ROLE OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Research & Development at Blowplast entails gathering knowledge to create new products along with discovering new ways to improve our existing plastic packaging and have cutting-edge technology. We invested in this department to help our plastic packaging customers meet their ever-increasing needs and demands. The plastic packaging industry is diverse, which makes it easier to understand how and where the company needs to change to improve overall performance.
The research & development committee is a multi-functional group that comprises the top management, sales, quality, production, and technical departments.

Why is the Research and Development department important at Blowplast?

Given the rapid advancement of technology and the dynamism of market products, R & D allows us to stay one step ahead of the competition. It helps us improve productivity, which in turn helps us increase margins, giving us a competitive advantage.
Before designing a new product, we engage our customers for any feedback, as well as advise them on the best design. We ensure to do testing on the new packaging so that it meets the required standards. Normally, we do line trial with customers. After the test has passed, we go ahead and do mass production. We also ensure to engage the customer throughout the testing journey and finally seek performance of the result.
During the testing process, we look for the following: impact test, thickness test, vacuum test, leak test, BCT for strength.

What is the Impact of R&D on the Business?

Quality- One of the most important contributions of research and development to quality assurance and control is assisting in resolving and troubleshooting quality issues.
Sales- Our sales department collects data, feedback, and reports from our customers, while research and development studies audiences and this helps in lowering costs and increasing customer retention. The two departments help measure the return on sales and return on investments.
Production- R & D department contributes to production by developing new designs that the production produces and also helps them to have a smooth run, reduce waste, and increase output. Apart from that, we help them troubleshoot to find solutions to any existing design and product issues.
Customers- While making new designs for our customers, the R & D is involved in foreseeing any design or manufacturing defects. We involve our customers throughout the journey from the development stage to testing and to having the final shelf product. Involving customers results in robust customer loyalty and retention, which generally increases the company’s performance.

Written by
Stephen Mwalili-Research and Development Officer
Angela Kaberia- Marketing Manager
Lilian Wahome- Marketing Intern