subject: Understanding Bottling advantages for Manufacturing - Glass vs. Aluminum vs. Plastic [print this page] Understanding Bottling advantages for Manufacturing - Glass vs. Aluminum vs. Plastic
As an owner of a company or the project manager of a project, it is important for us to know what options we have to choose from and how our decision will affect the products price, quality, and appeal to the consumer.
In this article we will be able to compare three material types: Glass, Plastic (PET), and Aluminum; each of which will produce a different outcome for our product. The following are the top 10 benefits for filling a liquid in a glass, plastic (PET), or aluminum bottle. The findings are based on web research, professional experience, industry experts, and consumer reports.
Top 10 Glass Bottle Benefits:
Has the purity of structure that makes any interaction with the stored liquid impossible
Impermeable
No odor
Versatility in shape and color
Reusable
According to a study in 2004, 72% of consumers find glass ideal packaging for organic products
Excellent clarity
Glass containers are distinctive, convenient and practical
Glass containers are used for premium quality foods
Glass has the advantage of preserving a certain temperature for a longer period of time
Top 10 Aluminum Bottle Benefits
New aluminum bottle design will most likely appeal to customers and increase sales
Technology used to produce the aluminum bottle has proven strong
Aluminum is highly recyclable
New aluminum bottle will help increase brand identity with company product lines
Customers are willing to pay for the added value
Lighter and more impact-resistant than glass
Durable
Re-sealable
More convenient package for the on-the-go consumer
Cools products more quickly than glass or plastic
Top 10 Plastic Bottle Benefits:
Inexpensive
Readily available
Do not break easily
Recyclable
Light weight
Can be produced on site
Versatility in shape and color
Product is visible (PET)
Less expensive to ship
Made of natural resources
Along with all of these benefits come a few disadvantages as well. The following are a few issues to consider when choosing a material to fill our product in.
Glass Disadvantages:
Breakage
High Shipping Rates
More energy to recycle
Expensive material
Aluminum Disadvantages:
Dent easily
Expensive to produce
Shorter shelf life
Possible chemical leaching if product is dented
Plastic Disadvantages:
BPA toxins are found in most plastic
Not all plastic can be recycled
Uses Earths natural resources
Chemical leaching into product if heated
Glass, although heavy and expensive, portrays quality and added value to the product. Many companies are turning to plastics to cut costs, but risk attack from those who are environmentally passionate. Most plastics are not able to be recycled properly and so they are left in wastelands to stay forever. Glass on the other hand is safe and creates awareness to consumers that your product is the real thing. Most are willing to pay for that added value. Aluminum is the new up and coming trend for drinks. It is environmentally safe and is futuristic in its design. Aluminum can be reused over and over again and is beginning to push out glass and especially plastic containers.
When choosing between glass, aluminum or plastic to fill our product in, it is important to also find a manufacturer who understands these materials well and is able to fill these types of bottles with extreme efficiency.
At our company, Tropical Resources , we have the understanding and the capability to fill glass and aluminum bottles with extreme efficiency on our large line, and our smaller line can keep up with the needs of most companies filling in a large variety of plastic (PET, HDPE) bottles.
