• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Contract Manufacturing: Trials & Tribulations of Today’s Supply Chains

    Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality

    Nutrition and Flavor: Formulating for Modern Product Preferences

    What Do Consumers Know About the Gut Microbiome?

    How Will the European Green Deal Impact Dietary Supplements?
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    3i Solutions Announces New Leadership Positions

    INS Nutra Opens Gummy Manufacturing Facility

    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs

    Earth Mama Organics Achieves 'Plastic Neutral' Certification

    TopGum Gummies Receives USDA Organic Certification
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs

    Bill Chioffi Joins Nammex as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer

    FDA Issues ‘No Questions’ Letter for Chiber Mushroom Fiber Preservative

    VITAL Ancillary Study Finds No Link Between Vitamin D and Bone Fracture Risk

    FDA Issues Final Guidance on NAC Supplements
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    3i Solutions Announces New Leadership Positions

    INS Nutra Opens Gummy Manufacturing Facility

    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs

    Earth Mama Organics Achieves 'Plastic Neutral' Certification

    TopGum Gummies Receives USDA Organic Certification
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs

    VITAL Ancillary Study Finds No Link Between Vitamin D and Bone Fracture Risk

    Krill Oil Study Provides Evidence of Osteoarthritis Benefits

    Immunobiotic Heat-Killed Bacteria Linked to Skin Benefits

    Folic Acid Appears Beneficial in Type 2 Diabetes
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    ESHA Research

    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Sabinsa Corporation

    Gencor

    Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS)
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    ESHA Research

    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Sabinsa Corporation

    Gencor

    Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS)
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    What to Look for in a Contract Manufacturer

    Here are some essential considerations when qualifying a manufacturing partner.

    What to Look for in a Contract Manufacturer
    Related CONTENT
    • Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality
    • Trust Transparency Center Shines Light on Contract Manufacturing, Rewards Best-in-Class Firms
    • 2022 Contract Manufacturing Survey: Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals
    • Nutraceutical Manufacturing Challenges and Certification Standards
    • Going Beyond ISO Certification: What CBD/Cannabis Companies Need to Look for
    By Scott Jenkins , COO, Biovation Labs03.01.18
    Nutraceutical companies spend significant time and resources conducting research and development, crafting marketing plans, and aligning their plans with market realities. One such reality is that companies, large and small, have two options when it comes to manufacturing their products. They can come up with and justify the capital expenditures needed to secure the necessary facility, fill it with safe, efficient manufacturing equipment and systems, train a large staff to the nth degree of competency, build a stellar supply chain and shoulder the spectrum of risks that come hand-in-hand with this undertaking, or they can outsource the manufacturing and partner with a nutraceutical and supplement contract manufacturer.

    Some of the world’s most successful companies rely on contract manufacturers because it enables them to focus on R&D and marketing without having to worry about the manufacturing risk. The challenge comes with knowing what to look for when choosing the right partner. The following are 11 items to look for in a contract manufacturer.

    Industry Certified
    In this industry, there are a number of critical natural products certifications a company can attain. These certifications help customers and partners know they are compliant with stringent standards of quality. For example, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are guidelines that provide a system of processes, procedures, and documentation to assure that the product in the bottle or box has the identity, strength, composition, quality, and purity that appear on its label. This aligns with FDA’s 21 CFR part 111, which pertains to dietary supplements. NSF International independently certifies manufacturers as meeting GMP requirements. According to NSF, the program is open not just to manufacturers of dietary supplements but also to “manufacturers of ingredients and raw materials, as well as distribution, warehousing and packaging companies, who want to demonstrate their commitment to public safety.” Another industry certification that helps establish credibility includes the Natural Products Association’s (NPA) GMP Certification. This is awarded to companies that meet a high level of compliance to the NPA GMP Standard as verified through comprehensive third-party inspections of facilities and GMP-related documentation.

    Location, Location, Location
    Contract manufacturers located in the U.S. have some inherent advantages. Primarily, such companies are beholden to higher levels of scrutiny than in other countries, which pushes the companies to maintain higher levels of manufacturing quality. Drilling down, contract manufacturers should be located near major, reliable transportation hubs. The most important consideration is proximity to an international airport. This will allow the company to have easy access to fulfill orders in the most timely and efficient manner possible.

    Ensure Quality
    Testing protocols are not a given. The best contract manufacturers conduct continual testing to ensure two things: first that the product is pure, and second, as accurate as possible (label claim). To prove this, the company should go beyond what’s required. Micro testing looks for any impurities or contaminants. Assay testing ensures all the ingredients in the formulation that should be there are in fact present. For instance, if the label claims 65% of an ingredient, then it actually contains 65% of that ingredient. Heavy metal testing looks for lead and other metals to ensure safety. The best partner will spend the time and money for the testing that takes quality beyond regulatory requirements.

    Global Supply Chain
    Contract manufacturers today should be more to their customers than simply capsule fillers. They are partners in every sense of the word. The best contract manufacturers should have a global network upon which to help you, their customers, source the best materials from anywhere in the world at a reasonable price to maintain margins. They should also have validated suppliers with proven track records of delivering safe products that are consistent in their purity and composition.

    Capacity
    Contract manufacturers work with a number of companies. The best partners will work directly with their customers to help them clearly understand their capabilities, capacities, and calendars. If they are organized in the right way, they will make it clear when and how they will manufacture their product. If you have a small order, contract manufacturers are ideal because they can fulfill the order for you and you don’t need to buy the equipment. Companies with larger orders can rely on the fact that contract manufacturing is what they do best; they can handle massive orders due to high capacity being built into their business model.

    Experience
    Experience is a relative term, but in this high-stakes industry, nothing can replace the been-there, done-that know-how that only comes slowly but surely over decades. While everyone needs to start somewhere, the best contract manufacturers have leadership teams and managers with not just one or two years but two, three, or even four decades of industry experience. This helps ensure success by recognizing problems early and knowing exactly how to overcome them. 

    Facility & Equipment
    The best contract manufacturers are those that meet your needs. To do that, they will need to have the right equipment for this particular industry. This means they have the equipment to deliver encapsulation, packaging, blister packaging, powder fulfillment and so on. Also, with today’s ever-expanding spectrum of products, it is important to know whether they have in-house fulfillment capabilities, including label printing, technical review, and 3PL distribution, or if they need to partner with a separate fulfillment house to meet your needs.

    Delivery Time
    Delivery time couldn’t be more vital. The contract manufacturer should understand your business hangs on them delivering on time. A typical delivery time is six to eight weeks, but the best will work with you to push for closer to the four- to six-week timeframe.

    Pricing
    Contract manufacturers should be very open regarding price. When people want quotes, they often flip to the final page to see the price. However, if all you look at is price, then you’re probably going to get stung in some other way. If the quality isn’t sufficient, you are responsible. When you market a consumer health product, price is only a part of the equation. The question is: are they delivering a product that matches what you are selling? Some are willing to sell a sub-par product. The best partners know there is a better way to manufacture. Price and quality often go hand-in-hand.

    Transparency
    This is where the relationship becomes solid or falls apart. The best contact manufacturers will be open and transparent with you from the beginning to the end to establish and fortify a relationship of trust and accountability. The company’s understanding of consumer needs and desires for nutritional supplements enables them to proactively strategize, innovate, and provide solutions to you that can meet your goals and help you grow.

    Regulatory Training
    One of the best things about partnering with a contract manufacturer is the fact that you do not need to understand all the regulatory items. Keeping up with regulations is part and parcel to the partnership—they should have training regimens to keep everyone in the entire company continually sharp and aligned with the current regulations and best practices. The best contract manufacturer can walk you through the requirements using simple language that helps you feel confident they have the ball and will not drop it. This also helps you rest easier knowing that by receiving appropriate training, they are working to remove risk from every step of the process.

    By working with a contract manufacturer, you gain significant competitive advantages by being able to focus your efforts on your core competencies and running your business. The best contract manufacturers are experts at what they do and can help you achieve success in formulating, developing, and distributing your products to the world. 


    About the Author: Scott Jenkins is COO of Biovation Labs, a contract manufacturing, formulation, private label and supplier company within the natural products industry. The company works within the life science space, manufacturing products for supplement and nutraceutical companies worldwide. In January 2018, the company moved into its new 104,000 square foot corporate headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, which houses a state-of-the-art, high capacity manufacturing facility, serving the needs of both large and early-stage companies. Biovation Labs follows cGMP standards. For more information: www.biovationlabs.com.
    Related Searches
    • packaging
    • Nutritional
    • Private Label
    • Contract Manufacturer
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Quality & Safety
    • Contract Manufacturing
    Suggested For You
    Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality
    Trust Transparency Center Shines Light on Contract Manufacturing, Rewards Best-in-Class Firms Trust Transparency Center Shines Light on Contract Manufacturing, Rewards Best-in-Class Firms
    Nutraceutical Manufacturing Challenges and Certification Standards Nutraceutical Manufacturing Challenges and Certification Standards
    2022 Contract Manufacturing Survey: Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals 2022 Contract Manufacturing Survey: Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals
    Going Beyond ISO Certification: What CBD/Cannabis Companies Need to Look for Going Beyond ISO Certification: What CBD/Cannabis Companies Need to Look for
    Vantage Hemp Introduces New Contract Manufacturing Services Vantage Hemp Introduces New Contract Manufacturing Services
    Identifying Adulterated Curcumin: Case Study Identifies Best Testing Methods Identifying Adulterated Curcumin: Case Study Identifies Best Testing Methods
    Shinhigh International Corp Won BHB Patent Lawsuit Shinhigh International Corp Won BHB Patent Lawsuit
    Mary Jane’s Botanicals: Unique Formulations Hand-Crafted with Premium Ingredients Mary Jane’s Botanicals: Unique Formulations Hand-Crafted with Premium Ingredients
    TSI Group LTD: Improving Health & Wellness for 25 Years TSI Group LTD: Improving Health & Wellness for 25 Years
    Nutraceutical Manufacturing: Meeting the Challenges of Today, Planning for Tomorrow Nutraceutical Manufacturing: Meeting the Challenges of Today, Planning for Tomorrow
    Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment Trends Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment Trends
    Oral Solids: Market & Technology Trends Oral Solids: Market & Technology Trends
    Open Book Extracts: Innovating for Tomorrow’s Market Open Book Extracts: Innovating for Tomorrow’s Market
    CRN Upgrades Dietary Supplement Registration Platform CRN Upgrades Dietary Supplement Registration Platform

    Related Features

    • Dietary Supplements | Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Testing
      Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality

      Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality

      Complex formulas, sophisticated adulteration, and cost expectations are key pressure points in the dietary supplement market.
      By Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 07.18.22

    • Breaking News | Contract Manufacturing | Industry & Market News | Quality & Safety
      Trust Transparency Center Shines Light on Contract Manufacturing, Rewards Best-in-Class Firms

      Trust Transparency Center Shines Light on Contract Manufacturing, Rewards Best-in-Class Firms

      CMOs were evaluated based on capabilities and format, certifications, audit history, industry engagement, industry interviews, and more.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor 04.14.22

    • Contract Manufacturing | Dietary Supplements
      2022 Contract Manufacturing Survey: Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals

      2022 Contract Manufacturing Survey: Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals

      Our fifth annual audience survey reveals great value in, and reliance on, contract manufacturing partners.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor, Nutraceuticals World 03.02.22


    • Contract Manufacturing | Dietary Supplements
      Nutraceutical Manufacturing Challenges and Certification Standards

      Nutraceutical Manufacturing Challenges and Certification Standards

      Quality and product validation remain central to supplement industry despite series of challenges.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor, Nutraceuticals World 03.02.22

    • Healthcare Trends | Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Testing
      Going Beyond ISO Certification: What CBD/Cannabis Companies Need to Look for

      Going Beyond ISO Certification: What CBD/Cannabis Companies Need to Look for

      In the absence of FDA standards, here are tips on how to choose the right lab for CBD and cannabis.
      By Sandra E. Lee, CEO, NJ Labs 11.04.21

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • First Day Life Shuts Down Children's Behavioral, Cognitive Health Claims Following Challenge
    • Study Examines Vitamin K2 Content In Cheese
    • Pycnogenol Evidenced To Have Skin Benefits In Dermatology Study
    Breaking News
    • 3i Solutions Announces New Leadership Positions
    • INS Nutra Opens Gummy Manufacturing Facility
    • Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs
    • Earth Mama Organics Achieves 'Plastic Neutral' Certification
    • TopGum Gummies Receives USDA Organic Certification
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    July/August 2022

    • A Growing Herbal Products Market Still Faces Formidable Threats, Challenges
    • Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality
    • Nutrition and Flavor: Formulating for Modern Product Preferences
    • Contract Manufacturing: Trials & Tribulations of Today’s Supply Chains
    • How Will the European Green Deal Impact Dietary Supplements?
    • What Do Consumers Know About the Gut Microbiome?
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    3i Solutions Announces New Leadership Positions
    INS Nutra Opens Gummy Manufacturing Facility
    Vital Nutrients Launches First Vegan Omega Supplement with SPMs
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    ICP Building Solutions Group Names Sami Rahman New Chief Commercial Officer
    Tnemec Introduces Series 21 Epoxoline
    Make UK Defence Collaborates with HMG Paints
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—Aug. 6
    Ampersand Capital Partners Invests in Sterling Medical Devices
    ICG Acquires Seaway Plastics Engineering
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Datwyler to Double Capacity at Production Ops in Pune
    Thorne HealthTech, AstraZeneca Entend AI Discovery Alliance
    Aptar Pharma Acquires Worldwide Rights to Pharmaxis’ Orbital Inhaler
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Alicia Keys Introduces Keys Soulcare’s First SPF Skincare Offering
    Kylie Gets Backlash for Makeup Lab Photo Shoot
    Redken Celebrates Hair Gloss Day
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    CEO Named at Ourself, Ulta Beauty’s Digital Investment Fund, Spate Insight
    UK Society of Cosmetic Scientists Launches New Introduction to Cosmetic Science
    Metallic Eyeshadow, Body Glitter and Glow Blush Top Latest Beauty Searches: Spate
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Weekly Recap: Zeller+Gmelin, Epple Druckfarben Lead This Week’s News Stories
    A-Flex Label Adds Epson SurePress UV Digital Label Press
    Ball Announces 2Q 2022 Results
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    FLAG to hold roundtable event at Labelexpo Americas
    Premier Packaging expands, Resource Label promotes culture and more
    Labelink acquires Taylor Label and The Label Factory
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Weekly Recap: A New Day for Hygiene, Glatfelter Reports Q2 Results & More
    Dyper Achieves B Corp Certification
    Edgewell’s Sales Grow
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—Aug. 6
    Spineology Releases Endoscopic, Single-Tubular Retractor Fusion System
    GreenBone Signs Distribution Agreement for its Regenerative Scaffold
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Weekly Recap: STMicroelectronics, NextFlex and onsemi Top This Week’s Stories
    Zebra Technologies Reports 2Q 2022 Results
    InnovationLab Demonstrates New PCB Production Method Based on Additive Manufacturing

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login