Friday, January 27, 2012

How to Create Labels that Complement Your Product and Make It Stand Out from the Competition

You have created your product and chosen the bottle to package it. Now all you have to do is label your product, right? But, as you may have noticed, creating your own labels can be a daunting task…

Today, I’ll share with you some basic guidelines that will help you avoid common mistakes when designing your own labels.

First, of course, you need to know your label dimensions, and we’ve made that part real easy for you. Simply visit eBottles online, locate the bottle you would like to label, and click on the bottle size. This will bring up the exact specs for your label. For example, if you have an 8 oz HDPE Boston Round, this is what you will see.

Next, you’ll need to decide which method and material to use for your label. Adhesive labels can be a cost-effective alternative to other labeling methods, such as screen-printing, but they may not always work for your product.

In order to determine what method is right for you, consider how your product will be stored and used (i.e. does resistance to water or heat matter?), how it is packaged (textured surfaces may require special label adhesives), and who your target market is (high-end products may benefit from superior label materials and specialty inks).  

Once you know your labeling method and material, it’s time to think about the look of your label. The general rule of thumb is: Keep it simple! A clean look with eye-catching colors and easy-to-read fonts usually works best and helps your product stand out on the shelf. Here are some additional, more specific tips:
    • Use colors that complement your packaging
    • Include a prominent logo or graphic to help draw attention to your product
    • Use a large enough font so your brand, company name and product description stand out
    • If you offer multiple products within a product line, be sure to maintain major design elements throughout so it is easily recognizable that they are all part of the same brand
    A good example of consistent branding
    • Include your contact information such as a website, address and/or phone number to make it easy for your customers to learn more about your company and products
Finally, if you’re creating labels for food or cosmetic products, they often must comply with certain government regulations, i.e. listing nutrition facts, ingredient lists, common allergens, net weight and size. Be sure to do some research to see if your product falls into that category.
There you have it. Following these basic guidelines for your label design will give your product a sleek and professional look. And, as you know, that’s the first step to a successful sale!
Until next time,

Thursday, January 26, 2012

5 Easy Steps to Identify Which Plastic is Right for Your Product


We get the question all the time: "Which plastic is the right plastic for my product?"

We know that you've spent a long time getting your product developed. But the reality is, finding the right packaging and getting it decorated and ready to market could take you just as long.

Don't get discouraged though. Just remember, it's all part of the process.

5 Easy Steps to Identify Which Plastic is Right for Your Product
Here are some ideas on how you can identify what plastic type will work best with your product:
  1. Call us, the plastic experts, at 1-888-215-0023 for any suggestions or ideas.
  2. Research the different plastic types at ebottles.com and get a general idea on which types to test.
  3. Go to the grocery store or competitor and look at what they're using to package their product.
  4. Order a sample bottle at eBottles.com and test it.
  5. Research all applicable regulatory agencies on packaging in your industry.
What to look for when testing your product

When testing your product in a specific container, here are some things you should be looking for:

1. Does your container and lid combination create a leak-proof seal? Does your product leak when turned upside down? Does it leak when you shake it?

A good way to testing that is to leave your bottle filled with water on its side or upside down over night. If the bottle doesn't leak, you have a good seal. Believe it or not, water is actually harder to hold than almost any other product!

2. Does your filled and sealed container panel over time? Does the shape of the container begin to distort over time? Fill your container and watch it over days, weeks, and months.

To see if your product is compatible with the bottle material, you need to observe changes to the bottle and product over time.

If you don't have an "incubating oven" (and who does), storing the bottle in a sunny window location is a good alternative and will help to accelerate the process.

If your product is leaving the bottle (yes, it's possible!), it will very slowly migrate through the walls of the plastic and imperceptibly evaporate. You will notice the change when the product level slowly goes down and/or the bottle walls collapse from the vacuum that is created.

Typically, changes will start to become apparent within a couple of weeks, and one month should give you a good indication. Three months is even better!

3. Does your product weaken the structure of the plastic? Does the container start to feel flimsy or weak?

4. Does your product taste or smell funny prior to expiration date?

So, what IS the best plastic type for your product? The best answer: Try your options and see!

To view a complete selection of our bottles, visit ebottles.com

Until next time,
 
                            

Monday, January 23, 2012

NEW Ribbed Water Bottle to Replace Existing Model!


Dear eBottles Water Bottle Customer:

Here’s an important update for those of you who have previously ordered our 16 oz. Water Bottle.

Our manufacturer no longer makes this bottle, so we will be transitioning to a new Water Bottle as soon as our current inventory of the existing model runs out. Please note that the new bottles will use a different cap size and have different label dimensions than the previous bottles.

With the new Water Bottles, we offer:
 
·         A Special Introductory 25% OFF now through February 14th, 2012
·         2 Additional Sizes with NEW 8 oz and 25 oz Bottles
·         NEW Sport Caps in addition to Standard Tamper Evident Closures
·         Optional Bulk Palletizing for larger Quantities and Discounts

If you’re interested in Bulk Palletizing, please reference the table below for quantities and prices. Call 1-888-215-0023 to order.


NEW Ribbed Water Bottle Bulk Palletizing – Quantities and Pricing *


Size/(Click on size for Label Dimensions)


Quantity per Pallet

Price per Bottle

Your Savings


8309 Bottles


$0.17

Save $542.47 Per Pallet



4680 Bottles

$0.36

Save $468.00 Per Pallet



3524 Bottles

$0.45

Save $466.20 Per Pallet

* Delivered as Full Pallet by Truck

We wanted to make sure that you are aware of this transition and give you the opportunity to purchase the existing bottle while supplies last. 


NEW Model
Available in 3 Different Sizes

New Water Bottle Sport Cap  



Existing Model
Still Available While Supplies Last
 
For questions, or if you would like to have a sample of the new bottle sent to you, please call
1-888-215-0023 Monday through Friday 8 am - 5 pm EST.

As always, we thank you for your business!

eBottles.com


Friday, January 20, 2012

Welcome to eBottles News You Can Use!

With News You Can Use we’re bringing you a new series of informative, fun and entertaining articles that take you behind the scenes at eBottles.com, providing you with valuable insights, useful tips and interesting facts on – you guessed it – BOTTLES.

 
Create a message in a bottle
next time you send an invitation!

 As the newest member of eBottles, headquartered in beautiful Jupiter, Florida, I’m on a mission to share with you everything I’m learning during my venture here at “eBottles Central!” And to make it more fun for everyone, I invite you to comment and post your own experiences, so we can easily share information both ways and build a true community.

First things first... Let me introduce myself

My name is Ellie, and I joined eBottles in January of 2012. Like most of you, I’m using products that come in bottles on a daily basis. From drinks to foods to cosmetics – really, if you think about it – almost everything we consume comes in some sort of a bottle or jar. We just don’t care to notice because we’re so focused on getting to what’s inside the bottle instead.

So today, I’m starting my mission to change that.

I’ll provide you with a little more in-depth knowledge on why certain things come packaged a certain way. We’ll take a look at glass, aluminum and different kinds of plastics. We’ll also take a closer look at the various elements of a bottle, including its neck, its cap and its seal…

And, last but not least, we’ll also discuss new ideas and lots of fun ways to use these bottles.

Let’s get started with the very basics. Did you know that a plastic bottle isn’t just a plastic bottle?
In fact, there are many different kinds of plastics, and different reasons why certain plastic materials (or resins) have certain uses. Most of them have names that we can’t pronounce. Therefore, let’s stick with their abbreviated names!

Know Your Plastics!

The most common and least expensive resin used for plastic bottles is called HDPE (or High Density Polyethylene – don’t even try!) This material is economical, impact resistant, and provides a good moisture barrier.

Plastic bottles made from HDPE are naturally translucent (or “see-through”), like a milk jug, and flexible. Once you add color, they become opaque (or “non see-through”).



Food grade approved by the FDA, HDPE is compatible with a wide range of products, including foods & vitamins, but also acids and caustics. It is not compatible with solvents or essential oils.

While HDPE bottles provide good protection at below freezing temperatures, they cannot be used with products filled at over 160° F (71° C) or products requiring a hermetic (or vacuum) seal.


So, here you go. This was HDPE Plastic 101. To learn more, simply click here. If you have used HDPE bottles before, please share below what you used them for. Make it fun and post your pics! Best entries will be posted to our company website!

Until next time,

Thursday, January 5, 2012

How Do UPC Codes Work For My Bottles

Universal Product Codes

In our computer age, most consumers are familiar with the bar codes on items that are scanned at the checkout line. That bar code is the Universal Product Code or UPC, a unique 12 digit identification of an individual consumer product.
Although a UPC is not legally required, each industry dictates its own requirements. For example, the grocery industry requires a UPC on all items because it is heavily dependent on the UPC for pricing and inventory control. Conversely, some professional hair care and beauty products sold directly to beauty salons do not require a UPC. In general, all products sold at the retail level require a UPC.
When a UPC is required, high standards are strictly enforced. In some cases, a non-readable UPC can cost product owners fines, concessions to retailers, and worse yet, product pulled off shelves never to be sold. Therefore, it is important to understand what is involved in the creation of a quality, readable UPC.

ANATOMY OF A UPC

  1. Number System Character - the first number of the UPC, this number assigned by the Uniform Code Council simply indicates the number system that is to follow.
  2. Manufacturer Identification Number - a unique 5 digit number assigned by the Uniform Code Council.
  3. Item Number - a 5 digit number assigned and controlled by the product owner.
  4. Check Character - the last number of the UPC, it is used to verify the accuracy of the entire UPC.
ANATOMY OF A UPC

Important UPC Characteristics

  1. Size - the nominal size is 1.469" wide x 1.02" high including the number system and check characters. The minimum recommended size, 80% of the nominal size, is 1.175" wide x .816" high. The maximum recommended size, 200% of the nominal size, is 2.938" wide x 2.04" high. In general, larger UPC's scan better. Size may vary depending on package design and printing conditions.
  2. Contrast - the level of contrast between bars and spaces helps determine the readability of a bar code. Although many color combinations may be used, the most reliable combination is black bars with white spaces. If that combination is not feasible, an alternative combination of dark bars with light spaces is always recommended. Since the scanner uses infrared light to read the bar code, the color red cannot be scanned and therefore should not be used as any part of the UPC.
  3. Quiet Zone - the required area to the left and right of the bar code free of all printing, this area prepares the scanner for the bar code that is to follow. Since bar codes can be read from either direction, quiet zones are required on both ends.
  4. Bar/Space Pattern - every number has a unique pattern of bars and spaces of varying widths. Accurate printing of these patterns and their widths is essential.

UPC Tips

  1. Location - The UPC should be located in the center of the package's "natural bottom". This is determined by considering the design of the container as well as the orientation of the package graphics.
  2. Show-Through - Show-through can occur with transparent or translucent packages when the product is seen through the spaces of a bar code. This can yield a bar code unreadable and can be avoided by overlaying an opaque white background with dark bars.
  3. Truncation - Truncation is decreasing the height but not the width of a bar code. Although not recommended, truncation is sometimes necessary. Manufactures should try to reduce the bar code within the established limits before cutting off the top of the bar code through truncation.
  4. Printing Methods - Different printing methods effect the image quality of a UPC in different ways and, therefore, steps must be taken to counteract any negative effects. For example, in silk screening, the occurrence of ink spread must be calculated and bar width reduction must be incorporated into the film master. Ink spread can also decrease the flexibility of size reduction of a bar code. If a bar code is reduced too much, an attempt to silk screen it will blur the bars together. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to keep the bar code within the minimum of 80% of the nominal size.
The printing methods also affect the position of the bar code. With any method that might involve ink spread, it is best to position the bar code on its side so that the bars run in the same direction as the ink flows during the printing process. This insures that any blurring will affect bar length rather than bar width, which is more crucial to readability.
Your Account Executive can help you with any questions you might have about the UPC. You can also contact the Uniform Code Council. Bottles

How to Convert Metric Measurements

Common convertions for bottles

Measurement Charts

Weight
1 ounce= 28.35 grams
8 ounce= 227 grams
16 ounce= 454 grams
32 ounce= 908 grams
1 kilogram= 2.2 pounds
Liquid Capacity
1 fluid ounce= 29.57 ml
8 fluid ounces= 236.6 ml
16 fluid ounces= 473.2 ml
32 fluid ounces= 946.4 ml
1 liter= 33.81 fluid ounces
1 U.S. gallon= 3.78 liters
U.S. Liquid Capacity
1 cup= 8 ounces
1 pint= 16 ounces
1 quart= 32 ounces
1/2 gallon= 64 ounces
1 gallon=128 ounces
Volume
1 ounce= 29.57 cc
8 ounces= 236.60 cc
16 ounces= 473.20 cc
32 ounces= 946.40 cc
1 ounce= 8 drams
Length
1 inch= 25.4 mm
1 foot= 30 cm
1 meter= 3.3 feet

Conversion from Metric Measures

Symbol
dr
cc
ml
l
gr
kg
mm
When You Know
drams
cubic centimeters
milliliters
liters
grams
kilograms
millimeters
Multiply By
0.125
0.034
0.034
2.100
0.035
2.200
0.039
To Find
ounces
ounces
ounces
pints
ounces
pounds
inches
Symbol
oz.
oz.
oz.
pt.
oz.
lbs.
in.




Conversion to Metric Measures

Symbol
oz.
oz.
oz.
pt.
oz.
lbs.
in.
When You Know
ounces
ounces
ounces
pints
ounces
pounds
inches
Multiply By
8.00
29.57
29.57
0.47
28.35
0.45
25.40
To Find
drams
cubic
centimeters
milliliters
liters
grams
kilograms
millimeters
Symbol
dr
cc
ml
l
g
kg
mm

How to tighten your bottle caps

Bottle Closure Guide

Cap SizeTorque (Inches/Pound)
GlassPlastic
156-9 lbs.7-9 lbs.
208-1210-12
2410-1512-15
2811-1713-17
3313-2016-20
3815-239-23
4317-2621-26
4518-2823-28
4819-2924-29
5321-3227-32
5823-3529-35
6325-3831-38
7028-4235-42
8334-4941-59
8936-5344-53
10040-6048-60
11045-6555-65
12048-7260-72
The application torque of closures must be controlled in order for the closures to perform properly in the field. Closures must be applied tight enough to maintain a seal and to resist closure back-off, but must be not be applied so tightly that the end user cannot remove the closure.
A general guide is that the application torque in inches per pound should equal approximately half of the closure millimeter size. As application torque cannot be measured directly on an automatic capper, removal torque measurements are used as an indication of application torque. Since each package will have its own relationship of application to removal torque, the packager should determine this relationship for each of his packages. By applying caps by hand with a torque meter and immediately measuring the removal torque, a correlation between application and removal torque can be determined. This correlation can then be used as an indicator of the actual application torque generated by the capper. By checking removal torque regularly after capping, one can determine if there is a need for adjustment

Bottle S.P.I. Specifications

Plastic Bottle S.P.I. Specifications

H" Dimension: The height of the neck finish. Measured from the top of the neck to the point where the diameter "T," extended down, intersects the shoulder.
"S" Dimension: Measured from the top of the finish to the top edge of the first thread. The "S" dimension is the key factor which determines the orientation of the closure to the bottle and the amount of thread engagement between the bottle and cap.
"I" Dimension: The inner diameter of the bottle neck. Specifications require a minimum "I" to allow sufficient clearance for filling tubes. Linerless closures, with a plug or land seal, and dispensing plugs and fitments require a controlled "I" dimension for a proper fit.
"T" Dimension: The outside diameter of the thread. The tolerance range of the "T" dimension will determine the mate between bottle and closure.
"E" Dimension: The outside diameter of the neck. The difference between the "E" and "T" dimensions divided by two determines the thread depth.
S.P.I. Specifications

S.P.I. Standard Neck Finish Sizes

MMTE400H410H415HSITHDS PER INCH
MAXMINMAXMINMAXMINMAXMINMAXMINMAXMINMIN
13.514.502.454.442 .467.437.052.022.21812
15.581.569.521.509 .572.542.052.022.25812
18.704.688.620.604.386.356.538.508.632.602.052.022.3258
20.783.767.699.683.386.356.569.539.757.727.052.022.4048
22.862.846.778.762.386.356.600.570.852.822.052.022.4838
24.940.924.856.840.415.385.661.631.972.942.061.031.5168
281.0881.068.994.974.415.385.723.6931.0971.067.061.031.6146
301.1271.1071.0331.013.418.388 .061.031.6536
331.2651.2411.1711.147.418.388 .061.031.7916
351.3641.3401.2701.246.418.388 .061.031.8756
381.4761.4521.3821.358.418.388 .061.031.9876
401.5801.5501.4861.465.418.388 .061.0311.0916
431.6541.6241.5601.530.418.388 .061.0311.1656
451.7401.7101.6461.616.418.388 .061.0311.2516
481.8701.8401.7761.746.418.388 .061.0311.3816
511.9681.9331.8741.839.423.393 .061.0311.4796
532.0672.0321.9731.938.423.393 .061.0311.5786
582.2242.1892.1302.095.423.393 .061.0311.7356
602.3422.3072.2482.213.423.393 .061.0311.8536
632.4612.4262.3672.332.423.393 .061.0311.9726
662.5791.1072.4852.450.423.393 .061.0312.0906
702.7362.7012.6422.607.423.393 .061.0312.2476
752.9132.8782.8192.784.423.393 .061.0312.4246
773.0353.0002.9142.906.502.472 .075.0452.5466
833.2683.2333.1483.113.502.472 .075.0452.7535
893.5113.4763.3913.356.550.520 .075.0452.9185
1003.9373.9023.8173.782.612.582 .075.0453.3445
1104.3314.2964.2114.176.612.582 .075.0453.7375
1204.7244.6894.6044.569.700.670 .075.0454.1315

Bottle Recycling Code System

Recycling Code System

Recycling Code System

The Plastic Bottle Material Code System

Recycling has been aided by the creation of The Plastic Bottle Material Code System. This system is designed to be easy to read at a glance and distinguishable from any other marking on the bottom of a container. Where this system is in place, these symbols are required to appear on all bottles 8 oz. and greater.
The symbol consists of a triangle formed by three "chasing arrows", with a specific number in the center that indicates the material from which the bottle is made. The number/material equivalents are:
The number code is then supplemented by the common letter indication for the various resins under the symbol, to serve as a constant verification of the material sorted.
It is possible that these symbols may change over time.
These symbols may be modified for clarity or supplemented to provide more technically specific information. However, to avoid any confusion among consumers, any changes will be very subtle. Any future symbols will be based on the numbers and letters shown here.

Extrusion Blow Molding Custom Tooling

Extrusion Blow Molding Custom Tooling

In extrusion blow molding a hollow tube or parison is formed by forcing material between a die and a mandrel. A mold cavity, composed of two halves, closes around the parison, sealing the bottom. Blow pins are inserted into the top of the tube, forming the neck. Compressed air expands the parison to conform against the cold mold cavity walls. When sufficiently cool, the mold opens and the container is removed and trimmed of excess plastic or flash. Flash, a basic characteristic of extrusion blow molding, is formed when the parison is pinched off by the mold. Since plastic resins can be reprocessed, the flash is not wasted but is used as regrind mixed back with virgin material. Wall distribution, thickness and weight can be controlled by parison programming. While the parison is extruded, programming changes in the relation of mandrel and die can be used to shift material from heavier, stronger areas to lighter, weaker areas. This method aids significantly in maximizing container performance and minimizing container weight and cost.
Blow Molding

Advantages of Extrusion Blow Molding:

  • Low initial mold tooling costs.
  • Flexibility of tooling. Molds can accommodate interchangeable neck finishes and body sections.
  • Flexibility in production: Neck inner diameters (I.D.) can be easily controlled to varying requirements. Bottle weights are adjustable.
  • Container sizes can range from less than 1 oz. to 55 gallons and up. (Custom Bottle's equipment is most efficient producing containers up to 1 liter in capacity.)
  • Container shape is not restricted by blow-up ratios. Bottles can be long and flat or have handles.
  • Wide selection of machine sizes: Molds can be geared to volume requirements.

Custom tooling is available to meet all packaging needs from 100M to 10MM annual unit requirements. A wide range of molding equipment and technology make possible the custom designing and production of components to fit any range of budget and configuration.

Custom Tooling

Custom variations to stock bottle tooling include:
  • Embossing stock containers through the use of a sleeve.
  • Neck rings to provide versatility of closure use, including specialty closure applications.
  • Inserts to produce a custom capacity or height by inserting a slug into a stock mold with a stack design.
Tooling costs depend entirely upon the application and required production rate:
  • A single cavity, extrusion blow mold suitable to produce up to 100M units per year may cost as little as $3000.00.
  • An eight cavity, extrusion blow mold with automatic detabbing equipment may cost as much as $25,000 but may generate sufficient cost savings to return the investment within a short period.

Resin Comparison Chart

PropertiesPET OrientedPET UnorientedPETGPVC UnorientedHDPELDPEPP
ClarityClear +Clear +Clear +ClearTranslucentTranslucent+Translucent+
Scuffing Resistancepoor/fairpoor/fairfairgoodvery goodvery goodvery good
Impact Strengthgood to
excellent
poor to
fair
poor to
fair
fair to
good
good to
excellent
excellentpoor to good
Stiffnessmoderate
to high
moderate
to high
moderate
to high
moderate
to high
moderatelowmoderate
to high
Maximum Hot Fill*120°F140°F140°F140°F180°F150°F240°F
Permeability to:
Watermoderatemoderatemoderatemoderatevery lowlowvery low
Oxygenlowlowlowlowhighvery highhigh
CO2very lowlowlowlowhighvery highmoderate
to high
Resistance to:
Acidsfair to goodfair to goodfairgood to
very good
fair to
very good
fair to
very good
fair to
very good
Alcoholsgoodgoodpoorgood to
very good
goodfair to
very good
good
Alkalispoor to fairpoor to fairpoor to fairgood to
very good
good to
very good
good to
very good
very good
Minimum Temperature
(Brittleness)
- 40°C- 40°C30°C- 100°C- 100°C0°C
Density1.35-1.401.35-1.401.27-1.351.35.94-.965.91-.925.89-.91
*This chart is a guideline only. Variables such as bottle weight and wall thickness may have an effect on material performance. Testing is always recommended.

Guide to Plastic Resins

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is the most widely used resin for extrusion blown plastic bottles. This material is economical, impact resistant, and provides a good moisture barrier. HDPE is compatible with a wide range of products including acids and caustics but is not compatible with solvents. It is usually supplied in FDA approved food grade. HDPE is naturally translucent and flexible. The addition of color will make HDPE opaque although not glossy. Adding extra weight to the bottle will yield a rigid container. HDPE can be supplied electro-treated or flame-treated by request so that it can be ready for silk screen decoration. While HDPE provides good protection at below freezing temperatures, it cannot be used with products filled at over 180°F or products requiring a hermetic seal. A glossy surface can be achieved with the use of the special copolymer resin, High Gloss HDPE.


Post Consumer Resin (PCR) is a blend of reclaimed natural HDPE (primarily from milk and water containers) and virgin resin. The recycled material is cleaned, ground and recompounded into uniform pellets along with prime virgin material especially designed to build up environmental stress crack resistance. PCR has no odor but exhibits a slight yellow tint in its natural state. This tint can be hidden by the addition of color. PCR is easily processed and inexpensive. However, it cannot come into direct contact with food or pharmaceutical products. PCR can be produced in a variety of recycled content percentages up to 100%.


Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is similar to HDPE in composition. It is less rigid and generally less chemically resistant than HDPE, but is more translucent. LDPE is used primarily for squeeze applications. LDPE is significantly more expensive than HDPE, but will yield a glossy bottle when produced in colors.


Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) combines the characteristics of low and high density polyethylene. Bottles are less translucent than LDPE but more flexible than HDPE. Like LDPE, MDPE is glossy when produced in colors.


Polypropylene (PP) is a naturally translucent material which provides contact clarity and an excellent moisture barrier. PP is easily processed via injection molding (jars and closures), and injection, extrusion, or stretch blow-molding (bottles). One major advantage of polypropylene is its stability at high temperatures, up to 200°F. Therefore, it is used for hot fill products such as pancake syrup. Polypropylene is also autoclavable and offers the potential for steam sterilization. PP has excellent chemical resistance, but provides poor impact resistance in cold temperatures. Oriented PP offers improved impact resistance and clarity at low temperatures. Produced in color, PP exhibits a glossy finish.


K-Resin is ideally suited to a wide variety of packaging applications by virtue of its sparkling clarity, high gloss, and impact resistance.
K-Resin, a styrene derivative, is easily processed on polyethylene equipment. It is suitable for packaging many products but is specifically incompatible with fats and unsaturated oils or solvents. This material is frequently used for display and point-of-purchase packaging.


Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is naturally clear, has extremely good resistance to oils, and has very low oxygen transmission. It provides an excellent barrier to most gases and its drop impact resistance is also very good. This semi-rigid material is also very chemically resistant, but it is vulnerable to solvents.
PVC is available in general purpose grade, food grade, and fragrance-guard perfume grade. The occurrence of the blue tint in clear PVC can be modified by controlling the toner levels in each of these grades. General Purpose PVC will distort at 160°F, making it incompatible with hot filled products. New PVC grades are able to withstand temperatures up to 190°F and can be hot filled. Since it provides a good oxygen barrier, PVC is an excellent choice for salad oil, mineral oil, and vinegar. It is also commonly used for shampoos and cosmetic products.
PETG is a durable material with excellent gloss, clarity and sparkle desired for clear bottles. PETG can be processed via conventional extrusion blow molding methods, generally on machines designed to process PVC.
Applications include shampoos, soaps and detergents. PETG exhibits a good impact strength and gas barrier. The chemical resistance of PETG is fair and compatibility testing is recommended, especially with products that contain alcohol.

Child Resistant Packaging Regulations:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has determined that a hazard to children is posed by the packaging of the following substances and that special packaging is required to protect children from serious personal injury or illness resulting from handling, using, or ingesting these substances:

(1) Aspirin.
(2) Furniture polish. Nonemulsion type liquid furniture polishes containing
10 percent or more of mineral seal oil and/or other petroleum distillates
and having a viscosity of less than 100 Saybolt universal seconds at 100 °F.
(3) Methyl salicylate. Liquid preparations containing more than 5 percent
by weight of methyl salicylate.
(4) Controlled drugs. Any preparation for human use that consists in whole or
in part of any substance subject to control under the Comprehensive Drug
Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) and that is in
a dosage form intended for oral administration.
(5) Sodium and/or potassium hydroxide.
Household substances in dry forms such as granules, powder, and flakes, containing 10 percent or more by weight of free or chemically unneutralized sodium and/or potassium hydroxide, and all other household substances containing 2 percent or more by weight of free or chemically unneutralized sodium and/or potassium hydroxide.
(6) Turpentine. Household substances in liquid form containing 10 percent or more by weight of turpentine.
(7) Kindling and/or illuminating preparations. Prepackaged liquid kindling and/or illuminating preparations, such as cigarette lighter fuel, charcoal lighter fuel, camping equipment fuel, torch fuel, and fuel for decorative or functional lanterns, which contain 10 percent or more by weight of petroleum distillates and have a viscosity of less than 100 Saybolt universal seconds at 100 °F.
(8) Methyl alcohol (methanol). Household substances in liquid form containing 4 percent or more by weight of methyl alcohol (methanol).
(9) Sulfuric acid. Household substanes containing 10 percent or more by weight of sulfuric acid, except such substances in wet-cell storage batteries.
(10) Prescription drugs. Any drug for human use that is in a dosage form intended for oral administration and that is required by Federal law to be dispensed only by or upon an oral or written prescription of a practitioner licensed by law to administer such drug.
*multiple exceptions exist, see regulation for specific examples.
(11) Ethylene glycol. Household substances in liquid form containing 10 percent or more by weight of ethylene glycol, except those articles exempted by 16 CFR 1500.83.
(12) Iron-containing drugs. With the exception of: (i) Animal feeds used as vehicles for the administration of drugs, and (ii) those preparations in which iron is present solely as a
colorant, noninjectable animal and human drugs providing iron for therapeutic
or prophylactic purposes, and containing a total amount of elemental iron, from any source, in a single package, equivalent to 250 mg or more elemental iron in a concentration of 0.025 percent or more on a weight to volume basis for liquids and 0.025 percent or more on a weight to volume basis for liquids and 0.05 percent or more on a weight-to-weight basis for nonliquids.
(13) Dietary supplements containing iron. Dietary supplements, as defined in
§ 1700.1(a)(3), that contain an equivalent of 250 mg or more of elemental iron, from any source, in a single package in concentrations of 0.025 percent or more on a weight-to-volume basis for liquids and 0.05 percent or more on a weight-to-weight basis for nonliquids.
(14) Solvents for paint or other similar surface-coating material. Prepackaged liquid solvents (such as removers, thinners, brush cleaners, etc.) for paints or other similar surface-coating materials (such as varnishes and lacquers), that contain 10 percent or more by weight of
benzene (also known as benzol), toluene (also known as toluol), xylene (alsoknown as xylol), petroleum distillates (such as gasoline, kerosene, mineral seal oil, mineral spirits, naphtha, and
Stoddard solvent, etc.), or combinations thereof, and that have a viscosity of less than 100 Saybolt universal seconds at 100 °F.
(15) Acetaminophen. Preparations for human use in a dosage form intended for oral administration and containing in a single package a total of more than one gram acetaminophen
(16) Diphenhydramine. Preparations for human use in a dosage form intended
for oral administration and containing more than the equivalent of 66 mg diphenhydramine base in a single package.
(17) Glue removers containing acetonitrile. Household glue removers in a liquid
form containing more than 500 mg of acetonitrile in a single container.
(18) Permanent wave neutralizers containing sodium bromate or potassium bromate.
Home permanent wave neutralizers, in a liquid form, containing in a single container more than 600 mg of sodium bromate or more than 50 mg of potassium bromate.
(19) Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen preparations for human use in a dosage form intended
for oral administration and containing one gram (1,000 mg) or more of ibuprofen in a single package.
(20) Loperamide. Preparations for human use in a dosage form intended for oral administration and containing more than 0.045 mg of loperamide in a single package (i.e., retail unit).
(21) Mouthwash. Mouthwash preparations for human use and containing 3 g or more of ethanol in a single package.
Mouthwash products with nonremovable pump dispensers that contain at least 7% on a weight-to-weight basis of mint or cinnamon flavoring oils, that dispense no more than 0.03 grams of absolute ethanol per pump actuation, and that contain less than 15 grams of ethanol in a single unit are exempt from this requirement.
The term ‘‘mouthwash’’ includes liquid products that are variously called mouthwashes, mouth rinses, oral antiseptics, gargles, fluoride rinses, anti-plaque rinses, and breath fresheners.
It does not include throat sprays or aerosol breath fresheners.
(22) Lidocaine. Products containing more than 5.0 mg of lidocaine in a single package.
(23) Dibucaine. Products containing more than 0.5 mg of dibucaine in a single package.
(24) Naproxen. Naproxen preparations for human use and containing the
equivalent of 250 mg or more of naproxen in a single retail package.
(25) Ketoprofen. Ketoprofen preparations for human use and containing more than 50 mg of ketoprofen in a single retail package.
(26) Fluoride. Household substances containing more than the equivalent of 50 milligrams of elemental fluoride per package and more than the equivalent of 0.5 percent elemental fluoride on a weight-to-volume basis for liquids or a weight-to-weight basis for non-liquids.
(27) Minoxidil. Minoxidil preparations for human use and containing more than 14 mg of minoxidil in a single retail package.
(28)Methacrylic acid. Liquid household products containing more than 5 percent methacrylic acid (weight-to-volume) in a single retail package Products applied by an absorbent material contained inside a dispenser (such as a pen-like marker) are exempt from this requirement provided that: (i) the methacrylic acid is contained by the absorbent material so that no free liquid is within the device, and (ii) under any reasonably foreseeable conditions of use the methacrylic acid will emerge only through the tip of the device.
(29) Over-the-Counter Drug Products.
(i) Any over-the-counter (OTC) drug product in a dosage form intended for oral administration that contains any active ingredient that was previously available for oral administration only
by prescription .
(30) Hazardous substances containing low-viscosity hydrocarbons. All prepackaged nonemulsion-type liquid household chemical products that are hazardous substances as defined in the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) (15 U.S.C. 1261(f)), and that contain
10 percent or more hydrocarbons by weight and have a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100F.
(31) Drugs and cosmetics containing low-viscosity hydrocarbons. All prepackaged nonemulsion-type liquid household chemical products that are drugs or cosmetics as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act (FDCA) (21 U.S.C. 321(a)), and that contain
10 percent or more hydrocarbons by weight and have a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100F.

Poison Prevention Packaging Standards.

To protect children from serious personal injury or serious illness resulting from handling, using, or ingesting household substances, the Commission has determined that packaging designed and constructed to meet the following standards shall be regarded as
‘‘special packaging’’
(a) General requirements. The special packaging must continue to function with the effectiveness specifications set forth in paragraph (b) of this section when in actual contact with the substance contained therein. This requirement may be satisfied by appropriate scientific evaluation of the compatibility of the substance with the special packaging to determine that the chemical and physical characteristics of the substance will not compromise
or interfere with the proper functioning of the special packaging.
The special packaging must also continue to function with the effectiveness specifications set forth in paragraph (b) of this section for the number of openings and closings customary for its size and contents. This requirement may be satisfied by appropriate technical evaluation
based on physical wear and stress factors, force required for activation, and other such relevant factors which establish that, for the duration of normal use, the effectiveness specifications
of the packaging would not be expected to lessen.

Special packaging, tested by the method described in § 1700.20, shall meet the following specifications:
(1) Child-resistant effectiveness of not less than 85 percent without a demonstration
and not less than 80 percent after a demonstration of the proper means of opening such special packaging. In the case of unit packaging, child-resistant effectiveness of not less than 80 percent.
(2) Ease of adult opening. (i) Senior- adult test shall have a senior
adult use effectiveness of not less than 90% for the senior-adult panel test.

Tamper-Resistant Packaging Requirements for Over-the-Counter Drug Products

Tamper-Resistant Packaging regulations covering most Over-The-Counter (OTC) products were published by the FDA in the FEDERAL REGISTER of November 5, 1982.
The regulations require that all over-the-counter (OTC) human drug products be packaged in tamper-resistant packaging (TRP). This includes cosmetic liquid oral hygiene products (mouthwash) and vaginal products (21 CFR 700.25), and contact lens solutions and tablets used to make these solutions (21 CFR 800.12). Dermatologics, dentifrices, insulin and throat lozenges are all excepted (21 CFR 211.132). All products require a minimum of one tamper-resistant feature.
The packaging must use an indicator or barrier to entry that is distinctive by design (such as an aerosol container), or must employ an identifying characteristic (a pattern, name, registered trademark, logo, or picture). Further, the regulations require a labeling statement on the container to alert the consumer to the specific tamper-resistant feature(s) used. The labeling statement is also required to be placed so that it will be unaffected if a TRP feature is breached or missing.
Manufacturers and packagers are free to use any packaging system as long as the tamper-resistant standard in the regulations is met. The TRP requirements are intended to assure that the product's packaging "can reasonably be expected to provide visible evidence to consumers that tampering has occurred."
The Agency evaluated currently available tamper-resistant packaging technologies and concluded that some technologies as designed or applied are not capable of meeting the requirements of the TRP regulations.
Examples of packaging technologies capable of meeting the TRP requirements are listed below. The use of one of these packaging technologies does not, by itself, constitute compliance with the requirements for a tamper-resistant package. Packaging features must be properly designed and appropriately applied to be effective TRP.
1. FILM WRAPPERS. A transparent film is wrapped securely around the entire product container. The film must be cut or torn to open the container and remove the product. A tight "fit" of the film around the container must be achieved, e.g., by a shrink-type process. A film wrapper sealed with overlapping end flaps must not be capable of being opened and resealed without leaving visible evidence of entry.
The use of cellophane with overlapping end flaps is not effective as a tamper-resistant feature because of the possibility that the end flaps can be opened and resealed without leaving visible evidence of entry.
The film wrapper must employ an identifying characteristic that cannot be readily duplicated. An identifying characteristic that is proprietary and different for each product size is recommended.
Tinted wrappers are no longer acceptable as an identifying characteristic because of the possibility that their material or a facsimile may be available to the public.
2. BLISTER or STRIP PACKS. Dosage units (e.g., tablets or capsules) are individually sealed in clear plastic or plastic compartments with foil or paper backing.
The individual compartment must be torn or broken to obtain the product. The backing materials cannot be separated from the blisters or replaced without leaving visible evidence of entry.
3. BUBBLE PACKS. The product and container are sealed in plastic and mounted in or on a display card. The plastic must be torn or broken to remove the product. The backing material cannot be separated from the plastic bubble or replaced without leaving visible evidence of entry.
4. HEAT SHRINK BANDS OR WRAPPERS. A band or wrapper is securely applied to a portion of the container, usually at the juncture of the cap and container. The band or wrapper is heat shrunk to provide a tight fit. The band or wrapper must be cut or torn to open the container and remove the product and cannot be worked off and reapplied without visible damage. The use of a perforated tear strip can enhance tamper-resistance.
Cellulose wet shrink seals are not acceptable. The knowledge to remove and reapply these seals without evidence of tampering is widespread.
The band or wrapper must employ an identifying characteristic that cannot be readily duplicated. An identifying characteristic that is proprietary and different for each product size is recommended.
Tinted bands or wrappers are no longer acceptable as an identifying characteristic because of the possibility that their material or a facsimile may be available to the public.
5. FOIL, PAPER, OR PLASTIC POUCHES. The product is enclosed in an individual pouch that must be torn or broken to obtain the product. The end seams of the pouches cannot be separated and resealed without showing visible evidence of entry.
6. CONTAINER MOUTH INNER SEALS. Paper, thermal plastic, plastic film, foil, or a combination thereof, is sealed to the mouth of a container (e.g., bottle) under the cap. The seal must be torn or broken to open the container and remove the product. The seal cannot be removed and reapplied without leaving visible evidence of entry. Seals applied by heat induction to plastic containers appear to offer a higher degree of tamper-resistance than those that depend on an adhesive to create the bond.
Polystyrene foam container mouth seals applied with pressure sensitive adhesive are no longer considered effective tamper-resistant features because they can be removed and reapplied in their original state with no visible evidence of entry.
The Agency recognizes that technological innovations may produce foam seals that will adhere to a container mouth in a manner that cannot be circumvented without visible evidence of entry. Container mouth seals must employ an identifying characteristic that cannot be readily duplicated. An identifying characteristic that is proprietary and different for each product size is recommended.
7. TAPE SEALS. Tape seals relying on an adhesive to bond them to the package are not capable of meeting the TRP requirements because they can be removed and reapplied with no visible evidence of entry.
However, the Agency recognizes that technological innovations may produce adhesives which do not permit the removal and reapplication of tape seals. In addition, tape seals may contain a feature that makes it readily apparent if the seals have been removed and reapplied. Tape seals must employ an identifying characteristic that cannot be readily duplicated.
8. BREAKABLE CAPS. The container (e.g., bottle) is sealed by a plastic or metal cap that either breaks away completely when removed from the container or leaves part of the cap attached to the container. The cap, or a portion thereof, must be broken in order to open the container and remove the product. The cap cannot be reapplied in its original state.
9. SEALED METAL TUBES OR PLASTIC BLIND-END HEAT-SEALED TUBES. The bottom of the tube is heat sealed and the mouth or blind-end must be punctured to obtain the product. A tube with a crimped end is capable of meeting the definition of a tamper-resistant feature if the crimped end cannot be breached by unfolding and refolding without visible evidence of entry.
10 SEALED CARTONS. Paperboard cartons sealed by gluing the end flaps are not capable of meting the TRP requirements. However, the Agency recognizes that technological advances may provide sealed paperboard packages that meet the requirements of the TRP regulations.
11 AEROSOL CONTAINERS. Aerosol containers are believed to be inherently tamper-resistant because of their design. Direct printing of the label on the container (e.g., lithographing), is preferred to using a paper label which could be removed and substituted.
12 CANS (BOTH ALL-METAL AND COMPOSITE). Cans may be composed of all metal or composite walls with metal tops and bottoms. The top and bottom of a composite can must be joined to the can walls in such a manner that they cannot be pulled apart and reassembled without visible evidence of entry. Rather than attaching a separate label, direct printing of the label onto the can (e.g., lithographing ) is preferred.
B. CAPSULE SEALING TECHNOLOGIES
Technologies for sealing two-piece hard gelatin capsules are available that provide evidence if the capsules have been tampered with after filling. Such sealing technologies currently in use include sonic welding, banding, and sealing techniques employing solvents and/or low temperature heating. These examples are not intended to rule out the development and use of other capsule sealing technologies. Manufacturers may consult with FDA if they are considering alternative capsule sealing processes.
Sealed capsules are not tamper-resistant packages. They are required to be contained within a package system that utilizes a minimum of one TRP feature.
C. TRP LABELING STATEMENT(S)
1. BOTTLE (CONTAINER) CAPS. In the past, some manufacturers have placed the TRP labeling statement on bottle caps. This practice is unacceptable in cases where it may be a simple matter to substitute another unlabeled bottle cap for the one with the tamper-resistant warning statement. Such an act could easily be accomplished without any apparent sign of tampering.
2. PACKAGE INSERTS. The practice of placing the TRP labeling statement solely on the product's inserts is not acceptable. While package inserts may be a useful supplement for consumer education purposes, they are not acceptable in lieu of label statements.
3. CARTON/CONTAINER (OUTER AND INNER). If the TRP feature is on an outer carton, the inner container (e.g., bottle) needs to bear a statement alerting the consumer that the bottle should be in a carton at the time of purchase. This policy applies only to situations where the inner container is so labeled that such a container might reasonably otherwise be displayed on the retail shelf without an outer carton.
4. IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTIC. When a TRP feature is required to have an identifying characteristic, that characteristic needs to be referenced in the labeling statement (e.g., "imprinted" neck band). It is recommended that the labeling statement specifically identify the characteristic (e.g., imprinted with XYZ on the neck band).
5. TRP FEATURE(S). All required tamper-resistant features must be referenced in the labeling statement. When two tamper-resistant packaging features are used for unsealed two-piece hard gelatin capsules, both features must be referenced in the labeling statement. If one tamper-resistant packaging feature plus sealed capsules are used, the labeling statement must reference both the capsule seal and the tamper-resistant packaging feature.