Which Packaging For Which Product?

At Cambrian, we pride ourselves on being innovators in the world of packaging – and we’re always talking to our customers to help them find solutions to their packaging problems. One thing we regularly get asked is ‘Which packaging would best suit my product?’ This is a very good – and very important – question! Read on for some insights ….. Why is packaging so important? Finding the right packaging solution for your product is crucial on many different levels. Whether you’re in the food manufacturing, veterinary services, pharmaceutical, commercial cleaning or automotive industries, your packaging has to work hard for your product. Your packaging dictates the way in which your consumer will react to your product and ultimately help them decide whether your product is one they want to invest in. Your packaging communicates your brand’s voice and values, who your product is marketed to and what your product does. Consumer trends are also leaning heavily in favour of more sustainable packaging, so it’s important to bear that in mind when deciding which packaging to use. Your packaging needs keep your product safe in transit and if perishable, fresh on arrival. Your packaging needs to fit perfectly with how your product is dispensed – does your product require a trigger spray, a pump dispenser or a flip-top cap? If it’s not easy to use, it’s unlikely to be a hit with consumers. Your packaging needs to be chemically compatible with your product. Read on for some top packaging material options and see our Quick Reference Materials Guide for more information. What are the material options for my packaging? As we’ve already determined, it’s vital that your packaging is chemically compatible with your product, as well as able to meet the requirements of transportation and quality/freshness. Here are some of the main material options you could go for when choosing a packaging solution for your product – all can be widely recycled at standard facilities. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Recycled Polyethylene Teraphthalate (rPET) Typically used for plastic bottles, it is clear in its original form, although it can be coloured too. It has a good compatibility with solvents and limited compatibility with caustic solutions. For products of pH10 and over, however, PET is not recommended. High density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Recycled High Density Polyethylene (rHDPE) Typically used for milk bottles, bleach, jerry cans, cleaners, general industrial use and shampoo bottles, HDPE and rHDPE have a good compatibility with most acid and alkaline solutions. However, they have a limited compatibility with solvents. Polypropylene (PP) Typically used for closures and dispensers, microwavable meal trays and tubs and pails. This material is semi translucent in its natural form but often colours white or black in use. It has a good compatibility with acids, alcohols, aldehydes, alkalis, esters and aliphatic hydrocarbons. These are just some of the material options available when choosing the right packaging for your product. Please refer to our Materials Guide for more details. Which packaging material would best suit my business? The industry you’re operating in will have a huge bearing on the packaging you choose for your product. In food manufacturing? You will need to ensure that you meet the regulatory requirements demanded by the food sector. And here’s a tip! We recommend that the tub pail handles you use are made of plastic rather than steel, because steel handles negate the effectiveness of the metal detectors that are fitted to most food production lines. In automotives? You will probably want to use PET bottles for your auto-care products because this material is resistant to many of the solvents used in car care products such as waxes, polishes and paint cleaners. PET plastic bottles also benefit from a sleek gloss finish, enhancing the look of your products on the shelves. In pet/animal care or veterinary services? You will probably opt for HDPE Boston bottles, as these have a wide-ranging compatibility with most acid and alkaline solutions. Still Unsure? Use our Free Samples Service to find out ….. Whichever industry you’re in, Cambrian is passionate about helping you to find the right packaging solution. However, all the products we stock are fit for the purpose they were designed for and because there is an infinite range of potential liquid contents, we cannot advise on the compatibility of our products to the contents they are combined with. Ultimately, it’s up to you, the purchaser, to test your product’s compatibility with our packaging – luckily, that’s easily done with our Free Samples Service! We will establish which type of bottle/dispenser you’re considering using, the type of products you intend to package and your intended route to market – and we’ll send you free overnight samples that meet your requirements.

For more information on Which Packaging For Which Product? talk to Cambrian Packaging