Zeaxanthin Softgel Manufacturer for Eye Health Brands

Our Guangdong plant runs multiple softgel lines with a combined output of 1.2 million capsules per day. Zeaxanthin fills are typically oil-based suspensions, so we use stainless steel tanks with nitrogen blanketing to limit oxidation. The encapsulation area is temperature and humidity controlled. For a 1,000-unit pilot run, we schedule a dedicated line slot so your batch is not mixed with other products.

We can produce oblong, oval or round softgels in sizes from 5 to 20 minims. Enteric coating is available if your formula needs delayed release. If you are also sourcing lutein or omega-3 softgels, we can run the same shell and fill specifications across SKUs, which reduces your tooling and artwork costs.

Zeaxanthin is usually supplied as a 5% or 10% oil suspension. We blend it with a carrier oil such as sunflower or MCT, then add antioxidants like mixed tocopherols to protect the carotenoid. The fill can include lutein, vitamin E, zinc or bilberry extract. We test the blend for uniformity before encapsulation, then verify fill weight every 30 minutes during the run.

Shell options include gelatin, fish gelatin and vegan HPMC. For halal certification, the shell and any excipients must be approved by the certifying body. We keep a list of pre-approved raw materials. If your formula uses a novel ingredient, we can run a small stability batch first to check compatibility with the shell.

Every zeaxanthin batch is tested for assay, fill weight, disintegration and microbial limits. We retain samples for 12 months. Our facility is GMP-certified and registered with the FDA for dietary supplements. We are not claiming FDA approval; that does not exist for dietary supplements. We provide a certificate of analysis, a batch record summary and a certificate of origin with each shipment.

For US and EU clients, we prepare documentation for customs and regulatory review, including allergen statements and heavy metal test results. Shipping from Guangdong takes 18–25 days to the US west coast and 22–30 days to EU ports. We can ship FOB or arrange door-to-door delivery through our freight partners.

Each zeaxanthin softgel batch enters a documented QC programme at three points: incoming raw material, in-process fill, and finished goods. We test the zeaxanthin raw material for identity by HPLC against a reference standard, potency, and carotenoid profile. Microbials, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury), and residual solvents are tested on the incoming lot and again on the finished softgel. Disintegration testing follows the pharmacopoeial method, with a specification of not more than 30 minutes in purified water at 37°C. Fill weight is checked every 30 minutes during encapsulation, with a tolerance of ±5% of target.

A certificate of analysis (COA) accompanies every batch. It lists the product name, lot number, manufacture and expiry dates, the tests performed, specification limits, results, and the analytical methods used. Potency is reported as mg zeaxanthin per softgel and as a percentage of label claim. Microbial results include total aerobic count, yeast and mould, E. coli, and Salmonella. Heavy metals are reported individually. The COA is signed by the QC manager and dated. We retain a sealed sample of every lot for 24 months after the expiry date, stored under labelled conditions, so a retained sample can be re-tested if a customer raises a stability or identity query.

Stability follows a formal protocol: accelerated conditions at 40°C/75% RH for six months, with testing at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months, and real-time conditions at 25°C/60% RH for the shelf life claimed on the label. Tests at each interval cover potency, appearance, disintegration, microbials, and peroxide value for the oil fill. We provide the stability summary in the technical file. Where a customer needs a specific shelf life, we can run a supportive stability study on the finished softgel in the proposed packaging before commercial production.

Zeaxanthin softgels can be packed in HDPE bottles from 30 to 180 count, blister packs of 10 to 30 per card, stick packs, or single-serve sachets. Bottles are induction-sealed and fitted with a child-resistant closure where the market requires it. For Amazon and retail, we apply the FNSKU barcode label and any required suffocation warning. Cartons are printed with lot number and expiry date in the format agreed at artwork approval. We hold artwork files and issue a PDF proof for sign-off before printing; no packaging run starts without a signed proof.

For the US market, the label must carry the statement of identity, net quantity of contents, supplement facts panel with the zeaxanthin amount per serving, other ingredients list, directions for use, and the manufacturer or distributor name and address. We can supply the supplement facts panel layout based on your formula and serving size, but the label content remains the brand owner's responsibility. Allergen declarations follow the destination market rules. Lot and expiry coding is applied by inkjet or laser, with a check that the code is legible and matches the batch record.

Carton specifications are agreed per SKU: typical dimensions are 300 x 200 x 150 mm for a 60-count bottle carton, with corrugated board grade B or C. Pallets are standard 1200 x 1000 mm or 1200 x 800 mm, stretch-wrapped, with a maximum load height of 1.8 m unless the customer specifies otherwise. We provide a packing list that states carton count, gross and net weight, and pallet configuration. For retail compliance, we can print the GS1 barcode and apply the FNSKU label, but we do not register the product with Amazon; that step stays with the brand owner.

Sample production for a zeaxanthin softgel runs in 7 to 10 working days from receipt of the signed formula and packaging specification. The sample is a small pilot batch, typically 500 to 1,000 softgels, and includes a COA. If the sample requires a new colour or flavour, add 3 to 5 working days for the matching trial. Mass production starts after written sample approval and runs for 20 to 35 working days, depending on the fill weight, packaging format, and whether the order falls in a peak period. We confirm the production window in the proforma invoice.

Delivery terms are EXW, FOB Shenzhen or Hong Kong, or DDP to the destination address. Air freight is used for samples and urgent orders, with transit of 3 to 7 days to the US or EU. Sea freight is used for full pallet orders, with transit of 25 to 40 days depending on the port. We provide the COA, material safety data sheet (MSDS), and a free-sale certificate on request. Where the destination requires a phytosanitary certificate for plant-derived ingredients, we arrange it through the local inspection authority. The commercial invoice and packing list are issued with the shipping documents.

For DDP shipments, we handle customs clearance and duty payment at destination, and the buyer receives the goods at the named address. For FOB, the buyer nominates the freight forwarder and we deliver to the port within the agreed cut-off. We do not book freight on the buyer's behalf under FOB terms. Lead times for repeat orders are shorter because the formula and artwork are already approved; a repeat order typically moves into production within 10 working days of purchase order and deposit.