For those of you that are looking to manufacture their own line of vitamin and supplement products, I definitely recommend checking out our article from December 2009 entitled "Packaging and Labeling Trends for 2010." This will help you understand what packaging designs are most suitable for your products and some things to consider when designing your product labels.

1. Packaging and Labeling Trends for 2010
December 29, 2009

2. Packaging and Labeling Trends for 2010
Good packaging is essential to attract the attention of consumers. By creating a packaging
design and label that differentiates your product from all the others on the shelf, your product will
stand out in the crowd from your competition. The main objective of good packaging has always
been to protect the contents while building brand image at a cost effective price. In order to
promote shelf appeal, manufacturers in the past have unnecessarily over-packaged their
products at excessive costs.
Today, the "going green" phenomenon has introduced a new aspect to packaging and labeling
trends - conserving the earth's resources by simplifying packaging. Bio-friendly methods of
energy production or introducing energy-saving cuts are some of the ways manufacturers today
are incorporating the "green" principle into their business practices.
Packaging trends in 2010 will head toward smarter, more eco-friendly packaging. Not only will
this help to reduce waste and conserve resources, but this may also help to lower overall
packaging and labeling costs. Packaging trends and labeling trends in 2010 will challenge
supplement manufacturers to balance attractive and functional designs with sustainable
packaging options.
Here are a few nutraceutical packaging trends we can expect in 2010:
Downsizing Packaging - Less excessiveness and possibly less extravagance are some of the
supplement packaging trends you are likely to see in 2010. Consumers are getting smarter.
Supplement labeling trends are all about smart labeling - getting the right information out on your
labels. The fact that you've used less packaging and are still able to make a statement about your
product may help tip sales in your favor!
Eco-friendly Solutions - The National Marketing Institute survey in 2009 revealed that the
number of consumers switching to products that provided environment-friendly packaging was up
20 percent from the previous year. This shows that consumers want to do their part to help
preserve the world for future generations. The "feel-good" factor in purchasing a product that has
been manufactured using sustainable packaging methods is high. Companies who are moving
towards sustainability are "in". Packaging trends for eco-friendly packaging are no longer
becoming an option! It's no longer IF your packaging becomes sustainable, but rather, WHEN.
Eco-friendly packaging makes more sense and attracts more consumer appeal, especially for
herbal dietary supplements since the contents include herbal and/or natural ingredients.
Convenience - Though this is not a new packaging trend, it is sure to continue as a popular
factor in 2010. Consumers are always looking for easier delivery forms and convenient packaging
options. For instance, many multi-vitamin tablets are packaged in monthly blister packaging that
indicates the day of the month so consumers don't have to worry about taking their medication
twice or wondering whether they've taken it at all. In the midst of a busy schedule, these types of
convenient packaging options help consumers. Packaging trends are definitely moving towards
individual pouches that are portable and travel-friendly. As global travel increases, many
consumers are looking for single dose pouches that they can take on a business trip or on a
family vacation.

3. Nutraceutical Labeling Trends
Supplement labeling trends will begin including more relevant information on labels and
promotional literature. Consumers are more aware of research on various herbal and natural
nutrients and are able to make a more informed decision when making a vitamin or supplement
purchase. In addition, any information that can convince consumers they are purchasing a quality
product will hold greater attraction at the point of sale. Vitamin labeling trends include more
information on the source of ingredients. The source has become an important factor in the
decision-making process especially in light of recent recalls. Supplement label trends also include
more claims that indicate the product is "Organic-certified" or "Kosher-certified" or labels that
include third party validations. These hold a higher preference for consumers as they are
perceived to have greater quality and therefore, greater efficacy.
Popular Packaging Options For 2010
Packaging trends are moving toward "rightsizing" and "lightweighting" techniques, though
traditional packaging like vitamin jars and vitamin bottles will still hold their rightful place in the
market. Popular packaging trends for 2010 will include:
• Pouch Packaging provides an airtight environment for its contents that can be loosely
held such as tablets, powders or capsules. These can be transparent and available as
standup, easy-open, or re-sealable plastic pouch packaging.
• Vitamin packaging trends are likely to remain the same. Vitamin jars are used to store
vitamins since the opacity of the bottle helps to retain potency and stability of vitamins.
The tensile strength of the bottle helps to protect the contents during transport. These are
available in 30, 60, 90 or 120 tablet/capsules count jars. Vitamin bottles are ideal for any
type of liquid nutraceutical including liquid vitamins.
• HDPE Bottles and Jars offer versatility for your packaging requirements in addition to a
longer shelf life. They are a good choice for a variety of uses including lotions and
creams. High Density Polyethylene Bottles are great for packaging both liquids and
solids. They come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and can be customized for your
product.
• The single dose packaging is both convenient and travel-friendly. It also ensures that
correct dosage is administered.
• Multi-dose packaging offers convenience when taking more than one nutraceutical
dosage.
• Blister packaging is transparent and offers strong protection for its contents. It is a
convenient form of administering capsules or tablets.
• Capsule strip packaging puts capsules or tablets into a convenient-sized strip for easier
packing and storage.
• Folding cartons form the outside packaging to your contents. These cartons must
contain label information and should be attractively designed to have high shelf-appeal.
They can come in pre-fixed sizes or you can design your own innovative folding carton to
suit your product. Size and shape help to create a more unique appeal.
• Display boxes are often used to attract greater appeal on shelves. A special display box
holds your product. You can also use this to hold any promotional literature you may
have on your product.
Dietary supplement manufacturers who are still finding it a challenge to find the right balance
between just-enough packaging and protection for their contents, while still making a great on-
shelf impression, can certainly find help to strike that right balance with Nutricap Labs.

4. About Nutricap Labs:
Nutricap Labs is a full service vitamin supplement manufacturing service. We primarily
manufacture nutritional tablets, capsules, powders, liquids and creams, but we also offer label
and packaging design services and order fulfillment services to our customers.