The proper functioning of the body depends on many elements. Of course, a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity are extremely important for us to stay in good shape. However, the fast pace of living and changing conditions mean that our body needs additional support. That’s why specialists recommend taking dietary supplements that support the proper functioning of our body, supplement vitamin and mineral deficiencies while improving our well-being. The ingredients contained in them take care of the individual systems of our body, including the digestive, nervous and immune ones, as well as support the hormonal balance. But how are these types of products made? And what is the so-called contract manufacturing? Our article explains this concept and outlines the various stages of the process.
Contract manufacturing of dietary supplements – what is it?
Contract manufacturing of dietary supplements means that a given product is made by an external company on behalf of another company. This method is growing in popularity and is used by both popular pharmaceutical brands as well as new companies that are just planning to enter the market. This solution enables creation of a high-quality product without having own technological facilities, staff as well as experience. The contract or service production of dietary supplements consists of several stages, the course of which is discussed on an ongoing basis with the client. Let’s talk about them more.
Where to begin?
The starting point is always an initial interview, during which the client’s needs and expectations are established. The next step is to develop the composition and production technology. It should be emphasised that the key to success is the right formula – a dietary supplement should, after all, have excellent therapeutic properties combined with the appropriate taste and smell.
This process can be divided into individual stages:
- preparing an initial assessment of production capabilities,
- presenting the vision of a new product to be reviewed by specialists,
- determining the quantitative and qualitative composition of the product,
- choosing the packing method,
- selecting raw materials that meet the required quality standards,
- performing technological tests,
- optimising the final price of the product and preparing specifications,
- manufacturing the finished product.
Contract manufacturing of dietary supplements also includes the product registration process, which involves the necessity to prepare documentation and conduct the tests required by law. It’s worth remembering that the product documentation must meet the requirements of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate or the Veterinary Inspectorate. It’s also necessary for the product composition to be approved, as well as to prepare leaflets and labels.
Creating a complete product
After creating the recipe and obtaining all the necessary documents, it’s time to begin the actual work. Dietary supplements come in various forms, one of them is the form of tablets, coated or uncoated. Standardized raw materials that meet local and European standards are used for the production of tablets, and a team of professionals must supervise the correctness of the production process. All these efforts make the composition and final appearance of the product attractive to the consumer.
Another possibility is the so-called encapsulation available in many sizes: 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, both with the use of gelatine and a vegetarian Vcaps cellulose. The easy-to-swallow capsules are packed in blisters and cardboard boxes or plastic jars. As for the aforementioned tablets, they also can be packed in sturdy blisters made of PVC or PVDC + ALU materials. In turn, the finished “blisters” are placed in cardboard boxes, the shape and size of which are adapted to the shape of the tablet or capsule as well as the expected amount of product in the package.
Another option is to make dietary supplements in the form of syrups, suspensions and liquids. Selecting the right ingredients allows for the creation of a recipe that meets all expectations and is based on high quality standardised and controlled raw materials that meet Polish and European requirements.
As part of the manufacturing services, it’s also possible to put and shrink heat shrink labels, so-called SLEEVES, on the packaging of dietary supplements or nutrients. Shrinking can be performed on packages such as: bottles, containers, jars of various sizes and shapes.