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A practical guide for UK buyers

What is contract filling?

Contract filling is the outsourcing of product filling and related packing work to a specialist production partner. The partner doses your agreed bulk product into bottles, jars, tubs or another suitable pack, applies the specified closure and checks, and can add labels, codes and final packing.

How it worksCost and run sizeQuote checklistCompare suppliers
Automated contract filling production equipment in a manufacturing environment

The production route

How does contract filling work?

The useful starting point is not the machine; it is the complete pack you need at the end. Product behaviour, dose, container, closure, label, code, batch pattern and final presentation can all change the production method.

  1. 01

    Define the brief

    Set out the product, pack, volume, timing and required finished result.

  2. 02

    Review feasibility

    Assess the product, components, tooling, filling method, cleaning and checks.

  3. 03

    Approve references

    Agree the product and component specifications, artwork, codes and samples.

  4. 04

    Schedule materials

    Confirm that product, containers, closures, labels and cartons will arrive in time.

  5. 05

    Fill, check and pack

    Run the defined process and prepare finished stock for the agreed next step.

Choose the relevant route

Which contract filling service do you need?

Liquid fillingBottles, jars, tubs, creams, gels and pastes →Powder fillingPowders, granules, dry blends and suitable packs →Contract packingKitting, assembly, cartoning and case packing →Labelling and codingLabels, batch codes, date codes and inspection →

Budget and volume

What affects contract filling cost and minimum run size?

There is no responsible universal unit price or minimum order quantity. A short run may still require line setup, clearance, cleaning, component handling, trials and approval work. The total cost depends on the whole job.

Product behaviourFill size and toleranceContainer and closureSetup and toolingCleaning requirementsBatch quantityLabels and codesFinal packingTiming and repeat frequency

For a launch or trial, see small-batch contract filling and provide both the proposed first quantity and the volume you expect if the product repeats.

Contract filling quote checklist

What should you include in a production brief?

A complete brief produces a faster, more comparable response. If a detail is unknown, say so—it is better to identify an open decision than hide it.

ProductDescription, specification, handling and available sample
FillTarget volume or weight and required tolerance
Primary packContainer dimensions, material and supplier status
ClosureCap, lid or other closure and any application requirement
DecorationLabels, artwork, batch code and date code
VolumeInitial quantity, repeat forecast and batch pattern
QualityApproved references, in-process checks and retained information
TimingRequired date, component lead times and approvals
Finished stockCartons, cases, pallets, parcels or onward collection
Send your brief to Stockholm

Supplier selection

How should you compare contract filling companies?

A low unit rate is not useful if it excludes setup, finishing work, rejected components or the checks your customer expects. Ask each potential partner to explain the same points.

  • Fit: Has the supplier reviewed the real product and pack?
  • Scope: Which filling, closure, labelling, coding and packing steps are included?
  • Responsibility: Who supplies, approves and owns each product and component specification?
  • Control: What setup, in-process and finished-pack checks will be recorded?
  • Timing: Which approvals and material dates must be met before production is scheduled?
  • Change: How will substitutions, artwork changes or out-of-spec components be handled?
Contract filling FAQs

Direct answers for buyers.

Use these answers to shape a better first conversation with a packing partner.

What does a contract filling company do?

A contract filling company receives an agreed bulk product and packaging components, doses the product into the selected pack, completes specified closure and checking steps, and can add labelling, coding and final packing.

What is the difference between contract filling and contract manufacturing?

Contract manufacturing usually includes making or blending the product. Contract filling starts with a product that is ready to pack and focuses on dosing it into containers plus the agreed packing and finishing steps. Some suppliers offer both, so the scope should be confirmed.

What affects the minimum run for contract filling?

The workable batch depends on setup, trials, cleaning, product handling, fill method, components, checks and scheduling. A fixed minimum quoted without seeing the brief may not reflect the real job.

What information does a contract filler need to quote?

Provide the product, specification, fill size, pack and closure, batch quantity, component status, label and code requirements, tolerances, target date and expected repeat volume. Samples and drawings are useful when available.

How should I compare contract filling companies?

Compare verified product and pack fit, the proposed process, included checks, component responsibilities, change control, lead-time assumptions, total scope and communication—not just a single unit price.

A useful brief is the fastest first step

Talk through your contract filling project.

Send the product, pack, volume and timing. Stockholm will help identify the next practical check.

Request a project review Call 01494 623015