Consumer Products

Where the practice works in this sector

• Consumer plastic products and consumer materials science and engineering.
• Packaging materials, barrier performance and sustainable alternatives.
• Paints, thin films and surface finish durability.
• Sports and recreation products; computers and wearable electronics housings.

Questions that typically call for an outside view

• Why are returns and complaints rising on a product that passed every test?
• What does a cost-down material change do to durability and warranty exposure?
• Will a recycled or bio-based packaging material still protect the product?
• Why is the finish, colour or surface failing before the product does?
• Is the housing material suitable for the drop, heat and chemical exposure a consumer will give it?

How the practice is engaged

• Failure & Root-Cause Analysis — why it failed, and what is defensible.
• Materials Selection & Qualification — choosing and validating a material.
• Product Development & Materials Innovation — concept through production.

Every engagement starts with a short conversation with the principal and a written scope before any work begins. If the problem belongs with your own team or your supplier’s technical service group, you will be told so.

For attorneys

Where a failure in this sector has become a claim, see Plastics and polymer expert witness, or go straight to the confidential conflict check.