Food Packaging Procurement Checklist for 2027
For a 2027 food packaging order, start with a written product brief, a dimensioned pack specification and a trial plan. Send the same version to every supplier. Compare what each quote includes, then agree who approves artwork, samples and production release before placing the order.
Prepared in October 2026, this checklist organises the specifications, quotations and approvals for 2027 packaging purchasing.
1. Describe the food before choosing the film
Two foods with the same pack weight can need different packaging. Start with the product, the way it is processed and the conditions it will face after filling.
Product type, fill weight and any oil, moisture, sharp edges or powder.
Filling method and whether the pack is vacuum sealed, heated, chilled or frozen.
Target shelf life and actual storage and transport conditions.
Countries of sale, retail or foodservice channel, and any customer-specific requirements.
Ask suppliers to recommend a structure for the product when the material is still open. Use the protection and processing requirements to compare the proposals. Our food and frozen-food material guide covers the main selection questions.
2. Separate pouch specifications from rollstock specifications
For premade pouches, provide a drawing or sample showing the finished width, height, gusset and seal areas. Identify the zipper, tear notch, hanging hole, spout or other features that matter. Confirm whether each dimension is an external measurement or usable internal space.
For rollstock, add the packing machine model, film width, repeat length, winding direction, core diameter and maximum reel diameter or weight. Include the registration-mark position and the machine supplier's specification if available. A material that suits the food still needs to run on the filling line.
Use the food pouch request form for finished bags and the rollstock request form for machine-fed film. Keep confirmed dimensions separate from dimensions that still need a trial.
3. Put quantity against each design
State the quantity for each size and artwork version and identify trial, launch and repeat orders. List forecasts separately from committed purchase quantities.
Ask for the MOQ and state the unit: pieces, metres or kilograms. Convert pouch and film quotations to the same quantity basis before comparison.
4. Compare quotations on the same basis
A lower unit price is useful only when the pack and the quoted scope match. Put the following items side by side and ask about blanks before selecting a supplier.
Material structure, total thickness, dimensions and agreed tolerances.
Quantity per design, unit of measure and permitted quantity variation.
Currency, quote validity and payment terms.
Printing cylinders, plates or other tooling, including repeat-order treatment.
Samples, packing, freight, taxes and the agreed delivery terms.
Documents and tests included, and any separately charged work.
Mark each quotation item as included, separately priced or awaiting confirmation. Our packaging quotation guide explains the questions to settle before comparing totals. Keep commercially sensitive quotes in your own private copy of any comparison sheet.
5. Agree the artwork approval record
Assign one artwork version number and a named approver. Keep the final dieline, copy, barcode, print direction and colour reference together in the approved file.
Use a digital proof to approve content and layout, then assess printed colour against the agreed reference and viewing conditions. See our gravure color approval guide for the discussion points.
6. Decide what a successful trial looks like
Before ordering trial packs, write down the tests, sample quantity, test conditions, acceptance criteria and responsible person. Match the trial to the actual product and process.
Check dimensions, opening, filling and sealing on the intended equipment.
Test filled packs for the handling and distribution conditions you expect.
Include the relevant freezing, heating or other process conditions where applicable.
Confirm the evidence needed for food-contact suitability and market requirements with the responsible supplier or specialist.
Use a validation plan for the finished, filled product and keep the supporting material, market and test documents with the packaging specification.
7. Build the schedule around approval milestones
Work backwards from the date packaging must arrive at the filling site. Separate specification review, artwork approval, tooling, samples, trials, production, inspection and transport. Ask the supplier what must be approved before each stage can start.
Assign an owner and date to each approval, then schedule material selection, artwork and production around the launch date. Request the current production and delivery schedule with the completed brief.
See our production approval workflow and export handover guide for the checks between approval and dispatch.
Questions before sending a 2027 packaging enquiry
Can I request a quote before I know the material?
Yes. Send the food, fill weight, process, storage conditions, target shelf life, pack format and dimensions you know. Mark the structure as “supplier recommendation requested.” Ask what the proposed quotation assumes and what needs testing.
Should I order the whole year's packaging at once?
Compare an initial order and repeat-order plan using expected demand, storage space, artwork changes and stock usage. Use actual quotations for each quantity and keep forecasts separate from purchase commitments.
Does “2027 edition” mean the specifications are fixed for that year?
Use the checklist to organise the order specification, material review, market documents, quotation and production schedule.
Prepare your packaging brief
Send the product, pouch or rollstock format, dimensions, quantity per design and artwork status. Include your target arrival date and clearly identify anything undecided. Use the HUAYN packaging configurator or contact HUAYN to discuss the brief.