Packaging does far more than just contain a product. For the supplement industry, packaging is an important part of ensuring that the product stays effective and maintains quality.
Without the proper packaging, products are subjected to such conditions as exposure to moisture, air, heat, light, and contamination, all of which can compromise their effectiveness.
For any company selling supplements, selecting the appropriate packaging will be vital for its success.
Why Shelf Life Matters in the Supplement Industry
Shelf-life is defined as the period within which a supplement retains its safety, effectiveness, and desired quality.
Various elements that may reduce the shelf-life include:
- Exposure to moisture
- Exposure to oxygen
- Exposure to UV light
- Fluctuation in temperature
- Poor packing of the supplement
Ingredients like probiotics, powdered supplements, and soft gels are often more susceptible to environmental factors.
How Packaging Protects Product Quality
Different packaging formats provide different levels of protection.
Blister Packaging
Blister packagings are known to offer excellent protection against water and air contamination to single units. That is why blister packages are preferred when it comes to making capsule and tablet formulations more stable.
The use of blister packs increases convenience and reduces contamination during manipulation.
Bottle Packaging
The bottle packaging is one of the most popular choices among packaging types used in the supplement industry.
Together with appropriate seals and desiccants, bottles are capable of protecting supplements against moisture and any external factors.
Examples of supplements packed in bottles are:
- Capsules
- Gummies
- Tablets
- Powders
Stick Packs and Sachets
Stick packs and sachets are becoming increasingly popular due to the convenience of offering single servings at once. Stick packs limit frequent exposure to air by compartmentalizing the product.
The Importance of Packaging Materials
Selection of packaging materials also has a direct effect on the safety and shelf life of the products.
Some of the common packaging materials used for supplements are:
- PET Plastic
- HDPE Plastic
- Aluminum Foil
- PVC Materials
- Glass Bottles
All these materials have their own pros and cons with regard to water and air resistance, as well as durability.
Learn more in our Packaging Materials Explained article.
Compliance and Quality Standards
Apart from offering security, supplement packaging also needs to be compliant with certain guidelines set forth by the industry.
Working with packaging partners that are FDA-registered and cGMP-compliant is important because it ensures:
- Safety of the product
- Accurate labeling
- Suitable storage conditions
- Quality production
Choosing the Right Packaging Solution
A good packaging strategy involves consideration of many things such as:
- Type of Product
- Sensitive ingredients
- Mode of distribution
- Marketing positioning
- Budget
Some products require moisture-proofing and would need blister or foil packaging. Others are suited for sachets because of their convenience when traveling.
Selecting a good packaging partner could help brands to strike a balance between protection, effectiveness, and affordability.
Final Thoughts
The importance of packaging cannot be understated when it comes to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of supplements. Each and every choice made in terms of materials and types of packaging can influence performance.
With the rise of supplements in today’s market, those who are willing to allocate more resources into packaging have the potential to set themselves apart from their competitors.
