Gorgeous
packaging is a temptation for us all; in the end, that is why we decided to
develop packaging solutions. As stated many times before: packaging is the
first impression your products make, and that is why it is so important. With
the rapid emerging of new brands of organic products, we prepared 7 tips that
will help you choose packaging for your skin care products.
Packaging: It Matters
More Than You Think
There
are a lot of things that you must consider when you choose packaging for your
natural and organic skin care line. The packaging must visually reflect your
values, your commitments and your brand. If being green is important for you
and your brand, you need an eco-friendly packaging and a packaging solution
that is up for the task.
Brand Promise: The book
is judged by its covers
Sometimes
you open a package and realize that the product isn’t up to your expectations
and the packaging’s promise? Other times you don’t want to buy a product due to
an unattractive packaging and then you discover that the products are amazing. This
is why we advise you to answer these 4 questions when choosing your brand
expression on packaging:
- What type of
container best matches my brand?
- What colors
best match my brand?
- Do I want an
innovative packaging like bags?
- Do I want my
customers to recycle or reuse my packaging?
Product Delivery: Match
the packaging with the environment
Farmer’s
Markets, festivals, spas, salons, e-commerce, traditional retail… Where will
you be selling your product? Whatever you chose, keep in mind that the packaging
should match the buying environment. Secondly, you should take into account how
you will transport your products. If you intend to sell your product through
retail, think about shelf-ready packaging solution. If you plan to ship larger amounts
of product to your distributers, read more about case packers and palletizers.
Pricing: It’s More Than
Just the Cost of a Container
So,
private label manufacturing is new to you? Prepare to learn how to include
costs for filling and labeling and also the shipping fees in your packaging
cost. Let’s say that you fell in love with a 4-ounce hexagon glass jar with a silver twist top. Classy, fun, and above
all, it is within your budget of less than a dollar for the entire container.
Now you need to know the cost of the packaging equipment for this packaging
format. If your packaging equipment manufacturer can’t easily handle this type
of jar, you might get charged more than you might for a packaging solution for
different format. If you plan to ship this product across the country, the shipping
cost will probably be higher than what the cost would be for a light-weight
plastic jar. We don’t say you should give up on the hexagon glass jar; just
need make sure that your end price allows you to make money without going
beyond your brand’s price point.
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The Lid: Make or brake
the experience
If
something can make or break the product experience, it is the lid. If you’re
selling a liquid product, like a facial toner, you need to put it in a bottle
with a spray pump or a disc cap to make it easier for the customer to use and
to avoid spilling out. Container lid types include:
- Dispensing Caps
(disc caps, spout caps, orifice reducer caps, flip tops, shaker tops) – Appropriate
for lotions, washes, serums, cleansers, toners, powders or any product
where you don’t need to remove the lid to use the product
- Pumps (Treatment
Pump, Up-Lock Pump, Down-Lock pump, airless, foamer) – Ideal for lotions,
washes, serums, cleansers, conditioners, soaps
- Sprayer/Mister – Good
for toners, misters, air fresheners, linen sprays, body perfumes
- Non-Dispenser
Tops (Jar
or Tub Lids, Phenolic Lids) – good for cremes, balms, essential oils
(phenolic), powders or any product where you have to remove the lid before
product use
- Droppers (euro
and pipette) – most often used for essential oils, mixed carrier oils,
toners or serums
- Brush
Caps –
mixed carrier oils for cuticle care
- Sealers
and liners –
can only be used with dispensing and non-dispensing caps. This is for
added protection to show that the product hasn’t been tampered with.
Packaging format:
Convenience and costs
Tubes
are just perfect for some products and cylindrical bottles with treatment pumps
are convenient for others. Besides finding a way for the customer to enjoy your
product in the best manner, you must think about how costly it will be to pack.
Before you pay for expensive product designs, it’s important to choose the
container parts—container, lid, liner, brush and the packaging solution. If a
manufacturer has to develop a packaging solution for you from scratch, it will
cost more. Some manufacturers rely on modular design. They can make you a
solution from existing modules, so it will cost you less.
Be cautious with
refurbished equipment
Be
very cautious if you consider buying a second hand or refurbished packaging machine.
It can cost less initially, but there is a risk from hidden costs. The machine you purchased can turn out to be
inefficient and unreliable. There is also a question of spare parts and
service. Are they available? Can you acquire them easily? Don’t forget about
safety standards that are constantly rising. Can a refurbished machine meet
them? There is also a risk of unpleasant surprises like expensive modification
of a machine in order to make it work for you. Finally, warranties on used
machines don’t usually cover all the important components, that is, if there
even is any warranty. Read more about new and refurbished packaging equipment.
Labeling
Labeling
can be critical for natural and organic cosmetic products. You want the label
to match your brand and your distribution channels while remaining compliant
with FDA Labeling Guidelines. A good label has to describe the product and
specify its contents, identify the product or brand, show the grading of
product, help in promotion of products and provide information required by Law.
Read more about proper labeling.
Instead of a conclusion
It’s
good to do some focus groups with your product using the hand-filled versions
of your product packaging ideas. This will provide you with good feedback about
usability, value vs. perceived value, and whether or not your customers will
fall in love with your entire product. Once you choose a primary packaging, the
rest is easy. Check out our cartoners, case and tray packers and palletizers for full end-of-the-line
packaging solutions.
