Packaging & Supply Chain Glossary

Aluminum Packer Bottles: Lightweight, recyclable metal containers ideal for a variety of products such as capsules and pills, ensuring product protection and extended shelf life.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): An international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. These standards can influence packaging materials, design, testing, and performance.

Barrels: Large, typically cylindrical, containers suited for storing and transporting bulk materials over long distances, also known as drums.

Bill of Lading (BOL): A legal document issued by a carrier (e.g., shipping company) acknowledging receipt of goods for transportation and specifying the terms and conditions of their delivery.

Bill of Materials (BOM): A detailed list of all the components, raw materials, and sub-assemblies needed to manufacture a product, including packaging materials. A BOM helps with production planning, inventory management, and costing.

Bio-based Materials: Materials derived from renewable biological sources, such as plants, animals, or microorganisms. In packaging, bio-based materials can be used to create bottles, containers, films, or cushioning materials as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Biodegradable Materials: Materials that can be broken down by naturally occurring microorganisms like bacteria or fungi into harmless elements. Biodegradable packaging can be a sustainable option for products with a short shelf life, but proper composting conditions are often required for biodegradation to occur.

Blanket Release: A pre-approved authorization to purchase a specific quantity of a material from a supplier over a defined period. This simplifies the ordering process for frequently used packaging materials.

Bond: A financial guarantee that ensures fulfillment of an obligation. In a shipping context, it can be a financial security posted by an importer to guarantee payment of duties or taxes.

Boxes: Rigid containers constructed from corrugated cardboard, offering cost-effective packaging and protection for a wide range of goods during distribution.

Buckets: Open-top containers, often made of plastic or metal, with handles for easy carrying. Buckets are ideal for storing, transporting, and dispensing liquids, solids, or loose materials.

California Proposition 65 (Prop 65): A California law requiring warnings on products that contain chemicals known by the state to cause cancer or birth defects. This can influence packaging if a product falls under Prop 65 requirements.

Cartons: Rectangular cardboard boxes designed for packaging, stacking, and shipping a variety of consumer products.

Chemical Recycling: A process that breaks down plastic waste using chemicals into its basic building blocks (monomers) which can then be used to create new plastic materials. Chemical recycling offers an alternative to mechanical recycling (reprocessing existing plastic) and can potentially handle a wider range of plastic types, but it's still an emerging technology.

Circular Economy: An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and pollution by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. In packaging, a circular economy would involve designing packaging that can be reused, recycled, or composted to minimize waste generation.

Closed Loop System: A specific type of circular economy system where materials are recovered and reused within a single, defined loop. In packaging, a closed loop system might involve collecting and reprocessing used packaging materials to create new packaging for the same product.

Compliance Packaging: The practice of dispensing medications in a clearly organized and labeled blister pack or unit dose system to improve medication adherence and prevent misuse, especially for patients taking multiple medications.

Compliance Sourcing: Obtaining packaging materials and components that meet specific regulatory requirements for a particular market or industry. This might involve sourcing materials that are child-resistant, food-safe, or comply with specific recycling standards.

Composite Containers: Multi-material containers often in cylinder form that combines the strengths of different materials, like plastic and cardboard, to provide superior strength, barrier protection, and extended product shelf life.

Compostable Packaging: Packaging specifically designed to break down rapidly and safely in a composting environment. Compostable packaging offers an end-of-life option for organic waste materials but requires proper industrial composting facilities to function effectively.

Consolidation: Combining multiple shipments into one large shipment.This allows companies to use fewer loads to get to their destinations safely and more cost efficient.

Container Caps, Container Closures, Container Lids: These terms are generally interchangeable and refer to the often removable top piece that seals a container, protecting its contents from contamination, spillage, or tampering. They come in various designs and materials depending on the application.

Container Decoration: The overall process of enhancing the appearance of packaging through various design methods.

CRC (Child-Resistant Closure): A specialized type of container closure designed to be actively difficult to open especially for young children. CRCs typically require a two-step process or specific handling to open, complying with safety regulations for certain products.

Cross-Docking: A logistics strategy where goods are received from one truck and immediately transferred to another for outbound shipment, with minimal storage time in the warehouse. This can be efficient for products with high turnover and minimal packaging needs.

Cubitainer: A brand name for a specific type of bag-in-box packaging system. It typically consists of a square-shaped cardboard box with a spout and an inner flexible pouch that holds the product.

Custom Duties: Customs duties are charges imposed by a government on goods imported or exported across its borders. These duties serve various purposes, such as generating revenue for the government, regulating trade, and protecting domestic industries.

Customs Broker: Is a licensed, regulated, and empowered individual or business entity authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A customs broker works with customs authorities and handles the paperwork and tariffs involved in the shipment of goods across national boundaries

Customs Entry: Official declaration of specific data concerning a person’s imported commodities. It is also known as “custom declaration". It is an import declaration made for the purpose of obtaining customs clearance by the importer or a customs broker authorized to represent the importer

Customs Form 3461: Also known as the Customs Release form, is a document submitted electronically to U.S. Customs when importing freight into the United States.

Customs Form 7501: The Customs Form 7501, also known as the Entry Summary, is a mandatory document that needs to be filed with every entry of goods into the United States123. The form provides details of appraisement, origin, and classification, among other key bits of information3. Importers must file the Entry Summary to comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection12.

CY to CY: Handling of cargo from the factory or origin location all the way to the destination warehouse.

Cylinder Round Bottles (CR Bottles): Cylindrical bottles with straight sides, sharp shoulders, and bottom, commonly made of plastic. CR bottles are popular for various applications due to their stability, ease of labeling, and wide range of available sizes.

Diamond Round Bottles: A hybrid bottle design combining elements of the Boston Round and Cosmo/Bullet/Imperial rounds. Diamond round bottles are typically tall and slender with rounded shoulders, offering a sleek and aesthetically pleasing look for various products.

Digital Printing: A printing technology that creates images directly from a digital file onto the packaging material. It offers flexibility for short runs, customization, and variable data printing (like unique serial numbers).

Dispensing Closures: Specialized lids or caps that allow for controlled dispensing of a product from the container. Dispensing closures can come in various forms, including pumps, triggers, sprayers, or droppers, depending on the product's viscosity and desired application.

Door-to-Door Service:Handling of cargo from the factory or origin location all the way to the destination warehouse.

DOT (Department of Transportation): The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating the safe transportation of hazardous materials. This includes regulations for packaging materials and labeling for items classified as hazardous materials.

Double Wall Jars: Jars featuring two layers of construction, creating an insulating air gap between the inner and outer walls. Double wall jars are ideal for products requiring temperature control, such as hot or cold food items, as they help maintain product temperature for extended periods.

Downcycling: The process of reusing a material to create a new product of lesser quality or value compared to the original. In packaging, downcycling might involve using recycled plastic flakes to create lower-grade products like fleece jackets, instead of creating new plastic bottles.

Drayage Haulage: Transport of shipping containers by truck.

Dropper Bottles: Small bottles with a built-in dropper mechanism in the closure, typically used for dispensing small, controlled amounts of liquids. Dropper bottles are commonly used for essential oils, medicine, and personal care products.

Drums: Large, cylindrical containers, often made of metal, plastic, or fiber designed for storing, transporting, and dispensing large volumes of liquids, powders, or granulated materials. Drums typically come with removable lids and may have features for easy dispensing.

Dual Airless Chamber Pump Bottles: Innovative packaging featuring two separate compartments within a single container, each equipped with its own airless pump dispenser. This allows for dispensing two complementary formulas simultaneously, ideal for products like serums and moisturizers, or day and night creams.

Duty Drawback: Is a refund of customs duties and taxes paid on imported goods that are exported or destroyed.

Eco-Design: The practice of designing products and packaging with environmental considerations throughout the entire life cycle. This involves aspects like material selection, recyclability, and minimizing environmental impact during production, use, and disposal.

Eco-Friendly Packaging: Packaging that is designed to minimize environmental impact. This can involve using recycled content, biodegradable materials, or minimal packaging overall.

Embossing: A technique that creates a raised or recessed design on the packaging surface, adding a three-dimensional and tactile element.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): An environmental policy approach that holds producers responsible for product management through the product’s lifecycle. EPR supports recycling and materials management goals that contribute to a circular economy and can also encourage product design changes that minimize environmental impacts.

European Union (EU) Framework Regulation: A set of regulations established by the European Union that govern various aspects of packaging, including waste reduction, recyclability, and labeling. Compliance with these regulations is necessary for placing packaging on the EU market.

Export Declaration: A document required by a government to declare the goods being exported from a country.

F-Style Bottles: A specific rectangular bottle design with a narrow neck and a built-in handle. F-style bottles are commonly used in the chemical, industrial, and food industries for dispensing sauces, solvents, chemicals, and other products.

Fiber Open Head Drum: Cylindrical containers constructed from fiberboard with a removable lid. Fiber open head drums are a cost-effective option for dry products that don't require a completely sealed container.

Flexible Packaging: Packaging materials that can be easily bent or molded, offering lightweight and space-saving solutions. Flexible packaging can include pouches, bags, and rollstock film commonly used for food, beverage, and personal care products.

Foamer Pump Bottles: Bottles equipped with a special pump that dispenses the product in a foamy consistency. Foamer pumps are ideal for products like hand soaps, facial cleansers, and shaving creams, offering a luxurious feel and controlled application.

Foil Stamping: A process that applies a metallic or colored foil onto the packaging surface to create a shiny, eye-catching design element.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The U.S. agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. The FDA also sets standards for food grade packaging materials to ensure food safety.

Food Grade Packaging: Packaging materials that are safe for contact with food and meet relevant regulations set by organizations like the FDA (see below). These materials won't leach harmful chemicals into food and can ensure food safety.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): An international non-profit organization that promotes responsible forestry practices. FSC certification for packaging materials indicates that the wood or paper used comes from sustainably managed forests.

Free on Board (FOB): A term used in international trade contracts to specify which party (buyer or seller) is responsible for the costs and risks associated with loading the goods onto a transportation vessel. It can influence packaging decisions as the responsible party typically chooses the packaging method.

Freight Forwarder: A company or individual that organizes and coordinates the transportation of goods on behalf of the shipper.

Fulfillment Center: A large warehouse facility designed for storing, picking, packing, and shipping customer orders. Packaging plays a crucial role in fulfillment centers, ensuring products are protected during order fulfillment processes.

Gable Top Box: A type of folding carton with a distinctive gable-shaped top that resembles a house roof. Gable top boxes are often used for packaging dairy products like milk, juice, and broth, offering easy pouring.

Glass Boston Round Bottles: Cylindrical glass bottles with rounded shoulders, rounded bottom edges, and a narrow neck. Boston round bottles are a classic and versatile packaging option used for a variety of products, including pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and beverages.

Glass Containers: Rigid containers made from glass, a popular choice due to its chemical inertness, clarity, and ability to maintain product integrity. Glass containers are widely used in the food and beverage industry, as well as for pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

Glass Wide Mouth Jars: Glass containers with a wide opening at the top, allowing for easy filling, emptying, and cleaning. Glass wide mouth jars are popular for a variety of applications, including food storage, canning, and beverage consumption.

Graphic Design Services: Professional services that create visually appealing and informative elements for packaging, including logos, illustrations, typography, and layout.

Graphic User Interface (GUI) Design (for Packaging Prototyping): Applying graphic design principles to create digital mockups or simulations of packaging on a computer screen. This allows for visualization and iteration of packaging designs before physical prototypes are created.

Harmonized System (HS) Code: An internationally standardized system for classifying traded goods. The HS code assigned to a product helps determine import duties, track product movement, and compile trade statistics. Packaging materials also have corresponding HS codes.

Hot Stamping (similar to Foil Stamping): A technique that uses heat and pressure to apply a metallic or colored foil onto the packaging surface, creating a shiny and decorative effect.

IBC Totes: Intermediate Bulk Containers, also known as IBC totes, are large, rigid tank containers typically constructed from plastic or metal with a metal cage for support. IBC totes are commonly used for transporting and storing bulk liquids, powders, and granular materials.

Imperial Round Bottles: A historical term sometimes used interchangeably with "Diamond Round Bottles". Both terms describe tall cylindrical glass bottles with rounded shoulders and a narrow neck.

Import Duty: A tax imposed by a country on goods imported from another country. The specific import duty rate for a product is often linked to its HS code classification. The cost of packaging materials can factor into the total value used to calculate import duties.

In-Mold Labeling (IML): A process where a pre-printed label is placed inside the mold during the plastic container manufacturing process. The label becomes integrated with the plastic, creating a high-quality, durable, and tamper-evident decoration.

Incoterms: A collection of internationally recognized terms used in international commercial transactions to define responsibilities of buyers and sellers in regards to shipment costs and risks. Incoterms can influence packaging decisions, as they clarify who is responsible for packaging the goods securely for export.

Induction Seal Labels: Specialized labels containing a thin layer of aluminum or other metal. When heated by an induction sealer, the metal layer creates a tamper-evident and hermetic seal between the container and the cap. Induction seal labels ensure product freshness, prevent leaks, and extend shelf life.

Industrial Round Jug Bottles: Large, cylindrical plastic bottles with a built-in handle, designed for storing and transporting liquids in chemical, food, flavoring, and industrial industries. Industrial round jug bottles are known for their durability and chemical resistance.

Inland Freight: The transport of goods over land via truck, train, barge or pipeline

Inventory Management: The process of planning, controlling, and optimizing the levels of stock within a warehouse. This includes managing packaging materials to ensure there are enough supplies for order fulfillment.

Juice Beverage Bottles: Bottles specifically designed to hold juice beverages. These bottles are typically made from lightweight plastic (PET) for clarity and recyclability, and may come in various sizes and styles depending on the beverage type.

Kanban System: A lean manufacturing method that uses visual cues (often cards) to signal the need to replenish materials. In packaging procurement, a kanban system can be used to manage inventory levels and trigger orders for packaging materials just-in-time for production.

Kitting & Assembly: The process of gathering and assembling individual components into a complete product or kit before shipping. This can involve creating custom packaging solutions to accommodate the assembled kits.

Labeling Materials: The materials used to create labels that are adhered to packaging for product information, branding, or regulatory compliance. Common labeling materials include paper, plastic film, and synthetic fibers.

Laser Etching: A process that uses a laser beam to remove material from the packaging surface, creating a permanent design or text. It offers precise detail and a high-end look.

Letter of Credit (LOC): A document issued by a bank guaranteeing payment to a seller from a buyer if certain conditions are met. An LOC can be used in international trade to ensure financial security for both parties. Packaging details may be included in the LOC to ensure the goods arrive in the specified condition.

Lightweighting: The practice of reducing the amount of material used in packaging while maintaining its functionality. This can help conserve resources and reduce the overall environmental footprint.

Marine Insurance: Marine insurance covers the physical loss or damage of ships, cargo, terminals, and any transport by which the property is transferred, acquired, or held between the points of origin and the final destination

Mayo Economy Jars: Broad term for glass jars commonly used for packaging sauces, salsas, and other food products. These jars are popular for preserving and pickling food. Economy jars are known for their affordability and functionality, often featuring a wide mouth for easy filling and dispensing.

Mechanical Recycling: The process of physically breaking down and reprocessing plastic waste into usable materials. The reprocessed plastic can then be used to create new plastic products, including packaging materials.

Minimal Packaging: The concept of using the least amount of packaging necessary to safely protect a product during transport and storage. This can involve using right-sized packaging, eliminating unnecessary layers, or exploring innovative packaging solutions.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): The smallest quantity of a product that a supplier is willing to sell in a single order. This can be a factor when sourcing packaging materials, especially for custom designs or smaller production runs.

Modern Round Bottles: A general term for sleek, cylindrical bottles with slanted shoulders and a narrow neck. Modern round bottles are traditionally used for pharmaceutical products, but are also suitable for various products in the personal care, cosmetic, and beverage industries.

Multi-Color: Packaging that incorporates multiple colors in its design, branding, or labeling. This can enhance visual appeal and brand recognition.

Multimodal Transport: Refers to using at least two different modes of transport in a journey to move goods from one point to another.

Near Infrared (NIR) Optical Sorting: A technology used in recycling facilities to sort different types of plastic packaging automatically. NIR uses near-infrared light to identify the plastic's material composition, allowing for more efficient and accurate sorting of recyclable materials.

Oceanbound Plastic: Plastic waste that originates on land but may end up in the ocean through rivers, canals, or wind. Oceanbound plastic is a major source of marine pollution, and recycling it helps reduce plastic pollution in our oceans.

Order Fulfillment: The entire process of picking, packing, and shipping customer orders from a warehouse or fulfillment center. Packaging is a crucial aspect of order fulfillment, ensuring products arrive safely and securely to the customer.

Oval Bottles: Bottles with an oval-shaped body, often used for products that benefit from a comfortable grip or require a unique design element. Oval bottles can be made from glass or plastic depending on the application and can vary in styles such as ribbed or tapered.

Packer Bottles: Broad term for various rigid containers used for packaging and transporting products. Packer bottles are most commonly available in a cylinder form but can be designed as square bottles and other shapes, depending on the specific application and product needs.

Pails: Cylindrical containers, typically made of plastic or metal, with a handle and a lid. Pails are ideal for storing, transporting, and dispensing a variety of liquids, solids, or loose materials. They come in various sizes and may have different closure options depending on the application.

Pattern Design: The creation of repeated or structured visual elements on the packaging surface. Patterns can be decorative, functional (like for gripping), or informative (like indicating fragility).

Pharmaceutical Packaging: A specific category of packaging that meets strict regulations to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs and medical products. Pharmaceutical packaging considers factors like: material compatibility to prevent interaction with the product, tamper-evident features, child-resistant closures, barrier properties to protect against moisture, light, or oxygen, and labeling requirements for clear communication of dosage and safety information.

Phenolic with Cone Closure: A unique closure design consisting of a phenolic cap or closure with a cone-shaped insert inside the cap. Phenolic closures are known for their durability and chemical resistance, often used for industrial applications or essential oil products requiring a tight seal. The cone-shaped design can aid in smooth dispensing or funneling of the product.

Pick & Pack: The specific tasks within order fulfillment where workers pick the ordered items from storage and then pack them securely for shipment. The type of packaging used will depend on the product and how it needs to be protected during transport.

Plastic 5-Layer Flexible Tubes: Multi-layered plastic tubes offering superior barrier protection for products sensitive to air, moisture, or light. The five-layer construction provides enhanced strength, flexibility, and product integrity, commonly used for packaging pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products.

Plastic Acrylic Jars: Rigid jars made from clear acrylic plastic, known for their high clarity and resemblance to glass. Acrylic jars offer a shatter-resistant and lightweight alternative to glass, ideal for showcasing products while maintaining durability.

Plastic Airless Pump Bottles: Bottles constructed from plastic and equipped with an airless pump dispenser. Airless pumps prevent product contamination and oxidation by keeping the product in a closed environment until dispensed. Plastic airless pump bottles are a popular choice for packaging creams, lotions, serums, and other personal care products.

Plastic Airless Pump Jars: Jars made from plastic and featuring an airless pump dispenser. Similar to plastic airless pump bottles, these jars offer the benefits of airless technology in a wider container format. Plastic airless pump jars are ideal for thicker products like creams, moisturizers, and foundations.

Plastic Boston Round Bottles: Cylindrical plastic bottles with rounded shoulders, rounded bottom, and a narrow neck. A popular and versatile option, plastic Boston round bottles are used for a wide range of products including pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and even beverages.

Plastic Bullet Round Bottles: Cylindrical plastic bottles with a rounded base, straight sides, and a narrow neck, similar in shape to a bullet. Plastic bullet round bottles offer a sleek and modern look, often used for cosmetics, personal care products, and e-liquids.

Plastic Carafe Bottles: Cylinder plastic bottles often featuring a tapered neck for an ergonomic hold, designed to pair with trigger sprayers for cleaning solutions. Plastic carafe bottles are lightweight and chemical resistant, often used for household chemicals, automotive, chemicals, and other industrial products.

Plastic Child Resistant Closures (CRC): Specialized caps or closures made from plastic that comply with safety regulations to prevent accidental opening by young children. Plastic CRCs come in various designs and are used on containers for products that could be harmful to children if ingested.

Plastic Containers: A broad term encompassing a wide range of rigid containers made from plastic. Plastic containers come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to suit the needs of countless applications across different industries.

Plastic Continuous Thread Closures (CT Closures): Screw-on caps or lids made from plastic with a continuous thread design. CT closures are a common and versatile option for various plastic containers, providing a secure and resealable closure.

Plastic Cosmo Bottles: Cylindrical plastic bottles with a rounded base, straight sides, and a thick disc-shaped cap. Plastic cosmo bottles offer a high-end look and are popular for packaging cosmetics, creams, and lotions.

Plastic Cubitainer: A packaging solution typically consisting of a square-shaped plastic cube with a spout and an inner flexible pouch that holds the product. It is often available assembled with a box and closure or collapsed. Plastic cubitainers are a lightweight and space-saving option for packaging liquids.

Plastic Cylinder Round Bottles (CR Bottles): A common term for cylindrical plastic bottles with straight sides and a sharp edged bottom. CR bottles are popular due to their versatility, stability, ease of labeling, and wide range of available sizes. They are used for a variety of products in the food and beverage industry, as well as personal care and household goods.

Plastic Dairy Open Head Pail: A cylindrical plastic container with a wide open top, commonly used in the dairy industry for storing and transporting bulk products like ice cream, yogurt, or cheese curds. The open head design allows for easy filling and cleaning, while the plastic construction offers a lightweight and durable option compared to metal pails.

Plastic Dairy Square Bottles: Rigid plastic bottles with a square base and straight sides, commonly used for packaging dairy products like milk, cream, or juice. Plastic dairy square bottles offer good strength and stability on shelves or during transport.

Plastic Diamond Round Bottles: A unique bottle design combining elements of the classic Boston Round and the Cosmo/Bullet/Imperial rounds. Plastic diamond round bottles are typically tall and slender with faceted shoulders, creating a visually striking and premium look for various products in the personal care and beverage industries.

Plastic Dispensing Closures: Caps or lids made from plastic, designed to control the dispensing of a product from the container. These closures come in various forms depending on the product's viscosity and desired application. Examples include pumps, triggers, sprayers, droppers, and flip-top caps.

Plastic Double Wall Jars: Jars constructed from two layers of plastic, creating an insulating air gap between the inner and outer walls. Similar to glass double wall jars, this design helps maintain product temperature for extended periods, ideal for hot or cold food items.

Plastic Dual Airless Chamber Pump Bottles: Innovative packaging featuring two separate compartments within a single plastic container, each equipped with its own airless pump dispenser. This allows for dispensing two complementary formulas simultaneously, perfect for products like serums and moisturizers, or day and night creams.

Plastic F-Style Bottles: Bottles made from plastic with a narrow neck, broad shoulders, and a flat base. Similar to glass F-style bottles, these are popular in the personal care and cosmetic industries for dispensing lotions, creams, and other viscous products.

Plastic Foamer Pump Bottles: Bottles constructed from plastic and equipped with a special pump that dispenses the product in a foamy consistency. Plastic foamer pumps offer a luxurious feel and controlled application, ideal for products like hand soaps, facial cleansers, and shaving creams.

Plastic Imperial Round Bottles: A historical term sometimes used interchangeably with "Plastic Boston Round Bottles." Both terms describe cylindrical plastic bottles with rounded shoulders and a narrow neck.

Plastic Industrial Round Jug Bottles: Large, cylindrical plastic bottles with a handle, designed for storing and transporting industrial liquids or chemicals. These bottles are known for their durability, chemical resistance, and large capacity.

Plastic Juice Beverage Bottles: Bottles specifically designed to hold juice beverages, made from plastic (PET) for clarity, lightweight construction, and recyclability. They come in various sizes and styles depending on the specific beverage type.

Plastic Modern Round Bottles: A general term for sleek, cylindrical plastic bottles with a rounded shoulder and a narrow neck. These bottles offer a clean and contemporary aesthetic, suitable for a variety of products in the personal care, cosmetic, and beverage industries.

Plastic Oval Bottles: Bottles with an oval-shaped body, often used for products that benefit from a comfortable grip or require a unique design element. Plastic oval bottles can be available in various colors and opacities depending on the application.

Plastic Packaging: A broad term encompassing a wide range of flexible and rigid containers made from plastic. Plastic packaging offers versatility, functionality, and cost-effective solutions for countless applications across different industries.

Plastic Packer Bottles: A broad term for various rigid plastic containers used for packaging and transporting products. Plastic packer bottles can encompass Boston round bottles, square bottles, and other shapes, depending on the specific application and product needs.

Plastic Rectangle Open Head Pail: A rectangular plastic container with a wide open top, commonly used for storing and transporting a variety of bulk materials like food ingredients, industrial parts, or pet food. The open head design allows for easy filling and cleaning, while the plastic construction offers a lightweight and durable option compared to metal pails.

Plastic Regular Wall Jars: Jars constructed from a single layer of plastic. These jars are a cost-effective option for packaging a variety of products and are available in various sizes, shapes, and colors.

Plastic Roll-On Rollerball Bottles: Leak-proof plastic bottles with a rolling ball applicator at the top. These bottles are ideal for applying essential oils, fragrances, or other liquid products in a controlled manner, often used in personal care and beauty applications.

Plastic Round Open Head Pail: A cylindrical plastic container with a wide open top, similar to a plastic dairy open head pail but with a broader range of applications beyond dairy products. Round open head pails are used for storing and transporting various bulk materials like foodstuffs, liquids, or dry goods. The open head design allows for easy filling and cleaning.

Plastic Single Monolayer Tubes: Tubes constructed from a single layer of plastic. These tubes offer a cost-effective and lightweight solution for packaging a variety of products, often used for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food products. However, they may provide less barrier protection compared to multi-layered tubes.

Plastic Square Open Head Pail: A square-shaped plastic container with a wide open top, ideal for storing and transporting bulk materials where a square footprint offers better space optimization. Can also be identified as EZ-Stor. Similar to the round open head pail, these pails are used in various industries for foods, liquids, or dry goods. The open head design allows for easy filling and cleaning.

Plastic Square Pinch Grip Jars: Jars made from plastic with a square base and straight sides, featuring vertical indentations or ridges on opposing sides to create a pinch grip for easier handling. These jars are popular for packaging a variety of products in the food and beverage industry, offering stackability and a secure grip for consumers.

Plastic Straight Sided Canister: Cylindrical plastic containers with straight sides, a flat bottom, and a removable lid. Straight sided canisters offer a versatile option for packaging dry products, powders, or granular materials. They come in various sizes and colors depending on the application.

Plastic Thick Wall Jars: Jars constructed from thicker plastic compared to regular wall jars. Thick wall jars offer increased durability and impact resistance, making them suitable for packaging products that require a stronger container or may encounter harsher handling conditions.

Plastic Tight Head Drums: Cylindrical plastic containers with a permanently attached lid, designed for secure storage and transportation of large volumes of liquids, powders, or hazardous materials. Tight head drums often come with additional features like bungs or dispensing spouts depending on the application.

Plastic Tight Head Pail: A cylindrical plastic container with a permanently attached lid, similar to a plastic tight head drum but in a smaller size range. Tight head pails offer a secure and tamper-evident option for storing and transporting a variety of products like paint, chemicals, foodstuffs, or hazardous materials.

Plastic Wide Mouth Jars: Jars made from plastic with a wide opening at the top, allowing for easy filling, emptying, and cleaning. Similar to glass wide mouth jars, these are popular for a variety of applications including food storage, canning, and beverage consumption.

Point-of-Purchase Packaging (POP Packaging): Packaging designed to grab attention and influence buying decisions at the point of purchase, typically in retail stores. POP packaging often features eye-catching graphics, promotional messaging, and easy-to-open features to entice customers.

Post Consumer Resin (PCR): Recycled plastic material that has been reprocessed and can be used to create new plastic products. Post-consumer resin derived from PCR content is used in the manufacturing of various products, including packaging

Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content: The percentage of plastic material in a product that comes from recycled plastic collected after consumers have used it. PCR content is a key indicator of the product's use of recycled materials.

Pre-Consumer Recycled Content: The percentage of plastic material in a product that comes from recycled plastic scraps or waste generated during plastic manufacturing. Pre-consumer recycled content utilizes plastic waste from within the production process, but it's not directly related to post-consumer waste reduction.

Pressure Sensitive Labels (PSL): Labels that adhere to a surface with pressure alone, without the need for water or heat activation. PSLs are a versatile and cost-effective labeling solution used for various applications on primary packaging, secondary packaging, or even directly on products. They can be made from various materials and printed with branding, nutritional information, or promotional messages.

Primary Packaging: The container that directly holds the product and is in direct contact with it. This is the packaging the consumer typically interacts with when using the product. Examples include bottles, jars, tubes, blisters, and cans.

Private Label Packaging: Products manufactured by a third party but sold under a retailer's brand name. Private label packaging allows retailers to offer products at competitive prices while maintaining control over branding and potentially higher profit margins. The private label product will typically mimic the design and functionality of national brands but with the retailer's logo and branding elements.

Procurement: The process of acquiring goods and services needed for a business operation. This includes sourcing packaging materials, negotiating prices with suppliers, and managing the purchasing process.

Product Differentiation: Making a product stand out from competitors through its packaging design, materials, or functionality.

Public Warehousing: Storage space in a warehouse owned and operated by a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. Companies can store their products in public warehouses for various reasons, including inventory management, distribution network optimization, or proximity to customers. The type of packaging used may need to consider longer storage times in a public warehouse setting.

Pumps and Sprayers: Dispensing mechanisms commonly made from plastic and attached to a container. Pumps and sprayers offer controlled application of a product, available in various designs depending on the product's viscosity and desired functionality. Examples include lotion pumps, trigger sprayers, and fine mist sprayers.

Purchase Order (PO): A formal document issued by a buyer to a seller that details the products (including packaging materials) to be purchased, quantity, price, and delivery terms. It's a key document in the procurement process.

Recyclable Packaging: Packaging that can be effectively collected, sorted, and reprocessed into new materials after use. Recyclable packaging should have clear labeling and be compatible with existing recycling infrastructure.

Renewable Resources: Materials that can be replenished at a rate comparable to their consumption. In packaging, this can include bio-based materials (previously defined) derived from plants or trees that can be replanted.

Request for Information (RFI): A document sent to potential suppliers to gather initial information about their capabilities, experience, and qualifications related to packaging solutions.

Request for Proposal (RFP): A formal document sent to shortlisted suppliers outlining the specific requirements for a packaging project. It invites them to submit detailed proposals that address those requirements and outline their approach, timeline, and cost.

Request for Quotation (RFQ): A document sent to multiple suppliers requesting pricing information for specific packaging materials or components. It's used to compare pricing options before selecting a supplier.

Responsible Sourcing: The practice of procuring materials and products from suppliers who adhere to ethical and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. This can involve considering factors like environmental impact, labor practices, and social responsibility in the sourcing of packaging materials.

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS): A European Union (EU) directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. This can influence the selection of packaging materials to comply with RoHS limitations.

Retort Pouch: A flexible pouch made from multiple layers of plastic and foil laminate. Retort pouches are ideal for packaging food products that require heat treatment for sterilization. The laminate construction ensures product safety and extended shelf life.

Return on Investment (ROI): A metric used to evaluate the financial benefit of a packaging project. It compares the cost of the packaging solution to the expected benefits, such as increased sales, improved brand perception, or reduced waste.

Reverse Logistics: The process of managing the return, reuse, or recycling of goods after the point of sale. This can involve packaging considerations for returning products, such as using returnable packaging or including instructions for proper disposal.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS): A document that provides detailed information about the hazards of a specific material or chemical and how to safely handle, store, transport, and dispose of it. Safety data sheets can influence packaging selection to ensure safe handling of products throughout the supply chain.

Safety Stock: An extra amount of inventory (including packaging materials) held beyond the expected demand to mitigate potential stockouts due to unexpected fluctuations in demand or supply chain disruptions. Safety stock is important to ensure production continuity.

Sauce Dressing Bottles: Bottles specifically designed for sauces, dressings, and condiments. These bottles often have a squeezable body for easy dispensing and a drip-proof spout or cap to minimize mess. They come in various sizes and styles depending on the specific product.

Scalability: The ability of a packaging solution to adapt to changes in production volume or product line expansion. This is important to consider when selecting packaging for products with potential growth.

Screen Printing: A printing technique that uses a stencil to transfer ink onto the packaging surface. It's suitable for bold designs and can handle various materials.

Secondary Packaging: The outer layer protecting the primary package (the one in direct contact with the product) during transport, bundling multiple units for sale, or providing additional branding and information.

Serialization: The process of assigning a unique identifier (serial number) to individual items or packages. Serialization can be used for tracking and tracing products throughout the supply chain, helping to combat counterfeiting and improve product recalls. Packaging design may need to accommodate the inclusion of unique serial numbers.

Shelf Impact: The immediate visual impression a product's packaging has on a customer browsing the shelves. Eye-catching design and clear branding can significantly influence purchase decisions.

Shelf Life: The amount of time a product remains safe and at its peak quality under proper storage conditions. Packaging can play a role in extending shelf life by protecting the product from factors like light, moisture, or oxygen exposure.

Shelf Presence: The overall visual appeal and effectiveness of a product's packaging on a store shelf. This considers factors like size, shape, color, and graphic design to grab attention and communicate product benefits to potential buyers.

Shelf Talkers: Small signs or displays placed near products on store shelves to provide additional information, promotions, or special offers. They can be integrated into the packaging itself or placed separately.

Shrink Wrap: A clear plastic film that shrinks around a product or group of products for containment, protection, and sometimes tamper evidence.

Skin Packaging: A thin plastic film that conforms to the product's shape during packaging, creating a secure fit and clear presentation.

Sourcing: In the context of packaging, sourcing refers to the process of finding, evaluating, and selecting suppliers for packaging materials and components. This involves considering factors like cost, quality, sustainability practices, and the ability to meet specific packaging requirements.

Square Open Head Pails: Square-shaped plastic containers with a wide open top, ideal for storing and transporting bulk materials where a square footprint offers better space optimization. These pails are used in various industries for foodstuffs, liquids, or dry goods. The open head design allows for easy filling and cleaning. (Previously defined)

Square Pinch Grip Jars: Jars made from plastic with a square base and straight sides, featuring vertical indentations or ridges on opposing sides to create a pinch grip for easier handling. These jars are popular for packaging a variety of products in the food and beverage industry, offering stackability and a secure grip for consumers. (Previously defined)

Stand-up Pouch: A flexible pouch designed to stand upright on a shelf or counter. Stand-up pouches are made from various materials like foil, plastic, or laminate combinations, offering a lightweight and space-saving option for packaging a variety of products, including food, snacks, personal care items, and even pet food.

Steel Open Head Drum: Cylindrical containers constructed from steel with a removable lid. Steel open head drums offer a robust and secure option for storing and transporting large volumes of bulk materials like chemicals, hazardous materials, or industrial products. The open head design allows for easy filling and cleaning.

Steel Open Head Pails: A cylindrical steel container with a wide open top. Round open head pails offer a robust and secure option for storing and transporting large volumes of bulk materials like chemicals, hazardous materials, or industrial products.

Steel Tight Head Drum: Cylindrical containers made of steel with a permanently attached lid, designed for secure storage and transportation of large volumes of liquids, powders, or hazardous materials. Tight head drums often come with additional features like bungs or dispensing spouts depending on the application.

Steel Tight Head Pails: Cylindrical containers made from steel with a permanently attached lid. Steel tight head pails offer a secure and tamper-evident option for storing and transporting hazardous materials or products requiring a very strong container. They are smaller than steel drums.

Straight Sided Canister (Previously defined): Cylindrical plastic containers with straight sides, a flat bottom, and a removable lid. Straight sided canisters offer a versatile option for packaging dry products, powders, or granular materials. They come in various sizes and can be clear or opaque depending on the application.

Straight Sided Jars: Jars made from plastic or glass with straight sides, a flat bottom, and a removable lid. Similar to straight sided canisters, these jars offer a versatile option for packaging a variety of products. They come in various sizes, materials (plastic or glass), and can be clear or opaque depending on the application.

Structural Design: The design of the physical form and functionality of the packaging. This considers factors like how the package will protect the product, be stored, displayed, and opened by the customer.

Supplier Development: The ongoing process of improving a company's relationships with its suppliers. This can involve collaborating with suppliers to improve quality, reduce costs, or develop innovative packaging solutions.

Supply Chain Management (SCM): While not directly related to packaging itself, SCM is the overarching function that influences packaging decisions. It involves planning, coordinating, and managing all the activities involved in getting a product from supplier to customer. Packaging plays a crucial role within SCM, as it protects products during transport and storage, and can also influence factors like logistics costs and sustainability.

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI): A non-profit organization that sets standards for sustainable forest management. SFI certification for wood or paper-based packaging materials indicates that the forest products were sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Sustainable Packaging: Packaging that is designed and manufactured with environmental and social responsibility throughout its life cycle. This considers factors like material selection, recycled content, recyclability, composting options, and minimizing environmental impact.

Sustainable Sourcing: The practice of procuring materials from suppliers who adhere to environmentally and socially responsible practices throughout the supply chain. In packaging, this might involve sourcing recycled content, materials from certified sustainable forests (like SFI), or bio-based materials.

Tamper Evident Labels: Labels that are designed to visually indicate if a package has been opened or altered. These labels can deter tampering and help ensure product authenticity and safety.

Tamper Evident Packaging: Packaging that incorporates features that make it difficult to open or reseal without leaving visible evidence. This helps deter tampering and ensure product integrity.

Target Costing: A process that sets a target price for the packaging solution based on the overall product cost and desired profit margin. Suppliers then work to develop packaging options that meet the target cost while still achieving the required functionality.

Thick Wall Jars: Jars constructed from a thicker plastic material compared to regular wall jars. Thick wall jars offer increased durability and impact resistance, making them suitable for packaging products that require a stronger container or may encounter harsher handling conditions.

Tight Head Drums: Cylindrical containers with a permanently attached lid, designed for secure storage and transportation of large volumes of liquids, powders, or hazardous materials. Tight head drums often come with additional features like bungs or dispensing spouts depending on the application. (Previously defined)

Tight Head Pails: Cylindrical containers made from plastic or steel with a permanently attached lid. Tight head pails offer a secure and tamper-evident option for storing and transporting a variety of products like paint, chemicals, foodstuffs, or hazardous materials. They are smaller than tight head drums. (Previously defined)

Tinplate Metal Aerosol Cans: Cylindrical metal cans constructed from tinplate, a steel sheet coated with a thin layer of tin. Aerosol cans feature a pressurized valve and propellant system for dispensing the product in a fine mist or spray. They are commonly used for personal care products, household cleaners, paints, or air fresheners.

Tinplate Metal Conetop Cans: Cylindrical metal cans made from tinplate with a conical top that can be sealed with a lid. Conetop cans are used for a variety of industrial products such as chemical additives, brake fluids, solvents, and more.

Tinplate Metal Monotop Cans: Cylindrical metal cans constructed from tinplate with a single, permanently attached lid. Monotop cans are a tamper-evident option for packaging various products, often used for industrial products such as adhesives, coatings, solvents, and more.

Tinplate Metal Oblong Cans: Rectangular metal cans made from tinplate. These cans offer a unique and versatile option for packaging a variety of products, including food items like cookies, candies, or biscuits; personal care products; or even stationary items.

Tinplate Round Cans: Cylindrical containers made from tinplate, a steel sheet coated with a thin layer of tin. Tinplate round cans come in various sizes and are a versatile option for traditionally industrial products such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and more.

Trade Show: A large exhibition event where companies showcase their products and services to potential buyers, distributors, and media. Packaging plays a role in attracting attention at trade shows, similar to how it functions on store shelves.

Transportation Management System (TMS): A software application used to plan, optimize, and execute the transportation of goods. While not directly related to packaging, a TMS can influence packaging decisions by considering factors like shipping costs and dimensional weight calculations (weight and size combined), which can be impacted by packaging choices.

UN Rating: A classification system developed by the United Nations that assigns hazard codes to substances and materials for transport purposes. The UN rating of a product can influence packaging requirements to ensure safe transportation of hazardous materials.

Unit Carton: A cardboard box designed to hold a specific number of units (products) for shipping or storage. Unit cartons protect the products during transport and can be labeled for identification. The size and design of the unit carton will depend on the specific product and the number of units it needs to hold.

Universal Glass Jars: Also known as mayonnaise jars, are typically made of glass. They may have wide mouths for easy filling or standard necks with screw-on lids.

Upcycling: The process of transforming waste materials or byproducts into new products of higher quality or value compared to the original. In packaging, upcycling could involve using leftover fabric scraps to create tote bags or transforming used cardboard boxes into new containers. Upcycling can be a creative way to divert waste from landfills and create new, useful products.

UV Coating: A clear liquid coating applied to the packaging surface and cured using ultraviolet light. It creates a protective layer that enhances gloss, protects against scratches and scuffing, and can even incorporate security features.

Validation Testing: The process of subjecting packaging to a series of tests to ensure it meets the required performance standards. These tests can simulate the conditions the packaging will encounter during transport, storage, and use. Validation testing helps ensure the packaging will adequately protect the product and maintain its integrity throughout the supply chain.

Value-Added Services (VAS): Additional services offered by 3PL providers beyond basic transportation and storage. Some VAS relevant to packaging include: kitting & assembly, packaging & labeling, and quality control.

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI): A supply chain agreement where the supplier takes responsibility for managing a customer's inventory levels, including packaging materials. The supplier monitors inventory usage and automatically replenishes stock to ensure there are no stockouts. This can be beneficial for high-volume packaging materials.

Warehouse Management System (WMS): Software used in warehouses to track inventory, manage order picking and receiving of packaging materials, and generate reports on usage and costs.

Warehousing and Distribution: The storage and distribution of products from a warehouse, with packaging playing a key role in protecting products, enabling efficient handling, and providing customer information.

Wide Mouth Jars (Previously defined): Jars made from glass or plastic with a wide opening at the top, allowing for easy filling, emptying, and cleaning. Wide mouth jars are popular for a variety of applications including food storage, canning, and beverage consumption.