Packaging: Glass Bottle Definitions

AC

Just about anything goes in an AC glass container. Its wide mouth makes it ideal for scooping out viscous products such as mayonnaise or heavy sauces. You can also easily pour from these versatile containers products like honey or spaghetti sauce. The AC glass container is also ideal for sampling in industrial applications. Consider your needs and see if the AC will work. And, don’t forget an appropriate closure. To finish off your product you will need a distinguishing label. Or, you can even silk screen this bottle in small quantities.

Boston Round

Boston Round Glass Bottles come in a variety of colors, clear, amber and blue to fit your many applications. The Boston Round design is applicable in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and a broad variety of other industries. You can also use your creativity with this versatile glass bottle for most liquid and even some dry applications. Make sure to remember to put on a label or have this attractive container silk screened with your unique brand.

Economy

Economy jars are named as such because they give you a large amount and therefore are economical for your customer. Often used for mayonnaise, these wide mouth containers can be applied to many other food products. Or, if you like the design you can use this Economy container for a variety of non-food situations. Consider this for liquid, dry and viscous products. Remember, you’re not done until you have selected the proper closure and put on your company’s label. You can buy appropriate labels or silk screening from us in small quantities and at very reasonable prices.

French Square

French square bottles are clear and come in a variety of sizes. These have had many uses in the past, but how can they work for you? Perhaps a French Square container can be used for a food item, or bath crystals, or some type of pharmaceutical application? This also is a unique shape for chemical products that will make them stand out on the self. There are several different caps that work on these containers, but remember to make sure it is appropriate for your application. And, why hunt around for a label or silk screen. 

Hex

Hexagon jars are always an attractive eye catching six-sided container. These can be used for food, cosmetic, bath / beauty, candles, and many many more uses. When you fill this many sided jar your product will sparkle. We sell these with appropriately sized “lug” caps in a gold color. Both cap and bottle can be labeled.

Jug

What’s a “growler?” The term "Growler" comes from a European Pub term that described a wooden bucket used in transporting beer. This was used before the invention of bottles or cans. In the past children would be sent to the nearest brewpub by their father to have the "Growler" filled. Today’s modern "Growler" is a 64 oz. glass jug. Jugs also have many uses in many different food and industrial applications. Remember to select the appropriate cap / closure for your application. And, always ask us at Bottle Solutions™ how to apply your unique brand.

Wide Mouth Packer

Wide Mouth means easy to fill. These are often used for pharmaceutical products, where using an amber color container helps to keep out damaging UV rays. However, these can be used for many applications depending on your need. Wide Mouth Packers have a timeless design and with your unique brand labels or silk screen they can be a perfect solution to your packaging requirement.

Source: http://bottlesolutions.com/article/item-dc614e63-8d8c-4510-8d7e-f390951deec8.aspx

Selecting Storage Containers

When selecting your containers avoid using containers that held medicine, film, poison, household cleaners, spoiled food, compost or fertilizer.

Always sterilize your containers that have been previously used to ensure the purity of your product. If you are planning to sell your products, the FDA requires that you use new containers only. Follow the sterilizing standards set up by OSHA. Plastic containers are harder to sterilize by the boiling method because they may melt. It is better to use a bleach water solution and wipe them individually.

Glass Containers

Clear glass containers are readily available, but glass in amber and blue are becoming more popular because they better protect your products from light. Some of the types of glass containers you will find on the market are Cream Jars (wide mouth jars that are good for creams and salves); Spice Shakers (usually two inches high and are perfect for sprinkling out dried herbs in small quantities or for dusting powders); Woozeys (narrow necked jars designed for herbal vinegars and oils. They come in different sizes, but the most common are 5 oz., 10 oz., 12 oz. Can be used for bath oils); Hex Jars (6-sided, wide-mouthed jar that is used by beekeepers because it looks like a beehive. This jar is useful for creams and moisturizer. Lids for these jars can be unreliable during traveling); Storage or Canning Jars (Available in pint, quart, half gallon and gallon. Great for storing herbs and other dry ingredients. I use them for my bath jelly recipes and bath salts.); Boston Rounds (Come in various sizes and come in blue, amber and clear. Great for bath salts.)

Plastic Containers

Cream Jars (These opaque, white wide-mouth jars are great for lip balms, salves and creams) and Lotion Bottles (Translucent, Squeezable, Flip Top which makes them great for lotions and massage oils).

Other Containers

Tins (Shallow wide-mouthed decorative tins which labels can be put on the lid are great for lip balms and salves); Powder Cylinders (Normally these containers come in white and are great for dusting powders); Muslin Bags (Great for herbal tea tubs and milk baths).


Source: The Herbal Home Spa…Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils and Scrubs by Greta Breedlove. Storey Publishing. North Adams, MA, 1998. Pages 48-53.

Using Recycled Containers/Sterlizing

According to Greta Breedlove, author of The Herbal Home Spa, avoid using containers that previously held medicine, film, poison, household cleaners, spoiled food, compost or fertilizer.

Always sterilize any container that have been previously used to ensure the purity of your final product. If you plan to sell your product, the FDA requires you only use new containers. The following is the sterilizing standards (for glass containers) set up by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

Sterilizing Glass Containers with Metal Lids

1. Wash the containers and lids thoroughly with soap and water, rinsing several times.

2. Combine 1/4 cup bleach with 2 cups hot water and submerge the clean container and lids thoroughly in this solution.

3. Fill a large enamel or stainless steel pot with water.

4. Submerse the bottles and lids, making sure there are no air bubbles left in the bottles.

5. Cover the pot and bring to a rolling boil.

6. Boil for 20 minutes and let cool.

7. Remove bottles and lids from water and allow to air-dry on a sterile towel.


Plastic Containers

Unfortunately, plastic containers are harder to sterilize because the boiling process may melt them. Greta Breedlove recommends washing these containers and rinsing them in a bleach solution; also a good dishwashing cycle can kill harmful substances that cannot be seen.

Watch for spoilage in your products and even check your bulk ingredients. If they are moldy or look moldy through them out. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Selecting Containers

According to Greta Breedlove, author of The Herbal Home Spa, bottles and containers can get awfully pricey, especially if you are planning to sell your products or give them as gifts. You may find pretty bottles and containers at discount stores, gourmet shops, and gift and speciality stores. You even find them on the Internet. Reasonable PET plastic bottles and containers can be found online at Wholesale Supplies Plus (link under where to purchase products).

Since there are so many different types of bottles and containers, I am to simplify what is out there.

Glass Containers

Clear glass containers are the most common. But blue and amber are coming more popular. These colored glass containers are better in protecting your products containing herbs and oils.

Cream Jars: These are pretty jars that have wide mouths, which is perfect for creams and salves.

Spice Shakers: These are usually two inches in height and are perfect for shaking out dried herbs in small quantities. They are also great for your dusting powders because of the shaker tops.

Woozeys: Narrow necked jars which are designed for herbal vinegars and wines. These come in a variety of sizes, but the most common are 5 ounce, 10 ounce and 12 ounce versions. You may want to use them for your bath oils.

Hex Jars: These are six-sided jars, wide-mouthed jars which are pretty and useful for creams and moisturizers. Greta Breedlove found the lids to be unreliable for travel. If you are ever worried about that you can place your containers in a zip lock bag. At least the mess will be contained in the zip lock instead of your suitcase.

Storage or Canning Jars: These are usually available in pint, quart, half-gallon and gallon sizes. They might also known as Mason Jars.

Boston Round: These jars/bottles come in a variety of sizes from 1/2 ounce to 16 ounces. In addition, you might find them in a variety of colors from clear, blue and amber. Of course, the colored glass will protect products from bright light.

Plastic Containers

Boston Round: These jars/bottles come in a variety of sizes from 1/2 ounce to 16 ounces.

Cream Jars: According to Greta Breedlove, these type of jars are opaque, white and wide-mouthed. They are great for lip balms, salves and moisturizing creams. They are great for travelling.

Lotion Bottles: Translucent, squeezable, flip-top bottles are perfect for creamy lotions and massage oils.

Powder Cylinders: Great for your dusting powders.

Other Containers

Tins: Shallow, wide-mouthed decorative tins containing labels on the cover are great for your lip balms and salves.

Muslin Bags: These come in a variety of sizes. These useful drawstring bags are great for herbal tub teas or for your herbal milk baths.

These are only a few varieties of bottles and containers for your products. And you may find a variety of these categories while shopping online or in a brick and morter store.