5 ways tape converters help brands create stick-to-skin fashion tape products

You don’t have to be a fashionista to know that the perfect outfit doesn’t happen by accident. There’s often a lot going on behind the scenes to create the right look. That’s why adhesive bras (boob tape), fashion tape and cosmetic tape products have become common not only for the fashion industry, but also for weddings, proms and everyday slaying. But just as it takes work to create the perfect ensemble, manufacturers of stick-to-skin fashion tape products know it’s equally difficult to create those products in the first place. Thankfully, that challenge becomes easier with the right tape converting partner. Here are five ways tape converters can use their connections, converting capabilities and engineering expertise to help brands create outstanding stick-to-skin fashion tape products.

1. Materials sourcing and on-time delivery

Spring and summer are right around the corner and manufacturers of fashion tape products know how important the wedding and prom seasons are for sales. Any delays in production — due to either operational inefficiency or supply chain issues — can cause brands to miss an entire season of sales. That’s why it’s so important for manufacturers to have partners they can depend on for reliable materials sourcing and timely delivery.

At The Tape Lab, we source our materials from a network of industry leaders to ensure we always have the raw materials necessary to convert stick-to-skin tapes and adhesives in a timely manner. We also have unique access to multiple 3M Preferred Converters, giving our clients unbeatable access to premium materials and tape products. With our strong connections to some of the biggest names in the industry, we are able to provide dependable on-time delivery so you can get products stocked in time for your busiest seasons.

2. Product development, engineering and design

Tape converters are experts in the science of pressure-sensitive adhesives and tape products. We can use our knowledge and experience to help you design and engineer stick-to-skin fashion tape products that meet strict requirements and ensure wearer comfort. We work in tandem with your design team and can offer guidance on materials selection and spot issues with product design before they impact production or performance. This helps streamline the entire product development process while reducing the burden on your internal teams.

If supply chain issues are causing persistent problems, we can even help you reformulate current products or design products to beat supply chain issues so your brand is less susceptible to disruption.

For more insights on creating successful stick-to-skin products, download our free ebook, Designing and Producing Wearable Stick-to-Skin Products.

3. Converting services streamline production

In addition to providing design expertise, a converter like The Tape Lab can also help streamline production using our full suite of converting services. We specialize in die cutting, laminating, sheeting, slitting, printing and more to make materials easier for your clients to apply, helping to ensure repeat customers. This helps speed production time and can improve cost efficiency throughout the production process.

4. Packaging and product fulfillment

As a full-service tape converter, The Tape Lab offers end-to-end assistance from product design all the way through packaging of finished products. We have the capabilities to take on small and large volume assembly, kitting and packaging to streamline the production process. Combined with our design and converting services, this creates a one-stop shop for brands that want a simple and efficient way to bring finished fashion tape products to market.

5. Fast, knowledgeable customer service

When product requirements or business needs change, you don’t want to be left on hold. A dedicated partner will be there to help troubleshoot problems and keep production on track with helpful and knowledgeable customer service. At The Tape Lab, you’ll be connected with an experienced designer who can help diagnose your issue and arrive at a solution quickly and efficiently. That kind of knowledgeable service can help reduce downtime, increase production efficiency and improve product performance.

The value of tape converters

The fashion industry moves quickly and styles are constantly changing. But one thing that doesn’t change is the value of reliable partnerships. By working with a trusted tape converter like The Tape Lab, you can become more agile, create better products and streamline your manufacturing process with expert engineering insights and tape converting services.

If you are looking to create better fashion tape products more efficiently, contact us today and we’ll show you how our tape converting services can bring exceptional value to your product development and manufacturing processes.

Transdermal patch development and converting 101

The science of skin has come a long way in recent years, and transdermal patches are now a widely popular delivery method for a host of cosmetic, therapeutic and pharmaceutical treatments. Having gained widespread acceptance among consumers, the market for stick-to-skin patches can be very lucrative. To speed the development process and avoid costly issues, here are some things to consider when embarking on transdermal patch development.

The market for transdermal patches

Whether you’re talking about B12 patches, melatonin patches or even delivery systems for manuka honey, transdermal patches are in high demand. Overall, the market for transdermal patches was estimated at around $17.6 billion in 2020. Projections show that growing to around $30.5 billion by 2026.

Many companies are looking at manufacturing CBD patches in particular because the CBD market alone is estimated at nearly $3.5 billion, with projections showing significant future growth. CBD sales are expected to reach roughly $13.4 billion by 2028.

However, taking advantage of the transdermal patch market is no easy feat. In 2019, the CEO of one pharmaceutical company estimated that “the cost of developing a novel molecule-patch combination is nearly $2 billion.” But that same CEO estimated “the cost of developing a generic transdermal patch is less than 5% of the cost of a novel patch.”

This is where a tape converting partner can provide significant value. Instead of reinventing the wheel and incurring all the associated costs, a converter can provide tried-and-true methods that speed product development and eliminate headaches in the process.

For tips on how to take stick-to-skin products from concept to commercial production, download our ebook, Designing and Producing Wearable Stick-to-Skin Products.

Converting services for transdermal patches

Transdermal patch development is almost always easier, faster and cheaper when done in partnership with a tape converting services company. That’s because an experienced tape converter that can both formulate custom adhesives for transdermal patches and has the capabilities to die cut and package your patches can assist at nearly every stage of the product development process — from prototyping to packaging.

An experienced converting partner can help you:

Design your transdermal patch

  • A knowledgeable converter can help you design a delivery system (i.e., matrix patch or pre-dosed patch) that can deliver the intended therapeutic through the adhesive layer.
  • Sizing of the patch and location on the body for the patch are paramount in the success of the product. An experienced tape converter who knows the transdermal and stick-to-skin market is essential for the success of your overall design.

Select the right type of pressure sensitive adhesive

Ensure consistency in the finished product

  • Consumers expect (and regulators demand) a consistent payload or dosage from transdermal patch products.
  • Reliable converting processes help ensure each patch delivers a consistent experience.

Choose materials for the carrier and liner layers

  • A converter with ties to major suppliers can help you source the premium materials you need to make products that stand out in the marketplace.
  • Extended tape liners make products easier to apply for consumers.
  • A converter with full packaging resources can be your full turnkey solution to launching and maintaining a consistent supply chain.

Cut materials to the desired shape

  • Whether you want squares, ovals or a butterfly shape, a converter with an array of die cutting, slitting and sheeting capabilities can create the ideal shape for your application.
  • A trusted partner can also help organize production to cut down on wasted material.

Maintain regulatory compliance

  • A converter that is ISO 13485 certified has proven they will adhere to strict guidelines to ensure quality control and help you avoid any regulatory issues.

Streamlining product development

Transdermal patch development is a complex process with a lot of hurdles to overcome before you can get products into the hands of your customers. That’s why the best go-to-market approach is often to seek out a converting partner that offers full service private labeling for every aspect of your patch. For example, The Tape Lab can formulate safe stick-to-skin adhesives, laminate materials to create the finished patch, die-cut patches to the appropriate size and even package products for patch manufacturers. This allows us to act as a one-stop shop for all your transdermal patch production needs. Consider partnering with a trusted converter early in the product development process so you can streamline manufacturing and achieve commercial production faster.

Are you looking to develop transdermal patches and expand your business? Contact The Tape Lab and put our knowledge and industry-leading capabilities to work for you.