Choosing Wall Thickness for Plastic Jars

There are several major choices you may be making when it comes to plastic jar containers for any kind of product you produce, and one of these that's vital to both manufacturers and clients alike is the wall thickness that's determined. How thick you need your plastic wall jars will depend heavily on the products you produce and certain other factors, and there are a few typical options at your disposal here.

At Industrial Container and Supply Company, we're happy to offer a wide selection of wholesale plastic and glass jars for any need, in addition to numerous other container options for our clients. Here's a primer on why jar wall thickness is important to think about if you utilize plastic jars, plus the three primary wall thickness templates and which is likely right for your products and needs.

Why Plastic Jar Wall Thickness Matters

Firstly, before we get into the specifics, let's look at why plastic jar wall thickness is so important. The reason for this is simply because thicker walls on a container mean that the product within can be better protected from outside pressures such as any impacts or drops it may suffer in transit.

It also means greater insulation against external temperatures and weather conditions, both of which are important if you're shipping a product. With thicker walls, your plastic jar also has more durability for any potential issues it may experience during transit as well.

In addition, wall thickness can have a significant impact on things like manufacturing costs and sustainability considerations. Thicker walls can help to reduce costs related to raw materials, as well as helping to make plastic jars more sustainable due to heavier weight materials being able to be recycled and reused in the production process.

Let's look at the three main wall thickness templates and how each might be ideal for varying purposes.

Regular Wall Jars

As sustainability initiatives increase around numerous industries, more and more consumers prefer light, relatively thin plastic jars for their products. Regular wall jars will typically be made of HDPE, PET, PP or PS plastic, and are the most economical and lightest wall thickness choice.

Regular wall jars are ideal for most standard uses. They offer a basic level of protection to their contents, making them perfect for lighter weight items that won't be exposed to too much natural wear and tear during transit or storage.

Some of the common products often placed in plastic jars with regular walls include:

• Sauces: Because they’re thinner and lighter, regular wall jars are perfect for sauces and condiments.
• Cosmetics: Lotions, creams, gels, and other cosmetics can be stored in standard plastic containers without worrying about the weight of thicker containers.
• Paints: Regular wall jars are ideal for paints because they’re lightweight and cost-effective, making them perfect for larger paint projects.
• Wax: Thicker walls can make it difficult to melt wax, so many manufacturers opt for regular wall jars for their candles and wax products.

Thick Wall Jars

Thick wall jars are usually made of polypropylene plastic, which is more durable than other materials and offers better insulation characteristics. They provide greater protection against breakage or damage, making them ideal for heavier products or those that need extra protection.

Some of the most common products placed in thicker wall jars include:

• Foods: Foods have a tendency to be much heavier than other items, so thick wall jars are perfect for storing and transporting them without worrying about breakage or damage.
• Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceuticals often require extra protection from weather and outside temperatures, making thick wall jars the ideal choice.
• Oils: Thick wall jars are perfect for storing and transporting cooking oils, as they’re designed to help protect against spoilage or damage.

It's important to note that thick wall jars tend to be the most expensive option, so they may not be the best choice for items that don't require extra protection.

Double Wall Jars

Double wall jars are essentially two layers of plastic jar walls, with a layer of air in between them. This added insulation helps to keep contents safe from temperature fluctuations or outside impacts and pressures.

Common items placed in double wall jars include:

• Pickles: Pickles are particularly vulnerable to temperature changes, so double wall jars have become the standard for pickle producers.
• Oils: Double wall jars provide extra protection from spoilage or damage when storing and transporting cooking oils.
• Face care products: Skin care products, including moisturizers and serums, need a little extra protection. Double wall jars offer just that.

No matter what type of product you're producing or packaging, there are plastic jar containers with the perfect wall thickness to suit your needs. As long as you consider your product's specific needs and use the right thickness for the job, you can be sure that your contents will remain safe and secure.

At Industrial Container and Supply Company, we have a wide variety of plastic jars with different wall thicknesses to suit your product's needs. Contact us today to learn more about these or any of our other container products.