April 26, 2023
Bottle packaging is among the most common types of packaging available. From water to milk to perfumes and cosmetics, bottles are a trusted way to contain any liquid. Of course, the packaging can vary greatly depending on the product being stored and the intended use of the container. But while they are useful for the individual to transport liquids, transporting the units requires a special packaging type.
In this article, we'll discover the five best types of packaging – including glass and plastic containers. From cardboard boxes to wooden cases, we've got you covered.
Try carrying more than three bottles in your hands — it's next to impossible. But, unfortunately, that's the challenge faced by manufacturers. The answer is to group them into cases and boxes that can be easily transported.
In manufacturing, there is a hierarchy of three layers of packaging:
It is the most durable packaging and contains boxes of bottles. Primarily used during shipping, storage, and handling, it protects the containers from the warehouse to the supermarket or shop shelf.
It groups the individual bottles into a single unit and cushions blows while transporting the packaging bottle. It comes into direct contact with the containers and is designed to prevent them from moving around during transportation. It also allows people to purchase the containers as a group.
It usually refers to the glass, plastic, or metal container itself. It provides the primary barrier containing the contents inside and helps maintain the product's quality and freshness.
We're focusing on the outer and inner packaging, which is critical to ensuring your containers are well-protected during transit.
Broadly, there are five main types of outer and inner packaging – each with advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will depend on the cost, type of bottle, product type, and the consumer's expectations.
Consider these factors for each type:
It is a type of packaging used in the retail industry to package and display a wide range of products. Often used for drinks and other beverages, high-end products, like alcohol, or perfume, cardboard retail boxes showcase your product, including detailed graphics printed on the exterior. Indeed, it's a common type of glass bottle packaging.
Made from high-quality cardboard, it's readily customizable, and boxes come in all shapes and sizes – whether you're packaging single or multiple containers. This packaging is perfect for displaying on store shelves and can also be used for gift packaging.
It is a form of secondary or tertiary packaging. Depending on their thickness, corrugated cardboard boxes can be used to ship boxes of bottles or individual bottles. While not always suitable for glass – due to the weight – it's a common choice for plastic bottle packaging, e.g., juice or water containers.
Corrugated boxes also allow easy labeling and printing, and their ability to stack means they're an excellent choice for reducing shipping costs. Overall, it's a durable, lightweight, and cost-effective option.
Shrink plastic is mainly used for shipping plastic bottles. Shrink plastic is a popular choice whether it's small handheld or large 2L or even gallon bottles.
The shrink-wrapping process is simple: the bottles are fed through the machine enclosed by a plastic sheet that can be heat-sealed. Once wrapped, heat is applied, shrinking the plastic till it tightly conforms to the shape of the containers.
The result is a tamper-proof seal that protects the packaging bottle from scratches and scuffs during transit. In addition, you can print branding or shipping details onto the shrink wrap if necessary.
A combination of a cardboard pallet or tray and an outer coating of shrink plastic is commonly used for larger volumes of small plastic or glass bottles. They are stacked into the pallet before the entire tray is shrink-wrapped.
With additional support and stability, this process ensures containers do not rattle around and arrive at their destination intact. Again, you can add a logo or relevant details onto the shrink-plastic or cardboard pallet.
Due to its weight and cost, it's reserved as a premium option for wine bottle packaging. The key benefits of wood are its guaranteed protection and aesthetic appeal. In addition, it is a unique and eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials like plastic or glass.
The wood bottle packaging is suitable for display cases and gift packaging and can be scaled to all sizes, holding one or multiple bottles.
At Plan IT Packaging, we work closely with our clients to explore their specific requirements. We offer a range of machines suitable for almost all bottles – particularly secondary and tertiary packaging.
Our packaging machines include:
These are fully automated, capable of handling large quantities of bottles quickly and efficiently. This bottle packaging machine can be customized to pack various container sizes and shapes, making them ideal for businesses with high-volume production needs.
These machines will require some manual input but are still highly efficient. This equipment is a perfect balance for medium-volume production businesses and can also be customized for various bottle sizes and shapes.
They are optimal for low-volume or high-end companies. Requiring minimal training, they're an excellent option for startups or businesses with limited budgets.
No two businesses are alike. That's why our selection of machinery is designed to meet different price points, container types, and production volumes.
Book a consultation with our expert team to get started. They'll help you choose the right machine for bottle packaging for your business and discuss the option of training and support to maximize your investment.
