SOME USEFUL INFORMATION

Below is a list of frequently asked questions, material specifications and common industrial terms. If you still have any questions please phone our sales team on + 44 (0) 1953 605700.

What is HDPE? What is PVC? What is PET? Is there a minimum number of units to order? Product compatibilty guidelines

What is HDPE? High Density Polyethylene A thermoplastic material used for extrusion the blowmoulding of bottles, the natural material having a "frosted glass" appearance. The material is widely used for toiletry and personal care packaging. Containers can be produced in natural material (frosted glass appearance) or the material can be coloured. Secondary decoration of the product by silkscreen printing and hot foil blocking is possible. < back to top What is PVC? Polyvinylchloride A clear and rigid thermoplastic material used for the extrusion blowmoulding of bottles. The glass like appearance makes this material particularly suitable for some personal care and toiletry products. Containers can be clear, translucent coloured or solid colour. Secondary decoration of the product by silkscreen printing and hot foil blocking is possible. < back to top What is PET? Polyethylene terephtalate A crystal clear and rigid thermoplastic material used for injection stretch blowmoulding of bottles. The method of construction gives a gloss to the container surface. The glass like appearance makes this material particularly suitable for some personal care and toiletry products. Containers can be clear, translucent coloured or solid colour. Secondary decoration of the product by silkscreen printing and hot foil blocking is possible. < back to top Is there a minimum number of units to order? Raepak limited can supply bottles from stock in quantities from 1 box, or multiples of boxes. Quantities per box will vary from bottle to bottle. Closures and dispensing pumps will be supplied to suit the number of bottles ordered. For non-stock items or special colours a minimum quantity of 10,000 is required for HDPE & PVC bottles, pp closures and dispensing pumps and 25,000 for PET bottles. Dispensing pumps will be supplied to fit the bottles supplied. For quantities in excess of 2,000 pieces the dip-tubes of dispensing pumps will be cut to length. Silkscreen printing and hot foil blocking can be produced in quantities from 2,000 pieces. < back to top Product compatibilty guidelines Properties HDPE PVC PET PP Clarity Hazy translucent Clear Clear Hazy Permeability to: Water Oxygen Carbon Dioxide Very low High High Average Low Low Average Low Very low Very High High Average to high Resistance to: Acids Alcohol Alkalis Mineral oil Solvents Heat Cold Sunlight Fair to very good Good Good to very good Fair Poor to good Fair to good Very good Fair Good to very good Good to very good Good to very good Good Poor to good Poor to fair Fair Poor to good Fair Good Poor to fair Good Poor to good Poor to fair Good Fair Fair to Good Good Very good Fair Poor to good Good Poor to fair Fair to good Stiffness Moderate Moderate to high Moderate to high Moderate to high Impact resistance Good to very good Fair to good Good to very good Good to very good Typical use Cosmetics, household, Cosmetics, personal care Cosmetics, personal care Cosmetics, household, personal care personal care These are guidelines only and compatibility remains the responsibility of the customer under all circumstances. < back to top