1. Bottle Type and Sizes

First of all, there are many different bottle and container types and sizes. We will focus on the standard bottles. Remember, you can always have your bottles custom made to any unique size, but that does cost quite a bit of money. Here is a generic list of commonly used round bottles that can be bought easily:

	Boston Round plastic bottles with rounded shoulders			Generic Generic plastic round bottles
	Imperial Round plastic bottles with tapered rounded shoulders			Industrial Round plastic bottles with a handle
	Packer Rigid round bottles for pharmaceutical purposes			Sizes range from 1/2oz to 1 gallon.

Remember to check and make sure that your "Neck-Finish" (ie. 28-410) matches the size of cap you intend on using. More information on caps can be found below. Also, it is cheaper and easier to fill round bottles as opposed to oval bottles.

2. Cap Types and Sizes

Caps and Lids can come in many different colors, materials, sizes and types. There are traditional cap lids with no opening. And of course there are caps and lids with spouts or sprayers or dispensers of some sort. Most caps are polypropylene. Be sure that your cap's material neck finish matches your bottle's neck opening for a tight and secure fitting. Also think about the more sophisticated the cap is (i.e. are there any separate pieces that need installation such as a pump) the more expensive the filling job will be. Simple round caps can typically be installed easily and keep your project cost down.

3. Polyethylene vs. Polypropylene

Polyethylene is inert, translucent and creates a lower static charge than polypropylene, and those are the three main characteristics which make it a superior archival or storage material. An inert substance, according to chemists, is not readily reactive with other elements, in that it cannot produce other chemical compounds. In other words, molds, mildews, and discolorations will not occur with an inert substance, so there's no way a polyethylene sleeve can damage your collectible, nor can damage readily occur to it. Polypropylene is also inert, but that's where the similarities end.

The translucent nature of polyethylene prohibits a the greater amount of light than the transparent polypropylene. The lower static charge produced by polyethylene as opposed to the higher charge emitted by polypropylene means that polyethylene will attract much less dirt, dust and other foreign, organic elements. Polyethylene is more flexible than polypropylene. By contrast, polypropylene is stiff and hard, while polyethylene is soft and pliable.

4. PET

Polyethylene terephthalate (aka. PET, PETE, PETP) is a thermoplastic resin of the polyester family that is used to make beverage, food and other liquid containers, synthetic fibers, as well as for some other thermoforming applications. It is also one of the most important raw materials used in man-made fibers. Depending on its processing and thermal history, it may exist both as an amorphous (transparent) and as a semi-crystalline (opaque and white) material. It can be synthesized by a transesterification reaction between ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate. Polypropylene is being explored as an alternative to PET for some bottling applications. Its low relative cost and recent performance and clarity improvements have caught the attention of the rigid packaging industry. A close examination of key benefits and drawbacks is necessary before making any material selection for a new packaging project.

5. Packaging Inserts

After completing the filling procedure, it is important that you think about the methods of packaging. Similar to capping, the more inserts or sleeves that go into the box(es) will definitely impact the filling and packaging time. Therefore, it may increase the cost of your project. Keep in mind, does the bottle go into a small box and then into a bigger box. When selecting a bottle or container, think ahead to see how would fit into a case or a bulk pack box.

6. Freight

Freight issues will are a big factor when thinking of packaging your product. Remember, that all materials must be shipped to Resource Filling, or the contract filler of your choice, and then shipped back to you or another final destination. The amount of drums, totes, boxes, pallets, shrink wrap and inserts will determine the weight as well as a trucking carrier's classifications.

7. Mixing

If your product requires any mixing before filling, please remember that Resource Filling will ask for all MSDS sheets and Toxicity reports. Detailed instructions of the mixing procedure will also be required.

330.666.8609 | sales@resourcefilling.com