When it comes to face care products in the beauty and cosmetic packaging sector, Teqal has some serious skin in the game. At the heart of its offering lies a diverse array of jar containers – using cutting-edge injection moulding technology – meticulously crafted to cater to the sector’s diverse needs.
‘WE specialise in jars. Our facecare jars are predominantly in the 50ml capacity, and our body care jar range is offered in larger sizes,’ affirms shareholder and marketing director Sean Kirkham. But Teqal’s patented in-mould labelling (IML) technology capabilities extend far beyond mere jars with a glossy finish.
IML offers a comprehensive platform that enables brands to realise their unique designs without the need to invest in expensive moulds. ‘It’s a sophisticated architecture that facilitates brand differentiation without imposing hefty upfront costs.’ To illustrate, Teqal’s IML project, which was undertaken four years ago, required an R10 million investment solely for moulds, all of which were crafted in-house.
In times of heightened demand, Teqal’s capacity to meet requirements remains robust. Notably, within the realm of face care containers and packaging, Teqal’s platform boasts unparalleled capacity and is deemed the largest in South Africa. This extends to encompass a diverse range of products, ranging from night and day creams to specialised ointments catering to customers’ nuanced needs.
According to Sean, Teqal’s platform approach revolutionises the landscape of cosmetic packaging. ‘It serves as a canvas for creativity,’ he elucidates. ‘Brands can leverage our pre-existing moulds to realise their unique visions without the burden of investing in bespoke tooling.’
With IML technology at its core, Teqal pushes the boundaries of innovation further. ‘IML allows for seamless integration of labels into the moulding process,’ Sean explains. ‘This not only enhances the visual appeal of the packaging, it also eliminates the need for additional labelling materials, reducing waste and environmental impact.’
Teqal’s minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 5,000 units, ensuring accessibility without straining budgets. ‘Within this framework, we offer unparalleled flexibility to accommodate varying needs,’ says Sean. ‘Whether you’re a new entrant exploring fresh opportunities or an existing customer eager to test a new design, Teqal can facilitate customisation by splitting the run into 2,500 units each (face cream jars). This means customers can order as few as 2 500 units per design, allowing for versatile options such as a day and night cream, for instance. We prioritise flexibility to ensure that MOQs remain manageable while simultaneously empowering brands to explore diverse product lines.’
Teqal believes its commitment to seamless reorder processes sets the company apart. Unlike many suppliers who struggle with continuity of supply, particularly those reliant on imports from the East, Teqal offers stability as a local producer and supplier. ‘By closely collaborating with customers, we ensure a steady flow of inventory, thereby safeguarding their supply chains,’ he remarks. ‘Additionally, our team extends this flexibility to reorder customisation, allowing customers to select different coloured caps, images, foils or prints within the 5 000-unit MOQ threshold.’
Sustainable Approach, Valued Partnerships
From a sustainability standpoint, Teqal’s approach is rooted in efficiency and resource conservation. For example, rather than producing green Camphor cream jars, Teqal opts for white jars wrapped with a full-cover green label, thereby eliminating the need for green masterbatches and minimising material waste. This strategic choice streamlines its manufacturing process and reduces environmental impacts.
Sean points out that the benefits of its IML process extend beyond waste reduction. The label itself is incredibly thin, typically ranging from 50 to 70 microns. Once applied to the jar, the label essentially becomes a zero-micron film, seamlessly integrating with the container’s surface.
This design ensures that the label’s thickness effectively replaces a portion of the jar’s wall thickness. ‘For instance, if the jar is 900µm thick and we apply a 70µm label, only 830µm of plastic is injected during the moulding process. This results in significant plastic savings as the label’s material contributes to the overall weight of the container.’
In contrast to traditional self-adhesive labels, IML eliminates the need for backing paper, release agents and adhesives. This translates to a substantial reduction in waste generated during the labelling process, he enthuses.
In the realm of body care products, Teqal’s track record speaks for itself. Through collaborative efforts with print service provider Ren-Flex, the joint venture received international acclaim when it won the prestigious ‘Best Use of IML’ at the IMDA Awards 2023 with Canway Supply Chain’s Romano Classic Body Cream (470ml) and Arthur Ford’s Body Cream. The moulding was done by Teqal and the labels were supplied by Ren-Flex (read the full story in PPM’s February 2024 issue).
According to Sean, strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Ren-Flex epitomise Teqal’s dedication to sustainability and progress. As he aptly observes: ‘Collaboration is pivotal in effecting meaningful change. By pooling our resources and expertise with like-minded partners, we catalyse advancements in sustainable practices, driving positive transformation throughout the industry.’
Seamless Style and Practicality
Teqal’s latest IML roll-on container innovation marks a bold step in seamlessly marrying aesthetics with functionality.
Sean believes the innovative capability of the IML process is particularly beneficial for uniquely shaped bottles or intricate containers, where traditional labelling methods fall short. Consider the intricacies of the roll-on deodorant container with its asymmetrical back panel, which poses a challenge for label application. To address this, Teqal employs a sophisticated approach, inserting labels into the mould using state-of-the-art equipment with a servo-driven robot. This ensures precise placement, maximising the bottle’s available space. Moreover, Teqal leverages the container’s shape to complement the label design, creating a seamless integration between the two elements. ‘With IML, the label and container harmonise to form a cohesive visual identity enhancing shelf presence and brand recognition,’ Sean states.
This approach transcends mere label decoration as the label shape now complements the bottle shape, creating a unified and impactful presentation. ‘Our commitment to innovation extends beyond simplifying labelling processes; we strive to elevate the overall brand experience, one uniquely shaped label at a time,’ he concludes.
