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Packaging Terms & Definitions Glossary
Bottles, jars, closures, neck finish, PET, HDPE. You landed here because someone used a packaging word you didn't know, or because you want to be the one who does. Browse every term below or jump to a letter.
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A
A.C.L. (Applied Color Labeling)
A decoration process where ceramic-based inks are printed directly onto glass and then fused permanently through heat, resulting in durable, permanent graphics.
Read more →Acid Etching
A chemical treatment used to roughen or frost the surface of glass, creating a matte or frosted appearance.
Read more →Acrylic
A transparent plastic known for its clarity, rigidity, and polished appearance. It is commonly used as a lightweight alternative to glass.
Read more →Adhesive
A bonding material used to join two surfaces together. In packaging, adhesives are used to secure labels, seals, laminates, and other components.
Read more →Aerosol Container
A pressurized container designed to dispense product as a spray, mist, or foam. It stores both the product and a propellant that forces the product out when the valve is activated.
Read more →Airless Pump
A dispensing system designed to prevent outside air from re-entering the package as product is dispensed.
Read more →Airtight Seal
A seal that prevents air from passing into or out of a package, protecting the contents from oxidation, moisture, and contamination to preserve freshness and shelf life.
Read more →Aluminum
A lightweight metal valued in packaging for its strength, corrosion resistance, and recyclability. Commonly used in cans, closures, foils, and tubes.
Read more →Amber Glass
Glass tinted brownish-gold to filter out UV and visible light, protecting light-sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals, beverages, and essential oils.
Read more →Applicator Tip
A narrow attachment that directs product to a specific area during dispensing, allowing for precise application.
Read more →Aseptic Packaging
A sterile packaging method in which products are filled and sealed under conditions that prevent microbial contamination, preserving product safety and extending shelf life without refrigeration.
Read more →Aviator Jar
A jar style characterized by broad shoulders and a sturdy, wide-mouth profile. Commonly used for cosmetics, personal care products, and food items.
Read more →B
Barrier Packaging
Packaging engineered to resist the passage of oxygen, moisture, light, or other environmental factors that could degrade the product inside.
Read more →Base
The bottom portion of a container that provides structural support and stability. The base design affects how the container sits on a surface and can influence overall structural integrity.
Read more →Blister Packaging
A package in which a product sits in a preformed plastic cavity sealed to a flat backing material.
Read more →BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)
A polypropylene film stretched in two directions to improve strength, clarity, and dimensional stability.
Read more →Boston Round
A classic bottle style with rounded shoulders and a narrow neck. Widely used for pharmaceuticals, laboratory reagents, personal care products, and general-purpose liquid storage.
Read more →Bottle
A rigid container designed to hold and dispense liquids, powders, or other products, typically characterized by a narrow neck and mouth opening.
Read more →Bottle Finish
The top portion of a bottle where the closure attaches, including the threads or sealing surface. The finish dimensions must be compatible with the closure to ensure a proper fit and seal.
Read more →Brush Cap
A closure that includes a brush attached to the underside of the cap, combining opening the container with the means of product application in a single step.
Read more →Bubble Mailer
A mailing envelope lined with bubble cushioning on the interior to protect contents from impact and damage during shipping.
Read more →Bulb
The squeezable rubber component of a dropper assembly that creates a vacuum when compressed, drawing liquid up into the pipette when released.
Read more →Bulk Packaging
Packaging used for large quantities of product rather than individual retail units. It is optimized for efficient storage, handling, and transport.
Read more →Bullet Bottle
A tall, narrow bottle with a cylindrical body and rounded or tapered top, named for its resemblance to a bullet or cartridge shape. Commonly used for personal care and specialty products.
Read more →Buttress Bottle
A bottle designed with reinforced thread geometry to provide superior sealing performance and durability for heavy-duty or high-pressure applications.
Read more →Buttress Finish
A thread design with broad, angled load-bearing surfaces that provide a secure seal, particularly on larger containers and closures subject to high loads.
Read more →C
Can
A metal container, usually cylindrical, used for beverages, foods, paints, and other products.
Read more →Canister
A rigid storage container, often cylindrical with a lid, used for dry goods, powders, or specialty items. Typically features a resealable closure to maintain product freshness.
Read more →Capri Oval
A bottle style with a slim, elongated oval profile. Often selected for its aesthetic appeal in personal care and specialty product packaging.
Read more →Carafe Bottle
A bottle shape inspired by serving vessels used for pouring beverages, featuring a wide base and a narrow neck that provides controlled flow during pouring.
Read more →Chemical Resistance
The ability of a packaging material to withstand prolonged contact with chemicals without degrading, swelling, dissolving, or otherwise losing structural or functional integrity.
Read more →Child-Resistant Closure
A closure designed to be difficult for young children to open while remaining accessible to adults. Required by regulation for certain hazardous products such as medications and household chemicals.
Read more →Clamshell
A package formed from two plastic halves connected by a hinge that snap together to enclose a product.
Read more →Clarity
The degree to which a material is free from haze, cloudiness, or optical distortion. A measure of how transparently a container allows its contents to be seen.
Read more →Closure
Any cap, lid, pump, or device used to seal a container opening. Closures protect the contents, prevent leakage, and may also serve as the dispensing mechanism.
Read more →Closure Torque
The rotational force required to apply or remove a closure. Proper torque specifications ensure a secure seal without making the closure too difficult to open.
Read more →CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key)
A subtractive color model used in printing that combines cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to reproduce a wide range of colors on physical substrates.
Read more →Cold Fill
A filling process in which product is packaged at ambient or low temperatures without thermal treatment. Used for products that are sensitive to heat or do not require heat for sterilization.
Read more →Compostable Padded Mailer
A padded shipping mailer made from certified compostable materials that break down in composting conditions.
Read more →Compression Molding
A molding process in which heated material is placed in an open mold cavity and then compressed into shape by closing the mold under pressure.
Read more →Container
A general term for any package or vessel used to hold, protect, store, or transport a product. Containers encompass bottles, jars, cans, tubes, pouches, and many other forms.
Read more →Continuous Thread (CT)
A thread style in which a single helical thread winds continuously around the neck of a container. The most common closure thread type, used with standard screw-on caps and lids.
Read more →Controlled Dropper Tip
A dispensing insert designed to meter liquid in a consistent, drop-by-drop manner, providing controlled dosing accuracy for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and other precision-dispensed products.
Read more →Corrugated Box
A material or container made from corrugated board, which consists of a fluted inner layer sandwiched between flat liner sheets.
Read more →Cosmetic Jar
A wide-mouth jar used primarily in personal care and beauty packaging. The wide opening provides easy access to thick creams, balms, and similar formulations.
Read more →Cosmo oval
An oval bottle style commonly associated with cosmetic and personal care products, valued for its ergonomic shape and aesthetic appeal.
Read more →Cosmo Round
A round cosmetic bottle style with a smooth, balanced silhouette. Its symmetrical shape provides a consistent surface for labeling and decoration.
Read more →Cushioning Material
Materials placed inside or around a package to absorb shock and reduce damage to the contents during handling and transit. Common types include foam, bubble wrap, paper fill, and molded pulp inserts.
Read more →Cut Tubes
Plastic tubes that connect to a pump closure and are trimmed to a specified length prior to filling or assembly, ensuring proper fit and full product evacuation within a specific container.
Read more →Cylinder Round
A bottle or container with straight, parallel walls forming a uniform cylindrical shape. This geometry is well-suited for labeling, stacking, and compatibility with automated filling equipment.
Read more →D
Dairy Bottle
A bottle style commonly associated with milk and refrigerated beverages, designed for practical handling, efficient storage, and ease of pouring.
Read more →Debossing
A decorative finishing technique in which artwork or text is pressed into a surface, creating a recessed impression.
Read more →Decanter Bottle
A bottle shape inspired by vessels used to pour and display liquids. Features a broad base and tapered neck, often used for premium spirits, oils, or specialty products.
Read more →Deco Lugs
Small molded protrusions on a container neck or closure that help align or secure an overcap or decorative component. They ensure proper positioning and help retain the outer component in place.
Read more →Deep Metal Tin
A metal tin with greater depth than a standard shallow tin, providing increased vertical capacity. Used when additional volume is required while maintaining the format of a tin container.
Read more →Density
The mass of a material per unit volume. In packaging, density influences weight, structural performance, material selection, and shipping costs.
Read more →Desiccant
A moisture-absorbing material included in packaging to reduce humidity inside the package.
Read more →Diamond Round
A type of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic container that merges the features of a traditional Boston round with a cosmo/bullet round, characterized by a tall, slender…
Read more →Die Cutting
A cutting process that uses a shaped steel die to stamp precise forms from paperboard, labels, films, or other flat materials.
Read more →Dip Tube
The internal tube that extends from the pump or sprayer at the top of a container down to the bottom, drawing product up to the dispensing mechanism.
Read more →Dip Tube Sizing
The process of cutting a dip tube to the correct length for a specific container.
Read more →Disc Top Lid
A closure with a hinged disc on top that opens the dispensing orifice when pressed on one side. Commonly used for shampoos, conditioners, and body wash products.
Read more →Dispensing Closure
Any closure designed to control and direct the release of product from a container. Dispensing closures regulate flow rate, dosage, or direction of product delivery.
Read more →Dispensing Treatment Pump
A pump mechanism that dispenses a measured, consistent amount of product per actuation. Commonly used for skincare serums, treatment formulas, and other products requiring precise dosage control.
Read more →Dome lid
A lid with a rounded, raised top profile. The domed shape can provide additional headspace, add visual interest, and convey a premium appearance.
Read more →Dosage Cup
A small measuring cup used to dispense a specific volume of liquid product, particularly for medicines and liquid supplements. Marked with measurement increments to ensure accurate dosing.
Read more →Double Wall Round Base
A rounded container base constructed with two concentric walls, providing added structural strength and a heavier, more substantial feel. Often used in premium packaging to enhance perceived quality.
Read more →Double Wall Straight Base
A straight-sided container base with a double-wall construction that increases durability and adds visual weight.
Read more →Down-Lock
A pump feature that locks the actuator in a depressed position to prevent accidental dispensing during storage or shipping.
Read more →Drop Test
A performance test in which a filled and sealed package is dropped from a specified height and in specified orientations to evaluate its ability to withstand impact without leaking, breaking, or losing integrity.
Read more →Dropper
A device used to transfer liquid in small, controlled amounts by suction, typically consisting of a glass or plastic pipette and a rubber bulb.
Read more →Dropper Bottle
A bottle designed to be paired with a dropper assembly for controlled, drop-by-drop liquid dispensing. Commonly used for pharmaceuticals, essential oils, and serums.
Read more →Dropper Tip Cap
A closure insert that regulates the flow of liquid into individual drops. Used to ensure consistent, controlled dispensing of liquid products.
Read more →Drum
A large cylindrical industrial container used to store and transport substantial quantities of product. Available in plastic, steel, or fiber construction depending on the application.
Read more →Dual Flip Top Lid
A closure with two independently operating flip-top sections, each opening to a different orifice. Allows a single closure to offer multiple dispensing options or quantities.
Read more →Dunnage
Loose protective materials placed around cargo within a shipping container or box to prevent movement and reduce damage during transport.
Read more →E
E-commerce Packaging
Packaging designed to withstand the demands of direct-to-consumer shipping, including automated sorting, multiple handling points, varying temperatures, and final-mile delivery conditions.
Read more →Embossing
A decorative finishing technique in which text or a design is pressed to create a raised surface. Embossing adds tactile dimension and visual depth to labels, packaging materials, and closures.
Read more →End Lid Display
A retail display unit positioned at the end of a store aisle to provide high-visibility product placement. End caps offer prime shelf space and are commonly used for promotions and featured products.
Read more →Euro Dropper
A dropper insert style commonly used in pharmaceutical and essential oil packaging that meters flow reliably in consistent drop sizes. Designed for precision dispensing rather than high flow rate.
Read more →Extrusion Blow Molding
A molding process in which molten plastic is extruded into a hollow tube (parison), captured in a mold, and inflated with air to form the final container shape.
Read more →EZ Stor
A square or rectangular container designed for space-efficient storage and shipping. The flat sides allow containers to be packed closely together, maximizing storage density.
Read more →F
F-Style Bottle
A rectangular bottle style with a built-in side handle, commonly used for chemicals, solvents, and industrial liquids.
Read more →F217
A compressible foam material inserted into the inner top of a closure to create a conforming seal against the container finish, helping prevent leaks and maintain product integrity.
Read more →Fine mist
A spray pattern that produces very small, evenly distributed droplets for a light, uniform application. Commonly used for facial mists, toners, and other products where light coverage is desired.
Read more →Fingertip Treatment Pump
A compact pump designed to be actuated with a single fingertip, allowing for precise, controlled dispensing. Typically used on smaller bottles for treatment serums, eye creams, and similar products.
Read more →Flame Treated
A surface treatment in which plastic is briefly exposed to an open flame to oxidize the surface and improve adhesion of inks, coatings, or labels.
Read more →Flat Lip
A container rim that terminates in a flat, level surface. This geometry facilitates clean, consistent sealing and is commonly required for heat-sealing or induction-sealing applications.
Read more →Flat Tin
A shallow metal tin with a low-profile design, used for smaller quantities of product. Commonly used for lip balms, salves, mints, and other small-volume items.
Read more →Flexible Packaging
Packaging made from pliable materials such as films, pouches, and bags that can bend or conform to their contents.
Read more →Flip Top Lid
A closure with a hinged lid that opens upward when pressure is applied and snaps closed without needing to be removed from the container.
Read more →Fluorination
A post-molding treatment applied to plastic containers in which the interior surface is exposed to fluorine gas to improve resistance to aggressive chemicals, solvents, and hydrocarbon-based products.
Read more →Foam Liner
A compressible foam disc placed inside a closure to improve the seal between the cap and container finish. It conforms to surface irregularities and helps prevent leakage.
Read more →Foamer Pump
A pump mechanism that mixes liquid product with air as it is dispensed, producing a foam output. Commonly used for hand soaps, facial cleansers, and other foaming personal care products.
Read more →Foil Seal
A thin foil membrane heat-sealed over a container opening before the closure is applied. Provides a tamper-evident barrier that protects freshness and signals whether the package has been opened.
Read more →Food-Grade Packaging
Describes packaging materials that are approved for direct contact with food under applicable regulatory standards. Food-grade materials must not transfer harmful substances to food contents.
Read more →Form Fill Seal
A packaging process in which a machine forms the package from a flat material, fills it with product, and seals it in a continuous automated operation.
Read more →French Square Bottle
A bottle style with flat square sides and sharp edges. The square footprint maximizes shelf space efficiency while providing flat surfaces for labels and printing.
Read more →Frosted
A surface finish that diffuses light to create a soft, matte, translucent appearance. Commonly used on glass and plastic containers to achieve a refined, understated aesthetic.
Read more →Fulfillment Center
A logistics facility where products are received, stored, picked, packed, and shipped to customers.
Read more →G
Gaylord
A very large corrugated cardboard or plastic container designed to fit on a standard pallet, used for shipping and storing bulk quantities of product.
Read more →Glass
A rigid, nonporous material made by melting sand and other minerals at high temperatures.
Read more →Glass Container
Any container made primarily from glass, offering clarity, chemical stability, and an impermeable barrier. Widely used for food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Read more →Graduated Container
A container marked with measurement lines to indicate volume levels, allowing it to serve both as a package and a measuring tool.
Read more →Gusset
An expandable fold built into the side or bottom of a bag or pouch that allows the package to expand and hold greater volume when filled.
Read more →H
Hand Register
The manual alignment of printing colors or artwork during press setup. Proper hand register ensures accurate color-to-color and image-to-substrate alignment throughout the print run.
Read more →Hang Tab
An added extension on packaging, usually with a hole, designed so the item can hang from a display hook.
Read more →HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
A strong, durable polyethylene known for impact resistance and wide chemical compatibility.
Read more →Heat Induction Seal
A sealing method that uses heat generated through induction to bond a foil liner to the container opening.
Read more →Heavy Gram
A term referring to heavier paper or board weight, often associated with sturdier and more premium packaging.
Read more →Hex-Shaped Bottle
A bottle featuring six sides. The hexagonal shape provides geometric stability, a distinctive visual profile, and efficient shelf and storage use.
Read more →Hinged Flip Lid
A lid attached permanently to the container by a molded hinge.
Read more →Holed Lid
A lid or closure with holes designed for sprinkling, ventilation, or controlled release.
Read more →Honey Bear Bottle
A squeezable bottle molded in the shape of a bear, commonly used for honey.
Read more →Honey Bottle
A bottle designed to package and dispense honey, often with features that support controlled flow.
Read more →Hot Fill
A filling process where product is packed while still hot, allowing the heat to help sanitize the package and extend shelf life without requiring additional sterilization steps.
Read more →I
Impact Resistance
The ability of a material or package to withstand sudden force or shock without breaking.
Read more →Imperial Round
A narrow round bottle style traditionally used for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and lab products.
Read more →In mold printing
A decoration process in which graphics are integrated into the part during molding rather than added afterward.
Read more →Injection Blow Molding
A process that first injection molds a preform and then blow molds it into a final hollow shape. It is precise, efficient, and especially useful for smaller bottles.
Read more →Injection Molding
A manufacturing method where molten plastic is forced into a mold cavity and cooled into shape.
Read more →Insert
A component placed inside packaging to support, separate, position, or protect the product.
Read more →J
L
Label
A printed or applied identifier that communicates branding, instructions, compliance information, or decoration.
Read more →Label Adhesion
The ability of a label to remain firmly attached to a surface over time and under real-world conditions.
Read more →Label Panel
A flat or slightly curved area intentionally reserved for label placement.
Read more →Laminate (Gloss or Matte)
A clear protective film added over print to enhance appearance or durability.
Read more →LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
A softer, more flexible form of polyethylene often used for squeeze bottles and tubing.
Read more →Lid
A removable cover used to close the opening of a container.
Read more →Lift ‘n’ Peel liner
A liner with an easy-grab tab designed to be peeled away cleanly after opening. The lift-tab feature simplifies removal and improves the consumer experience at first use.
Read more →Liner
The material inside a closure that creates the seal between cap and container.
Read more →Lot Code
A printed identifier used to trace a product back to a specific manufacturing batch.
Read more →Low-Profile
A design with reduced height or a flatter silhouette than standard versions.
Read more →Lug / Twist Finish
A closure finish that seals with a short turning motion rather than many full rotations.
Read more →M
Mason Jar
A heavy glass jar traditionally used for home canning and preserving.
Read more →Master Carton
The outer shipping box that contains multiple units or inner packs. Master cartons consolidate individual packages for efficient handling, storage, and transportation throughout the supply chain.
Read more →Material Gauge
The measured thickness of a packaging material such as film, foil, or board.
Read more →Matte
A non-glossy finish that scatters light rather than reflecting it sharply.
Read more →MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene)
Medium-density polyethylene, a polyethylene resin with density between HDPE and LDPE.
Read more →Metal Container
A container made from metal, often valued for durability, barrier protection, and a premium or industrial aesthetic.
Read more →Metalized
A finish or film that gives a material a metallic appearance without it being solid metal.
Read more →Mini Trigger Sprayer
A compact trigger-operated sprayer used for smaller bottles. It delivers the familiar functionality of a household sprayer in a more concentrated format.
Read more →Mist Fingertip Sprayer
A small dispensing device that creates a fine mist when pressed with the fingertip.
Read more →Mod pack
A modular style of packaging composed of coordinated parts or formats. The point is flexibility: pieces that can be combined, adapted, and deployed without reinventing the whole system.
Read more →Modern Round
A contemporary round bottle style with clean proportions and minimal detailing.
Read more →Mold
The hollow cavity into which material is formed during manufacturing.
Read more →Mold Seam
The visible line left on a molded part where mold sections meet.
Read more →Molded Pulp
Packaging formed from recycled paper fiber pulp. Molded pulp is commonly used for protective trays, inserts, and cushioning applications where sustainability and biodegradability are priorities.
Read more →Monprene
A thermoplastic elastomer used where softness, flexibility, or grip is needed. It behaves like rubber in use but processes more like plastic in manufacturing.
Read more →Multi-Pack
A group of individual products packaged together as one unit. It is a way of selling quantity with intention, often for convenience, value, or promotional effect.
Read more →N
Neck Band
A ring or band located just beneath the container finish. It may serve as a surface for tamper-evident banding, decoration, or secondary labeling.
Read more →Neck Finish
The top portion of a container neck, including the dimensions and profile that determine how closures fit.
Read more →Nitrile Bulb
A squeeze bulb made from nitrile rubber, chosen for its chemical resistance and durability.
Read more →Non-Perforated
A material without perforations or tear-assist holes. Non-perforated materials remain fully intact until cut, torn, or otherwise opened, providing a complete barrier with no pre-weakened areas.
Read more →Nozzle
The shaped outlet through which contents exit a package. Nozzle design determines flow pattern, direction, and rate.
Read more →O
Offset Printing
A printing method that transfers ink from plate to blanket to substrate. It is known for consistency and quality, which is why it remains a mainstay in commercial printing.
Read more →Orifice Reducer
A component inserted into a bottle opening to reduce and control liquid flow. It keeps the product from coming out all at once.
Read more →Oval Bottle
A bottle with an oval cross-section rather than a round one. The oval shape can improve grip, provide a distinctive shelf presence, and offer flat panel surfaces suitable for front-and-back labeling.
Read more →Overcap
A cap placed over another closure or dispensing component for protection. Overcaps shield the primary dispensing mechanism from dust, contamination, and damage during shipping and storage.
Read more →Overlid
An additional lid placed over a primary lid or opening. It offers extra protection, containment, or sometimes simply another line of defense against leaks.
Read more →Overwrap
A wrapping material placed around a product or package for protection or grouping.
Read more →P
Packaging
The materials, design, and process involved in enclosing, protecting, and presenting a product.
Read more →Packaging Line
The production system where containers are filled, sealed, labeled, and assembled into finished goods.
Read more →Packer Bottle
A wide-mouth, straight-sided bottle often used for pills, powders, and supplements. Its simple cylindrical shape maximizes interior volume and works well with counting and filling equipment.
Read more →Pail
A bucket-style container, typically ranging from one to seven gallons, used for larger quantities of liquid or bulk material.
Read more →Pallet
A flat platform, usually wood, plastic, or composite, used to move goods by forklift or pallet jack.
Read more →Palletizing
The act of arranging products onto pallets for transport or storage. Good palletizing considers load stability, weight distribution, and maximizing space within trailers or shipping containers.
Read more →Palm Pump
A pump pressed with the palm of the hand rather than a fingertip. The wider actuator makes dispensing easier and is common on larger bottles of lotion, soap, and sanitizer.
Read more →Panel
A flat side or section of a package. Panels matter because they provide the surface for labels, influence structural rigidity, and affect how containers stack and ship.
Read more →Paneling
The inward distortion of a container wall, often caused by pressure differences or insufficient structural strength.
Read more →Paperboard
A thick, paper-based material used to make cartons, sleeves, and folding boxes.
Read more →Paragon Jar
A tall, narrow jar style with straight or slightly tapered walls and a wide mouth. Its vertical profile is commonly seen in food and specialty packaging.
Read more →PCR (Post-Consumer Resin)
Plastic resin derived from materials that have already been used and recovered by consumers. PCR content is increasingly specified in packaging to reduce reliance on virgin plastic.
Read more →PCR PETG (Post-Consumer Resin Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)
A version of PETG resin made from post-consumer recycled content. It retains much of the clarity and toughness of virgin PETG while incorporating recovered material.
Read more →PCTG (Polycyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
A clear, tough copolyester known for impact resistance and good aesthetics. Commonly used in cosmetic packaging and reusable containers.
Read more →PE (Polyethylene)
A family of plastic polymers widely used in packaging for flexibility, chemical resistance, and processability. It is one of the most common materials precisely because it is so adaptable.
Read more →Perforated
Material intentionally weakened along a line with small cuts or holes to make tearing easier.
Read more →PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
A clear, strong plastic commonly used for beverage bottles and jars. Identified by resin code #1, PET offers excellent clarity and is one of the most widely recycled plastics.
Read more →PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)
A glycol-modified version of PET with improved toughness and chemical resistance. Valued for its clarity and commonly used in cosmetic containers and displays.
Read more →Phenolic Closure
A rigid closure made from phenolic resin, a thermoset plastic valued for its heat resistance and chemical compatibility. Often used in laboratory and chemical packaging.
Read more →Phthalates
A class of additives historically used to make plastics more flexible. They have become important from a compliance standpoint because many applications now restrict or avoid them.
Read more →Pinch Bottom Bag
A paper bag style whose base is formed by pinching and sealing rather than folding into a box bottom. It is efficient and common in food and industrial uses.
Read more →Plastic
A broad category of moldable synthetic materials made from polymers. Packaging plastics are identified by resin codes #1 through #7 and include common types such as PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, and PVC.
Read more →Plastisol Liner
A soft PVC-based compound applied inside metal closures, particularly lug caps for food jars. It flows and conforms to the container finish under pressure, creating a hermetic seal.
Read more →Ply
The number of layers in a paper, board, or material construction.
Read more →PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
A raster image format that supports transparency and lossless compression.
Read more →Poison Prevention Packaging Act
A U.S. law requiring certain hazardous household products to use child-resistant packaging.
Read more →Polycone Liner
A cone-shaped liner that compresses into the container opening to form a secure seal. It is especially good at dealing with slight variations by meeting the finish where it is.
Read more →Polyethylene (PE)
The spelled-out name for a broad family of packaging plastics used in films, bottles, and closures. Depending on density and formulation, it can be soft, stiff, or somewhere in between.
Read more →PP (Polypropylene)
A durable plastic known for stiffness, chemical resistance, and heat tolerance. It is widely used in closures because it handles repeated opening and closing.
Read more →PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Personal protective equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards during manufacturing or handling.
Read more →Pre-Press
The stage of production where artwork is prepared for printing, including color correction, layout, trapping, and proofing.
Read more →Pressure Sensitive
An adhesive system that bonds when pressure is applied rather than requiring heat or solvent activation.
Read more →Pressure Sensitive Label
A label coated with pressure-sensitive adhesive so it bonds when applied with pressure.
Read more →Primary Packaging
The package that directly contains the product itself.
Read more →Propel / Repel Tube
A tube design intended to move product toward the opening or away from it depending on the dispensing action and material behavior.
Read more →Prototype
An early sample or model used to test design, function, or fit before full production begins.
Read more →PS (Polystyrene)
A rigid plastic material commonly used in disposable products and some packaging applications.
Read more →PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
A chemically inert fluoropolymer used as a liner material where aggressive contents demand exceptional stability.
Read more →Pump Dispenser
A device that dispenses product through mechanical pumping action.
Read more →PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
A versatile plastic identified by resin code #3, used in packaging applications including shrink bands, blister packs, and clamshells. It offers good clarity and printability.
Read more →PVLF (Pulp and Vinyl Laminated Foil)
A composite liner combining layers of pulp, vinyl, and aluminum foil for strong barrier and chemical resistance. Used inside closures for products needing robust leak and contamination protection.
Read more →R
Recyclable Packaging
Packaging capable of being collected, processed, and turned into new material or products. Actual recyclability depends on material type and local collection infrastructure.
Read more →Register
The alignment of printed colors, layers, or graphics relative to one another.
Read more →Regrind
Reprocessed scrap plastic ground up and blended back into manufacturing. Typically mixed with virgin resin at controlled ratios to balance cost with consistent quality.
Read more →Regular mist
A standard spray pattern with droplet size larger than a fine mist and suited to more general application.
Read more →Resin
The base polymer material from which plastic packaging components are made. Common packaging resins include PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, and PS.
Read more →Retort Packaging
Packaging designed to withstand heat processing under pressure for sterilization or shelf stability.
Read more →RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
A digital color model based on red, green, and blue light, used for screens and displays.
Read more →Ribbed Skirt
The lower outer portion of a closure featuring ridges for grip.
Read more →Rigid Packaging
Packaging that maintains its shape rather than flexing easily. Rigid formats often provide stronger protection and clearer structure, though usually at the cost of using more material.
Read more →Rigidity
The quality of resisting bending or deformation. Rigidity is what makes a package feel solid.
Read more →Roll-On Bottle
A bottle fitted with a rolling ball applicator that dispenses liquid as it moves across a surface.
Read more →Round Base
A bottom design based on a circular footprint.
Read more →Round Bottle
A bottle with a circular cross-section.
Read more →Round Pail Lid
A lid designed to fit securely onto a round pail.
Read more →S
Saddle Head Dispenser
A pump with a broad, curved actuator shaped for comfortable pressing.
Read more →Sauce Bottle
A bottle style designed for sauces and condiments, typically with a tapered body and narrow neck. Often paired with flip-top closures or yorker spouts to manage flow.
Read more →Scratch Resistance
The ability of a surface or material to resist visible scratching.
Read more →Screen Printing
A printing technique that pushes ink through a mesh screen onto a surface. It is especially useful on containers and uneven shapes where other methods are less cooperative.
Read more →Sealing
The process of closing a package so it resists leakage, contamination, or tampering.
Read more →Sealing Disc
A disc-shaped sealing component placed inside or beneath a closure. It adds another layer of control between the product and the outside environment.
Read more →Secondary Packaging
Outer packaging used to group, protect, or support primary packages. It may not touch the product directly, but it absolutely affects how that product survives distribution.
Read more →Shallow Metal
A low-profile metal container with limited depth.
Read more →Shelf Life
The length of time a product remains safe, effective, or desirable under specified storage conditions.
Read more →Shoulder
The curved transition area between the body of a bottle and its neck.
Read more →Shrink Band
A shrinkable band placed around a closure or neck to show evidence of opening.
Read more →Shrink Sleeve
A full-body label made from shrink film that conforms tightly to the shape of a container.
Read more →Shrink Wrap
A plastic film that contracts under heat to wrap tightly around a product or package.
Read more →Side Gate Lid
A lid or gate that opens from the side rather than the top.
Read more →Sifter Lid
A lid designed to dispense fine powders or granules through a patterned opening.
Read more →Silkscreen
A direct-printing method, often used interchangeably with screen printing, that applies ink onto a container surface. It makes the decoration feel integrated rather than attached.
Read more →Single Wall
A container wall construction made from a single layer of material. It is simpler and lighter than double-wall structures, though usually with less heft or insulation.
Read more →Skep Bottle
A bottle shape inspired by traditional woven beehive forms.
Read more →Slim
A tall, narrow container profile. Slim packages save space visually and sometimes physically.
Read more →Slip Sheet
A thin sheet used beneath loads as an alternative to a pallet.
Read more →Smooth Skirt
A closure skirt with no ribs or texture on the outer surface.
Read more →Snap Lid
A lid that closes by snapping into place rather than threading on.
Read more →Soft Touch
A surface treatment that gives HDPE or similar plastic a velvety, tactile feel.
Read more →Sourcing
The process of finding, evaluating, and securing suppliers, materials, or components.
Read more →Spice Bottle
A container designed for spices, seasonings, or dry food ingredients. Typically paired with sifter lids or dual-opening closures that allow both shaking and spooning.
Read more →Spiral-Shaped Cowl Pump
A pump design with a decorative spiral-shaped outer housing.
Read more →Spout
A projecting outlet used for pouring or directing flow.
Read more →Spouted Dispensing Cap
A cap with an integrated spout for controlled dispensing.
Read more →Sprayer Bottle
A bottle intended to be paired with a spray mechanism.
Read more →Square Bottle
A bottle with four sides and a square footprint. It uses shelf and case space efficiently.
Read more →Square Firenze
A square bottle style with decorative design cues and a more premium visual profile.
Read more →Square Grip
A square bottle that includes molded grip features for easier handling.
Read more →Squat
A short, broad container profile with reduced height relative to width.
Read more →Stacking Strength
The ability of a package or load to withstand the weight of other items stacked on top of it.
Read more →Sterilization
The process of destroying or removing microorganisms to make a product or package suitably sterile.
Read more →Straight Base
A base style with straight vertical walls and a flat, stable lower profile.
Read more →Straight-Sided
A container whose sidewalls run vertically without tapering or pronounced curves.
Read more →Stretch Film
A stretchable plastic film used to wrap pallets or grouped goods.
Read more →Sustainable Packaging
Packaging designed to reduce environmental impact through material choice, recyclability, reuse, or resource efficiency.
Read more →SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
A vector-based graphic format that scales cleanly without losing sharpness.
Read more →T
Tabletop Oval
An oval container style intended for countertop presence, often in personal care or household products.
Read more →Tamper-Evident Packaging
Packaging designed to provide visible evidence if it has been opened or altered.
Read more →Tamper-Proof Packaging
A term often used for packaging that is highly resistant to unauthorized opening or interference.
Read more →Tapered
A shape that narrows gradually from one end to the other. Tapering can improve aesthetics, nesting, handling, or all three if done thoughtfully.
Read more →Tare Weight
The weight of an empty container or package. It matters whenever the contents need to be measured separately from what is holding them.
Read more →Tea Tin
A decorative or functional tin commonly used for tea and dry specialty goods.
Read more →Tear-Tab Lid
A lid opened by pulling a designated tab, often breaking a sealed section in the process.
Read more →Temperature Tolerance
The range of hot or cold conditions a material can endure without failing.
Read more →Thermoforming
A forming process in which heated plastic sheet is stretched over or into a mold.
Read more →Thermoplastics
Plastics that can be reheated and reshaped after initial forming. Their reversibility is one reason they dominate manufacturing.
Read more →Thermosets
Plastics that cure into a permanent shape and cannot simply be remelted and reformed. Once set, they are committed in a way thermoplastics are not.
Read more →Thick Wall
A container construction using extra wall thickness for strength, feel, or premium appearance.
Read more →Thread Finish
The thread design and dimensions on a container neck that determine closure fit.
Read more →Thread Pitch
The distance between adjacent threads on a finish or closure. It influences how quickly the cap advances and how the sealing action behaves.
Read more →Thread Turns
The number of rotations required to fully apply or remove a threaded closure.
Read more →Tight-Head
A drum with a sealed, non-removable top and dedicated openings for filling and dispensing. It is chosen when strength and containment matter more than internal access.
Read more →Top Gate Lid
A lid with an opening or access point located at the top center area. It directs the user toward a particular mode of dispensing rather than a full opening.
Read more →Tote
A large reusable container used for bulk handling and transport.
Read more →Tray
A shallow open container used to hold, separate, display, or support products.
Read more →Trigger Sprayer
A spray device operated by a lever-style trigger.
Read more →Triple thread
A thread configuration with multiple thread starts that allows faster closure application.
Read more →Tub
A wide, open-top container often used for foods, creams, or larger-volume products. NOT the kind to take a bath in.
Read more →Tube
A flexible cylindrical package used for creams, gels, pastes, and similar products. Tubes are designed around controlled squeezing.
Read more →Tuscany Jar
A decorative jar style with rounded, classic lines often associated with premium presentation.
Read more →Twin-Neck Bottle
A bottle with two separate neck openings. It is uncommon, and for that reason usually tied to a very particular dispensing or formulation purpose.
Read more →Twist-Open Dispensing Lid
A dispensing lid that opens or unlocks through twisting motion.
Read more →U
Ullage
The empty headspace left in a package after filling.
Read more →UN Rated
Packaging certified to meet United Nations performance standards for transporting hazardous materials.
Read more →Uncontrolled Dropper Tip
A dispensing insert that allows liquid to flow out without strong metering or drop-by-drop control.
Read more →Unit Load
A group of products handled as a single transport unit.
Read more →Up-Lock
A pump feature that locks by lifting or twisting into an upper secured position. It prevents accidental actuation and keeps the product where it belongs.
Read more →Urea
In packaging, this refers primarily to urea-formaldehyde resin, a thermoset material used to produce rigid closures.
Read more →UV Coating
A surface coating cured instantly or rapidly with ultraviolet light.
Read more →UV Protection
The ability of a package or material to shield contents from ultraviolet radiation.
Read more →V
Vacuum Packaging
A packaging method where air is removed before sealing to extend shelf life or reduce oxidation.
Read more →Valve Closure
A closure that incorporates a valve to regulate flow, venting, or one-way movement.
Read more →Varnish Coating
A clear or tinted protective coating applied over printed surfaces.
Read more →Vector
Artwork defined by mathematical paths rather than a fixed grid of pixels. Vector graphics scale beautifully, which makes them the grown-up choice for logos and line work.
Read more →Vented Lid
A lid that includes venting features to release pressure or allow airflow.
Read more →Vented Liner
A liner that allows gases to pass while still maintaining liquid sealing performance.
Read more →Vial
A small container, often glass or plastic, used for samples, pharmaceuticals, or laboratory liquids.
Read more →Vinyl or Vinyl Liner
A sealing liner made from vinyl-based material. Its value comes from conformability and compatibility in the right applications.
Read more →Void Fill
Material used to fill empty space in a shipping package and protect contents from movement or impact.
Read more →W
Wadding
A soft sealing material used within closures to create a barrier against leakage.
Read more →Warehouse
A building or facility used to store products before distribution.
Read more →Warehouse Packaging
Packaging intended for storage, handling, and transport within warehouse and distribution environments.
Read more →Wide-Mouth
A container opening that is larger than standard, making filling, scooping, or pouring easier.
Read more →Woozy Bottle
A tall, narrow bottle style often used for sauces and marinades.
Read more →Wraparound Label
A label that extends around most or all of the container circumference.
Read more →Y
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