Start-Up Pathway | From Idea to Production-Ready | Manufacturing Health Solutions

Start-Up Pathway — From Idea to Production-Ready

Launch with a clear plan, not guesswork. This is how MHS helps Australian startups take a concept and turn it into a manufacturing-ready product — with the right formulation pathway, packaging support, and realistic unit economics.

See the pathway Talk to MHS

A practical launch system for startups

Most startup delays come from two things: unclear inputs (brief/formula/packaging) and last-minute packaging artwork. We fix both. Our process is built for food-type supplements and non-TGA cosmetics, with a structured pathway that gets you to a first production run you can repeat.

If you already have a production-ready formula and complete documentation, you may be eligible for a free manufacturing quote. If not, start with the pathway below.

This page helps you:

  • Prepare a brief that gets an accurate quote
  • Understand when formulation is required
  • Use graphics support to avoid packaging delays
  • Choose an MOQ that fits cash flow and margin
  • Plan reorders so you don’t stock out

The Start-Up Pathway

A simple sequence that keeps your project moving and prevents expensive rework.

1) Brief & fit check

Clarity upfront = speed later

  • Product format + target user
  • Preferred ingredients / constraints
  • Packaging direction
  • Target budget + timing

2) Formulation (if required)

Production-ready, not theoretical

  • Standard or Advanced pathway
  • Turnkey development
  • Sample + documentation
  • IP transfer included

Learn about formulation

3) Graphics & labelling

Manufacturing enabler

  • Artwork preflight
  • Label layout checks
  • GS1 barcode readiness
  • Printer coordination

Graphics & labelling support

4) Manufacturing & fulfilment

First run → repeatable system

  • Confirmed MOQ + unit cost
  • Ingredient + packaging supply
  • Production scheduling
  • Optional 3PL & dispatch
Start the pathway

What MHS needs from you (so we can move fast)

A strong brief saves weeks. It also stops you paying for the wrong thing. You don’t need to have everything finished — but you do need enough clarity for decisions.

Product direction

  • Format (powder, capsule, cream, balm, liquid)
  • Target user + use case
  • Any “must have / must avoid” ingredients
  • Flavour or sensory goals (if ingestible)

Packaging direction

  • Container type (jar, pouch, bottle, tube)
  • Pack size (e.g., 60 caps, 500g, 100mL)
  • Label preference (material/finish if known)
  • Whether you want MHS to help source components

Commercial targets

  • Target quantity for first run
  • Budget range (or unit cost target)
  • Wholesale/retail target (if known)
  • Timeline (and any hard deadlines)

Compliance boundaries

  • Food-type supplement vs therapeutic positioning (we focus on non-TGA)
  • Allergens and exclusions (e.g., gluten-free)
  • Certifications (organic, etc.) if required
  • Any export plans that affect packaging

Tip: if you don’t have a formula yet, that’s okay — that’s exactly what our formulation pathway is for.

Fastest path to clarity

If you’re not sure what’s missing, start with a structured review. We’ll confirm readiness and the right next step.

Talk to MHS

Already production-ready? Ask for a free manufacturing quote.

Formulation — now a core startup service at MHS

Previously, many startups arrived with incomplete formulas and got stuck. Today, we offer a clear, production-focused formulation pathway designed to get you to a product that can be manufactured, repeated, and scaled.

When formulation is required

  • New product concept or incomplete formula
  • Missing specs, stability, or manufacturing clarity
  • Sensory/taste challenges (ingestibles)
  • Higher-risk constraints that need a structured technical pathway
Advanced formulation is required if your product targets vulnerable populations — including children, the elderly, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Learn more on the Formulation page and choose the right pathway.

Key idea

Formulation at MHS means manufacturing readiness — not open-ended R&D. Clear scope, clear deliverables, and a pathway that supports your first production run.

Graphics & labelling — a manufacturing enabler

Packaging artwork is one of the most common causes of production delays. We support startups with manufacturing-focused graphics checks so your packaging works in the real world.

What we support

  • Artwork preflight (dimensions, bleed, fonts, exports)
  • Label layout checks (fit, hierarchy, manufacturing practicality)
  • GS1 barcode readiness
  • Label printer sourcing and coordination

Explore the Graphics & Labelling service to prevent delays and rework.

Best practice

Start packaging decisions early. We can align label dimensions and print approach in parallel with formulation, then finalise print-ready artwork once label content is locked.

MOQ vs profit: choosing the right first batch

The trade-off is simple: smaller runs reduce upfront risk, but cost more per unit. Larger runs improve unit economics, but require more cash and carry more inventory risk.

  • Upfront budget: don’t overbuy inventory and then starve marketing
  • Unit economics: setup costs spread across units — scale improves margin
  • Market uncertainty: smaller first run can validate demand faster
  • Shelf life: shorter shelf-life products should start smaller
Reality check: your MOQ run is for validation. It’s not designed to deliver “dream margins” — margins improve with scale.

Worked Example: Unit Economics at Different Batch Sizes

Batch size affects unit cost because setup costs are fixed. As quantity increases, setup cost per unit drops. Example formula:

margin per unit = price – (variable cost + setup cost ÷ quantity)

Batch Size (units) Margin per Unit
250$10
350$12
500$16
1,000$19

Economy of scale is real — plan your first run for validation, then improve unit economics on reorder.

Next steps

If you’re ready to launch, send us your brief and we’ll recommend the fastest path to production. If you’re missing the formula or packaging assets, that’s normal — the pathway is designed for that.

  • Have a complete formula? Request a free manufacturing quote.
  • Have an idea but not a production-ready formula? Start with formulation.
  • Have artwork but want to avoid print/production issues? Add graphics & labelling support.

Ready to move?

Tell us your product format, target quantity, and timeline. We’ll guide you into the right pathway.

Contact MHS

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. You can begin formulation and packaging planning while artwork is being finalised. However, you will need print-ready files by the time packaging begins (filling and labelling). The safest approach is to run artwork in parallel with development — and use graphics support early to avoid delays.

Formulation is required when you don’t yet have a production-ready formula and complete documentation. This includes new products, incomplete formulas, or products with taste/sensory challenges (ingestibles). Advanced formulation is required for products targeting vulnerable populations (children, elderly, pregnant/breastfeeding).

The main trade-off is a higher unit cost because fixed setup costs are spread across fewer units. Low MOQs reduce upfront risk, but squeeze margins and can cause fast stockouts if demand is strong. Many startups use MOQ to validate demand, then improve unit economics on reorder.

This is common. Packaging suppliers often have higher minimums than your first run. You can purchase excess packaging and store it for reorders, use digital labels for lower quantities, or align packaging choices early to reduce waste. We can help coordinate packaging to match your batch plan.

Usually yes. Once the formula, packaging system and documentation are established, repeat runs are smoother. Setup and development work is largely done, so reorders often have fewer one-time costs and less back-and-forth. Lead times still depend on ingredient and packaging supply and production scheduling.

Products sold as foods/supplements must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, including labelling and permitted claims. We focus on food-type supplements and non-TGA cosmetics. If your concept depends on therapeutic claims, it may trigger a TGA pathway. We can flag label red flags early and help you stay within appropriate boundaries.