Companies use plastic containers in almost every industry. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, reusable plastic bins, totes and containers reduce packaging waste, protect products, and improve inventory management. Returnable plastic boxes can also decrease production costs as well as provide several other benefits.
Plastic's versatility allows companies to use it in everything from food handling and storage to hazardous waste management, automotive and machinery parts and everything else you can imagine. Because of the structural make up of plastic, it is an ideal packaging choice for many businesses' products. Although the costs of the production of the plastic, itself, may be consistent across the industry, from industry to industry the costs of the finished plastic containers can vary tremendously. Large plastic containers used for shipping can cost up to $300 per container while one plastic food bin may only cost $3. When deciding on types of plastic containers to purchase, consider the following:
1. The temperature of the plastic, its density and molding can affect the materials contained.
2. Recycling of the plastic container must be a viable option.
3. Quality of plastic containers versus quantity.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Locate suppliers of plastic containers used by shipping industry
You can use shipping containers for transportation or storage. Collapsible bulk containers are space-efficient and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles.
I recommend: Flexcon provides large plastic containers such as plastic shipping containers, plastic pallets and stacking plastic containers for commercial industrial use. The minimum order is about $500.
Plastic Container Supply has collapsible bulk containers, uni-pak containers, attached lid containers, plastic pails and plastic pallets ranging from $70 to about $300. These items are in stock and ready for shipping. Use
IQS Directory to compare quotes from suppliers.
Locate suppliers of plastic containers for the home and food industry
Businesses involved with food production choose plastic containers because of their practicality. Plastic containers are many times cheaper to produce and maintain than glass or metal containers.
I recommend: Sign up for an account with
Container & Packaging Supply, offering plastic containers (specifically, plastic bottles and plastic tubs) for individual purposes as well as wholesale bulk quantities for qualifying businesses. Plastic tubs start at about $.80 a piece or $200 for a 384-piece case. Plastic bottles range from about $50 to $170 a case. Get plastic storage containers for food items from
Simple Daily Recipes for between $17 and $40.
Find suppliers of plastic containers used by the cosmetic or floral industry
Plastic containers are popular choices by many industries because of their safety features. Producers of cosmetic products as well as those in the floral industry prefer flexible, shatterproof packaging.
I recommend: SKS Bottle & Packaging offers an assortment of plastic bottles, plastic tubs, and plastic tubes and vials.
Tap Plastics provides storage plastic containers such as plastic buckets, plastic measuring cups, plastic bottles, plastic beakers, PVC jars, clear poly bags, and hinged containers for less than $6.00 an item.
SpringHill Floral Supply has one of the largest wholesale plastic items specified to the retail floral industry. You can purchase cases of plastic items for less than $50 a case.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Purchasing plastic containers in person as opposed to online will save tremendously on shipping and handling costs.
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