Indie skincare product brand JUNOCO recently introduced a unique and innovative system for more sustainable packaging using a proprietary interchangeable pod system. Most of today’s refillable cosmetic and beauty product packaging options are designed to fit unique product options and require a container for each product type, reducing carbon footprint reduction. Masu.
Instead, JUNOCO’s new system allowsIt comes in interchangeable pods, allowing users to use one reusable container that can accommodate a large number of products.” explained Kyle Jiang, JUNOCO Founder and CEO.
To learn more about the conceptualization, research and development, and launch process behind the new system, as well as how the launch challenges were resolved and consumer demand for the new system was determined, I We interviewed Jiang for his insights.
CDU: How did JUNOCO approach conceptualizing the refillable pod system design?
Kyle Jean (KJ): To reduce waste and encourage repeat purchases, many beauty brands are accelerating refillable product options due to this generation’s concern for more sustainable options. However, refill products currently available on the market have not resonated with customers due to several factors.
JUNOCO was founded to create innovative formulations while reducing the carbon footprint throughout the process. It is very difficult to find refillable options with high usage rates, as there are important inhibiting factors: hygiene, durability, and good user experience. But we always want to test every innovation that helps us become a zero-waste brand, and we believe that refills can have a positive impact on the beauty industry if done right.
CDU: How did the JUNOCO team approach the system challenges? What is the research and development process?
K.J.: Refills are usually provided for each individual product to fit in the container you purchased it from. Therefore, you will need to refill your facial cleanser container and face cream container. This solution only moderately reduces the packaging waste problem.
JUNOCO offers a unique and innovative solution in terms of performance and sustainability by creating an interchangeable refill pod system. This system allows the user to use one reusable container, which can accommodate many products, as it is provided in interchangeable pods.
The packaging took two years to develop, during which we conducted research and collaborated with several manufacturers to develop an interchangeable refill pod system that overcomes key barriers to refill success and adoption. .
The aesthetic inspiration for the bottle’s appearance was jade. That’s why the new cleansing balm is called Jade 10 Cleansing Balm. The surface texture has been carefully crafted to emulate the look and feel of smooth, polished jade, enhancing both the visual and tactile aspects of the product.
CDU: Can you walk us through the launch process for the interchangeable pod refill system?
K.J.: The launch process involved educating users about the sustainable benefits of using interchangeable refills, as well as addressing some concerns they may have had in the past with competitors’ refill systems. So migrating old packages to this new system was a top priority. These include hygiene, powdered milk quality, and convenience. Addressing all these concerns and making the system cost-effective for users, allowing them to develop more sustainable habits and continuously reuse their replaceable pod systems That is the goal.
On November 1, 2023, we officially launched the JUNOCO Refill Pod System with Jade Clean 10 Cleansing Balm and 0 Mark Body Butter on JUNOCO.com.
CDU: Was there? System development issues that needed to be resolved in advance launch? If so, what was the challenge and what was the solution? Has it been developed and implemented to solve them?
K.J.: The biggest challenge was creating a convenient solution for users to refill the pods and maintain hygiene. After testing over 50 prototypes with different locking/unlocking mechanisms and materials, the final design was completed with a durable yet user-friendly locking/unlocking mechanism.
Since the system must avoid hygiene issues, this locking and unlocking mechanism allows users to safely use and remove the pods without contaminating the jars. Refill pods also come with an identification label that can be attached to the reusable container. This container is constructed from highly elastic material specifically designed to withstand extensive use as a reusable unit.
CDU: How is consumer demand for devices like the JUNOCO system measured and evaluated?
K.J.: We used consumers to gauge demand for this new refill system. It started with a stream of emails and Instagram comments requesting refill options for one of our best-selling products, the Clean 10 Cleansing Balm, due to the high repurchase rate.
After finding that refills were in high demand, we considered user convenience and experience. We conducted several surveys and polls about consumer experiences with our competitors’ refills. After completing a list of what consumers wanted and didn’t want, they began designing an interchangeable refill pod system.
CDU: What about the JUNOCO system? What sets you apart from other refillable cosmetics and personal care product options?
K.J.: Some consumers avoid refillable products because they don’t like being limited to refilling a particular product. We’ve taken a different approach by giving our customers more choice when it comes to refills.
Making these product pods interchangeable allows for a more personalized experience by allowing consumers to use only one container and refill the products they use most based on their skin care needs. Become.
CDU: Do you have any future plans? What are the innovations and developments in this field?
K.J.: We will continue to launch additional refillable pods that are compatible with today’s containers. Within the next six months, he plans to launch four other products using the same refill jar and system: a body scrub, foot & hand mask, and others. Another refillable solution we are currently working on is our second best-selling product, Clarifying Cleansing Powder. I’m also really looking forward to this unique powder refill jar.
CDU: Is there anything else you would like to add?
K.J.: Our mission is to lead change towards a more earth-friendly future in beauty, while considering the user experience of our community. At JUNOCO, sustainability is always at the forefront, from our raw material sourcing to our minimal formulation to our approach to packaging. We aim to minimize waste as much as possible at each stage of the development process.
We’ve always used FSC certified paper and eco-friendly soy ink printing on our packaging, and we’re excited about the Refill Pod system. Refill pods are fully recyclable and each refill saves 78% of the plastic used in the complete original set.
