Pails fill a particular packaging need. With volume storage that’s higher than a typical bottle but lower than your average drum, pails allow users to store more products securely without taking up unnecessary space in a warehouse or freight container. Beyond the simple questions of capacity and efficiency, these solutions are available in a wide variety of materials, shapes, closures, and UN ratings. A derivative of this packaging option that continues to grow in popularity, though, is HDPE tight-head pails.
HDPE tight-head pails are a trending selection across industries because of their innovative and user-friendly approach to storing and shipping materials. As a provider of comprehensive solutions, Pipeline Packaging and our team of packaging professionals will help you decide how you can use these pails in your own operation.
It’s packaging with dexterity
At first glance, HDPE packaging may seem like an unlikely ally for handling rough, industrial materials. When compared to steel alternatives, plastic pails may seem vulnerable to extreme heat, have limited accessibility with their thorough closure, or simply lack the durability for safe shipping. Despite these initial concerns, HPDE pails are a proven solution for many situations.
As a member of Pipeline Packaging’s outside sales team, Seth Bebout spends his time traveling to meet the company’s northeast Ohio customers, where he learns the deep insights of their individual industries. Bebout was eager to share his expertise regarding one of his customers’ most popular packaging options.
“When it comes to HDPE tight-head pails, there’s almost no sphere where they aren’t useful,” said Bebout. “They’re a vital component in virtually every industry imaginable, from fertilizers, paints, food and flavorings, liquors, adhesives, construction materials, oil and lubricants, and even car wash supplies.”
So, what makes these receptacles one of the most versatile packaging products?
To start, their primary material, high-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is a thermoplastic polymer well known for its high melting point and UV resistance. HDPE packaging is proven to be safe for storing chemicals and is even safe for foods, as it doesn’t leach chemicals or absorb moisture.
Other benefits of HDPE packaging include its durability and lightweight. Though plastic, these tight-head pails have a rigid and sturdy quality that makes them impact-resistant. The tight-head finish accentuates strength by preventing spills, leaks, and product evaporation. Despite their sturdiness though, these packages are lightweight, which reduces freight costs and adds convenience.
Tony Connelly, a Pipeline Packaging sourcing manager for the last five years, elaborated on HDPE pails’ shipping and storage efficiency.
“Standard open-head pails are fashioned in a traditional round shape,” said Connelly. “This limits the number of containers you can securely place on one pallet when filled. Tight heads, on the other hand, have a rectangular body that allows for compact stacking so you can fit more pails per pallet, saving on freight costs.”
Unlike its steel counterpart, HDPE packaging is non-corrosive and easy to manufacture, making it a more economical choice without sacrificing other necessary features like security, usability, and strength.
More market volume means more complications
As Pipeline Packaging’s regional sales manager in the north, Paul McCoy has spent the last three decades specializing in packaging. McCoy has watched waves of regulations, trends, and innovations across a multitude of industries. One of the most recent trends he’s studied has been the growing popularity, and challenges, of HDPE tight-head pails.
“During the pandemic, there were many sourcing issues,” said McCoy. “To combat these disruptions, an influx of suppliers decided to enter, or re-enter, the market. It’s given customers a lot of options, which can easily be overwhelming. That’s where Pipeline can step in as the packaging expert to help customers determine the right product at the right price for their needs.”
Besides the numerous suppliers at play, McCoy added that the growing innovations and variations of HDPE tight-head pails have given customers the opportunity to find more efficient packaging while also making it harder to distinguish the optimal choice among a myriad of options. But that’s not the only challenge facing the market.
“Besides the sea of suppliers, there’s also been a steady flow of industries that are converting from steel pails to HDPE pails,” said McCoy. “The adaptability of HDPE packaging has been proven as an incredible alternative in terms of its chemical resistance and cost-effectiveness. Regulatory agencies like the EPA have also cleared HDPE tight-head pails appropriate for use in several new industries.”
Though the supply of these convenient packaging solutions has increased, the same market is also seeing a substantial uptick in demand. This mixture of forces means customers looking to secure or switch to HDPE tight-head pails must be diligent in their sourcing to guarantee they have the packaging they need to remain operational.
HDPE tight-head pails, without sourcing challenges
Given the market conditions, sourcing HDPE tight-head pails may seem like a daunting task. By partnering with a packaging distributor though, you can circumvent these challenges and take full advantage of their benefits. As a comprehensive packaging provider, Pipeline Packaging goes the extra mile to ensure you find, select, and receive the right product for your job.
Using its distributor’s advantage, Pipeline can connect your operation to more than 300 global suppliers and manufacturers. Alongside the guidance and expert advice of our packaging specialists, this network of high-quality, reputable sources means you have a breadth of choice when it comes to selecting a pail, down to the finest details like material, neck finishes, and more. Having multiple suppliers also ensures Pipeline can always source the HDPE tight-head pails you need, whether from your main supplier or by using an alternative.
“Our connection to multiple suppliers allows us to provide customers a range of options from standard American to European pail sizes,” said Connelly. “It also means we can always accommodate customers’ needs, whether it’s combatting delayed lead times or discovering a more cost-effective option.”
Pipeline Packaging customers have the added advantage of participating in our inventory stocking program, which secures a customer’s order for a predetermined shipment of product over the course of a year.
“The HDPE pail systems we assist our customers in creating are vital to their operations,” said Bebout. “Giving customers the guarantee they’ll have the packaging they need, not just for one order but over the course of an entire year, is invaluable, especially after the supply chain disruptions in 2020.”
The other advantage customers experience is Pipeline’s commitment to leading trends and innovations in the packaging industry. Our team members devote themselves to learning, exploring, and sourcing the latest HDPE packaging offerings to give clients a breadth of choice.
“What we value most as a company is satisfying our customers’ needs,” said McCoy. “Sometimes that means researching the latest technologies and determining if they’re a good fit. We’re determined to evaluate every available HDPE packaging option for our customers to guarantee they have the perfect, comprehensive packaging system that ensures security, but also efficiency.”
Pipeline Packaging takes an ‘all hands on deck’ approach
With nine warehouses, hundreds of suppliers, and a plethora of value-added services, it’s no wonder Pipeline has remained a premier HDPE packaging distributor for more than 30 years. More than these complete offerings, though, is a company powered by Good People at the Core.
“Even as I’ve watched the company grow over the last few decades, Pipeline has remained entirely customer-focused,” said McCoy. “Our team has always maintained an ‘all hands on deck’ mentality when it comes to meeting customers’ needs. We believe in strong partnerships between our team and our customers to deliver quality packaging, every time.”
HDPE tight-head pails may be the perfect solution for your operation, but don’t let sourcing scares and infinite options limit you from trying the most versatile packaging on the market. Contact us to discuss your options today.
