When packaging mishaps happen, they are annoying, inconvenient, and expensive.  To avoid these mishaps, it is important to do three things: Test, test, and test! More specifically, test the container, test the closure, and test the decoration method.   

Test the product with the container:

• Your first step is to order samples and test the container with your product. When testing, look for any changes in the product's color, performance, or smell. Also check the container itself for any color change, leaking, or signs that the product is leaching through the container walls.

• Testing the container also allows you to verify the container size. While some 1 oz jars might hold up to 1.1 fl oz,  others can hold up to 1.4 fl oz. Testing multiple different 1 oz containers can help you identify the one that best fits your product.

• Also, holding the physical container lets you experience the product's weight and feel, two important elements that are often overlooked in packaging.

Test the closure:

• There are many different styles, sizes, and textures of lids offered by Container and Packaging. When testing lids, two of the most important features to test are the leak resistance and liner.

• If you ship your products or sell online, consider mailing a filled sample container to a friend to make sure that nothing leaks during shipment.

• To help prevent leaks, different liners are available. Foam, Pressure Sensitive, and Polycone liners are great options to start with. If you need something stronger, Heat Induction Seal liners offer a hermetic seal.

• If you are testing a dispensing cap, pump, or sprayer, you should also check that your products won't cause them to clog up or wear out quickly.

Test your decoration with everything:

• Adding a label to a container sounds easy enough, but sometimes decoration methods can crumple, smear, or peel off if exposed to certain products or applied to the wrong kind of container.

• Some containers are not as smooth as others and will not hold a label as well (HDPE vs. PET plastic, for example). Other times, the printed decoration can smear if the product leaks and gets on the outside of the container - this is more common with oils or corrosive products.

• If nothing else, getting samples of your decorated container allows you to interact with your finished packaging design. This gives you one final opportunity to feel the finished product and find any flaws in your packaging before ordering a full run.

If you ever need help finding an item or ordering a sample, feel free to reach out to our customer care team and they will be happy to help.