Formulation

The design and manufacture of formulated products is the process by which raw materials are taken from concept to finished product. It is a vital service, applied to a large number of product categories such as pharmaceutical tablets, cosmetic creams, gels, detergents, powders, processed foods, paints, adhesives, lubricants, pesticides etc.

Processing/Blending

This is the combining and mixing of multiple ingredients. There are a number of different processing and blending methods available dependent upon the type of material being handled wet or dry, and also on batch sizes, which can vary from small pilot batches to full scale production volumes.

Laboratory Services

Lab services are very valuable in the initial stages of product development, offering detailed analysis, stability testing and research for customers requiring data or support for the launch of a product. They are most often used in the early stages for pilot and trial batches.

Clinical Trials

Can be offered as part of the development process. These are prospective biomedical research studies on human subjects that provide answers to specific questions and are normally conducted with volunteers or small groups of patients in pilot studies. Test results are used to determine the suitability of the product for full scale production.

New Product Development

The process by which a new product is developed for release to the market. There are two stages; the initial idea generation, product design and then the market research and market analysis. By entering this process it is hoped that any prospective issues with the product and packaging will be ironed out prior to product release.

Clean Room

Offers a controlled environment during manufacture, to eliminate foreign particles and provide a cleaner and more hygienic environment for products demanding high care in production e.g. pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care sector and food. Operated to specific standards with set cleaning schedules and a work force  required to work to particular levels of hygiene etc.

Chilled/Frozen

Some Products require handling in a chilled or frozen environment. From blast freezing to storage in multi temperature chambers, a temperature controlled supplier will offer warehousing, distribution and contract packing under these specialised conditions, monitoring temperatures and keeping the product in the perfect condition for delivery to end customer.

Pasteurisation/Retort

Pasteurisation is the process of heating food, normally in liquid format, to a specific temperature for a set time then cooling it, to reduce spoilage caused by microbial growth. Typically used for drink and dairy products. A retort pouch is another method of sterile packaging that includes raw or partially cooked product inside a sealed laminate pouch, used for food rations, camping foods and brands such as Capri Sun.

Gas Flushing

Also known as Modified Atmosphere Packaging, it is a method of extending the shelf life of fresh food products by substituting the air inside a package with a protective gas mix. The gas in the package helps ensure that the product stays fresh for as long as possible.