Question 1

Is PET plastic safe for food and beverage storage and reuse?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is one of the most thoroughly tested and widely approved packaging materials in the world. It is FDA-approved for direct food contact, does not contain BPA, and does not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages under normal use conditions. PET is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and transparent, making it ideal for everything from water bottles to sauce containers. While PET is safe for its intended single-use or limited-reuse applications, we recommend following manufacturer guidelines for reuse — particularly avoiding high-heat exposure, as PET is not designed for hot-fill or microwave use. For applications requiring heat resistance, polypropylene (PP) is a better choice.

Question 2

What's the difference between PET and HDPE containers, and when should a customer choose one over the other?

Accepted Answer

PET and HDPE are both popular plastic packaging materials, but they serve different purposes. PET is clear, lightweight, and offers excellent oxygen barrier properties, making it ideal for products where visibility matters — beverages, sauces, condiments, and cosmetics. HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is opaque or translucent, more rigid, and offers superior chemical resistance, making it the go-to for household chemicals, industrial cleaners, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals. Choose PET when product visibility and shelf appeal are priorities. Choose HDPE when chemical resistance, opacity (light protection), and durability are more important. Both are recyclable, but HDPE is generally considered the more environmentally stable of the two in terms of production emissions.

Question 3

Why is PET packaging lighter and more shatter-resistant than glass?

Accepted Answer

PET containers weigh up to 85% less than equivalent glass containers, which significantly reduces shipping costs and carbon footprint. The weight difference comes from material density — PET is a polymer with a much lower density than glass. On shatter resistance, PET's molecular structure gives it impact resistance that glass simply cannot match. Where glass fractures on impact, PET flexes and returns to shape. This makes PET safer for shipping, handling in retail environments, and consumer use. The trade-off is that glass offers a premium feel, complete chemical inertness, and better oxygen barrier properties than PET, which is why both materials remain important in food and beverage packaging.

Question 4

Is PET recyclable, and how does that work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, PET is one of the most recycled plastics in the world and carries the #1 recycling code. The recycling process involves collection, sorting (often via optical scanners), shredding into flakes, washing to remove labels and contaminants, and then either reprocessing into new PET containers or converting into polyester fiber for textiles, carpet, and other products. Many PET containers now incorporate recycled content (rPET), and closed-loop recycling systems are increasingly common. For businesses, choosing recyclable PET supports sustainability goals and meets growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging.

Question 5

What's a realistic minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom vs. stock containers and caps?

Accepted Answer

For in-stock items, MOQs are typically low — often as few as one case, which usually contains 12 to 144 units depending on container size. Stock items are ready to ship and ideal for smaller businesses or those testing a new product. Custom-mold containers require a significantly higher investment. Custom molds involve tooling costs (the mold itself), and MOQs typically start at 10,000 to 25,000 units minimum to justify the tooling investment. The exact MOQ depends on the container complexity, material, and production method. We recommend calling our team to discuss your specific needs — we can often find creative solutions, including recommending a stock item that's close to your custom requirements to keep costs down.

Question 6

What documents or certifications should buyers ask about (FDA compliance, food-grade material, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

When sourcing packaging for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic products, buyers should request: FDA compliance documentation confirming the material is approved for food contact; food-grade material certifications; certificates of analysis (COA) for specific production lots; and, for international shipping, compliance with regulations like EU food contact standards. For chemical packaging, request chemical compatibility data. If sustainability claims are being made, ask for recycled content certifications. Louisiana Packaging provides documentation for all our food-grade containers and can supply material datasheets on request. Always verify that your supplier can provide current, valid documentation — not just verbal assurance.

Question 7

What's the difference between screw caps, flip-top closures, sprayers, and pump mechanisms — which fits which product type?

Accepted Answer

Each closure type serves a specific dispensing need. Screw caps provide a secure, tamper-evident seal ideal for liquids and dry goods where a simple resealable closure is sufficient. Flip-top closures offer one-handed convenience and are common on condiments, sauces, and personal care products. Sprayers atomize liquids into a fine mist, making them ideal for cleaning products, perfumes, and cosmetic mists. Pump mechanisms dispense a measured amount per stroke — perfect for lotions, soaps, and syrups. The right choice depends on your product's viscosity, intended dispensing method, and consumer convenience expectations.

Question 8

How does Louisiana Packaging handle wholesale/B2B pricing tiers and volume discounts?

Accepted Answer

We operate on a wholesale, business-to-business model with tiered pricing based on order volume. As quantity increases, per-unit costs decrease. Our pricing structure accounts for case quantities, pallet quantities, and truckload orders. For established customers with recurring orders, we offer contract pricing that locks in rates over a defined period. Because every project is unique, we provide custom quotes rather than published price lists — this ensures you get the best pricing for your specific container type, material, quantity, and timeline. Contact our sales team to discuss your volume requirements and receive a tiered pricing quote.

Question 9

What's the typical turnaround time for in-stock vs. custom-mold orders?

Accepted Answer

In-stock orders typically ship within 1–3 business days, depending on quantity and inventory levels. For stock items in high volume, we can usually fulfill from our Slidell warehouse quickly. Custom-mold orders have a longer timeline: tooling and fabrication of the mold itself takes 4–8 weeks, followed by a production run of 2–4 weeks, and then shipping. Total custom turnaround is typically 8–12 weeks from order confirmation to delivery. We provide detailed timelines with every custom quote so you can plan your production schedule accordingly. Rush options may be available for in-stock items — ask our team about expedited shipping.

Question 10

Do you ship nationwide, and how does shipping/logistics work for bulk orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we ship to all 50 states from our Slidell, Louisiana facility. For bulk orders, we offer several shipping methods: LTL (less-than-truckload) freight for pallet quantities, full truckload for large volume orders, and standard parcel shipping for smaller orders. Freight costs depend on distance, weight, and current carrier rates. We can also arrange freight through your preferred carrier if you have an existing shipping account. For local customers in the Louisiana/Mississippi Gulf Coast region, will-call pickup is available by appointment. Our team coordinates logistics to ensure your order arrives on time and in good condition.

Blog & FAQ

From the Floor

About Packing

Choosing the Right Container Material

A Guide to Closures: Screw Caps, Flip-Tops, Sprayers, and Pumps

What to Know Before Placing a Custom Mold Order

Wholesale Packaging 101: MOQs, Pricing Tiers, and Supplier Relationships

Packaging Logistics: What Nationwide Distribution Really Involves

Questions, Answered

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