How To Begin A Lucrative Toothpaste Production Business In Nigeria: The Simplified Process:
Toothpaste is one of the most basic daily essentials for proper oral hygiene. It contains water, abrasives (such as calcium carbonate, silicas, zeolites, etc.), fluoride and other cleaning agents, which combine to combat dental problems, including gum diseases, halitosis, cavities, plaque, etc. The toothpaste market is a highly saturated market, with a majority of the share held by Colgate, Unilever, Procter & Gamble and a few others. The toothpaste production sector has witnessed some development over the years, thanks to the market competition and the continuous scientific discovery of substances for better dental care.
In 2019, the global export for toothpaste totalled US$4 billion. That amount reflects an 18.1% increase for all toothpaste shippers since 2015 when exported toothpaste was worth $3.4 billion. That same market year, Europe had the highest worth of exported toothpaste, with shipments valued at $2.2 billion, contributing a total of 56.2% of globally traded toothpaste. In second place were Asian exporters at 25.6%, while 12.9% came from North America. Smaller percentages of the total sum originated from Latin America (2.9%), Africa (1.9%) and Oceania (0.4%).
Nigeria ranked 56th in the global toothpaste exporting countries in 2019 with a total of 28.2% profit and a dollar worth of $2,668,000. In more recent times, dental care has become more delicate. The West African country has over 32 toothpaste brands produced in the country and imported from international markets. There are brands with more self-presence and a larger market share than most.
The major challenge with the toothpaste production industry is the high market competition. However, with the right branding and market strategies, any businessperson could make a successful business of toothpaste production. If you’re looking to start a lucrative toothpaste production business in Nigeria or any other part of Africa, this detailed guide will help you start on the right foot.
What Is Toothpaste?
Toothpaste is a gel or powdered substance used with a toothbrush to clean, whiten, and maintain the health of the teeth. It generally contains the following components: water, abrasives such as aluminium hydroxide, calcium hydrogen phosphates, calcium carbonate, silica, hydroxyapatite, fluoride, and flavours, among others.
What Is Toothpaste Production?
Toothpaste production refers to the entire process of using water, abrasives, detergents, flavours, along other chemical components to make a healthy toothpaste, package, and sell on a large scale.
Business Opportunities Associated With The Toothpaste Production Business In Nigeria And Across The World
1). Production Of Toothpaste Equipment:
Equipment needed for the production of toothpaste such as the vacuum paste machine, filling and sealing machine, chiller machine and the tube body mould, among others, are designed by professional engineers. The production, maintenance and repair of these machines engineers and technicians in business.
2). Marketing And Distribution Services:
Marketing is a core part of the toothpaste business because the market is saturated with lots of local and international brands. To earn a space on the market, a toothpaste brand needs to employ the services of marketers, distributors and strategists.
3). Advert Creation Services:
As a way of promoting their business, brands take to mainstream media such as TV stations, radio stations and also social media to advertise their products and convince the public on why their products are unique. They contract the services of professional advert creators and copywriters to develop captivating and convincing ad contents for them.
Facts And Benefits Of Toothpaste
- Toothpaste contains as many as 20 components.
It can be used to polish fingernails - It serves as a hair gel, as it containers most water-soluble polymers found in hair gel.
- It soothes pain and insect bites
- It can be used to remove carpet and leather stains.
- Makes your jewellery shiny and new
- It also defogs and cleans your mirror or phone screen
- The fluoride in toothpaste makes your teeth harder.
- Fluoride prevents tooth decay.
- Toothpaste recipes in ancient times contained pepper, burnt eggshells, ashes of burnt ox hooves, etc.
- Before 1850, toothpaste was in powdered form.
- Fluoride inclusion in toothpaste production started in 1914.
- In 1987 Dentists association produced the first edible toothpaste for the US astronauts.
- Seaweeds are the cause of toothpaste consistency.
- The detergents used in the production of toothpaste are the reason for the taste alterations you experience when you eat after brushing.
- Toothpaste cleans crayons off walls and finds little holes caused by nails or pins.
- It can be used to remove stains on fabric and clothes
Before the production of toothpaste, people used things like twigs to clean their teeth. - Research places Egypt as the origin of toothpaste. Other sources claim India to be the origin of toothpaste.
- June 26th is International toothpaste day.
Types Of Toothpaste
1). Children’s Toothpaste:
Children’s toothpaste contains less fluoride and abrasives than the adult type toothpaste. It also has more candy-like flavours.
2). Smokers Toothpaste:
These are types of toothpaste made especially for those who smoke tobacco. Toothpaste for smokers contains cleansing agents designed to make teeth look whiter.
3). Teeth Whitening Toothpaste:
Teeth-whitening toothpaste is popular among various individuals, not just smokers. Some individuals prefer whitening toothpaste for several reasons. They are used to remove special stains that come as a result of consuming certain kinds of medicines or foods such as coffee, tea, or cola. Teeth-whitening toothpaste contains cleaners and abrasives that help whiten or lessen the appearance of those stains.
4). Sensitive Toothpaste:
Some individuals have teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold substances or abrasive toothpaste. This toothpaste contains potassium nitrate, a substance that helps reduce painful sensations and sensitivity.
5). Herbal Toothpaste:
This type of toothpaste is popular with individuals who want a more natural cleansing alternative. It contains no fluoride. Dentists recommend kinds of toothpaste that contain fluoride because it protects the enamel and strengthens the teeth.
How To Start A Toothpaste Production Business In Nigeria: A Step-By-Step Guide
1). Create A Business Plan:
To succeed at a toothpaste production, you need a comprehensive production plan. Foresee the future sales and the estimated cost. Include a production schedule and analyze the possible outcome in the chosen area(s) of distribution.
2). Get A Factory Site:
The location of a toothpaste factory does not affect the sales since the business operates largely on distribution. Notwithstanding, you should site the factory where distributors can access easily in order to reduce marketing and distribution costs.
3). Purchase The Necessary Equipment:
Some of the machines needed for the production of toothpaste are the vacuum paste machine, filling and sealing machine, chiller machine and the tube body mould, etc.
4). Employ Production Staff:
Employ a handful of people to see to the production process and operate the equipment. It is important to train staff from time to time in order to keep them updated on the latest methods and trends.
5). The Manufacturing/Producing:
- Activate the agitators on the main tank, setting the speed to 30rpm and the central blades to 50 rpm.
- Add the ingredients, starting with water and sorbitol. Sorbitol holds the toothpaste together and also acts as a sweetening agent.
- Leave to mix for approximately 45 minutes.
- Then add the detergent, gum, saccharine, and flavouring term by term.
6). Fill And Package For Distribution:
Pour the paste into the filling machine and line the tube packages by the filling machine. Make sure the tubes are aligned correctly before filling. After filling, seal the ends, package and arrange properly in retail boxes.
Challenges Of Starting A Toothpaste Production Business In Nigeria
- High market competition
- High startup cost
- Poor road network affects distribution
- Low awareness among members of the public on what type of toothpaste is best for them.
- Competition between locally made and imported toothpaste.
- Proliferation of the market with fake products
To Sum It Up
Dental health in recent times is crucial, thereby making the toothpaste production market a recommendable business opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to establish a profitable business in the household consumable goods industry. The toothpaste production business in Nigeria can be a lucrative and profitable venture to start-up, due to its vast market demand and on your ability to build a wide network. If you’re looking for a lucrative business to venture into, the toothpaste production business in Nigeria is a great option to explore.
