Sachet & Travel-Size Baby Care: Film MOQ, Print Runs, and Unit Cost

When sourcing sachet or travel-size baby care products—such as baby lotion, wash, or diaper cream—buyers face challenges balancing film MOQ, print runs, and unit cost. This guide helps brand owners and sourcing managers plan purchases efficiently without compromising on compliance or packaging performance.

Understanding Film MOQ in Travel & Sachet Baby Care

Flexible film packaging dominates single-use formats because it seals product integrity while maintaining portability. However, the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for printed film is often the biggest cost driver.

• Typical MOQs: 300–500 kg of printed laminated film per design.
• Equivalent units: For a 10 mL sachet, that’s roughly 200,000–500,000 units.
• Co-printing option: Some converters allow multi-design optimization on a single run if artworks share size and substrate (confirm before final art release).

Ways to Manage Film MOQ

• Bundle multiple SKUs on one print run (same material structure, different graphics).
• Use digital or short-run flexo printing for market testing.
• Lock packaging dimensions early to avoid wasting film stock.

Print Runs and Lead Time Planning

Printing governs your total production lead time. Standard lead times in Asia and the EU for baby care sachets:

Tip: When testing fast-moving SKUs for baby care, digital printing is ideal. Switch to rotogravure for volume production once claims and pack copy are validated.

Estimating Unit Cost Drivers

Three variables mostly determine the landed cost per sachet or mini tube:

• Filling method: Automatic form-fill-seal vs. manual filling (auto lowers unit cost by 10–30%).
• Film structure: PET/PE or PET/ALU/PE multilayer film for creams; ensure barrier according to product pH and oil content.
• Batch size run: Combine 2–3 SKUs in one master batch to share setup costs.

Typical Reference Ranges (per sachet)

• Lotion or wash (8–10 mL): USD 0.08–0.15
• Thicker balm or cream (5 mL): USD 0.12–0.20

Risk Control for Mom & Baby Formulas

• Confirm migration tests and packaging compatibility—baby care formulations (high water or oil phases) can extract ink or lamination additives if films aren’t certified.
• Request microbiological stability and preservative challenge test results before pilot filling.
• Ensure all labels comply with your target market: INCI for EU, OTC guidance for US if applicable.

Recommended Buying Sequence

1. Finalize formula compatibility test with chosen laminate.
2. Get print artwork approved and cylinders/digital masters produced.
3. Order pilot run of film (minimum print MOQ).
4. Conduct filling line trial; adjust seal pressure and cut pattern.
5. Review retention samples and send for micro/stability verification before full-scale order.

Quick FAQ

1. What if my forecast doesn’t meet the film MOQ?

Opt for digital printing or work with a co-packer who aggregates baby care film demand across clients. This lowers deadstock and upfront cash exposure.

2. Can I use the same film for lotion and shampoo?

Not always. Shampoo with surfactants may delaminate weaker laminates. Always run a 3–4 week compatibility test.

3. Are sachet samples allowed before full MOQ commitment?

Yes. Most converters can supply 100–500 digitally printed mockups for testing texture, seal, and labeling compliance.

4. How much do printing cylinders cost?

Rotogravure cylinders are roughly USD 600–1,000 per color design. Plan artwork approval carefully to avoid remakes.

5. Do sachets need baby-safe certifications?

Yes, if labeled for baby use. Request film supplier’s food-contact or ISO 15378 certification plus migration test data on the finished pack.

To discuss MOQ optimization, film structures, or obtain sample sachets for testing, visit Request a Quote.

Hi, I'm Alex Zong, hope you like this blog post.

With more than 20 years of experience in OEM/ODM/Private Label Cosmetics, I'd love to share valuable knowledge related to cosmetics & skincare products from a top-tier Chinese supplier's perspective.