Innovative Point-of-Use Packaging for Unstable Ingredients

Developing new products always creates some challenges, particularly when the product contains unstable ingredients. Product developers must think creatively to overcome these challenges by creating a packaging system that keeps ingredients stable.

For example, one current marketing trend is to sell bottled water loaded with vitamins, probiotics and flavor. However, many of these types of ingredients are unstable in water. In order to deliver an effective, stable product to the consumer, the ingredients must be kept separate until the point of use.

By thinking creatively, product developers came up with a packaging system that accomplishes this while appealing to the sports nutrition, wellness and children’s nutrition markets. A custom-designed cap contains the powdered ingredients and can be screwed onto any standard water bottle when ready to use. The consumer places the cap on the bottle and applies pressure to the lid, breaking the cap’s membrane and releasing the product into the water. After a quick shake to dissolve the powder, the consumer can enjoy the product while the ingredients are still active.

In addition to keeping the ingredients stable, this packaging concept gives consumers more control over their product choices. Because of the small size of the cap compared to a bottle of pre-flavored water, consumers can purchase a multitude of flavor and ingredient combinations in one package. They then have the ability to decide which flavor or ingredient they want on a daily basis, even on the go.

The point-of-use package also appeals to children. It can deliver medicine or vitamins in kid-friendly flavored water. Children also enjoy the hands-on process of giving the bottle a tap to release the powder and shaking it up.

While every product has its own unique challenges, marketers and developers can follow this example and look for ways to create an ideal packaging system. With innovative ideas, a package can be developed that delivers both an effective product and appeals to consumers.

Howard Thau is president of Sonic, an outsource packaging partner with locations throughout the United States and Canada.

If you are a corporate brand manager or small business entrepreneur looking for inspiration for your next package design or redesign, request a free Custom Packaging Sample Box and get real unit dose packaging samples from Sonic's extensive portfolio.