Definition of cosmetic packaging

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS): This material is tough and hard. This opaque plastic is easily altered through injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. ABS tends to be more expensive than regular or impact-grade polystyrene.
Vacuum Bottle: A bottle that uses a mechanical pump for a non-pressurized vacuum dispensing system. Vacuum bottles also help extend the shelf life of the packaged product.
Airless Bottle Piston: A small plastic disc that pushes the product toward the top dispensing nozzle. When the actuator is pressed and the product inside the container is dispensed, a small vacuum is created inside the cavity. The piston moves upward to adjust the pressure change. That's why there is a small air hole at the bottom that allows air to enter through the bottom to replace the area dispensed. One advantage of the piston is that the product is not exposed to air before dispensing, which often means that cosmetics can avoid the use of preservatives.
Airless: A small hole at the bottom of the bottle that allows air to enter to replace the area dispensed. The packaged product is not exposed to air before dispensing.
Cap: After opening the product, a cap is used to seal the container for future use. The cap can also be used to actually dispense the product in the container.
Collar: The flange of a container between the shoulder and the threads. See the example of a vacuum can collar.
Embossing: An embossing technique where the graphics or text is applied from the outside, disappearing from view when the product is viewed. Embossing applies the graphics or text from the top down, pressing it into the product. Embossing is not as commonly used as debossing, but it offers a rare look that tends to really make a company's logo stand out.
Dip Tube: Also commonly called a stem, pump, or atomizer, a plastic tube extends into the container.
Disc Cap: A two-piece dispensing closure that is typically opened and dispensed with one hand and one finger.
Embossing: An embossing technique that creates a raised surface, allowing for a fine finish. Embossing is useful when the graphics or text need to really stand out on the package. This technique helps to highlight the graphics on the product, really catching the consumer's eye.
Eyemark: This is a small rectangular printed area on the package that is located near the edge of the printed flexible packaging material. It is used to ensure that the printing on the front and back of the package aligns, as well as telling the machine where to properly cut the product.
Fine Mist Sprayer: A hand-operated pump that releases the contents of a container in a powerful spray when pressed. The pump is pressurized to achieve the best spray effect, such as a fine mist. Most commonly used to package toners, perfumes, thin liquid foundations, etc.
Finish: The plastic that forms the opening of the container, which is shaped to fit a specific closure. The finish description shows the outer diameter of the bottle or jar neck in millimeters, and the thread configuration of how the closure fits on the container.
Glossy Finish: A package decoration characterized by a shiny or glossy surface on the material. A high-gloss finish will clearly reflect light. See the example of a glossy lip gloss tube.
Hot Stamping: This is a decorative technique that uses a die to cut a metal foil from a ribbon and then heat to imprint the die/design onto the surface of the plastic container. This method is often used with screen printing on cosmetic containers.
Lotion Pump: A pump dispenser that controls the output of product to a specific desired amount. This pump is most commonly used for lotions, liquid soaps and shampoos, cosmetics, and other health and beauty products.
Matte finish: A package finish, also often called a flat finish. This appearance is not shiny when viewed from any angle. See an example of a matte vacuum bottle.
Metallization: The process of applying a thin layer of metal to a plastic product to give it a gold, silver, or other metallic appearance. This process is often used for package closures.
Output: The amount of product that is dispensed from the packaging container by the pump, which can be low or high. You can see the output of each Cosmetic Packaging Now product in the product description.
Cap: This is a cap that covers the primary cap to prevent accidental spraying. These secondary caps are also used to enhance the design of the package.
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate): A thermoplastic polyester with fairly good chemical resistance, durability, and processability. PET uses the same monomers as ethylene glycol-modified PETG, but PETG has greater strength and durability, is more impact-resistant, and is better suited for use at high temperatures. PETG is also used in techniques such as bending, die-cutting, and milling.
PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate): Also known as acrylic or acrylic glass, PMMA is a clear thermoplastic that is often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatterproof alternative to glass. The material can also be used as a casting resin or in inks and coatings, among many other uses.
Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is similar to polyethylene, but is slightly more resistant to strong oxidants. Polypropylene is translucent, autoclavable, and has the best resistance to stress cracking of any polyolefin. Containers made from polypropylene are brittle at room temperature and may break or shatter if dropped.
Screen Printing: A printing method in which ink is applied to the container through a pattern on a taut screen (made of nylon, wire, or other tough screen material). This method is commonly used for closures, liners, and most containers, regardless of shape or size.
Soft-Touch Finish: A packaging finish that has a matte varnish rubber coating. This finish is popular in cosmetic packaging because it adds an aesthetic appeal to the finished product. The coating is usually pleasant to the touch and also acts as a protective layer against abrasion. It is more hygienic than conventional plastics and can withstand prolonged use and stress.
Stability Testing: Testing performed to ensure that new or improved products meet the expected physical, chemical and microbiological quality standards, as well as functionality and aesthetics when stored under appropriate conditions. Since cosmetic product development cycles are relatively short, each manufacturer designs its own stability testing procedures to make them economically justifiable and efficient for meeting testing requirements.
Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) - aka Acrylic: A thermoplastic copolymer with good stiffness that is scratch, chemical and stress crack resistant. SAN is comparable to general purpose polystyrene, but with greater impact and barrier properties; more rigidity and UV stability; natural straw color; transparent. View examples of our acrylic jars.