Different Types of Bottle Packaging

When selecting glass bottles and jars for packaging, it’s important to note that most companies utilize stock rather than custom packaging. Unless you’re a large multinational, it’s more practical and affordable to purchase pre-made bottles and jars rather than designing custom shapes and sizes.

Stock packaging offers several key advantages for companies. First, a wide variety of bottle and jar styles are readily available off-the-shelf in different volumes and dimensions to suit diverse needs. This allows products to be packaged and branded quickly without extensive lead times. Companies simply add their own labels or print directly onto the stock containers.

Secondly, stock packaging is significantly less expensive than pursuing a custom design. The economies of scale in glass production mean stock bottles and jars can be mass produced at low unit costs. For small and medium businesses, this provides an affordable packaging solution without compromising quality or appearance.

This article will showcase the major types of commonly available glass stock packaging on the market. 

A Brief Introduction of Packaging Type:

• Outer/Tertiary Packaging: Typically the most durable, designed to protect multiple bottles during shipment and storage.
• Inner/Secondary Packaging: Offers additional protection and can be aesthetic, often seen with dedicated inserts or dividers.
• Primary Packaging: The bottle itself, including the label and cap, directly containing the product.

Here are some common materials and styles you may encounter:

Material	Common Uses
Glass	Wine, spirits, oils, artisanal drinks and liquor bottle
Plastic	Water, juices, and soft drinks bottle
Metal	Craft beers and energy drink bottles

Before making a decision on bottle packaging, consider:

• The product’s fragility
• The packaging’s environmental impact
• The journey from production to consumer

Materials Used in Bottle Packaging

Glass Bottles

Glass is a classic choice for beverages and other liquids due to its non-reactive nature. Using glass bottles, you ensure your product maintains purity and flavor over time. Glass is also highly recyclable, which can enhance the sustainability aspect of your packaging. Lightweight versions continue to gain traction in the industry to save on shipping costs without compromising shelf life.

Plastic Bottles

Plastic containers come in various forms such as HDPE, LDPE, and polypropylene. Plastic bottles are durable and shatter-resistant, suitable for a wide range of products. Moreover, many plastics are recyclable, and there’s a growing emphasis on using recycled materials for creating new bottles, supporting sustainable packaging efforts. Bear in mind that the design and structure can affect the container’s suitability for certain liquids.

Metal Bottles

Metal, often used for automotive products and industrial goods, boasts considerable strength and durability. Metal containers are lighter than glass and can often be recycled indefinitely. Containers made from metal typically protect contents from light and air, enhancing the product’s longevity and are favored in the beverage industry for products like craft beers.

Sustainable Material Bottles

• Sugarcane: Sugarcane-based bioplastics have become tremendously popular in cosmetics packaging. Various types of packaging can be manufactured from sugarcane bioplastics, including bottles, tubes, jars, and other containers. The material also offers opportunities to reduce reliance on virgin plastics and lower carbon emissions over its lifecycle compared to traditional plastics.
• Bamboo: Bamboo regenerates quickly without the need for replanting. It is exceptionally strong yet lightweight and naturally resistant to bacteria and insects. These qualities make bamboo highly versatile for creating sleek and attractive cosmetics packaging.

Types of Classic Glass Bottles

Boston Round Bottle: 

The Boston round bottle, also known as the Winchester bottle, is a heavy, cylindrical glass or plastic bottle commonly used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. It features a short, curved shoulder, narrow neck, and screw-top cap.

The origin of the name “Boston round” is uncertain, but it may be related to Boston’s history as a major glass producer. The rounded shoulders make these bottles well-suited for storing creams and solids, while the narrow neck helps prevent evaporation and makes pouring easier.

Long Necked Bottles 

Long neck bottles, sometimes called woozy bottles, are cylindrical bottles with an elongated, slender neck and continuous threads at the opening.
They are commonly made of glass or plastic and come in a variety of sizes.

The elongated neck provides a larger area for labeling and branding. It also makes the bottles ideal for pouring liquids like sauces, oils, and mixers. The slender neck slows down pouring and allows for more controlled dispensing.

Long neck bottles first emerged in the early 1900s. Their design was perfect for the new carbonated sodas and mineral waters that were growing in popularity at the time. The long neck provided a large labeling surface and also protected the carbonation.

Types of Plastic Bottles

PET #1 Bottles

Made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), these bottles are transparent, enabling clear visibility of contents. They are lightweight, yet durable and impact resistant. PET exhibits excellent resistance to acids and carbonation retention at cold temperatures. It can withstand temperatures up to 70°C. PET is highly suitable for cold beverages requiring freshness preservation like water, carbonated soft drinks, and fruit juices. The material protects product quality and shelf life for these highly acidic drinks.

PP #5 Bottles

Produced from polypropylene (PP), these bottles are heat resistant up to 120°C, preventing leakage at hot filling temperatures. PP bottles are moderately resistant to acids and provide an effective barrier against oxygen. They are well-suited for packaging hot beverages like herbal tea, coffee, and soups that require thermal stability and moderate acid resistance during brewing. PP bottles maintain product quality and safety during hot fill processing.

HDPE #2 Bottles

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles are opaque, impact resistant, and durable even in cold environments without becoming brittle. However, HDPE may interact with beverages containing high alcohol concentrations. It is commonly used for large volume packaging of milk in gallon jugs due to its mechanical strength and affordability. HDPE effectively protects milk from degradation and leakage over long supply chains at refrigerated temperatures.

Packaging selection is crucial to ensure drink and consumer safety. Proper matching of container material properties to beverage composition and processing conditions helps preserve quality, taste and integrity. Manufacturers should provide validated information to allow informed choices. Correct plastic sorting after use also promotes sustainability through increased recycling and reduced environmental impacts.

Types of Metal Bottles

Aerosol

Aerosol cans are metal canisters that use compressed gas to propel liquid contents out through a nozzle when a valve is pressed. They allow products to be dispensed as a spray, foam, or mist.

These containers hold pressurized products like hairspray, deodorant, and spray paint.

The first aerosol cans were developed in the 1940s for dispensing insecticides. Since then, they have expanded to all types of consumer and industrial products packaging.

Key components of aerosol cans include the can material (usually aluminum or steel), propellant (such as hydrocarbons or compressed gas), product contents, valve, and actuator or nozzle. The pressurized can structure provides portability and prevents contamination of contents.

Food and Beverage Bottles

Food and beverages are sometimes packaged in metal bottles which are made of thin steel and aluminum alloy, with a lacquered interior. They are lightweight, affordable, and offer 100% product evacuation since they are self-standing. 

It helps preserve food by protecting it from air exposure and bacterial contamination. The airtight seal allows food to remain shelf-stable for 1-5 years on average.

Common foods packaged in metal include fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, seafood, sauces, and ready meals. They are convenient, portable, and allow food to retain nutrients over long periods. However, they are not microwaveable.

The Impact of Innovative Bottle Packaging on Consumer Behavior: Why Somewang

Innovative bottle packaging can have a significant impact on consumer behavior. It can influence their purchasing decisions and create a sense of loyalty to the brand.

When consumers are faced with a wide range of options, they often rely on visual cues to make their decision. A well-designed bottle that stands out from the crowd can catch their attention and make them more likely to choose that product over others.

Innovative bottle packaging can also create a sense of loyalty among consumers. When a brand consistently delivers innovative and visually appealing packaging, it creates a positive association in the consumer’s mind. This can lead to repeat purchases and brand advocacy, as consumers are more likely to recommend a product that they have had a positive experience with.

At Somewang, we are proud to be a leading global manufacturer and R&D provider specializing in innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for the beauty, pharmaceutical, food, and household industries. 

We offer customized packaging design, testing of raw materials, and graphic design services to bring your vision to life. With over 20 years of expertise, SOMEWANG guarantees stable quality products to fuel the growth of brands across the globe.

As your packaging partner, we are committed to delivering extraordinary value, working passionately and creatively to build long-lasting relationships. Experience the SOMEWANG difference – contact us today to transform your packaging and brand. Together, we will redefine beauty worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the various shapes and designs of bottle packaging available?

You can find a wide array of shapes ranging from the classic cylinder to intricate, custom designs. Bottle designs often reflect the brand identity and can include embossed details, unique curves, and various sizes to stand out on shelves.

How does bottle packaging vary for different types of beverages?

The packaging for beverages is tailored to the product’s needs. For instance, carbonated drinks require thicker glass to withstand pressure, while spirits are often in decorative bottles that reflect the premium nature of the product. Wine bottles have a distinct shape to influence the aging process and storage.

Can you list examples of food products that use glass packaging?

Common food products in glass packaging include jams, jellies, peanut butter, pickles, sauces, and certain preserved or fermented foods. These items benefit from the non-reactive nature of glass, preserving taste and freshness.

What are the main differences between types of glass bottles?

Variations in glass bottles mainly concern the thickness, color, and type of glass used. Darker glass bottles, like amber or green, are often used to prevent UV light damage, while clear glass showcases the product within. Additionally, some glass bottles are tempered for added durability.

What factors influence the price of glass bottle packaging?

Factors affecting glass bottle pricing include the complexity of the design, the amount of glass used, the type of glass, and whether the bottle has unique features like embossing or special closures. Bulk orders usually reduce the cost per unit due to economies of scale.

What is The Future of Bottle Packaging

The future of bottle packaging is likely to be focused on sustainability and innovation. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, brands will continue to experiment with new materials and designs to create packaging that is both visually appealing and eco-friendly.

One trend that is likely to continue is the use of biodegradable and compostable materials for bottle packaging. Brands are already exploring alternatives to traditional plastic, such as plant-based plastics and paper-based materials. These materials not only reduce waste but also have a lower carbon footprint.

Another trend that we can expect to see in the future is the integration of technology into bottle packaging. Brands may incorporate features such as QR codes or augmented reality to provide consumers with additional information or interactive experiences. This can help create a more immersive and engaging experience for the customer.