Defining the range
The first stage is deciding what you want to offer your customers. This includes considerations such as e-liquid type, flavours, nicotine strengths and product format.
Selecting the products
Rather than developing every formulation from the beginning, white label customers can select suitable options from the manufacturer's existing offering.
Developing the branding and packaging
The product needs to be presented as your brand. Labels, packaging and other brand elements can therefore form an important part of preparing the range for production.
Manufacturing
Once the product requirements and artwork have been agreed, the manufacturer can produce the e-liquid, fill the appropriate containers and prepare the finished products.
Preparing the range for supply
Following the required production and quality processes, the finished products can be supplied ready for the next stage of the customer's distribution or retail operation.
Why Do Businesses Use White Label E-liquid Manufacturing?
One of the biggest advantages of the white label model is that businesses don't need to create an e-liquid manufacturing operation simply to establish their own product range.
Specialist manufacturing requires facilities, equipment, processes and technical expertise. Working with an established manufacturer gives a brand access to existing production capabilities instead.
There are several other potential advantages.
A more straightforward route to market
Starting with established product options can reduce the amount of development required before production begins.
For a business that wants to build an e-liquid range without developing every formulation individually, this can provide a much more direct route from initial product selection to a finished branded range.
Access to manufacturing expertise
Producing e-liquid consistently involves more than combining ingredients and filling bottles.
An experienced manufacturer already has established production processes and quality controls in place. Businesses can therefore concentrate on developing their range and brand while manufacturing is handled by a specialist production partner.
Greater flexibility when building a range
An e-liquid brand will rarely consist of a single product.
Different flavours, nicotine strengths and e-liquid formats can all form part of the range. White label manufacturing allows businesses to consider the overall product selection without necessarily developing each formulation independently.
Your own brand
Although manufacturing is outsourced, the products are presented under the customer's branding.
That distinction is important. A business can create a recognisable product range and brand proposition without owning the facility in which the e-liquid itself is manufactured.
Is White Label The Same As Private Label?
The terms white label and private label are sometimes used interchangeably, and their precise meaning can differ between manufacturers.
Generally, white label manufacturing refers to selecting from established products or formulations that can be supplied under a customer's brand. Private label arrangements can sometimes involve a greater degree of product customisation.
There is also contract manufacturing, where the manufacturer may produce a product according to more specific requirements or an agreed formulation.
The right model therefore depends on how much control and customisation a business needs.
What Types Of E-liquid Can Be White Labelled?
The available options will depend on the manufacturer, but the e-liquid market includes several different product formats.
These can include freebase nicotine e-liquids, nicotine salts and shortfills, with different formats designed around different products and customer requirements.
The same applies to nicotine strengths and formulation. Rather than simply choosing the largest possible selection, brands should consider who the products are intended for and how the different options fit together as a range.
What Should You Look For In A White Label E-liquid Manufacturer?
Choosing a manufacturing partner shouldn't come down to flavour selection or price alone.
The manufacturer will be responsible for producing products that carry your brand, so its manufacturing standards and ability to support your requirements matter.
Some of the areas worth discussing include:
- Manufacturing and quality standards
- Product and formulation options
- Minimum order quantities
- Production capacity and lead times
- Flavour development capabilities
- Packaging and labelling support
- Quality control and batch consistency
- Experience with the markets in which the products will be sold
- The level of support available throughout the project
It is also worth thinking beyond the first order. If the range performs well, the manufacturer needs to be capable of supporting future production and potentially a growing product portfolio.
What About E-liquid Regulation and Compliance?
E-liquid is a regulated product, and the requirements that apply depend on the product itself and the market in which it will be supplied.
That makes compliance an important consideration from the beginning of a white label project rather than something to address once manufacturing is complete.
Businesses should understand the requirements relevant to their intended market and discuss them with prospective manufacturing partners before proceeding.
Is White Label E-liquid Manufacturing Right For Your Business?
White label manufacturing can be a good option when a business wants to launch or expand an e-liquid range while using the established capabilities of a specialist manufacturer.
It may be particularly relevant if you:
- Want to launch e-liquids under your own brand
- Don't operate your own manufacturing facility
- Want access to established formulations and flavours
- Need a manufacturer capable of producing a broader product range
- Want support with areas such as labels and packaging
- Are looking for a manufacturing partner that can support future growth
It won't be the right approach for every project. A business requiring a completely bespoke formulation or highly specific product may be better suited to a more customised development and manufacturing process.
The important first step is therefore deciding what you want to achieve with the range. From there, you can determine which manufacturing model provides the right balance of speed, flexibility and customisation.
White Label E-liquid Manufacturing With OLC
OLC manufactures e-liquid for businesses looking to develop and grow their own product ranges.
Our UK-based manufacturing capabilities are supported by ISO and HACCP accreditation, with services spanning white label production, bespoke product development, flavour development, packaging and label design.
Whether you're exploring your first e-liquid range or looking for a manufacturing partner to support an established brand, our team can discuss your product requirements and the most appropriate route to production.