Meeting expectations
Storage tests to determine the stability of raw materials and products are carried out continuously so that a colour change in the product over time is documented in the respective product specifications. If the actual colour does not correspond to the stored product specifications, the product purchased by the end user will be checked internally and, if necessary, externally, and a statement will be made. If the specified storage conditions are correctly observed, the consumer will be reimbursed for their financial outlay. If a product is to be recalled entirely due to unspecified appearance, internal review mechanisms are initiated, such as reviewing the raw materials, packaging materials and the packing records.
Measuring colour
In our case, the measurement and documentation of a product’s colour happens in the first stage of product development within the R&D department. The long-term colour stability of the product during storage is checked at the same time.
Conducting colour measurement during the development phase affords the benefit of advance information around colour stability. Moreover, it is also possible to adapt the product in accordance with a customer’s wishes, for example by exchanging raw materials or adjusting their quantity.
Following the production and packaging process, reference samples are handed over to the quality assurance and R&D departments, where they are again subjected to a long-term stability test, including recording the colour change over time. This is useful as it can be used for customer enquiries or complaints.
The right tools
Before using the Lovibond® TRA 500 and integrating colour management, it was not possible to accurately determine how the colour of our products would change over time. Evaluations were conducted but these were subject to error.
Measuring colour with the Lovibond® TRA 500
We chose the mobile device so that we could use the same equipment across different departments. This allows us to spot differences in colour from raw materials to packaging materials more quickly.
Another important consideration for us was the operation of the colour measuring device, which had to be simple and clear so that even inexperienced employees could quickly learn how to use it. By integrating the TRA 500 into day-to-day business, we were able to increase our quality standard and improve customer satisfaction.
The device enables us to precisely identify colour deficiencies in our products during the storage test. Through preliminary analysis, any raw materials that cause an accelerated colour change in the product could be identified and substituted by other raw materials. As a result, the consistency of our products has greatly improved.
Trending colours
Due to consumers‘ increasing environmental awareness, the trend is towards natural colours such as leaf green or sand. These give the impression that the product contains health-promoting substances both in terms of physical and mental wellbeing for oneself as well as planetary health.
This trend is being further driven by the move away from animal-based ingredients, with more natural colours reflecting plant origin – hence its use within the plant-based category.
Colours that reflect nature can have a positive impact on the consumer’s state of mind too.
We foresee the use of natural colours gaining more momentum in the future, as consumers become hyperaware of their economic footprint.
About the author
Thomas Papert is the Product and Process Engineer within the Research and Development (R&D) department at Anona GmbH. He has a Master’s degree in Science Biotechnology and represents the intersection between the R&D department and production. Thus, he is responsible for the smooth running of the production chain as well as the optimisation of the underlying process.
