Packaging Machinery for Glass and Plastic Bottles

Even the most subtle differences in liquids, packages, or even packaging material can have an effect on the type of packaging machinery required for any given project. When choosing between glass and plastic bottles, both materials bring unique benefits and challenges to the packaging project. From conveyors and rinsing machinery to filling, capping, and more, understanding the unique characteristics of glass and plastic can lead to more efficient production and reduced downtime.

Right from the outset, the difference between glass and plastic bottles becomes apparent. When loading bottles, the heavier, more fragile glass option means more care must be taken from the outset. As a general rule, plastic containers could simply be dumped in bulk into a bottle unscrambler without worrying about cracking, breaking, or shattering. Glass bottles may require a gentler loading system to protect the containers.

Both glass and plastic containers must also move down a packaging line from one machine to the next. While a heavier glass bottle may be more stable than its plastic counterpart, care must still be taken to keep bottles upright and to be aware of back pressure, again to avoid downtime stemming from cracks or breaks. The lighter plastic bottles may require modifications to guiderails or other stabilizing components to stop bottle jams due to falling or tipping containers. At Liquid Packaging Solutions, both conveyor systems and machinery for rinsing, filling, and other tasks, will likely be tweaked for stability based on the bottle material, shape, size, and other factors.

Rinsing Machinery

Both glass and plastic bottles can accrue debris from different sources, such as the manufacture, or even the storage, of the bottle. When rinsing containers, a popular technique is to invert bottles over a rinse basin and remove debris from inside containers using air, water, or an alternative cleaning liquid. An alternative method for rinsing bottles prior to introducing product involves a vacuum nozzle which allows bottles to stay on the conveyor during the cleaning process. Heavy glass bottles may not be conducive to inverting, meaning that the vacuum rinse offers an alternative to crashing and breaking glass bottles. Some plastic bottles, due to size or shape, may also be a better fit for a bottle vacuum. Generally speaking, any bottle, glass or plastic, which proves difficult to grasp or invert, can still be rinsed on a bottle vacuum. The choice will depend on factors that include the bottle material, shape, size, and weight.

Filling Machinery

The different filling machines manufactured by LPS can all handle both glass and plastic bottles, however, certain projects may be modified based on the type of bottle being filled. Many liquid fillers, for example, use a pin indexing system to ensure bottles are placed correctly under the fill heads. The indexing system may be changed to keep glass bottles from abrupt stops that could result in bottles crashing together. Also, due to the fact that glass does not warp or degrade due to heat in the same manner as plastic, packagers with hot fill projects will often need to choose glass bottles for their projects as well. With glass or plastic bottles, LPS can create a filling machine to meet volume, level, or weight as necessary for the packagers products.

Capping Machinery

Capping machines are manufactured based on the type of closure that is being used for any packaging project, but the bottles being used can also lead to changes in building the equipment. Just like with the conveyors, stabilizing a bottle as the cap is placed and tightened may require modification to ensure a smooth process without breaking, crushing or otherwise damaging the bottles. This may include gripper belts, bottle separator wheels, or different indexing systems, depending on the type of capping machine and closure employed. As a general rule, metal caps like ROPP closures and corks will be used on glass containers while plastic screw-on type closures are more often seen on familiar plastic containers. As with every general rule however, there are exceptions, and LPS can manufacture bottle cappers for glass and plastic containers and closures.

Labeling Equipment

Whether plastic or glass, placing a label on a bottle allows a business to communicate with their intended customer. Labeling equipment on the end of a packaging line can work to add aesthetic value and information to a container with ease. Both plastic and glass bottles may require handling adjustments to both separate and stabilize bottles. Bottle separators put space between glass or plastic bottles to ensure each bottle receives only one label, cleanly and evenly applied. In addition, different adhesives or labels may be necessary depending on the bottle material, but labeling equipment can normally accommodate different label types.

Packagers must also consider other factors when deciding between glass and plastic bottles. For instance, glass may come at a higher cost to a business but is also more easily recycled than plastic counterparts. While plastic is very flexible and offers a cheaper option, it is not as easily recycled. Whether ultimately choosing glass or plastic for your products, Liquid Packaging Solutions can help your business build a packaging line for consistent, reliable, and efficient preparation of products.