When it’s time to invest in containers for hot filled products, it pays to identify the right packaging for your needs. Polyethylene and PET containers typically aren’t hot fillable, but there are ways to process them to prevent warping at certain temperatures. PVC can stand up to around 160 degrees but will melt at some point. Glass doesn’t face the same warping issues as plastic but is much heavier and more breakable.
Each option offers certain advantages and disadvantages, so identifying the right packaging products is a matter of finding the perfect balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for your products. To do this, you’ll need to weigh a variety of factors that can impact your packaging needs.
Factors That Impact Your Hot Fill Containers
Container size
The size of your desired container plays a big role in the durability and material options for hot fill packaging. For example, wall thicknesses are typically different for a 6 oz. jar compared to a 32 oz. bottle. A container with a thicker wall will be sturdier and can withstand the hot fill process better since it’ll take longer before the walls begin to distort or warp. As such, a heavier, thicker container will be more durable, while something with thin walls may require a specially processed material.
Your hot fill process
The specifics of your hot fill process have a direct impact on your potential packaging options. Between the temperature you need to reach, how long your product needs to stay at your temperature, and the cooling process, certain factors may make some materials more feasible than others.
To start, your temperature range can immediately eliminate certain options. For example, if you need to reach a temperature higher than 160 degrees Fahrenheit, PVC may not be a good choice. However, if you use a cooling unit to chill the product quickly after hot fill, you may be able to utilize certain materials and prevent distortion of the container. Every business is different, so you’ll need to factor in your internal capabilities and requirements to cater your container to fit your hot fill process (or adjust your process to fit your preferred form of packaging).
Shipping considerations
While the hot fill process places certain requirements for your packaging, it’s also important to factor shipping into the equation. The decision between glass and plastic have a major impact on breakage and product weight, both of which will affect your bottom line.
Depending on your internal capabilities, you may need to opt for glass containers to accommodate your hot filling process, even if you’d rather use plastic. If you like the look and perceived quality of glass, you’ll need to factor in the additional costs. There’s also the chance that the need for specialty materials may be more than the expected shipping costs. You’ll need to weigh all these factors to decide which route is best for your business. Depending on your needs, you may even be able to work with your supplier to order glass containers for local shipments and plastic ones for long-distance.
Desire for custom containers
Whether it’s meant to provide better performance or aesthetics, custom containers can help your packaging stand out for consumers. However, it’s important to note that custom hot fill containers can be a pricy investment since there are fewer suppliers that specialize in manufacturing hot fillable containers. This makes it especially important to find a supplier with good sources to help mitigate the expenses associated with molding custom hot fillable containers (or that can determine other solutions to attain the perfect packaging for your needs).
Invest in the Right Hot Fill Containers for Your Business
When it comes to your business, you know your hot fill process. Now it’s all about working with a packaging distributor that can help you identify the right containers for your products.
At Pipeline, we work with you to figure out the right packaging solution for your individual case. Whether that’s figuring out the best, most cost-effective material for your hot fill process or offering value-added service like product testing and inventory management, we strive to be more than just another packaging supplier.
Ready to invest in quality hot fill packaging solutions? Check out our available packaging products online or contact us today to talk to us about your packaging needs.
