Away from the Small Sample, towards the Individual Stick

Daniela Mündler first had the idea for a new and recyclable container for samples of perfumery and drugstore products back in 2010, when she was still working at Douglas. “The trigger was a customer problem. Customers want to test their cosmetic products in peace and without time stress – and in the same way they will use them later. For example, fragrances should be applied correctly, not several next to each other on one arm for a scent test.” Her aim was to develop a small plastic stick that manufacturers and retailers can fill with the products customers want.

Mündler was convinced that this would enable companies to make better use of the potential of product samples for individual advice and appropriate marketing. “I then had conversations with an investor friend about the opportunities and risks of such a project. The idea for our own product then developed from this, and over the years we worked on the actual implementation.”

After changing companies and taking over the management of a plant at Bahlsen, the idea continued to mature, not least through private discussions with those responsible. “It progressed step by step, I saw that it was possible. I then founded the GmbH at the end of 2021.” Legal issues, such as registering the rights, also played a role in this, as they are easier for companies to handle.

European Patent Published

She made rapid progress with her start-up: In February 2022, she applied for the patent. “It was a complex process; I spent a lot of time on it. But we successfully completed it, and the European patent was published on July 31.” She is now planning to extend the patent and apply for it in other countries.

Mündler was able to deliver the first pre-product of the Samplistick at the end of 2022 and then started marketing the basic version. “We then refined and modified the concept and the stick over the course of 2023.” In discussions with retailers and producers in the perfumery industry, she won over the Beauty Alliance purchasing group, the distribution partner “Rocket. Beauty”, a subsidiary of the Nobilis Group, and the natural cosmetics manufacturer Weleda as partners.

From the outset, however, Mündler was not only interested in developing a recyclable plastic stick, but also in linking hardware and software, as the Samplistick also includes an app. It provides customers with information on the tested product and data on the sample, such as the batch number.

Fully Recyclable Packaging

With the Samplistick, Mündler also wants to significantly improve the industry’s environmental footprint. The stick is made from 100 percent post-consumer plastic, is produced locally, and is recycled after use. “We source material exclusively from a producer that processes old PET bottles from food retailers. As things stand today, recycling is the best option; the sticks can be reprocessed into granulate and then used again.

Waste from the ocean is not used.” Retailers will collect the sticks and customers can return them there. Refilling is not yet possible due to legal regulations. “However, customers can use the sticks for a second private use.”

However, the primary aim is to reduce packaging waste. Mündler sees great potential for this, as she estimates that around 120 billion sachets are used worldwide every year. “With the Samplistick and the adaptation of product samples to customers’ needs, waste doesn't even have to be created.”