Are you looking to take your product design and branding to the next level? With custom product bottles you can create an experience that not only markets your product, it helps to create a unique identity for your product.

Product identity is essential when trying to market your brand. Bringing something to the table that is not only high quality but aesthetically different will drive new customers and promote your product as something more than an identical offering within the marketplace.

Cosmetic products are notoriously hard to get loyal customers to try a new product. By drawing in consumers with eye-catching packaging, they may be more likely to give your product a go.

Why Use Custom Bottles for your Product Packaging?

Quality product packaging is essential. Simply having the best product in the world is not enough in a competitive market, people need to be drawn to buy it too. Creating a unique experience for your product will not only encourage consumers to buy your product, it will start an emotional attachment to your product.When you visit a shop and see multiple products on a shelf, your eyes are drawn to those that have unique or attention grabbing  packaging. Packaging design is essential for the marketing of your product, it will bring a premium feel to your product and encourage consumers to spend their money.

Glass vs Plastic?

Depending on the product that you are putting inside the bottle, glass may have benefits over plastic, however, plastic packaging is usually the more cost-effective option. Using glass bottles can provide a better seal for your product and does not contain the same chemicals that can be found in plastic packaging.

Glass is also recyclable; glass packaging can be repurposed time and time again making it an eco-friendlier solution over plastic packaging.

In today’s climate it is important that companies take steps to improve the recyclability of their products and their packaging. Many consumers will make an active decision on a product based on how much care the producer takes to preserve the environment.

In addition to the ecological benefits to glass bottles for your products over plastics, there is the overall feel for your product. Glass has a feeling of quality that can improve your brand awareness and recognition.

Types of Bottles

Basic Glass Bottles

Using glass bottles to hold your products has many benefits. With cosmetic products, glass not only protects your product but keeps it pure by reducing the risks of chemicals from plastic seeping into your product over time. We have a full article on the benefits of using glass bottles for your product packaging that can be seen here.

Custom Bottles

If you are looking to take the next step with the unique look and feel of your product then custom product packaging can really make your products stand out. Although custom bottles will be more of a premium, the return will likely be worth the investment.

Printing

By adding a custom label or bespoke printing onto the outside of your product packaging you can add a unique feel to your design. The most cost-effective solution for this is to have a label printed that can be applied to a bottle for your product, however, there is multiple options for printing directly to the glass surface itself. Depending on your price point there is a variety of solutions to meet your needs.

Looking for a Company to Help Fulfill your Product Filling Needs?

If you are looking for a reliable, efficient service to help you fulfil your requirements for product filling, Fillcon are here to help you meet your needs. We have years of experience helping companies with the filling of sachets and bottles.

Fillcon were established in 2011 with the intention to show the world that Fillcon was a huge corporate monster, manufacturing and producing billions of cosmetic sachets for the world’s biggest brands…

However, that’s not what happened. Fillcon found it far more beneficial to tell the world that they were going to provide their customers with the best  quality and customer service that they possibly could, and that with every order we received they would give those customers something for free… a HUGE thank you!

If you would like more information about the services that Fillcon offer or a quote for helping you meet your needs, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team today.

Fillcon’s friendly team of experts are available to give you the advice you need to succeed.

At  Fillcon, we specialise in personal care packaging solutions designed for shampoos, creams, gels, and liquids. Since 2011, our goal has been to deliver innovative and sustainable sachet packaging that helps beauty and hair care brands reach new customers and stand out on the shelf.

According to  Grand View Research, the global personal care packaging market was valued at over USD 36.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 79.1 billion by 2030. As consumer demand for travel-sized and eco-friendly packaging continues to rise, sachets have become one of the most cost-effective solutions for brands looking to deliver both quality and convenience.

Sustainability Is Now a Core Purchasing Factor

Modern consumers expect brands to act responsibly. The 2025 Sustainable Packaging Consumer Report by Shorr  found that 90% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand if its packaging is eco-friendly, while 43% are even willing to pay more for products with sustainable packaging.

At Fillcon, we use recyclable materials for our sachets – helping brands reduce their environmental impact while maintaining premium presentation. Our in-house sachet filling services makes it easy to manage everything from design and printing to production and delivery, positioning us as a trusted UK personal care packaging supplier.

Here’s everything you need to know about sachet filling >

Why Personal Care Packaging Matters

In the beauty and cosmetics industry, personal care packaging does more than protect the product – it shapes brand perception. The interaction between product, package, and applicator is vital in creating a memorable consumer experience.

Beautiful, functional packaging builds confidence, communicates quality, and turns first-time users into loyal customers.

Where does Fillcon come in?

At Fillcon, we understand the delicate balance between functionality and aesthetics. Our personal care packaging solutions are created to protect your product’s integrity while elevating its shelf appeal. From single-use sachets to multi-chambered pouches, we help brands stand out with packaging that’s both practical and premium.

The cosmetic industry uses sachets to lure in new customers during product launch and after the launch for the end product itself.

Creating a marketing outlet where cosmetic companies can create a “try before you buy” mentality for their customers can open their doors to their competition’s loyal consumers. When a consumer finds a product that they love they tend to stick with it.

The team at Fillcon are experts in helping cosmetic companies create, design and fill sample sachets for their products.

Different Sizes of Personal Care Sachets and Their Uses

• Small sachets can be used for quick product trials and samples for gels, creams and tissues.
• Medium sachets can be used for travel use and larger samples.
• Larger sachets could be used for finished cosmetic products and samples. The larger samples could also include an applicator for the product.

Each sachet can be custom-printed and branded, allowing you to align your packaging perfectly with your marketing strategy and target audience.

Benefits of Personal Care Packaging

• Personal care sachets come with some pretty great perks – both for brands and for consumers.
• Affordable & Flexible: They use minimal materials, which keeps costs low. Plus, they’re super easy to customise, making them a smart choice for different needs.
• Eco-Friendly: Most sachets are made with recyclable, lightweight films. That means less waste and a smaller footprint on the environment.
• Super Convenient: Whether you’re traveling or just want to try something new, sachets are ideal. They let people sample products without committing to the full size – no risk, just a quick test run.
• Builds Customer Trust: Letting customers try before they buy is a great way to build confidence in your brand. Sachets make sampling simple and effective, often turning curious first-timers into loyal fans.

Learn more about the benefits of using sachets with Fillcon >

What Makes the Best Cosmetic Packaging?

For sampling, hands-down sachets are the way forward. They are cost-effective, customisable and convenient for consumers to use and try out new cosmetic products. By having one supplier print, produce and fill your cosmetic samples, Fillcon can become your one-stop sample sachet supplier.

If you are looking for a supplier for cosmetic samples or are looking for some advice on how to package your products, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Fillcon team.

When it comes to product packing, there’s more to think about than just making things look good! In order to be fit for purpose, the design of a product’s packaging has to consider a variety of factors. Areas for consideration include durability, practicality and suitability for shipping. In addition, the properties of the packaged product itself can heavily inform which packaging style is most suitable. Luckily for businesses, advancements in the product packaging solutions and materials have presented a wide variety of packaging solutions for businesses to choose from when selecting what is right for their product.

 

Without expert guidance, it can be challenging for businesses to understand the packaging solution best suited to their needs. By enlisting the help of industry specialists such as those at Fillcon, your business is offered peace of mind that their approach to product packaging is as effective as possible. In this blog from Fillcon, we outline some important considerations for packaging liquid products, breaking down individual factors and explaining their significance. For more useful articles related to packaging and filling across a selection of industries, take a look at our blog.

 

What Do I Need to Consider When Packaging Liquids?

When packaging any product, it is important to factor in the features and behaviour of the product itself. Liquid products pose slightly more complications than solids due to their low viscosity and susceptibility to spillage/leaking. From this, certain packaging solutions pose a better option for liquids as they offer more product specific benefits. But what are the important considerations for packaging liquids?

 

Selecting the Right Material

Packaging material plays a huge role in ensuring the quality, preservation and safety of a liquid product. Luckily, there are a range of packing solutions available! Depending on the aesthetic preferences of your business, choices range from more rigid glass packaging that is recyclable and luxurious feeling to more flexible packaging such as pouches, which can also boast eco-friendly properties. For more information about what variety of packaging is best suited to your product, take a look at our blog, ‘Eco-Friendly Packaging Ideas and Tips for Liquids’.

 

Preventing Leakages

Due to their high viscosity, liquid products are highly susceptible to leaks – so it’s important to take appropriate preventative measures. Not only does preventing leakages limit the loss of product, it also prevents contamination of other products. This is especially important for businesses who ship numerous items together as a part of one order.

Most leaks occur as a product of faulty closures. As a result, it is essential that caps are adjusted to the correct torque setting whether they be on tubes, bottles or pouches. During the various stages of filling and packaging, it is vital that caps are regularly checked as to pick up on any loosening that occurs. Packaging solutions such as spouted pouches offer an ideal resealable packaging solution for liquid products of all varieties including cosmetics, cleaning products and food stuffs. In addition to preventing leakages, solutions such as spouted pouches allow for increased practicality and on the go use for customers. Leakages are common for products that are opened and closed between uses – spouted pouches offer the ideal solution to this challenge. For more information about spouted pouches take a look at our blog ‘Everything You Need to Know about Spouted Pouches’ or browse our recyclable pouch packaging.

 

Is your Liquid Hazardous?

Another important factor to consider is whether or not a product is deemed hazardous. Examples of hazardous liquids include cleaning chemicals and highly concentrated acids. If the packaged liquid is deemed hazardous, additional precautions must be taken to maximise safety. When filling packaging with a hazardous liquid, it is wise to consult industry specialists such as us at Fillcon. Some packaging providers require filling employees to use personal protective equipment and all require adherence to health and safety protocols. Highly hazardous products may also place restrictions on the type of filling machinery used. For example, highly flammable liquids must be processed through machinery that is ignition-less and non-electrical. If you are unsure about the hazardousness of your material or its packaging requirements, get in touch with the packaging experts at Fillcon.

 

Temperature Requirements

When packaging any form of product, it is important to select a solution that effectively preserves and maintains product quality. During transit, fluctuating temperatures can compromise the quality of a package. Exposure to extreme temperatures can reduce the shelf life of food products or result in premature expiry for liquid cosmetic goods. Selecting packaging that limits a product’s exposure to environmental helps extend a products shelf life and freshness.

Particular attention must be paid to packaging for alcohol products. Alcohol is particularly susceptible quality changes in warm environments. This is something to consider both in terms of both storage and packaging.

 

Packaging Liquid Products with Fillcon

Here at Fillcon, we have years of industry experience in packaging a wide variety of products, including liquids. Our wide range of packaging solutions offer an ideal option for liquid products such as cosmetics, cleaning products and food goods. Our services also include full customisation, meaning your packaging can both stand out and stay on brand. To speak to a member of our team, get in touch today or request a quote by filling in our online form.

It’s easy to say you’re a planet-friendly business; putting it into practice can be much harder. With the beauty industry full of misinformation and false marketing claims, Soil Association COSMOS is rewriting what it means to be a sustainable beauty brand.

At Fillcon, we want to be part of the solution and make organic and natural beauty the norm. That’s why we’re proudly certified to Soil Association COSMOS Organic and Natural, demonstrating our transparent manufacturing processes and sustainable solutions. If you’re a brand owner and have “Certified Organic” liquids and looking for a filling partner with the Soil Association certifications in place to ensure the product remains “certified”, you can rely on us.

In this guide, we explain the problem of greenwashing in the cosmetics industry, and how the Soil Association is addressing the issue.

Greenwashing in the Cosmetics Industry

While the cosmetics industry is behind some highly innovative and environmentally friendly products, there is a lot of false information circulating. Unlike food and drink, there are no official standards or legal guidelines beauty brands need to adhere to in order to use terms like ‘organic’, ‘natural’, ‘green’ and ‘clean’. That makes it difficult for consumers and other businesses to identify brands that truly care about the planet, or feel confident any claims on the labels are backed up by evidence. A product with just 1% organic ingredients could be branded as organic. Clearly, something needs to be done to help our industry create more conscious products.

What is Sustainable Beauty? >

Importance of Certification in the Beauty Industry

In 2002, the Soil Association launched the first standards for organic cosmetics which are now one of the largest certification schemes for organic and natural products. When consumers and businesses are on the hunt for new products, all they have to do is search for the Soil Association logo, and they can feel completely confident that they are making a planet-friendly purchase.

Standards like the Soil Association COSMOS certifications help people to make ethical buying decisions and cut through the marketing jargon to find the brands who are making a real impact. 45% of consumers agree that organic and natural products are better for the planet, and 2 in 5 look for the certification logos in order to shop sustainably (source).

These standards also inspire others in the industry to follow in the footsteps of their eco-friendly neighbours and implement better practices, or use more sustainable ingredients. Simply put, if the beauty industry is to stop greenwashing once and for all, and transform across the board for the better, schemes like COSMOS are absolutely critical.

Organic vs Natural Beauty Products

Before we dive into the different certifications available from the Soil Association, and which Fillcon are proud recipients of, let’s outline the key differences between ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ products.

Organic

The term ‘organic’ refers to how the ingredients in the product have been farmed. Organic ingredients are grown using no chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals, minimising the impact their production has on local biodiversity.

Natural

The term ‘natural’, by contrast, refers more to what is in the product. A natural beauty product isn’t necessarily organic, though many of them are. Natural simply refers to fact that the ingredients in the product are from natural origin; that is, they are a compound or substance that is found in nature and not made artificially.

Our Soil Association Certifications

At Fillcon, we are the proud holders of Soil Association COSMOS Organic and COSMOS Natural, demonstrating our commitment to minimising our impact on the environment, and helping others in the industry do the same. Let’s break down what each certification means.

Soil Association COSMOS Organic

The presence of a COSMOS Organic logo demonstrates that the formulation is 95% organic or higher. It also guarantees that the product is made using:

• No animal testing
• No GM ingredients.
• No parabens and phthalates.
• No synthetic colours, dyes or fragrances.
• Biodegradable ingredients.
• Minimal packaging and maximum recycled content.
• Transparent manufacturing processes.

Sometimes, organic products must be altered either physically or chemically to make them fit for use. This might be chopping, blending and combining, or a chemical process like heating, boiling, or oxidation.

To ensure COSMOS Organic products are truly sustainable, the Soil Association scrutinises the permitted processes that have been used, ensuring only the most sustainable physically and chemically processed agro-ingredients make the cut.

Soil Association COSMOS Natural

Natural cosmetics are entirely unregulated, so the Soil Association have addressed this issue and provided a dedicated certification. To achieve COSMOS Natural, products don’t have to contain any organic ingredients (though lots of them do), they just have to be from natural origin. That means no chemicals, petro-chemicals, and certainly no plastic like microbeads.

This certification is particularly useful for brands creating products that contain ingredients that are not farmed and therefore cannot be classed as organic or not. This might be things like water, salt or clay which are often key components of products like toners, bath salts and face masks. Other than the organic/inorganic difference, COSMOS Natural provides all the same guarantees as COSMOS Organic.

Soil Association Certified Cosmetic Sampling & Filling Solutions

Fillcon strives to contribute to a better beauty industry, and our Soil Association COSMOS certifications reflect our commitments. We offer bespoke filling solutions for sustainable brands, with organic and natural formulations available, and a range of recyclable packaging options. Whether you’re looking for cosmetic sampling for a new campaign, or a long term partner for the filling of your beauty collections, we can help your brand shine.

Contact us today for a tailored quote.

Read next: The Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly Packaging for Beauty Products

Convenient delivery can make or break an ecommerce business. Nothing frustrates customers more than a “sorry we missed you” card – they’d much rather find their parcel waiting on the doormat.

That’s where letterbox packaging comes in. Designed to fit the UK letterbox size, it reduces failed deliveries, saves costs, and delights customers with packaging that’s fit for purpose.

At Fillcon, we fill all kinds of containers which fit all different types of packaging – from small inserts to full, on-the-shelf products. In this article, we’ll discuss why letterbox packaging is a convenient way to deliver you quality cosmetics and liquid filled products straight to your customers.

What is Letterbox Packaging?

Letterbox packaging is packaging designed to pass through a standard UK letterbox. Also known as “mailer boxes,” it offers:

• Convenience – no need for customers to wait at home
• Efficiency – smaller, lighter packages lower shipping costs
• Sustainability – less excess material compared to oversized boxes

As online shopping grows, businesses that adopt letterbox packaging benefit from smoother deliveries, happier customers, and fewer logistical headaches.

Letterbox Packaging Sizes & UK Letterbox Standards

The UK letterbox size is approximately 240mm × 45mm (10in × 2in). Packaging must be slightly smaller in both dimensions to fit through easily.

• Standard sizes: Slim rectangular boxes, square cartons
• Special formats: Longer boxes for flowers or flat wine bottles
• Industry growth:  According to Global Data*, UK packaging consumption exceeded 119 billion units in 2023 and is forecast to continue rising.

Uk Packaging Marketing Analysis*

How Can It Be Used?

Ecommerce

• Ideal for products such as greeting cards, DIY kits, cosmetics, and food bundles
• Reduces delivery failures and improves checkout conversion

Gift Deliveries

• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and surprise presents
• Ensures gifts arrive without missed delivery stress

Subscription Boxes

• Works well for smaller or travel-size products
• Adds convenience for recurring services such as razors, beauty kits, and meal kits

Product Samples

• Allows brands to deliver hundreds of sachets or testers efficiently
• Similar to a leaflet drop, with no need for signatures

See our sachet manufacturing and filling services for more details >

Healthcare & Medical Kits

• Used for at-home testing (COVID-19, STI, DNA kits)
• Customers can easily return samples via standard post-boxes

Find out more about how to run a cosmetic subscription business >

Benefits of Mailer-Style Packaging

Convenience

Customers no longer need to wait at home or rearrange delivery slots. With packaging designed to fit the UK letterbox size, parcels can be posted directly through the door, ensuring a seamless experience and reducing frustration at checkout. This convenience also increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.

Reduced costs

Failed deliveries are costly – not just in courier fees, but also in wasted staff time, returns handling, and potential customer churn. According to Inside Packaging, missed deliveries cost UK retailers millions of pounds every year. Letterbox-friendly packaging helps minimise these losses by ensuring more parcels reach customers on the first attempt.

Branding opportunities

Packaging is often the first physical touchpoint between a brand and its customers. Mailer-style boxes can be customised with full-colour prints, branded sleeves, stickers, and inserts, creating an “unboxing experience” that enhances brand recognition and customer loyalty. This turns functional packaging into a valuable marketing tool.

Lower courier fees

Because these boxes are slim, lightweight, and stackable, they take up less space in delivery vans and warehouses. Many couriers set pricing based on parcel size and weight, so using compact packaging that meets letterbox standards can significantly reduce postage and handling costs.

Sturdy design

Despite their slim profile, these mailer boxes are made from rigid cardboard that withstands the bumps and pressure of courier networks. Products inside remain protected from damage, reducing the risk of returns, refunds, and negative customer reviews.

Eco-friendly

Sustainability is increasingly important for UK consumers. Most mailer boxes are made from recyclable cardboard, making them both practical and environmentally responsible. Provisional government figures show that between 64.1% and 75.2% of UK packaging waste was recycled in 2024(Gov.uk). By choosing recyclable materials, businesses align with customer expectations and demonstrate a commitment to corporate ESG goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK letterbox size?

The standard UK letterbox size is about 240mm × 45mm. Packaging should be slightly smaller to fit.

Which products are best suited to mailer boxes?

Cosmetics, subscription kits, samples, small food packs, and medical testing kits.

Are these slim postal boxes recyclable?

Yes, most are made from cardboard and can be easily recycled. Fillcon also offers eco-friendly material options.

How much does custom letterbox-friendly packaging cost?

Prices vary by size, materials, and design complexity. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Can I add branding to my packaging?

Absolutely. Options include full-colour printing, branded sleeves, stickers, and inserts. We can work with trusted branding and packaging partners, or utilise what you supply us with – whichever you want!

Cosmetic, Health, & Beauty Products Ready for Your Customers with Fillcon

Letterbox packaging offers convenient delivery, packaging reduction, and more sustainable transportation. Pair that with quality filling solutions from Fillcon, and you’ve got a recipe for success! When we fill your product, we can take care of all the steps to ensure its ready for delivery, offering you the ultimate responsive service from our dedicated team.

Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more information about our filling services or to request a quotation. At our advanced facilities just outside Bristol, we manufacture and fill a range of sachets, tubes, bottles and more for businesses across various sectors.

As travel becomes cheaper and easier in our modern world, customers are looking for smaller cosmetic solutions, like travel size products. But there are lots of other reasons and advantages to having travel size products. Read on to find out how you could benefit from travel size products for your company.

What are Travel Size Products?

Travel size products are smaller than a full-size product and are therefore compliant with airport security standards and easier to transport. The term ‘travel size’ usually encompasses anything under 100ml, as this is the limit for individual liquid products in UK airports.

Travel size products are becoming increasingly popular in the cosmetic industry, and not just because people pick-up last-minute essentials at the airport. Beauty suppliers are finding that customers want ‘on the go’ solutions to fit around busy and constantly moving lifestyles. People want small versions to slip in their bags for daily use, or products they can have exclusively for weekends away. This ease of use and packing is what defines travel size products; they are perfectly sized for travel.

However, travel isn’t the only reason customers purchase miniature versions. Often, customers buy travel size products to test them out. Why spend more on a bigger product you may not like when you can spend a lot less? Allow potential customers to test your travel size product and create a loyal following for the future.

Benefits of Travel Size Products

As hinted at above, people love travel size products, and not just for their holidays. You can entice new customers by giving them a cheap way to sample your product. Travel size products also mean you can ensure continuity for regular customers, as they can now take your product with them anywhere.

Packaging of travel size products is key and can help ensure repurchasing. If someone just so happens to buy your product in a last-minute rush before jetting off, they may be more likely to buy it again if they remember what it was. Clear branding will help ensure your brand is spotted in a sea of others on the shelf. The same is true for if someone samples your product and then see it in the shop, they may be more inclined to purchase it.

Due to the smaller size, customer are likely to use all the product they buy, unlike full size versions which may reach their use-by before being finished. This is likely to appeal to someone who may not use the product daily, perhaps saving it for the occasional weekend break, and wants to ensure they won’t be met by a nasty surprise when they want to use it months down the line. It is far better to finish and replace a product than to create wastage.

Travel size products make for a perfect product sample, as they include enough to get someone hooked on your product without causing huge expense. Use travel size products as samples and before you know it your product will be in the handbags all over the country, or in backpacks jetted around the world.

Travel Size Tubes

Tubes make great packaging for travel size products are they can be used for practically anything. Fill your travel size tubes with gels, moisturisers, face scrubs, toothpaste and sun creams. As long as the lid is on properly, the tube should be practically leak proof too.

Cosmetic sampling specialists Fillcon can manufacture and fill all sort of tubes, bottles and sachets, to name a few, to create the perfect packaging solution. Get in touch and see how they can help you.

Travel Size Products as Samples

Who doesn’t love free things? Or finding a new holy grail product? Samples are a proven marketing technique to attract new customers and increase brand awareness. We’ve even written a whole blog post about samples and different packaging – check it out here. Maybe you have some surplus stock or just want to be generous, giving out samples will put a smile on someone’s face, and eventually, money in your pocket.

Deciding how samples will be distributed to a vital consideration. Companies often give out samples at tradeshows, with large orders or in partnership with other services.  Cosmetic samples, especially travel size products, will likely go down a treat wherever. Partnering with a hotel, for instance, could be beneficial to a cosmetics company. Not only will hotel guests love a freebie, but management may consider a long-term deal. Alternatively, offer wedding or corporate packages, so event guests get a gift bag to take away with them. Getting your travel size product to potential customers is sure to help grow your business.

Travel Size Tubes with Fillcon

Fillcon are cosmetic sampling experts, with years’ experience filling all kinds of tubes, bottles, jars, sachets and more. We offer filling services of aluminium and plastic tubes from as small as 3ml alongside all our other packaging. We know how to help your business and reach your product aims, so get in contact today and start your travel size journey with Fillcon.

Delivering a quality product to customers requires ensuring each step of your manufacturing process meets high standards, governed by aptly named “quality control” procedures. But what does quality control entail for cosmetics and cosmetic sampling?

Get quality control for your cosmetics held to the highest standards with Fillcon. We manufacture sachets and pouches, filling these and a range of other vessels for cosmetic products. In this article we’ll discuss what quality control is, how it benefits you, and what the regulations are.

Want to get started with top-tier quality control today? Get in touch!

 

What is Quality Control in Cosmetic Sampling?

To ensure consistency for customers and adhere to standards and regulations for product packaging, quality control procedures exist to outline the inspections and processes which must occur during the manufacturing and filling of cosmetics and samples.

There are government regulations in place that form the foundations of the quality control process. However, some suppliers go above and beyond to produce packaging which enhances the quality of your products, preserves your brand reputation, and provides a reliable experience for your customers.

The Process of Quality Control for Cosmetic Samples

To make sure your samples are held to the highest standards, they undergo rigorous testing; this ensures each aspect of the manufacturing and filling processes results in the best quality for your final product.

As the first name in cosmetic sampling, we utilise the latest quality control technologies and techniques to deliver consistent, excellent results. Some of the ways we do this are:

• Compatibility testing
• Microbiological TVC tests
• Vacuum pressure testing
• Calibrated weight monitoring
• Visual check-overs

Depending on the product type, these procedures and more will be used to control the quality of your cosmetic packaging. Our sachet manufacturing includes stringent guidelines and these quality control steps, part-and-parcel in the process.

How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Right Packaging

The start of your quality control process begins before you’ve even made your first product; it begins when you’re thinking about how you’d like to package and present it.

Firstly, define your target market and how you’d like your brand to be perceived. This gives a foundation for you to figure out what type of packaging you’d like and how you can use it to appeal to your customers.

Next is considerations on product design. A crucial part of any product offering, aspects like colour, visuals, and vessel all play into a buyer’s perception as to what a product is for, its quality, and how it will be used.

Offering samples is another important aspect to choosing the right packaging and quality control for cosmetics, as considering what container out of sachets, tubes, and bottles is best for your product will give your customers the best experience and increase their chances of buying the full version.

See our more in-depth article for our full guide to choosing the right packaging for your cosmetics >

 

How does Quality Control for Cosmetics Benefit You?

Aside from adhering to the relevant regulations and making sure you’re getting the best packaging for your cosmetic product, quality control for cosmetic samples also leads to a number of other benefits for you, your business, and your discerning customers.

The Benefits of Quality Cosmetic Samples for Customers

Some of the top benefits of consistently high-quality samples are:

• A reliable user experience with the product
• A good first impression of your business, products, and brand
• Prevents broken or leaky packaging
• Ensures they receive first-class cosmetics

The Benefits of Quality Cosmetic Samples for Businesses

While quality control leads to many benefits for customers, it’s also great for businesses. This leads to advantages like:

• Distinguish your brand with consistently produced, unblemished packaging
• Meets regulatory standards
• Reductions in profit loss due to faulty products
• Preserving and enhancing your brand reputation

Don’t wait any longer – get quality control from the quality team at Fillcon. Contact us today!

 

What are the Regulations around Cosmetics Quality Control?

The guidance for cosmetic products in Great Britain lays out the foundations for regulations surrounding cosmetic products, samples, and packaging solutions.

These regulations contain safety procedures, inspection requirements, and quality control levels required to be met by manufacturers and suppliers of cosmetics. These include:

• Restrictions on animal testing
• Vigorous testing
• Strict guidelines on what to check for and how to do it
• Reductions to the environmental impact of cosmetics

There are also guidelines to identify whether or not a product is classified as a cosmetic, leading to better awareness and safety for customers as to the intention of a product. If a product meets certain criteria, it may receive a different classification such as medicinal or pharmaceutical.

Another standard for quality control, known as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), is related to products that are classified as medicines rather than cosmetics. These standards ensure consistent high quality for medical products, ensuring they meet their intended application and are safe for people to use.

Get the full overview of cosmetic sampling regulations in the UK in our article >

 

High Quality Cosmetic Sampling Solutions from Fillcon

Ensuring a rigorous quality control process for cosmetics means happier customers and more profitable operations. With Fillcon you get consistent and reliable results for container filling and sample sachet assembly, giving your customers a great experience every time.

Get in touch to begin! We fulfil orders of 10,000+ sachets and have a whole range of other filling options our immaculate and refined facilities. Check out our services or read on with some related articles for more!

Not sure about the benefits of cosmetic samples for your business? Find out in our article on how they influence consumer behaviour >

See the top seven benefits of using a British supplier for your cosmetics solutions >

Having a great cosmetic product is all well and good, but there’s not point if you’re not storing it correctly. Without safe storage, your cosmetics and samples will become unfit for use, so keeping their quality high means knowing how to store them safely.

You’re in luck, because at Fillcon we’ve got a handle on all things cosmetics. In this article, we’ll discuss everything that makes up a safe-to-use cosmetic sample – from ensuring safety before storage, to how you should store them and how long they’ll last.

Get in touch today to start your cosmetic sampling journey with quality sachets and containers.

Ensuring Sample Safety Before Storage

Before you think about how to safely store your cosmetic samples, you need to make sure they’ve been made and assembled under appropriate conditions.

First, your product needs to have been verified that it’s safe for use in its intended application. To do this, you’ll have to get a cosmetics product safety report (CPSR) from a qualified safety assessor.

Once your product has been deemed safe, you’ll need to manufacture it. This has to be done in a carefully controlled environment, and samples from each batch should be tested to check:

• Viscosity
• Composition
• Flow
• pH level
• Stability under different temperatures and conditions

After making the product, next comes the container. For cosmetics sampling, you will usually be choosing between sachets and bottles, depending on the nature of the product you’re supplying. We have state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring your cosmetics are packaged in an ideal environment.

We also manufacture our own high-quality sampling sachets – find out more >

Using Quality Sampling Solutions

While you may be able to find alternatives, using a quality sampling solution can greatly increase the safety and longevity of your cosmetics. We offer some of the best sampling options out there, fulfilling orders of 10,000 sachets or more!

Cut down on your environmental impact with our bulk shipments and recyclable sachets while supplying quality samples that meet your every need, manufactured and assembled for efficiency and stability.

Get quality cosmetic sampling solutions from Fillcon >

How Long do Cosmetic Samples Last?

In ideal conditions, unopened cosmetics can have a shelf life of up to three years – sometimes even longer. Once opened, however, their longevity will drop. Some can still last up to a year, although cosmetics lasting for three months or less is not unheard of.

The duration of a product might be difficult for cosmetics with different use cases, too. Eye makeup, for example, needs to be considered more than other cosmetics like skin creams due to the sensitive nature of the area of application.

You also need to consider the possibility of contamination which will lead to the samples being spoiled prematurely. Without the proper storage, cosmetic samples may not last long at all, so ensuring they’re safely stored is an unmissable step.

Get quality sachets for your cosmetics samples in prime condition for long-term storage – contact us today.

What Temperature is Best for Storing Cosmetics?

When it comes to the actual storage conditions of your cosmetics samples and products, the most important factor is temperature. Keeping the temperature at a controlled level, from 10°C to 21°C (room temperature), is a common practice known as “cold storage” which can ensure the longevity of your goods.

Why is temperature so important? Well, there are a number of reasons to keep temperatures in a controlled range:

1. Preventing ingredients from separating
2. Ensuring the quality and consistency of samples
3. Stopping products from spoiling, which could be a potential health hazard
4. Extending the shelf life of your products

For cosmetics samples, which typically have thinner packaging, less insulation, and a small capacity, the storage temperature is even more important; this is because they can more easily be affected by temperatures outside the standard range.

The exact temperatures that you need to store your cosmetics at may vary depending on the specific composition of your product, so finding the ideal conditions for your own product is the best first step to storing them safely. The container you use can also play a role in the overall shelf life of your cosmetics.

Discover how to maximise the shelf life of your cosmetics >

How to Organise Your Cosmetics Storage

Keeping your storage space well-organised is a great way to stay on top of your cosmetics. It helps you to know what is going out of date when, and to cut down on wastage by prioritising the shipment of certain batches over others.

There are a few different ways you could consider organising your products.

Size

A great visual differentiator between different products, size can be quite a simple way to organise your stock of cosmetics. A more technical reason to group things by size is it means you can more easily set the ideal conditions for the specific volume of goods.

Product Type

Another classic way to organise stock is through the product type. Unless you’re rebranding something or trialling new packaging, generally the packaging you use will be consistent from batch to batch. This means that any products of the same type should be good to group together. Some other things to consider here are:

• Usage / area of application
• Colour of product packaging
• Specific product in question

Expiration Date

Supermarkets often store products on shelves with the ones that are going out of date at the front and the newer products at the back. This helps to cut down on wastage while making it easier to find and dispose of products that have gone out of date.

This same technique can be applied to your cosmetics storage systems, allowing you to send off the appropriate products first.

Special Considerations

Alongside these general organisational tips, there may be a few things to consider in special circumstances. For example, if you’re running a time-sensitive promotion or event, you might want to send off products packaged with the promotional materials before shipping other stock, even if it doesn’t align with the product’s age.

Whatever your considerations, you’ll first need high-quality packaging to put your cosmetics products and samples in. That’s where we come in.

Cosmetic Sampling Solutions from Fillcon

Planning your cosmetic sampling solution through manufacturing, filling, packaging, and storage is the best way to ensure the safety of your products – and your consumers. Pay careful attention to things like storage temperature, and make sure to use quality sachets and containers filled in a well-maintained environment.

At Fillcon, we bring you the best service for your cosmetic samples, filling top-quality sachets in an ideal environment. Ensure your cosmetics’ longevity by getting in touch, or read on with some related articles.

Find out more about cosmetic sampling regulations in the UK >

Meet product expectations with our guide to cosmetics quality control >

Sachet sampling is a cost-effective method of marketing your cosmetic and beauty products – and we can help you prove it.

At Fillcon, we’re first in the way of everything about cosmetic samples. As one of the most profitable marketing methods for cosmetics, samples and testers are widely known to yield good ROIs. In this article, we’ll outline why measuring ROI is important, show how to calculate the ROI of your cosmetic samples, and offer methods to improve the ROI of your cosmetic and beauty samples.

Get in touch today to secure your cosmetic sampling solution!

Why It’s Important to Measure ROI for Cosmetics

Before we get into how, it’s good to know why you should measure the ROI for your cosmetic samples. If you’re turning a profit, it can be easy to settle into the status quo. However, trends in the marketplace are always evolving – fall behind, and you could take an unforeseen hit. Plus, there’s always room to do better, and growth starts by analysing where you are and where you can go next.

There are several key reasons why you should measure the ROI of your cosmetic samples. These include:

• Proof of the effectiveness of your marketing strategy
• Highlighting areas for improvement
• Informing your business decisions
• Keeping you pro-active in growing and developing your business
• Providing insight into key market and consumer trends

The actual impact of cosmetics can also be quite hard to predict, particularly at a cursory glance. Consumer awareness, brand loyalty, and delayed purchases are all outcomes of cosmetic samples that might not be reflected in your day-to-day sales increases or customer conversions. Properly measuring the ROI of your samples over a specified time period will give you the best insight into what the impact of your marketing efforts actually is.

How to Calculate the ROI of Cosmetic Samples

When you run a marketing campaign, you can clearly calculate it’s ROI through comparing the sales at the end of the campaign with the projected sales based on past trends and data for the same time period.

The cost of your cosmetic samples is their cost to purchase, their admin and handling cost, and the cost of distribution – i.e., how you get them to the customer.

With this in mind, here is the formula to determine the ROI of your cosmetic samples:

ROI = Sales After Campaign – (Projected Sales + Cost of Samples)

You should also bear in mind other market events that could be affecting the perceived success of your campaigns. By performing an impact analysis of these events and adjusting your ROI results accordingly, you’ll be able to see the true effect of cosmetic samples on your profitability.

If you’re not running a campaign and just distributing samples as part of your general marketing efforts, there are still ways you can monitor their effects. One way is through looking at things like customer reviews or email open rates – places where customers leave evidence of their interactions with your product. By monitoring the channels through which you distribute your samples, you should be able to get an idea of their results.

How to Improve the ROI of Your Samples

Define Your KPIs

KPIs, or Key Performance Indicators, are statistical indicators of how well your marketing efforts are doing. They’re the goal you should strive for, as well as a reflection on your results so far.

To make the most out of your KPIs, they should be SMART. This means being:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Manage Your Costs

Calculate your costs and expenses at every stage of your sample delivery. Keep track of how they change based on market rates and the scalability of your operations. Then, measure the impact of your efforts born from these costs on your sales. You should always aim to make the margins for that final output even greater in your favour.

Better Targeting

Reaching an audience is good. Reaching an audience that wants to buy your product and that connects with your message is even better. To stop wasting your own time and money, as well as the time of your customers, it’s best to target your products as specifically as you can.

Create personalised products or advertisements that appeal to a specific audience, then market them exclusively to those people. Or, you can build relationships with customers through personalised interactions like customer support or online quizzes – leading to an audience that will come straight to you.

Use High-Quality Samples

By offering high-quality samples rather than the cheapest you can find, you cut down on product wasted due to damages while also delivering something that customers are more likely to enjoy and appreciate. When doing this, it’s best to order in bulk so you can cut down on costs – and the 10,000 minimum order quantity for sachets from Fillcon is the perfect place to start you off.

Find out more about our recyclable sachets >

Keep a Long-Term Plan in Mind

Not every investment will pay off immediately, especially when you’re trying to convert customers to your brand. If you successfully show your value and get a customer hooked on your offering, you’ll end up making far more than one sale off that single conversion.

Gather and Act on Feedback

Be proactive with your efforts! Find out what your customers want, what they’re saying about your products, and what you can change. Cosmetic samples are a great way to gather a large amount of feedback about your products, especially if you offer something in return for a response like a gift voucher or further product sample.

99% of customers at least sometimes read reviews when shopping for beauty products online, and 85% do when in store. By paying attention to these reviews and responding to customer sentiments, you’ll ensure that public perceptions of your brand are always high – leading to a further increase in sales.

How Effective are Cosmetic Samples for Marketing?

Free samples are undoubtedly one of the most effective ways of driving new traffic to your brand. In fact, two case studies from a beauty tech platform showed strong results that indicate just that.

The first showed an up to 8 times return on investment for sample costs versus purchases, with 8.33% of customers who received a sample going on to purchase a full-sized product.

The second study showed that, of the 88% of people who received a free sample that responded to the survey, 79% said they would purchase a full product. This means around 70% of the total samples that were sent were likely to result in a sale.

With the low costs and high benefits of cosmetic samples for marketing, they remain one of the most powerful tools for beauty brands to acquire new customers.

Some more stats for you: 57% of shoppers say they’ve never tried over 25% of the beauty products they bought online in 2020. However, this still leaves 43% having tried over 75% of the cosmetics they bought before committing to a purchase, and a far larger proportion of products being tried before purchase than not.

The Psychology Behind Cosmetic Samples

Another reason why cosmetic samples are effective for marketing is the psychology behind them. There are five key factors of psychology that cosmetic samples represent:

1. Reciprocity – giving a return for what has been given.
2. Salience bias – an increased awareness of products.
3. The ‘power of free’ – free samples only come with upsides.
4. The ‘power of experience’ – after trying something, you’ll be familiar with it, and therefore more likely to want to try it again.
5. Risk factors – free samples mitigate risks to consumers and businesses, providing a cost-effective way to trial a product.

Find out more about the psychology of cosmetic sampling >

Increase Your ROI with Cosmetic Samples from Fillcon

As one of the most cost-effective forms of marketing, cosmetic samples are a useful tool to increase your profit margins. By paying attention to the ROI, you can identify how much to spend to maximise the usefulness of this marketing channel.

At Fillcon, we supply cosmetic sampling solutions to ensure your samples are the best they can be, improving their impact on clients and giving you the greatest return on investment. Get in touch today to secure your high-quality solution!

Learn how to safely store your cosmetic samples >

Discover some cosmetic sample distribution strategies for the UK market >

Creating a quality experience for your cosmetics products starts by choosing the right packaging to suit the expectations and needs of your customers. However, with so many types of packaging and closures available, it can become muddied when trying to pick the best one.

We at Fillcon are here to rinse away any confusion, serving as the first name for all your cosmetics solutions. In this article we’ll offer the benefits and use-cases of various cosmetics dispensers, discuss their impact on customer experience and cost, and cover some specific examples of closures and dispensers you might not be aware of.

Get your cosmetics dispensers and sampling solutions today with our top-class filling and assembling services by getting in touch.

 

What are the Types of Cosmetics Dispensers?

To find the cosmetics packaging solution that is best for your product, we first need to go over what options are available. In this section, we’ll go over the features and benefits of common types of cosmetics dispensers (and offer some specialist solutions from Fillcon!) so you have all the info you need to make the right choice.

Jars, Tins, and Bottles

A robust option for high-quality products and common everyday cosmetics like deodorants and shampoos, these dispensers are a great way to ensure the integrity of a product’s packaging by the time it reaches the customer.

The key benefits of jars, tins, and bottles are:

• Durability
• Appearance
• Suitability for a wide variety of cosmetics
• Ensuring the longevity of the cosmetics within
• Easily recyclable

Depending on the rigidity of the vessel you choose, there will be different dispensing options available. These include squeeze bottles, pouring bottles with screw caps, jars you can scoop from, and many others.

Learn more about jars, tins, and bottles from Fillcon >

Recyclable Tubes

Tubes are a great, lightweight solution for cosmetics products like creams and toothpaste. They are flexible, allowing for greater resistance to hard impacts, and allow for more efficient transportation by packing them more tightly without leading to damage. They can often be recycled, either at home or at specialist collection points such as the ones outside of supermarkets.

Tubes typically come with a screw cap, but the type of screw cap you choose is also important. For example, if your tube is to be sealed with foil to preserve the freshness of your product, choosing a cap with the ability to puncture this foil will make it easier for customers to use.

Learn more about recyclable tubes from Fillcon >

Pouches with the Fillcon Spout

Pouches are another great way to hold a number of cosmetics products, from hair dyes to face creams. While pouches are often misinterpreted as a throwaway product, the Fillcon Spout allows you to reseal them and control the amount of product you use. This greatly increases the adaptability of pouches when it comes to what they can contain and how customers can use them.

The key benefits of pouches with the Fillcon spout are:

• Flexibility
• Ease of transportation
• Potential for resealing
• Lower carbon cost to transport
• Recyclable in certain areas or through specialists like TerraCycle

Learn more about pouches from Fillcon >

Cosmetics Sampling Solutions

Aside from the more permanent solutions we offer like bottles and tubes, we can also create sampling sachets and supply you with small sample bottles so customers can test your products before they commit to buying them.

Our sachets are one of the most efficient dispensing solutions to store and transport. We have a minimum order quantity of 10,000 units, which greatly cuts down on the carbon emissions from transportation as these bulk amounts can be shipped much more efficiently.

Samples are a great option for cosmetics dispensing as they give the customer a set amount of access to the product, typically one or two uses, and incentivise them to buy more later on. Plus, our perfume bottles can be recycled at home, while our sachets can be processed via specialists or supermarket collection.

Learn more about cosmetics sampling solutions from Fillcon >

Cosmetic Pump Dispensers

A cosmetic pump dispenser is typically used for hand soaps. It allows the customer to get a controlled amount of product in an easy way, without having to pick up or move the vessel. These containers can usually be recycled quite easily, and are a great way to provide an intuitive dispenser for your cosmetics.

Perfume Atomisers

This is a type of spray bottle that is perfect for perfumes, turning the liquid substance contained within the bottle into a fine mist. Not only does this increase the efficiency of the product, preventing more from being used than needed, but it also improves its application. This is because a fine mist will spread more easily over the targeted area, allowing it to dry and take effect faster.

Pipets

Pipets are a great way to apply a very small amount of a cosmetic product in an easily controlled fashion. These often come available as attached to the inside of the cap of a bottle, or standalone. The latter would need to be included in a bag, or attached to the product, so that it is not lost during transportation or sale.

Find out how the right packaging solution can increase the shelf life of your cosmetics >

 

What are Closures for Cosmetics?

Closures for cosmetics are, quite simply, the method you use to seal their container. Common examples of closures include:

• Screw caps
• Valves
• Pipet caps
• Spout caps
• Flapper caps

These are just a few examples of the types of solutions you can choose. With so many different options to pick from, it can be hard to ensure your cosmetics product gets the right fit.

Why do Closures Matter?

A good closure can be the difference between an easy-to-use product that gives a good impression and a clunky, difficult product that the customer likely won’t buy again.

A hand soap bottle without a pump will be more inconvenient to use when a customer’s hands are wet and soapy, just as eye drops without a pipet cap will be near impossible to interact with.

It is important to consider costs as well when you’re choosing a closure for your product. While the customer experience is vital, you don’t want to end up causing your business to suffer by picking a closure that is too specialised or expensive for what you’re offering.

Choosing the right closure for your product means your customers can utilise it to its full potential. Make the right choice for your packaging and dispensing to keep the customers coming back for more, with cosmetics solutions from us.

 

Quality Cosmetics Dispensers from Fillcon

To pick the best cosmetics dispenser and closure for your products, weigh up the pros and cons of each, and decide which provides the most benefits to your particular product and customers. Once you’ve chosen the style of packaging, you’ll need a supplier to fill it for you.

That’s where we come in. We at Fillcon are the first name in cosmetics filling, sampling, and packaging solutions – contact us today to get started, or read on with some related articles to find out more.

Explore the top seven benefits of using a British cosmetics supplier >

Find out more about choosing the right packaging for your cosmetics products >