In this ongoing series of case study articles, Weatherchem explores some of the applications developed for its various closures. This installment features TricorBraun's 21st Century pet care products and the various benefits Weatherchem was able to provide.
Customer: TricorBraun
End user: 21st Century Healthcare, Inc.
Product: 21st Century Pet Dietary Supplements
Market: Pet care
21st Century is one of the USA's largest manufacturers of dietary supplements. In order to provide its customers a more convenient package, the company switched to NutraFlapper® closures. The perceived product quality significantly improved and the capping process streamlined the line, saving on labor and filling time.
According to Steve Snyder, President of 21st Century, "The unique color-coordinated cap matches our unique color-coordinated labeling, which is our worldwide trade look. Consumers like the closure - it can't be misplaced and is easily opened. The Weatherchem closure's special orifice shape provides precise dispensing control so the consumer can determine how many "pet chews" are dispensed at any one time."
Market factors:
As people demand better packaging for their products and refuse to buy products in sub-standard containers, packaging designers need to respond with a variety of functions in order to be considered appropriate. The packaging of course needs to serve its primary purpose, which is to keep the product safe. In addition, tamper-proof or tamper evident, child-resistant, senior-friendly, attractive, easy-to-use and (from a B2B perspective) inexpensive must be considered. Storage and freshness are critical factors. All of these requirements can affect the market viability of a product.
As people move toward healthier lifestyle choices (which often affects their pets), product differentiation and ease of use become key factors in purchasing, and the NutraFlapper provides both.
Results of the implementation:
- Improved presence in the pet care market
- More favorable response from consumers post-purchase
- Increased brand awareness thanks to the container/closure combination
- Favorable reactions from pet owners, finding the product easy to use