Tag Archives: manufacturing

Reasons Why You Choose End-to-End Manufacturing

For brand owners and creatives, it can be hard to know where to start with developing a product range. Do you look at suppliers? The design and legislation needed for compliance? Or do you start with dreaming up flavour profiles? Many companies outsource various elements of their product production to different companies. Whether this is because they believe it will save them money or that it makes sense to use 'specialists', they have the wrong end of the stick.

End-to-end manufacturing, a service that Xyfil provides, helps to offer a seamless journey from concept to delivery. You may not be aware of the benefits you could be missing out on by choosing another E-Liquid or CBD manufacturer. Here are just some of the main benefits you could be enjoying with us at Xyfil.

What is end-to-end manufacturing?

End-to-end manufacturing is a comprehensive service that takes a product from concept to shelves. It means the entire production process is managed in one place, which can save time and money for brands who choose it. At Xyfil we go the extra mile to offer end-to-end manufacturing for E-Liquid and CBD products, covering services such as: formulating raw materials, creating artwork, labelling and compliance testing.

The Key benefits of end-to-end manufacturing

There are many benefits to choosing end-to-end manufacturing, especially in the CBD and Vape industries which are fast-paced environments. This type of manufacturing allows for versatile products to hit shelves quicker and keep up to date with any changes.

Cost effectivity

In comparison to working with multiple suppliers, end-to-end manufacturing will always be a more cost-effective way of producing products. All the costs for production are handled by Xyfil and we guarantee that our prices are competitive and fair. This can take away any confusion or questions you may have about pricing from various sources. By cutting the costs of shipping and moving your products throughout the production process, we do all the heavy lifting - this is also great for lowering the carbon footprint!

Speed

When you use end-to-end manufacturing you benefit from a manufacturer that has all the necessary machinery, equipment and supply chains you will need. This saves you time as well as money in sourcing the necessary tools and services for each step of the way.

Reduced Error Rate

By choosing end-to-end manufacturing there is less chance that errors will creep in. Working with multiple suppliers can lead to mistakes being made through communication issues or the product not meeting its desired standard. Xyfil has a team of experts who provide quality control checks throughout the entire process which ensures that all products meet the correct requirements and are of the highest quality.

Scalable & increased output

Having all the resources in one place allows us to quickly assess and scale up production if needed. End-to-end manufacturing can help increase output which is great for brands that are looking to expand their range or meet customer demand.

Provides a personal service

At Xyfil, we pride ourselves on providing personal service for each of our customers. We offer individual consultations to discuss your product needs and develop the perfect formulation that is tailored to you.

Transparency

By using an end-to-end manufacturing service, you can rest assured that you have complete transparency throughout the entire process. We fully understand how important it is for our customers to track their products from concept to completion, and we make sure all this information is freely available. Alongside our commitment to transparency and good practices, we have established traceability systems to ensure products are of high quality and avoid unwanted issues.

Start reaping the benefits of end-to-end manufacturing with Xyfil

We at Xyfil are passionate about providing a service that is tailored to our customers. We understand that it can be difficult for businesses to know what steps they need in order to get their product into the market and our end-to-end manufacturing process offers brands a transparent, efficient and cost-effective way of producing products with confidence. Contact us today to start reaping the benefits of end-to-end manufacturing with Xyfil.

UK Manufacturing: Current Pains but Growth Likely

The UK's manufacturing industry has experienced a tumultuous past few years due to the pandemic. While the latest quarterly surveys on the state of the sector predict shrinkage in 2023, there are some signs of growth returning. In this article we will look at how the pandemic changed manufacturing, the continued pains felt after, and where growth may be returning.

How the pandemic changed manufacturing

The pandemic has brought about many changes to the UK's manufacturing industry, with supply chain issues being one of the most heavily felt. The disruption caused by the coronavirus led to significant delays in goods and products arriving at their final destinations as companies scrambled to find new suppliers and logistics routes. This, combined with the increased costs associated with finding new suppliers, has had an impact on the industry.

At the same time, however, there was an increase in demand for certain sectors due to lockdowns and changing consumer habits. For example, E-Liquid manufacturers UK saw a spike in interest as consumers moved more of their purchases online. This shift in sales channels, coupled with the increase in demand for E-Liquids and other vaping products, created an interesting opportunity for growth in a sector that was previously largely overlooked.

The continued pains felt after

Despite some positive signs of growth returning to the industry, there are still several issues that manufacturers face. Supply chain issues remain despite attempts by companies to find new suppliers and logistics routes. Additionally, increased costs due to rising inflation and other global issues have made it difficult for firms to remain competitive in their price points. This has resulted in many companies cutting back on production or halting certain product lines entirely, no doubt resulting in some reduction of jobs and economic activity within the industry.

Growth beginning to return

Despite these issues, the growth of the UK manufacturing industry is beginning to return. The latest quarterly surveys on the state of the sector suggest that while there may be a contraction in 2023, it is an improvement on previous predictions. Additionally, some sectors such as E-Liquid manufacturing are continuing to see steady growth.

We have seen this growth first-hand with a rise in brands looking to work with us in bringing their products to the E-Liquid market. This increased interest in the sector has allowed us to expand our production capacity, during and after the pandemic and offer a whole range of services to brands who are looking for a reliable partner. For example, our shift during the pandemic, to producing and bottling hand sanitising products to help meet the high demand for personal protective equipment products.

To wrap things up

In conclusion, while the UK manufacturing industry is still facing many issues as a result of the pandemic, there are some signs of growth returning. The latest surveys on the state of the sector suggest that things are on the mend, and some sectors more than others, are experiencing extra growth. With continued support from the government and a focus on innovation, the UK's manufacturing industry can look forward to brighter days ahead.

Mental Health Awareness Week in the Workplace 2023

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 is a crucial time for employers to take action and ensure their employees’ mental well-being. Mental health in the workplace impacts productivity, job satisfaction, and employee engagement—all of which can have a significant effect on an organization’s success. It is important that employers understand the definition of mental health in the workplace, and how to address some of the most common issues such as anxiety and depression.

Understanding the benefits of supporting mental health in the workplace is equally important for employers. This can help create an environment that promotes mental well-being and provides employees with the tools and resources needed to stay healthy.

Definition of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health in the workplace refers to an employee’s psychological well-being, specifically their ability to effectively manage their thoughts and emotions while at work. It is important that employers foster an environment where employees feel supported and able to reach their full potential. When this need isn’t met, the health and mental health of your workers can suffer, and you may notice the workplace begin to suffer. Absenteeism, recurring errors, and employees quitting – all are warning signs that employers should look out for.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in the Workplace

Anxiety and depression are some of the most common mental health issues that can arise in the workplace. Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, low energy levels, poor motivation, changes in eating habits, restlessness or sleeping difficulties, social withdrawal, and feelings of hopelessness.

It is important that employers recognize these symptoms in their employees and provide support when it is needed. If an employee seems to be underperforming or struggling to meet deadlines, this could be a sign of mental health issues. It is important that employers take the time to talk with their employees and understand what is going on in order to provide the necessary support.

Benefits of Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

It is essential that employers take proactive steps to create an environment where employees feel safe and supported. By doing so, employers can see many benefits, including improved job satisfaction and productivity, decreased absenteeism, reduced employee turnover, increased engagement and collaboration among employees, and an overall positive workplace culture.

Strategies for Supporting Employees’ Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 is an opportunity for employers to recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace and take action. Employers should create an environment that is supportive of their employee’s mental well-being and provide them with the tools and resources necessary to stay mentally healthy. This will not only lead to improved job satisfaction and productivity, but it will also improve the overall culture of an organization.

There are a number of strategies employers can use to support their employees’ mental health. These include:

  • providing regular check-ins with staff
  • creating an open and supportive environment
  • offering mental health resources and workshops
  • implementing flexible hours
  • encouraging employees to take regular breaks

Employers can also help by ensuring that well-being is integrated into the work culture. This means putting a strong focus on mental health and well-being, encouraging staff to take breaks away from their desks, and providing support in the form of resources and tools. Additionally, employers should ensure that employees are aware of the mental health services available to them both inside and outside of the workplace.

How Xyfil tackles mental health in the workplace

At Xyfil, we take mental health in the workplace seriously. We provide our employees with the tools and resources they need to stay mentally healthy. These include check-ins with staff members, open and supportive environments where employees feel comfortable asking for help, mental health resources, flexibility with hours, and encouraging employees to take regular breaks.

Our goal is to ensure that our employees have the resources and support they need to stay mentally healthy and be successful in their roles. We believe that by doing so, we can create an environment where employees feel safe and supported, leading to improved job satisfaction and productivity.

In conclusion, Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 provides employers with an opportunity to recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace and take action. Employers should create a supportive environment for their employees and provide them with the resources needed to stay mentally healthy.

Taking these steps will lead to improved job satisfaction, employee engagement, productivity, and organizational culture. In doing so, employers can create a healthier workplace and ensure their staff’s mental well-being.

By taking the time to care for their employees, employers can reap the many benefits of supporting mental health in the workplace.

If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety, please reach out for help. There is no shame in asking for help - your mental health matters. Visit the Mental Health Foundation website or contact your local GP to get advice and support.

Creating a Cost-Effective E-Liquid Brand for 2023

A lot has happened over the last couple of years between Brexit, the pandemic and of course the ongoing turmoil that has led to sky-rocketing prices. It’s not surprising that brands are considering looking at ways to cut their costs, but is it worth it? Brand owners should look at it holistically without compromising product quality. Read more about becoming more cost-effective in our latest article.

What’s driving the desire to be more cost-effective?

Overseas brands bringing cheaper E-Liquids

It began with the influx of Chinese-manufactured disposable devices taking the UK by storm. At the time this didn’t worry E-Liquid brands as much but now there’s a growing shift towards E-Liquids once more, these same overseas brands are now beginning to import E-Liquids, not just disposables. Manufactured in China, these E-Liquids often are cheaper in price to produce.

Unfortunately, this opens the possibility for some products of questionable quality and unregulated E-Liquids, to arrive in UK markets. British-manufactured E-Liquids, like those manufactured by Xyfil, understand the importance of quality and follow GMP and ISO guidelines to ensure this quality is passed onto the products we produce.

Inflation across the market

Another influence on the cost and pricing of products has of course been inflation. Across the globe, countries are feeling the sting of inflated prices. In the UK, it was recorded at 11.1% in October, rising at the fastest pace in 40 years.

The UK’s cost of living crisis

This has also led to the cost-of-living crisis as inflation impacts the pricing of consumer products. With the rising costs of essentials, some items are becoming more of a luxury than some can afford. Because of this, consumers are looking to cut costs and spend less.

Is it possible to create a cost-effective brand?

Quality vs Cost

Making cuts to your brand to help lower costs can impact on the quality of your products. Sourcing alternative ingredients that are lower in quality or manufacturing overseas, can negatively impact your product and your brand overall. Studies have shown that consumers can tell the difference between brands that are shrinking or ‘skimping’ on their products due to inflation. The last thing you want for your brand is to lose the confidence of your consumers.

Cutting back and trimming down

That’s not to say there aren’t ways of trimming down that don’t impact on your quality. Some brands have already started looking at ways to remove unneeded packaging in an effort to cut prices. Removing the need for cardboard boxes would help remove part of the cost of E-Liquids, however, the need to adhere to regulations and provide warnings would need to still be fulfilled.

There are many options which would be great from a sustainability standpoint but do not necessarily equate to cutting costs. New technologies like linerless labels help to improve efficiency and lower costs, but the technology itself requires an initial cost.

Simplicity vs complexity

E-Liquid flavours can quickly tot up the costs when creating a new product range. The more complex a flavour, the more ingredients are used to create that exact flavour. Keeping things simple might not make you stand out in a crowd, but it helps to keep the price down.

Getting creative with limits

Often, a prestigious brand looks the way it does because of the finishes and special touches added to the product packaging. But creative brands can certainly make use of the ‘less is more' approach and create eye-catching designs with simpler finishes. Setting a limit on the number of finishes and seeing what your designers can create will open more room for creativity.

Planning is key to managing costs

Leading on from this, it’s important to establish your plan brief with your manufacturer, and not just at the initial point of conception. Actively planning the details of your product from flavour to ratio to bottle size, to design and even how you wish to market it, can help tailor it to a more cost-effective product. Be honest and upfront with your brief to see exactly what your budget can achieve.

The pros of white label manufacturing

An option available for brands looking to create cost-effective products is white-label manufacturing. By selecting already pre-registered products to rebrand under your logo, not only do you save on compliance costs but benefit from high-quality products that are tried, tested, and approved.

Why you shouldn’t compromise products to cut costs

The Good-Better-Best (G-B-B) pricing approach

It’s a concept that many businesses have yet to touch on but those that have, see surprising benefits. What is G-B-B? The Good-Better-Best pricing approach is an option for businesses in which their product offering and pricing are tiered. This is often seen in the forms of products with 'regular', 'plus', and 'super' versions. This could be gadgets, subscriptions, consumables and more.

So perhaps the discussion shouldn’t be how you can make your brand cost-effective, but how your brand could make a cost-effective product part of your range.

Cost-effective vs Cost efficiency

It may sound the same, but they differ and can make a big difference in your products. Being cost-effective is predominantly about getting the task done adequately; in a way, you can think of this as the bare minimum to create your desired product. Being cost-efficient however is getting the job done the right way with the least amount of waste and optimising your available resources.

In terms of E-Liquids, the most cost-effective way to create a budget-friendly brand would be to establish a new product offering that focuses on simplicity and meeting consumers’ needs. Rather than complex designs across the packaging, garner more interest with simple designs and a finish that is eye-catching. Source locally and don’t compromise on product quality to ensure you don’t harm your brand’s reputation.

Choosing to be cost-effective is a sure way to end up compromising your products and your brand. But aiming to become cost-efficient may see some initial cost but is more likely to provide longer-returning benefits.

Important CBD Statistics for CBD Brands to Know

Keeping in the know is but one of the ways to get ahead of the competition, and CBD is no different. The CBD market is one that is hotly contested with similar products often competing in the same space. Making your products stand out and tailoring your products to the needs of your market, are key to creating a popular brand.

Here are some important CBD statistics that may help you make an informed decision when deciding on your next CBD product range. Or, if you have yet to hit the CBD market, these stats may soon incite your enthusiasm for developing your own CBD brand.

CBD statistics for the UK

  • In May 2021, it was estimated that the UK CBD industry would generate £690 million in annual sales for 2021. This was up from the previous estimation in 2019 which estimated it would reach £526 million in 2021.
  • It is currently estimated that the UK CBD industry is valued at £700 million.
  • The UK is the 2nd largest CBD market in the world, with the US leading the charge.
  • Between 8 and 11% of UK adults have tried CBD
  • The highest age group of users was 25- to 29-year-olds at 15%
  • CBD usage is higher among women
  • Users of CBD typically report using it for better well-being, sleep, pain management and anxiety.
  • 54% better health & well-being, 54% sleep, 42% pain, and 38% anxiety.
  • 24% of all adults prefer to manage their mental health holistically with methods like CBD
  • 50% of millennials would prefer to use CBD oil over anti-depressant
  • UK market growth from 2018 to 2019 was up to 6 times greater than expected - £300 million compared to the forecasted £100 million.
  • British CBD users spend approximately £25 per month on CBD products
  • Consumers prefer to buy CBD online

CBD statistics in the US

  • 26% of Americans are using CBD in 2022
  • 64% of these use CBD for pain
  • 21% of men and 16% of women have tried CBD
  • 50% of pet owners use CBD for their pets
  • 40% of users used CBD for pain, 20% for anxiety and 11% for sleep
  • CBD consumers are an average age of 40
  • 44% of CBD users spend between $20 and $80 a month on CBD products
  • Non-users open to trying CBD said price (25%), lack of studies (18%) and distrust in claims (14%) were the biggest barriers to usage.

Important CBD statistics to ensure reputability

Only 34% of CBD products tested from a UK sample were correctly labelled. It was found from testing 29 CBD products that 10 of them had less than 50% of the advertised CBD content and one product even had 0% of CBD.

Similarly, 55% tested levels of THC above the allowed threshold for UK CBD products, which therefore meant these products were in fact illegal.

It’s become a worrying problem in the CBD market, not just for the UK, as these products reflect negatively on the market. Responsible brands should strive to ensure their products are safe and regulatory. Testing samples of products before they go to market can help reduce any potential discrepancies and cement your brand as a trustworthy and reputable addition to the market.

At Xyfil, all of our CBD products go through strict laboratory testing to ensure that they adhere to regulatory standards. This also means reaffirming the quantity of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids. Our CBD is sourced from organically grown, certified hemp farms in Colorado, US. This helps to create a premium basis for our CBD products which then go through extraction and further testing to remove any potential contaminants.

With a range of CBD products that we can cater for, we can tailor towards the regulations for the country you wish to sell in. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

New Progressive Vaping Laws in the Philippines Welcomed

Vaping regulations change each year and differ around the globe. Some countries offer much tighter restrictions than others, and some regulations change to the detriment of vapers. However, the recent moves from the Philippines government have been welcomed by vaping activists.

Earlier in the year, legislation was proposed to make changes to the vaping laws in the country, and as of July 25, the bill became law.

What is the updated law for vaping now?

The most important takeaway from the updated law is that it legitimizes the use of vapes as a means for quitting smoking. This helps put the Philippines in line with most of Europe, setting them apart as one of the very few Asian countries to have reasonable vaping regulations.

The new laws allow for nicotine strengths of up to 65mg/ml (6.5%) and lowers the legal age of purchase from 21 to 18. These of course offer great benefits for customers who feel the need for higher strengths and help introduce aid for smokers aged 18-21.

In the Philippines, the legal age for buying cigarettes had always been 18 meaning that until this legislation changed, young smokers had at least 3 years of smoking before being able to legally purchase vapes. The hope is therefore that these changes will help 16 million smokers in the country, including the youngest adult smokers.

These changes also include restrictions on where vaping products can be sold and penalties for stores and online retailers for selling to minors. In a move similar to the UK and Europe, they have also restricted advertising with social media influencers and celebrities.

Another slight change to the laws revolves around flavours. Although the law does not ban flavours outright (a ban on flavours other than menthol and tobacco already exists), it prohibits labels and advertising that use flavour descriptors that may appeal to minors. This includes wording such as those relating to fruit, candy, desserts or cartoon characters.

One of the biggest changes is the change in the authority of who manages vaping. Rather than the FDA, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will have control over the regulations on vaping and heated tobacco products.

The politics behind the changes

At the time of the bill first being introduced, there were some parties who disagreed with the proposed changes including the Philippines Department of Health. However, the FDA had previously angered many after it was revealed that American billionaire Michael Bloomberg attempted to influence Philippines policies with money sent to anti-vaping groups.

The bill was also under review at the same time as the presidency began to change hands, suggesting that possibly it flew under the radar.

Here's hoping that the Philippines continue to trial the new regulations and allow time for them to work, without bending under opposition that aims to oppress vaping as a quit-smoking tool.

The impact of the law changes on manufacturers and brands

As part of the improved regulations, the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging and distribution have also been overhauled. These have been brought in line with internationally accepted standards. But there are still some regulations that brands need to be aware of if they wish to take their products to the Philippines.

For one, the flavour ban restricts vape products to menthol and tobacco flavours only. These also cannot be labelled with fruity/candy/dessert names. Therefore, brands should be careful of product labels, flavour names and flavour descriptions.

Although some tobacco flavours may have naturally fruity tones, they should not be used as a descriptor. With the change of the legal vaping age from 21 to 18, age restriction labels on products will also require updating.

How Xyfil can help E-Liquid brands as a Toll Manufacturer

We pride ourselves in being able to help you through any and every step of the process, from concept to shelf. Whether you’re new to the business and want to take your first steps into creating an E-Liquid brand, looking for an E-Liquid manufacturer in the UK to develop your products, or have an existing product that needs some re-work. We’re here to help.

Our services cover all aspects of manufacturing, including white label and OEM, and compliance. We offer expert teams who can develop unique flavours, manufacture and produce your E-Liquids, bottle and label your products, and even offer a creative studio that can develop/update packaging, labels, logos and POS.

As a leading E-Liquid manufacturer in the UK, Xyfil has the trust of the many brands we have already helped take to market in the UK, EU and overseas. Get in contact with us today to see how we can help you.

Malaysia Vape Tax to Hit E-Liquid Hard

The Malaysian tax on nicotine E-Liquid

Last year, the Malaysian government decided that vaping needed to become more regulated due to its increasing popularity. Along with the sudden Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill approved July 13, 2022, that bans the sale of vape products to those born after 2005, they are going ahead with their planned tax increase on nicotine-containing products including nicotine-free E-Liquids. Originally the new taxation on E-Liquids was due to take effect on January 1st 2022 but was delayed due to complaints from consumers and the vaping industry.

The plans would see the price of vaping products triple their current prices.

Currently vaping products that contain nicotine are not legally allowed for sale in Malaysia. At first vapers rejoiced at hearing the government’s plans to legalise and regulate vaping, however, the cost may be too great. The current tax rate on nicotine-free products is RM 0.40, but with the tax hike, it will go up to 1.20 RM per millilitre. That’s around an extra $17 on a 60ml bottle of E-Liquid.

How popular is vaping in Malaysia?

Originally, vaping was seen as a niche market in Malaysia however since then there are approximately 1.12 million vapers in Malaysia and is touted to continue to grow. 94% of these were previous smokers, a number that should be celebrated considering the reduction in harm by swapping to vaping. Not only this but there are more than 3,300 businesses related to the vaping industry, and so feeding the growth is likely to grow the economy and potentially invite foreign direct investment (FDI). Data collected in 2021 suggested that 80% of Malaysian people are in favour of regulations being introduced for vape products.

However, all of these great things can be hindered by the wrong sort of regulations.

Problems with the proposed vape tax going forward

One of the problems with this tax hike on vaping products means that incredibly, E-Liquids will become more expensive than cigarettes. Considering that vaping is generally agreed on being much less harmful than smoking, the fact that vaping products will be taxed harsher than cigarettes has many rightly concerned.

Similarly, there are worries that because of the sharp increase in price that manufacturers and retailers will have to make decisions on, put these legal products at odds with the much cheaper, black market products. Due to the legal state of nicotine-containing products in Malaysia, a black market has arisen to cater for the needs of vapers who want these products. With the increase in prices of vaping products which will see them become more of a luxury item, those using vaping to quit smoking could possibly quit vaping and re-take up smoking or purchase the much cheaper black market options. Neither are ideal.

This is not to say that regulations are a bad thing, on the contrary, we’ve seen that regulations can be beneficial. They help to establish a safe vaping market with products that are intended to help reduce harm. As seen by us here in the UK, our vaping regulations are some of the strictest in the world and yet it has allowed the vaping industry here to flourish.

In the case of the Malaysian government, an open conversation needs to be had between the governing bodies and representatives from the industry. Establishing regulations is ideal but ensuring that those regulations are fair and just, is a must to avoid creating more harm than good.

What do you think, should Malaysia opt for similar regulations to that in the UK?

E-Liquid Case Study: The Evolution of Big Tasty

Big Tasty – Big bottles, big flavour, bigger experience.

Designed with big flavours at its heart, Big Tasty has been carefully designed by renowned flavour artists to inspire and delight. With concoctions derived from countries both exotic and rural, take a trip with Big Tasty in a swirl of flavours.

A brand of shortfills, there is a true focus on flavours with these nicotine-free E-Liquids.

The Juiced range focuses on fruity tastes with fruit combinations both juicy and refreshing.

The Blast range delivers delightful icy tones to new fruity mixes that are a cool treat to enjoy.

The Exotic range delivers truly exquisite tastes with exotic flavour blends inspired by sunny shores, paradise islands and places of wonder.

Each range prides itself on delivering authentic flavours and with each inhale you can enjoy a variety of tastes from start to exhale and aftertaste.

Where Big Tasty first began

From the get-go, Big Tasty, a brand exclusively manufactured and produced by us here at Xyfil, was to be a brand of shortfills that focuses on creating unique and inspired flavours. And it certainly has achieved that with the expansive ranges of flavours that continue to prove popular.

If you saw the original Big Tasty packaging however you would be surprised to see that it has since changed. Originally, Big Tasty bottles were wrapped in a metallic label with bright colours and large images of fruit along with a script-style logo. This design was very in-keeping with the popular launches of its time but as time wore on and the market began to change, we re-launched Big Tasty with a whole new look.

A fresh new look and feel

Simplicity and contemporary designs make up the basis of Big Tasty’s new designs. With clean, white designs offset by a modern take on showcasing flavours with geometric shapes to reflect the flavours. These geometric designs are cleverly designed to showcase the fruits in shape and colour, in a simple but pleasing way that almost makes the design a puzzle to be deciphered. Not only this but the logo was redesigned to reflect the principle of the brand, highlighting ‘BIG’ as the focus for the products. Big in flavour and big in size.

Our first iterations showcased a smaller logo atop the product label and packaging, but this was then changed to make the logo slightly larger and more noticeable. Overall, it helped the brand take on a much cleaner, modern look that appeals to mature audiences.

The latest addition to Big Tasty was the newest range, Candy Rush. These flavours combine all things sweet and sour. With tastes inspired by many classic candies and sweets, get transported back to days gone by with each inhale.

How Xyfil can help you manufacture the next best shortfill brand

As one of the leading UK E-Liquid, CBD and personal care manufacturers, we support brands worldwide as they develop. We provide end-to-end white label manufacturing services, helping you develop your brand at every stage from flavour development to the design and production of your liquids. We offer TPD E-liquid compliance, regulatory compliance and E-Liquid analysis so that you can have confidence in the quality and safety of your products.

If you think your brand is due a refresh or re-launch to incite new interest, then Xyfil can help you. We pride ourselves on being able to help you no matter what stage you are at, whether it’s launching a new range, updating existing products or even if you’re just looking for advice. Get in contact with us today to find out how we can help you.

German Tobacco Tax Impacts E-Liquids Per ml

Back in 2011, the German Bundestag made a sudden amendment to the Tobacco Tax Act in an effort to modernise it. This resulted in an increase in tax for tobacco-containing products. But as of the 1st of July 2022, E-Cigarettes and E-Liquids, even those that do not contain nicotine, will also be subject to tobacco taxation.

The reform of the Tobacco Tax Act

On the 11th of June 2021, the German Bundestag made amendments to their Tobacco Tax Act with the Tobacco Tax Modernisation Act (TabStMoG). Originally it had been put forward that April but after various meetings, the Finance Committee further tightened the planned changes. The changes were aimed at increasing the tobacco tax for conventional cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and fine-cut tobacco, as well as heated tobacco and water pipe tobacco.

All of this, of course, is in aid of trying to meet the EU's demand for becoming smoke-free. Therefore, as of 2022, smokers will have to pay more rising to 10 cents per pack, with a further 10 cents being added each year until 2025 and 2026 when it will increase to 15 cents per pack.

The new update to include E-Cigarettes & nicotine-free products

The new changes also dictated the future of E-Cigarettes in Germany. At the time of the amendments, it was mentioned that E-Cigarettes and nicotine-free products would be included in the future. And as of 1st July 2022, these will now constitute as a taxable item.

These changes have resulted due to an assumption by the German government, that vaping products are equally as harmful to health as tobacco products. Despite the expert advice and countless pieces of evidence that suggest the opposite, they hope this new tax will reduce the usage of vaping devices.

Taxation is calculated on a millilitre basis based on the volume of the substance. Products with high ml counts such as shortfills are likely to become much more expensive. As of July 2022, the tax rate is 16 cents per millilitre, which will then rise to 32 cents per millilitre from 2026.

Possible consequences of the taxation

It’s no surprise that these changes are going to impact businesses and consumers. Wildly criticised for its demonising approach to vaping, there are obvious concerns that it may drive fewer people to quit smoking. There's also the possibility it may push consumers to purchase cheaper products from other places in the EU. Even more questionably, the inclusion of nicotine-free products in this agenda means that shortfills no longer are likely to be a popular choice for vapers looking to get more for their money.

For businesses, investing in smaller bottle sizes is more likely to become the go-to in an effort to keep prices low for consumers. Rather than the typical 10ml bottles, smaller sizes like 5ml are likely to become more popular. The new taxation is likely to impact the pricing of products which quickly becomes a battle of profit vs sellability. Will consumers pay a higher price point for the products they enjoy? Especially if they can buy them elsewhere, cheaper.

Helping businesses establish updated product ranges to suit market changes and regulations is a speciality of Xyfil. We constantly keep up to date on the latest from the vaping industry to ensure that we can cater to global needs.

Here at Xyfil, we offer a wide variety of E-Liquid types and sizes including small bottle concentrates. Already we are working with brands who wish to keep their products in Germany, to update their products and packaging to reflect the new regulations. If you want to take your E-Liquid products to Germany, get in contact with us today.

How We Help You Develop Your Flavours – Flavour Development

One of the vital aspects of product development and E-Liquid manufacture is of course the flavours. Flavours are what set E-Liquids truly apart and secure brand loyalty with flavours that are well-received and well-loved by users. Of course, the vaping industry is full of products with similar flavours which can make it hard to get your products to stand out. That’s where we step in.

Suleman Umar, Product Developer Manager

“We are here to support your brand every step of the way. No matter what your product is or what services you require from us, I’ll be your first point of call in helping develop your products to the specifications you need.”

As a product development manager, I’m involved in most aspects of product creation. From market research, development, compliance, budget control, flavour creation, and working alongside our creative studio to get the perfect look that symbolises what the products are – I’m there the entire way.

Having in-depth knowledge of compliance within the industry, across various countries, helps accelerate the development of flavours that are guaranteed to be approved by consumers and respective authorities. Not only that, but I work exclusively with many of our clients to produce their award-winning brands, develop new flavours never-seen-before and provide insights into the industry.

What does the Flavour Development Department do?

The journey always begins with a customer brief handed to us by the sales team. This usually relays all the necessary information from a customer that they’re looking to receive from us, be it flavour profiles, certain ingredients, overall theme etc. We then create a checklist to go through for flavour development – is the flavour intended to be candy sweet or subtly sweet? Is the flavour complex or simple? Is it a combination of flavours?

This process itself can be lengthy as we must first develop the flavour, especially if it’s a new or a unique variation – this is often the most challenging and rewarding type of flavours to create. Once we’ve put together the flavour it must then be tested with the customer, and this can go back and forth a few times until the perfect flavour is made. Even the slightest adjustment can mean a lot in terms of flavour – if it’s not quite got that fruity sweet flavour the customer imagined then we work on it some more to ensure it does.

We specialise in providing what the customer wants and need. Every flavour we create will be somewhat unique to them; a specific flavour profile that won’t be available elsewhere. Even with common flavours like fruits or menthol, we like to ensure that your flavours stand out from the crowd. And with over 2000 flavours already created, there’s still a lot of room for variety.

What does the Flavour Development department have to offer?

Here at Xyfil, we offer a truly unique, customer-focused service that puts the customer at the forefront of every decision. No matter which department you are dealing with, including Flavour Development and R&D, our goal is to make sure that you get exactly what you need. I love tinkering with flavours so when customers come forward with requests for unusual flavours, I’m more than happy to get working on them. No flavour is too strange and making each flavour unique to a brand is crucial.

You can always expect communication with us as we are very hands-on with helping our customers. There’s a reason why our customers develop with us and keep coming back, and it’s our guarantee to provide customers with exactly what they want. Whether it’s white label manufactured E-Liquids and CBD, or OEM, we aim to provide any service a customer may need when looking to take a product to market. The Flavour Development team is here to help you create unique flavours and, combined with our other departments, help you develop products that fly off the shelves.