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ChicoBag, a certified B Corporation known for its commitment to reducing single-use
waste, has been working with PACTICS for nearly a decade. Over that time, the
partnership has gone through multiple phases and challenges – including the difficult
COVID years, shipping constraints, and market uncertainties – and has continued to
grow because both sides stayed consistent in how they worked together.
“PACTICS and ChicoBag together are showing the world that responsible business is
good business”.– Andy Keller, CEO, ChicoBag
Building the Partnership
ChicoBag’s initial move to Cambodia was driven by tariff considerations – “We first
started to work with PACTICS for the GSP savings as compared to China.” but the
relationship evolved well beyond cost.
Over time, ChicoBag looked for a manufacturing partner that shared its focus on
sustainability, quality, ethical practices, and production capabilities. A key milestone in
the partnership was ChicoBag’s decision to increase its warranty from one year to
five years, after steady improvements in product quality.
“Making quality, long-lasting products while respecting people and the planet is possible
and necessary.” said Andy Keller, CEO of ChicoBag
The operational side of the partnership has required tight collaboration. To keep
production running smoothly, the teams rely heavily on:
- Forecasting based on demand and long-term planning
- Clear timelines for material ordering and production
- Regular check-ins between supply chain and production teams
This planning keeps short lead times achievable and production running on schedule.
Collaboration & Manufacturing Process
Many of ChicoBag’s orders have lead times as short as 4-5 weeks, and their products
are sold to many end customers worldwide. That means production and logistics need
to be predictable and tightly coordinated.
To support this, PACTICS:
- Orders raw materials based on ChicoBag’s forecast quantities, often six months
in advance, so production can start as soon as orders are placed. - Introduced monthly sea freight consolidation to the U.S., balancing speed and
cost while reducing reliance on air freight. - Uses small-lot production and lean manufacturing techniques to reduce waste
and rework, while maintaining consistent quality and attention to detail.
Andy sums up PACTICS’ role this way:
“PACTICS brings new ideas and manufacturing technology to our attention, allowing for us to innovate and improve our product”
And customers have noticed the change:
“People appreciate our quality. Since working with PACTICS, we have increased our warranty from 1 year to 5 years.”
Beyond Manufacturing – Logistics & Supply Chain Solutions
“PACTICS is a partner in all aspects of production from material sourcing to final delivery.” Andy Keller, CEO, ChicoBag
ChicoBag and PACTICS work together across the full production lifecycle. PACTICS
supports ChicoBag as a partner in:
- Material sourcing, including compliant suppliers for products like To-Go Ware
- Production planning and process optimization, using lean methods to reduce
waste and rework - Logistics and shipping, through consolidated air and sea shipments and ongoing
review of logistics costs
Dorian, PACTICS’ Business Development Director, describes it as:
“providing supply chain solutions to ChicoBag, shipping on our consolidated container and thinking along with them in terms of optimization. In addition, we work together on making their products more sustainable and appealing.”
The partnership is also built on long-term dialogue. ChicoBag’s former Director of
Operations & Finance, Sierra Brodleit, once joined PACTICS’ CEO Arjen Laan for a
recorded podcast conversation on brand-supplier collaboration and shared values.
Listen here
Looking ahead
After nearly a decade, the ChicoBag – PACTICS relationship is still evolving, with both sides focused on durable products, leaner processes, and a supply chain that reflects their shared values.
“We appreciate most aspects of the collaboration, that we can be proud of PACTICS, and that PACTICS is aligned with us on values”. Andy Keller, CEO, ChicoBag
ChicoBag’s case shows that long-term collaboration on quality, logistics, and responsible production can go hand in hand – and can keep improving over time.
Are you, like ChicoBag, looking for a full-service manufacturing partner?
Contact us to start your next project.
