Production runs get delayed when brands aren't fully prepared at run time. The most common causes: a missing COA, a spec sheet that hasn't been submitted, film that arrives the day before the run instead of a week before. This checklist exists so none of those happen to you.
Phase 1 — Before You Contact a Co-Packer
Have these ready before your first inquiry:
- Finalized formula — your formula should be locked before you engage a co-packer. Changing your formula after you've ordered film and ingredients is expensive. If you're still developing, develop first.
- Target fill weight — in grams, per serving. This is the single most important spec for a co-packer. Know this number.
- Target pouch format — sachet, zipper pouch, or gusset bag. If you're unsure, say so — but have a direction.
- Target run volume — how many pouches in your first order.
- Target timeline — when do you need finished goods in hand.
Phase 2 — After You've Chosen a Co-Packer
Documentation
- Signed MSA (Master Service Agreement) — required before scheduling at Overgang. Don't wait until the week of your run to review and return the MSA.
- Allergen declaration — a written declaration of all allergens in your product. Required before production. Non-negotiable.
- Spec sheet / blending instructions — total pounds of blend needed, percentage formulation for each ingredient (must add to 100%), and any specific blending sequence or requirements.
- Lot number format — how you want lot numbers formatted on your product (example: OVG-2025-07-001).
- Expiration date — your target expiration date or shelf life calculation (manufactured date + X months).
Film and Packaging
- Film supplier identified — you need a roll stock film supplier. Overgang does not supply film. We can recommend suppliers we trust.
- Die lines obtained — request die line templates from your film supplier for your pouch dimensions.
- Artwork completed and approved by film supplier — artwork approval is required before your film goes into production.
- Film ordered at 110% of target pouch count — account for yield loss.
- Film delivery confirmed to arrive at Overgang before run date — with tracking. Late film = late run.
Ingredients
- Ingredients ordered at 110% of expected output — account for 5–10% yield loss depending on run size.
- COAs requested from every ingredient supplier — one COA per ingredient, per lot number. Must match the lot you're shipping.
- COAs reviewed — verify that all tests pass and lot numbers match your ingredient packaging.
- COAs sent to co-packer at least one week before run date — don't wait until the day of.
- Ingredients ordered to arrive at Overgang before run date — with tracking. Materials must be on-site before your run is confirmed.
Phase 3 — Week Before Your Run
- Confirm film has arrived at Overgang — email or call to confirm receipt.
- Confirm ingredients have arrived at Overgang — confirm receipt of all ingredient lots.
- Confirm COAs are on file and approved — co-packer should confirm COAs have been received and verified.
- Confirm run date and time — get written confirmation of your scheduled production date.
- Provide outbound shipping instructions — where should finished goods ship, what carrier, any special requirements.
Phase 4 — After Your Run
- Verify finished pouch count — compare to expected output accounting for yield loss.
- Verify lot numbers and expiration dates — confirm they match your specifications.
- Request batch records if needed — for compliance documentation purposes.
- Arrange pickup or confirm outbound shipping — coordinate with your co-packer on finished goods disposition.
- Note lessons for next run — did materials arrive with enough lead time? Were there formula issues? Build on what you learned.
The #1 cause of run delays
Late film. Film has a 10–12 business day production lead time after artwork approval. Brands who start the film process the same week they want to schedule a run are going to be disappointed. Start the film process 6–8 weeks before your target finished goods date and you'll never have this problem.
Quick Reference Checklist
| Item | When | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Formula finalized | Before contacting co-packer | [ ] |
| MSA signed | Before scheduling | [ ] |
| Allergen declaration submitted | Before scheduling | [ ] |
| Spec sheet submitted | Before scheduling | [ ] |
| Lot number format specified | Before scheduling | [ ] |
| Film supplier identified | 6–8 weeks before run | [ ] |
| Die lines obtained | 6 weeks before run | [ ] |
| Artwork approved | 5 weeks before run | [ ] |
| Film ordered (110%) | 5 weeks before run | [ ] |
| Ingredients ordered (110%) | 3–4 weeks before run | [ ] |
| COAs requested | With ingredient order | [ ] |
| COAs sent to co-packer | 1+ week before run | [ ] |
| Film confirmed on-site | 1 week before run | [ ] |
| Ingredients confirmed on-site | 1 week before run | [ ] |
| Run date confirmed | 1 week before run | [ ] |