NEWS
All PACK HORIZON NEWS
EN ES FR DE IT
Time: 2024-02-05
Mastering Cosmetic Packaging Procurement: Balancing Cost, Quality, and Innovation
This theme highlights the core of the process—mastering the art of procurement while navigating cost-saving strategies, ensuring high-quality packaging, and staying on top of industry trends and innovations. It emphasizes both the strategic and practical aspects of packaging buying, from material selection to supplier relationships and market trends, with a focus on achieving the best outcomes in a dynamic, competitive landscape.
Table of contents
-
Familiarize Yourself with the Characteristics and Applications of Different Materials
-
Optimize Purchasing Quantities and Prices
-
Master Production Processes and Printing Requirements
-
Monitor Supplier Production Cycles and Quality Control
-
Choose the Right Suppliers and Build Long-term Relationships
-
Understand Market Trends and Emerging Materials
-
Improve Communication Skills and Negotiation Strategies
Familiarize Yourself with the Characteristics and Applications of Different Materials
-
Plastic Bottles: Understand the characteristics of different plastics (e.g., PP, PE, PET, AS, ABS, Acrylic), such as PET’s high barrier properties and eco-friendliness, and acrylic’s fragility and poor chemical resistance. This helps you choose the most suitable material based on product needs.
-
Glass Bottles: When choosing glass bottles, consider factors like bottle shape, craftsmanship (e.g., spray coating, silkscreen printing, hot stamping, etc.), and thickness to ensure they are not easily damaged during transport and use.
-
Soft Tubes: Understand the differences between various types of soft tubes (e.g., single-layer, double-layer, five-layer tubes) in terms of pressure resistance, leakage resistance, and feel, which will help in choosing the right packaging.
-
Dispensers/Pumps: Master different specifications and uses of pumps, such as spray pumps, lotion pumps, foam pumps, etc. Ensure the flow rate of the pump and the bottle opening are compatible.
Optimize Purchasing Quantities and Prices
-
For customized packaging materials, understand the relationship between production volume and unit price. For example, placing larger orders can secure lower unit prices through bulk discounts from manufacturers.
-
Know the costs of molds, production cycles, and raw material costs, so you can optimize supplier quotes during negotiations.
Master Production Processes and Printing Requirements
-
Silkscreen Printing vs Hot Stamping: Understand the compatibility of different processes with materials. For instance, acrylic bottles are suitable for hot stamping but not for silkscreen printing, as ink may easily peel off.
-
Spray Coating and Printing: For glass bottles, learn about different ink types (high-temperature and low-temperature inks) and their effects on print quality and durability.
-
Packaging Boxes and Color Printing: Know the thickness of different paper types and the printing processes used, such as corrugated cardboard liners, blister packaging, sponge or paper trays.
Monitor Supplier Production Cycles and Quality Control
-
The production cycles for various packaging materials vary. Plastic bottles may take 15 days, glass bottles can take up to 45 days, and soft tubes and pumps typically require 15–20 days.
-
In addition to price and quantity, pay attention to suppliers' quality control systems, such as whether they offer sample testing or confirm pre-production samples.
Choose the Right Suppliers and Build Long-term Relationships
-
In addition to price and delivery time, consider the supplier's production capacity, delivery stability, and after-sales service.
-
Establish long-term relationships with reliable suppliers to ensure priority treatment and stable supply during peak demand seasons or specific projects.
Understand Market Trends and Emerging Materials
-
Eco-friendly Packaging: With increasing environmental regulations, it’s crucial to understand and adopt eco-friendly materials (e.g., PET and biodegradable plastics) in procurement.
-
Innovative Packaging Design: Keep an eye on innovative packaging designs, especially in the cosmetics industry, as unique packaging can increase product market competitiveness.
Improve Communication Skills and Negotiation Strategies
-
Negotiation Skills: Effectively negotiate price, delivery times, and payment terms with suppliers. Use market conditions and competitor information to secure the best possible deal.
-
Communication Skills: Ensure effective communication with designers, manufacturers, and suppliers to ensure consistency between design and production, reducing rework and revisions.
Mastering these procurement skills and knowledge will not only help you save costs but also ensure high-quality, compliant packaging materials that enhance your company's competitiveness.