Cosmetic products such as creams, lotions and gels present specific challenges in the packaging process due to their consistency and viscosity. Let’s see what filling solutions the market has to offer.
The cosmetics industry is one of the most innovative and dynamic in the formulation of new products and packaging, and a constant challenge for machinery manufacturers who, like MarCoPack, work for the sector.
For the cosmetics sector, it is crucial to have packaging machines designed to easily adapt to all its new developments and innovations, and to the constant changes in the product to be packaged, always guaranteeing the safety and quality of products that must comply with strict hygiene and sanitary standards.
In this article, we will explore the common problems faced by the cosmetics industry in the packaging of their dense and semi-dense cosmetic products, as well as the key features that packaging machines must have to ensure an efficient and contamination-free process.
Problems in the packaging of dense and semi-dense cosmetic products
The packaging of dense and semi-dense cosmetic products poses unique challenges due to their viscous and thick nature, such as:
- Inadequate flow: These products tend to have a high viscosity, which makes it difficult for them to flow smoothly and evenly through packaging lines.
The consequences are blockages, bottlenecks or delays in the production process, which must be foreseen and protocols defined in order to act in this case.
- Cross-contamination: The viscous nature of dense and semi-dense cosmetic products increases the risk of cross-contamination during packaging.
To avoid this, adequate cleaning measures must be implemented when changing products, to avoid the possibility of residues from previous products mixing with new batches, compromising the quality and safety of the final product.
- Product loss: The viscosity of these products can cause them to stick to contact surfaces during packaging, resulting in significant product loss.
This not only affects profit margins, but can also lead to inefficient production and unnecessary waste.
Features of cosmetic product packaging machines
To overcome the above challenges and to ensure efficient and safe packaging of dense and semi-dense cosmetic products, packaging machines must meet certain characteristics:
- Accurate dosing systems: Packaging machines must have dosing systems that allow accurate and consistent control of product flow. This ensures proper filling of each container without overflow or underfilling.
- High quality contact materials: Parts in direct contact with the product must be made of high quality materials, such as stainless steel or food grade polymers. These materials must be corrosion resistant and easy to clean to avoid contamination and maintain product hygiene.
- Hygienic design and easy cleaning: Packaging machines should be designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Smooth surfaces, no gaps or hard-to-reach spaces and easy access to all critical parts ensure effective cleaning and reduce the risk of contamination.
- Automatic purging and cleaning systems: To minimise cross-contamination and reduce product changeover time, it is recommended that packaging machines are fitted with automatic purging and cleaning systems. These systems allow for a faster and safer transition between different products.
- Integrated quality control: Packaging machines can be equipped with integrated quality control systems to detect possible defects in the packaging process, such as empty containers or poor seals. This ensures product integrity and prevents the delivery of non-conforming products to quality control and the market.
Consequently, by investing in appropriate packaging equipment, cosmetic companies can ensure compliance with all applicable regulations to obtain safely and efficiently packaged cosmetic products, meeting the highest standards of quality, safety and consumer protection.
Specialised machinery for cosmetic product packaging
The industrial packaging machine MCP 4000, designed and manufactured by MarCoPack, is an automatic linear multiformat packaging machine prepared for the cosmetic sector, and to work with different types of liquids: dense, semi-dense, foamy, etc.
MCP 4000 is responsible for regulating the dosing by means of flowmeters (electromagnetic or mass) or volumetric flowmeters, adapting to the product to be packaged. It offers a filling capacity of 500 – 4,000 litres/hour, and can include from 2 to 12 nozzles.
Optionally it allows the integration of a tank.
The MCP 4000 Packer includes a safety system consisting of a stainless steel enclosure with transparent doors, and an automatic line stop system, activated when the doors are opened with the machine running.
If you are looking for a packaging, capping or labeling solution for cosmetic products, MarCoPack has the experience and technology to design the most suitable solution for your production needs and product types. Contact our team of of experts to offer you advice on the design and manufacture of the machinery for your cosmetic production line.
