In order to satisfy the public’s demand for in-wash scent boosters, Value Smart Products, a maker of private-label consumer packaged goods, went to Berlin Packaging’s Studio One Eleven. Scent booster packaging allows users to smell a product prior to purchase. Although popular, this consumer trend presents several challenges at the retail level.

Brands are allowing customers to test a scent before they make a purchase, but in many cases, this can leave the current packages opened and unsellable. Value Smart Products relied on Berlin Packaging and its Studio One Eleven design team to reimagine existing stock packaging. “The final design is ergonomic, which is easy to use and features a slight feminine slant,” explains Drew Harrison, president of Value Smart Products. “We wanted a family look between multiple sizes and one common cap for all.”

Studio One Eleven proposed a replacement of the stock flip-top overcap with a PET dosage cup. The dosage cup incorporates an orifice that allows the scent to be dispersed outside of the bottle. Consumers can therefore effectively test the fragrance by gently squeezing the packaging. “This results in a poof of fragrance being emitted from the top of the cap,” says Harrison. “This has eliminated on-shelf damage from consumers opening the product to sample the scent at retail.”

This design prevents the need for the package to be broken open, and it allows the aroma to escape. Berlin Packaging also developed a system that prevents moisture from entering the product, rendering it ruined.

“The challenge was to find a low cost, fast alternative to the current package,” says Harrison. “We also wanted to use the same neck finish so other sizes can utilize the same cap.”

Although cost is always a concern, Berlin Packaging found a way to keep the pricing down while making an effective scent booster. “A common cap kept cost down,” says Harrison. “Also, to minimize cost and inventory issues, the cap is clear, but we can tint it via a sleeve without a white plate behind it in the cap area. It makes the cap look tinted without the issues.”

The new packaging design offers several key benefits. By replacing the flip-top assembly with a smaller overcap, shoppers can easily measure and pour the scent boosters. The removable cap is also convenient for users when they’re pouring into high efficiency front-loading washing machines.

The packaging is comprised of a PET bottle, polypropylene cap and a shrink sleeve. Value Smart Products also has no concern over damaged packaging or shoppers using too much of the product. “We’ve had zero negative feedback, and our customers and consumers love the package,” explains Harrison. “There are no concerns about the packaging. The product does not require precise measurement, so you can use a little or use a lot.”

The scent booster’s new closure was designed to be a one-size solution for two different canister sizes. According to Berlin Packaging, the custom closure differentiates the product from competing national brands and is intended to support multiple price brackets at retail.

Since its launch, several major retail chains have begun stocking their shelves with the refreshed packaging. “The Berlin design replaced our first generation package with great success,” adds Harrison. “The package is now tamper evident but easy for the consumer to open, plus easy to sleeve and fill.”