confirming the specifications,
  • obtaining approval for artwork,
  • preparing for printing,
  • planning the material, manufacturing,
  • performing a quality audit, packing, and
  • sending them off.

It is good to check what lead times the suppliers use for both new and repeat orders.

Repeat orders should be faster since they normally do not need much pre-production work if the specifications and artwork remain the same.

10. What Is Your Production Capacity?

When the volumes rise or if demand follows a seasonal trend, capacity becomes key. One must inquire whether the manufacturer can handle the following:

  • normal monthly demand
  • requirements during peak season
  • unexpected increase in volumes
  • repeat orders with a limited replenishment time frame

Comsyn’s most recent company publication states that BOPP bags are included in the product range and that they have a capacity of 14,400 MT per year for the mentioned operations.

The principle for buyers, on the other hand, is to look at the volume that they will need compared to what the manufacturer is able to produce and not only provide a general idea that the capacity is “enough.”

Ask About Peak Season, Not Just Average Capacity

A manufacturer may have adequate annual capacity but still face pressure during high-demand periods.

If your category has predictable seasonal peaks, discuss those periods before finalizing the supplier.

11. Can You Supply Samples Before Commercial Production?

Samples are critical for new specifications, but the procurement teams need to clarify what kind of sample will be received. For instance, a digital mock-up, a printed film sample, a handmade prototype and a production bag are not equal in kind of validation they can provide. It is recommended to determine what can be checked with the samples received, including but not limited to:

  • dimensions
  • filling
  • sealing or stitching
  • stacking
  • print appearance
  • handling
  • palletizing
  • transportation

Whenever possible, one should conduct tests on bags via filling line before placing large commercial orders.

12. What Tolerances Should We Put Into the Specification?

Manufacturing processes have specific tolerances. An issue occurs if the buyer and the supplier do not agree on the level of variation that can be accepted. The tolerances need to be established for critical parameters like:

  • width
  • length
  • weight of the bags
  • placement of the print
  • sewing process
  • color
  • lamination, and other features that will help to avoid misunderstandings

In case the tolerances are not agreed, a dispute over quality will be a matter of opinion.

13. How Do You Handle Rejected or Non-Conforming Material?

Buyers must address issues before they arise. Inquire from the supplier on the necessary steps taking place should the delivered bags fail to meet the expected standard. The pertinent questions to ask are the following:

  • What documentation is provided for quality complaints?
  • What samples or proof must be provided to support quality complaints?
  • How quickly does the company review complaints?
  • Is root-cause analysis done?
  • What steps are followed to correct the problem?
  • How is the matter dealing with replacement needs settled?

This is not about presuming the eventuality of failure. It is about establishing whether suppliers have a well-documented procedure in case it does occur.

A properly structured procedure for complaints resolution is vital when packaging the product that gets into the production cycle as part of the high-volume production.

14. What Exactly Is Included in the Quotation?

Price comparisons become unreliable if the quotations are based on different premises. Prior to comparing suppliers, ascertain whether the quotation covers:

  • the manufacture of bags
  • BOPP film
  • printing
  • lamination
  • printing cylinders or setup
  • any special finishing
  • inner liner
  • stitching or closing
  • packing
  • palletization
  • testing
  • cost of transport
  • commercial fees

Ask whether the supplier has any initial set-up charge for repeat orders. A lower cost per unit will not be attractive at all if there are additional hidden costs.

15. Can You Help Optimize the Existing Bag Specification?

Asking the following question can help you glean some very useful information. Point to the specifications drafted by you and ask the manufacturer:

Will you manufacture it exactly as described or would you suggest some changes?

Professional manufacturers can help you identify various improvement opportunities, for example:

  • waste materials
  • oversized bags
  • ineffective design
  • overly complex printing
  • better utilization of pallets
  • better filling process, or
  • SKU redundancy

The aim should not be simply getting a cheaper product. The aim is striking a balance between cost and performance. This may be a case when good manufacturer participation may deliver more advantages than negotiating merely on price.

What Should Buyers Compare During BOPP Bags Manufacturer Selection?

Once quotations arrive, create a structured supplier comparison.

Price should be one column, not the entire scorecard.

Evaluate each prospective BOPP Bags Manufacturer against:

Evaluation Area What to Check
Technical capability Can the supplier manufacture the required construction consistently?
Material specification Are materials clearly defined and appropriate for the application?
Printing capability Can required graphics and colours be reproduced reliably?
Quality control Are inspection processes and tolerances clearly defined?
Customization Can dimensions, print, finishes and constructions be adapted?
MOQ Does the minimum quantity work at SKU level?
Capacity Can current and future volumes be supported?
Lead time Are new and repeat-order timelines practical?
Multi-SKU management Can artwork and variant complexity be controlled?

This makes BOPP bags manufacturer selection considerably more objective.

Red Flags Buyers Should Not Ignore

Any professional supplier will raise suspicions if one or several signs appear before signing the contract. Be aware of a supplier that:

  • keeps specifications vague
  • tells you nothing but general statements about quality
  • cannot explain necessary materials
  • offers you extremely low prices while giving no reasons
  • is uncertain about tolerances
  • does not know about lead time for a repeat order
  • avoids discussing complaint policy
  • cannot cope with the artwork changes, or
  • says “yes” to any request regardless of its technical feasibility

Sometimes a supplier with the ability to question impractical specification can be more beneficial than one that agrees to everything.

Why Manufacturer Capability Matters Beyond the First Order?

  • BOPP packaging programs are never constant.
  • New products are introduced.
  • Designs are modified.
  • Quantity increases.
  • Export markets are shifted.
  • New packaging sizes are launched.

A supplier that proves to be suitable up until the point of producing the first 25,000 bags might not be a right partner when millions of units are needed each year in a variety of SKUs. This is why procurement teams should take into account where the packaging program is heading, not only what is required for the upcoming purchase order.

In producing BOPP bags, Comsyn runs a comprehensive portfolio of polypropylene woven products, such as woven sacks, FIBCs, liners, and other flexible packaging types.

When dealing with packaging needs that require changing or greater volumes, buyer can benefit from the fact that Comsyn is equipped to fulfil the requirements in the long run.

Ask Better Questions Before Comparing Prices

A responsible BOPP Bags Manufacturer will do more than offer a comparable price. The producer should clarify what is supplied, how it is created, what quality criteria are controlled, and if the requisite specifications are appropriate for the intended use.

Hence, the best procurement takes place before placing the purchase orders.

  • Specify the exact application
  • Question the specification
  • Check the manufacturing capabilities
  • Know the quality mechanisms
  • Check the sample

After all, it is important to evaluate the commercial conditions.

Discuss Your BOPP Bag Requirements With Comsyn

If you are looking for suppliers regarding a new BOPP packaging program or if you are just reviewing an existing specification, feel free to reach out to our packaging team. We will discuss bag dimensions, printing specifications, construction methods, customization options, volumes needed and any application needs. 

Providing detailed requirements during the inquiry stage is crucial for your needs and cost estimation by the procurement team.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What must buyers look for when selecting a manufacturer of BOPP bags?

In assessing a manufacturer’s BOPP capabilities, buyers must thoroughly consider the material specifications, printing quality, options for custom products, quality control methods, minimum order quantities, production capacity, delivery timelines and pricing terms, tracking unit price in regards to other metrics like quality and service.

  1. What should I inquire with BOPP bag suppliers before placing an order?

The key to determining which supplier meets your requirements is asking suppliers questions about fabric options, tolerances, quality control measures, MPL cost and turnaround time.

  1. How do you verify the quality standards for BOPP bags?

Ask the manufacturer to outline measurable characteristics regarding the dimensional aspect, fabric type, lamination, printing stage, and finished product, just to name a few.

  1. Can BOPP bag suppliers produce different bags?

Most suppliers can produce various SKUs, but you must ask them about the minimum sample size per bag variant and establish their knowledge on the matter.

  1. Should I try a BOPP bag sample before ordering?

In case your company has decided to work with a new supplier, it is essential to test samples to evaluate the dimensions, application and compatibility of the bag.