Challenges and Solutions for Feminine Care Product Packaging
Written by Susan Marshal, General Manager at Edson
Not all feminine care products are the same, and neither are their packaging needs. The size, design, and composition of the product directly influence how it will be packaged.
Case packers typically package feminine care products in boxes or bags. But, even then, what works for one product may not work for another. And sometimes a slight change in the product package design can present a packaging challenge that can only be overcome by a versatile machine with flawless precision.
Consequently, an effective case packer must be adaptable, reliable, and deliver consistent quality packaging for a spectrum of products. Edson Packaging Machinery, a ProMach brand, creates solutions for these challenges.
IT’S ALL IN THE BAG… AND THE BOX
When packaging feminine care products in a bag, there can be some challenges. For example, since a lightweight bag is slightly loose around the product, air can distort the shape, causing the edges to get caught in the machine. Or, if a handle is integrated into the design, that, too, can get caught at various points in the line.
When these problems occur, the packaging line needs to be shut down to fix the problem, and that delay affects the production schedule, not to mention the loss of material that was wasted in the misfeed.
These issues also deviate from the desired look of the finished packaged product – which is to look pristine. Since the feminine care product industry exemplifies freshness and cleanliness, the box or bag must reflect that with a package that is in impeccable condition. Scuffs or tears will contradict the messaging that the product brand and company are trying to convey.
One of the most important demands from the feminine care products industry is sanitation. No matter the environment, the products must remain safe, secure, and uncontaminated. The proper packaging machine needs to accommodate these critical must-haves without sacrificing quality.
Edson’s case packaging lines check all the boxes on these necessary inclusions and provide results for the feminine care product industry (www.edson.com/industry/feminine-hygiene-care-case-packer-machinery/).
Edson’s 3600 Case and Tray Packer offers servo case handling automation to maximize efficiencies and throughput. High-speed options are also available with the 3600HS to streamline your case packing line.
Another option by Edson is the 4000TL-Robotic Top Load Case Packer. It allows for various case and product size configurations, as well as quick changes between patterns with a user-friendly HMI. It also offers added safety features to ensure that both products and operators are safe throughout the packaging process.
The 3600 Case and Tray Packer and the 4000TL-Robotic Top Load Case Packer are solid solutions for contract packers, specialty product makers, limited-time offers, and new product launches.
INSIDE INFLUENCES
With the competition that feminine care product companies face, their packaging is often determined by the marketing department. In trying to make their product more appealing and prominent, extras might be included, such as a handle on a bag or a unique box shape.
It’s important to understand that there may be times when it’s necessary to work with a client’s marketing department. While their vision of the package design might be intriguing, it could usurp function. So, being able to communicate early in the conversation can establish realistic expectations and result in a quicker and smoother process.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CASE PACKER
To accommodate the gamut of packaging needs, a case packer must have certain qualities that are found in the tried-and-true 4000TL-Robotic Case Packer from Edson.
To begin with, it must be adaptable and flexible. With the changing designs of feminine care product packaging, it must be able to easily adjust to different shapes, additions (such as handles), and individual product styles. Without flexibility and adaptability, packaging equipment can become outdated quickly.
Second, the equipment must be expandable to adjust to future, and yet unknown, changes in packaging. The ability to add components to a case packer extends the life of the machine itself because it doesn’t become obsolete—it changes with future design changes.
The ability to expand also refers to production line capacity. As the feminine care market continues to grow, having the ability to grow a case packer to increase production to meet the expanding market is necessary.
Third, it needs to be able to package at high speeds while delivering high levels of performance, reliability, and durability. A feminine care packaging line runs at a fast pace for long periods of time. Investing in a case packer that has been tested and demonstrated to have a stellar performance record will prove it is a worthwhile investment. If it isn’t known for its durability and longevity, it will end up costing more in the long run.
Finally, in many cases, a standard case packer may not be the best choice. A customizable machine can meet unique packaging requirements. This gives flexibility to the packaging company because they can manage a variety of designs and styles with a case packer that is tailored to their needs as well as their clients’ needs.
Purchasing a case packer is a major investment. By understanding some of the challenges and the best options to successfully address them, a quality case packer can adapt to changing feminine care product packaging designs while proving to be a profitable return on investment.
Susan Marshall is the General Manager at Edson
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