Cosmetics packaging procurement knowledge (about plastic bottles)

[China Packaging Network News] Plastic bottles are commonly made from materials such as PP, PE, PET, AS, ABS, acrylic, and K. These materials are widely used in the packaging industry, especially for cosmetic containers. Injection molding is often employed for creating cream jars, bottle caps, stoppers, gaskets, pump heads, and dust covers with thicker walls. In contrast, PET is typically produced using a two-step blow molding process: first, a preform is injection molded, then it's blown into its final shape. This method is ideal for bottles with thinner walls, such as those used for washing products.

PET is considered an eco-friendly material due to its high barrier properties, lightweight nature, and resistance to shattering. It also offers excellent chemical resistance and clarity, and can be manufactured in various finishes like pearlescent, colored, magnetic white, or transparent. It’s commonly used in the packaging of gels and lotions. The bottle necks usually come in standard sizes such as 16#, 18#, 22#, and 24#, making them compatible with pump heads for easy dispensing.

Acrylic materials are typically used for injection-molded bottles but have limited chemical resistance. They are not suitable for direct filling of pastes, so an internal baffle is often required to prevent overfilling and potential damage from paste seeping between the liner and the bottle. Acrylic containers are sensitive during transportation, as scratches are highly visible, and they tend to have higher permeability. While they offer a smooth, glossy finish, they are more expensive compared to other materials.

AS and ABS materials both provide good transparency, though AS has better toughness than ABS. When it comes to custom orders, the typical minimum quantity is around 10,000 units. Custom colors are available, with common choices including primary colors, magnetic white, or pearl effects. Although the bottle and cap may be made in the same color base, differences in material can lead to slight variations in appearance.

Silk screen Printing is a popular technique, using either regular ink or UV ink. UV ink provides a shiny, three-dimensional finish, which is ideal for enhancing visual appeal. It's important to confirm the color accuracy before mass production, as the print effect can vary depending on the material used. Other techniques such as bronzing, hot silver, and gold/silver foil stamping offer different aesthetic results. Hard, smooth surfaces are best suited for hot stamping, while softer surfaces may not hold the effect well and could result in peeling.

For silk screen printing, a negative film is typically used, where the graphic and text appear dark against a transparent background. In contrast, gold foil or hot silver stamping requires a positive film, with transparent graphics and a dark background. Text and patterns should be designed with sufficient size and clarity to ensure proper visibility and print quality.

Bottle caps are generally equipped with inner seals, pull-off lids, or inner stoppers, and rarely include a teaspoon or dropper. This design ensures better sealing and ease of use. The production cycle is usually moderate, taking about 15 days. For cylindrical bottles with single-color printing, the cycle is shorter, while flat or shaped bottles with multi-color printing require more time. Additional costs for the first screen printing setup or fixtures may apply.