In contract manufacturing and private label partnerships, whether the process runs smoothly depends largely on how clearly the request is defined. A well-prepared technical specification ensures that both parties are describing the same product, reduces the need for revisions at the sampling stage and clarifies acceptance criteria for series production. In this article, we summarise the items a technical specification should cover and the sampling and approval process for domestic and international partners.
Why is a technical specification necessary?
Although format names, paper types and packaging styles are widely used in the rolling paper industry, these names alone do not fully define a product. The term “King Size Slim”, for example, can be interpreted differently if the dimensions and leaf count are not stated. The technical specification is the core document that removes such ambiguities and serves as the reference for the production, quality control and shipment stages.
Technical items to include in the specification
1. Booklet structure
The first decision point is whether the product will be an Interleaving Booklet or a Flat Booklet. This choice determines the production line, the cutting method and the cover dimensions.
2. Format and dimensions
The format name should always be stated together with the length × width in millimetres. NOVEX’s standard Interleaving formats are King Size Slim (108 × 44 mm), King Size Super Slim (108 × 36 mm), Regular (69 × 36 mm), King Size XL (107 × 53 mm) and 1¼ (75 × 44 mm).
3. Leaf count
The number of leaves per booklet is directly linked to cover thickness and packaging layout. In the standard formats, the King Size family is produced with 32 leaves and the Regular and 1¼ formats with 50 leaves.
4. Grammage and paper type
Grammage options start from 12 g/m²; requests for other grammages can be evaluated separately. The paper type should be specified as bleached (Classic White) or unbleached (Organic Brown).
5. Gum strip
The specification should state clearly whether the product will have a gum strip. NOVEX’s gummed products use natural gum arabic.
6. Packaging
Cover design, intermediate packaging (e.g. number of booklets per box), units per carton, carton dimensions and pallet layout should be defined in the specification. The format of print-ready artwork files, colour references and the mandatory information areas on the cover are clarified under this heading.
7. Legally required labelling
Health warnings, manufacturer and, where required, importer information, and coding and traceability elements required by the legislation in force in the target market should be built into the packaging design from the outset. It is important for the smooth running of the process that the partner confirms and shares the current requirements of the target market’s legislation.
8. Quantity and shipment
The estimated order quantity, shipment frequency and delivery terms are taken into account when determining production planning and the packaging layout. Any information required on shipping documents and carton labels can also be defined under this heading.
Summary checklist
- Booklet structure: Interleaving or Flat Booklet
- Format name and dimensions in millimetres
- Leaf count per booklet
- Grammage (g/m²)
- Paper type: bleached or unbleached
- Gum strip: yes or no
- Cover design, intermediate packaging, carton and pallet layout
- Target market and the packaging information legally required in that market
- Estimated quantity and shipment plan
Sampling and approval process
Once the specification has been clarified, a partnership generally proceeds through the following steps:
- Initial request: The partner submits a request containing product and target market information.
- Technical and regulatory assessment: The request is assessed against the technical capability of the production infrastructure and the applicable legislation.
- Finalising the specification: Where necessary, the specification is finalised with input from both parties.
- Sample production: A sample is prepared according to the agreed specification.
- Sample approval: The partner reviews the sample and approval is recorded in writing. If needed, revisions are made and the sample is reproduced.
- Series production planning: The approved sample and specification serve as the reference for series production and quality control.
The approved sample and specification are used as the primary acceptance criteria in checks carried out during series production and before shipment. It is therefore recommended that all technical and packaging details be confirmed in writing at the approval stage.
Assessment framework
NOVEX evaluates contract and private label manufacturing requests from domestic and international partners within the scope of technical capability and the legislation in force. The production facility is subject to permits under the relevant legislation, and each request is handled with due regard to the conditions this framework requires.
For detailed information on partnership models, see the Corporate Partnerships page; you can send your draft specification and questions via the Contact page.
Need technical information on this topic?
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