Higher value, higher requirement.
WHAT DIFFERS FROM SACHET PRODUCTION
Higher unit price and margin Higher quality expectation More demanding packaging Longer shelf life expected Different distribution
WHAT THE PROCESS ADDS
Bottle handling and rinsing More precise filling Capping Labelling Shrink wrapping or crating
WHAT BOTTLE HANDLING REQUIRES
Bottles protected from contamination before filling Rinsing immediately before filling Handling that does not contaminate the neck
WHY THE NECK SPECIFICALLY
It contacts the consumer's mouth and it is where contamination transfers.
WHAT CAPPING DETERMINES
Whether the product stays sealed and safe.
WHAT TO CHECK
Torque and seal integrity, by sampling.
WHAT PREFORM AND BOTTLE QUALITY AFFECTS
Structural integrity, appearance and whether bottles collapse in storage.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
A consistent supplier and specification.
WHAT SHELF LIFE DEPENDS ON
Product quality at filling Packaging integrity Storage conditions
WHY STORAGE MATTERS
Heat and sunlight affect the product and the packaging.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Storage away from direct sun and heat, and instruct distributors accordingly.
WHAT LABELLING MUST CARRY
The same required information, plus anything applicable to bottled products.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT BRAND
That the label is approved before printing quantity.
WHY
Unapproved labels are a common and expensive error.
WHAT TO RECORD
Production batches, quality checks and despatch.
WHAT TO TEST REGULARLY
Finished product, not only source water.