PD 101: From Brief to Batch

The mindset of a brand differs from that of a consumer. Beyond simply creating a product for use, brands must consider logistic and tactical business initiatives. Sustainability, commercial viability and a unique point of difference all require careful planning at every development step. Briefs: Defining the Vision 

Turning an idea into a tangible product requires communicating through a strategic roadmap. This roadmap is called a brief, setting expectations for chemists, packaging engineers and manufacturing partners to meet a unified goal. Clear and precise briefs define every element from formula, to package efficacy and production. When planned carefully in tandem with a cross-functional timeline, costly mistakes can be avoided and prevented. 

“From initial concept to commercial launch, today’s NPD process must integrate both creative vision and logistical, operational rigour.”  - Florence Roghe, Collateral Projects Founder

Picking the Right Partners 

Pairing the right manufacturing partner with a brand is one of the most critical and artful skills of a product development team. Suppliers are collaborators, bringing with them different technical expertise, quality and resources. Sourcing the most appropriate partners ensures a product will launch within a brand’s desired timeline, while also remaining scalable and keeping quality in tact. 

Sustainable, Always 

A central consideration, now standard practice rather than an aesthetic option, is integrating sustainability into every step of the supply chain. Beginning from the source of raw materials, to the minute details of considering whether materials are shipped by air or sea. 

“As new product development becomes increasingly complex, the beauty industry is being challenged to balance sustainability, circularity, compliance, and creativity. Thoughtful, strategic development responds to real consumer needs while respecting environmental and regulatory demands.” - Florence Roghe, Collateral Projects Founder

Product developers review sustainable packaging materials and ingredients, minimum order quantities and ingredient shelf life to prevent overproduction. Optimizing production quantities along with thoughtful batch sizes can help reduce environmental impact, by minimizing the chance of unnecessary waste from expired raw materials. 

Refillable packaging and upcycled ingredients are other examples of thinking about a product’s lifecycle beyond checkout, and creating a sustainable end-of-life. A product’s story continues after it leaves a store, including how it's handled and disposed of after use. 

Developers Connect Creativity with Technical Details

Innovation in beauty relies as much on technical execution as creative vision. Behind the scenes, products must be responsible, safe, efficient and economically viable. Thoughtful development, careful partner selection and attention to sustainability transform concepts into tangible, meaningful products for brands and consumers.