Whether you're just scaling up or switching to a high-volume co-packer, this guide will walk you through the essential co-packing terms every juice brand should know before stepping onto the line.
Bringing a juice product to market comes with a steep learning curve—especially if you're new to large-scale manufacturing. From production scheduling to packaging specs, there's a lot to manage, and understanding the language of co-packing is key to making smart, confident decisions.
At PureFlow Bottling & Packaging Inc., we work with brands producing millions of units, and we know how critical it is for teams to be aligned on terminology. Whether you're just scaling up or switching to a high-volume co-packer, this guide will walk you through the essential co-packing terms every juice brand should know before stepping onto the line.
1. Co-Packing (Contract Packaging)
This is the service you’re hiring: a third-party facility (like PureFlow) manufactures, bottles, labels, and packages your juice product under your brand name. You provide the formula—we handle the production.
2. HTST Pasteurization
High-Temperature Short-Time pasteurization is an industry-standard process for non-carbonated juices. Your product is heated quickly (typically at least 72°C and higher) for 15–30 seconds, then rapidly cooled. It eliminates harmful microorganisms while preserving the natural flavour, colour, and nutrients.
This method is ideal for shelf-stable juices and is the backbone of our production process at PureFlow.
3. Hot Fill
Immediately after pasteurization, juice is filled into bottles while still hot, sterilizing both the juice and the container. This allows for longer shelf life without the need for preservatives or refrigeration prior to opening.
4. MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest batch size your co-packer is willing to produce. MOQs vary by packaging format, ingredients, and run rates. PureFlow was designed to have the flexibility to help with lower MOQs and support brands that are ready to scale, while being able to scale up to millions of units annually.
5. Run Size
The total number of units produced in a single production cycle. Larger runs tend to reduce your cost per unit.
6. Fill Line / Bottling Line
The automated line of equipment where your juice is filled into bottles, sealed, labelled, and prepared for final packaging. Different lines accommodate different bottle types, cap styles, and fill volumes.
7. Changeover Time
The time required to clean, sanitize, and reconfigure the bottling line for a new product or packaging format. Changeovers affect production scheduling and can increase costs if frequent or unplanned.
8. Lead Time
How far in advance you must submit a production order. Lead times can range from a few weeks to several months depending on ingredient availability, packaging timelines, and line capacity.
9. Primary vs. Secondary Packaging
Primary Packaging: The bottle or container that holds your juice (glass or plastic).
Secondary Packaging: The outer packaging used for shipping and retail display, such as cases, boxes, or shrink-wrapped trays.
10. Label Application
Your labels are applied just prior to final packaging into case packs—this could be front and back or wraparound labels. Precision is key for visual consistency and consumer appeal.
11. Best Before Date and Lot Coding
Applied separately from label printing, this coding is critical for traceability and consumer trust. At PureFlow, we apply Best Before dates as a value-added step—giving you flexibility without the waste of pre-printed dated labels.
12. Clean Fill / Sanitary Fill
Refers to the hygienic process of filling and sealing juice into bottles in a food-safe environment. All PureFlow production is HAACP-compliant, and we operate under strict sanitation protocols.
13. Quality Assurance (QA)
A series of checks and controls during and after production to ensure consistency, safety, and compliance. Our in-house microbiologists oversee QA for every run.
14. Certifications
If your brand promises organic, kosher, or halal compliance, your co-packer must be certified accordingly.
At PureFlow, we are:
Certified Organic
HAACP Compliant
15. Private Label vs. Co-Packing
Private Label: You adopt a pre-formulated product made by the co-packer and apply your own brand.
Co-Packing: You bring your own formula, and the co-packer bottles it to your specifications.
PureFlow specializes in co-packing for established beverage formulas, especially those using HTST hot fill for non-carbonated and non-dairy products.
Why These Terms Matter
When you're scaling production—especially at volumes in the millions—communication breakdowns lead to delays, wasted product, and unexpected costs. Knowing these terms ensures you're fully informed, better equipped to make decisions, and ready to build a long-term, transparent partnership with your co-packer.
Speak the Language, Scale with Confidence
Understanding co-packing terminology helps you plan better, avoid surprises, and align faster with your production partner.
At PureFlow Bottling & Packaging Inc., we don’t just bottle juice, we support brands in navigating high-volume production with clarity and confidence. Our facility is purpose-built for scalable, consistent, and safe juice co-packing using HTST pasteurization and hot fill bottling.
