6 Types of Liquid Containers

Several different types of liquid containers are used for storing, transporting, and dispensing liquids. The type of container used depends on factors such as the liquid's properties, the desired storage capacity, and the intended use.

The container type you choose to hold your liquids is a vital business decision. Choose the best vessel to protect your product and effectively communicate your brand identity.

1. Plastic or Glass Bottles

Bottles have long been a popular choice for storing and transporting liquids, and for good reason. They offer a multitude of advantages that make them a versatile and practical option for various applications. 

Bottles are designed with ergonomics in mind. Bottles are easy to grip and pour from, even on the go. Their shape and design facilitate the controlled dispensing of liquids, which minimizes spills and waste.

Bottles are also increasingly versatile. Many bottles have a completely removable lid, while others—like sports bottles—feature a sports cap. These types of bottles feature a nozzle that the user pulls open to release the drink inside.

Designing a high-quality bottle is important to protect your product and the consumer. A 2024 study into bottled water found just a liter contained 240,000 minuscule pieces of plastic. This underlines the important role packaging companies play in protecting public health. Always choose high-quality materials for beverage packaging for the best and safest results.

Advantages of Bottles

Using bottles to hold liquids has many advantages. Among these are:

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  Versatility: Bottles come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials, making them suitable for various liquids and applications.
• Reusability and sustainability: Many glass and plastic storage containers, including bottles, are reusable and recyclable.
• Aesthetic appeal: Bottles can be aesthetically pleasing, with various designs, colors, and finishes. This allows for branding and customization, enhancing product appeal and recognition.
• Cost-effectiveness: Bottles are a cost-effective packaging solution, especially in large quantities.

Bottles are often used as storage containers for medical liquids like cough syrups. These bottles must comply with child-resistant packaging requirements both at the state and national levels. Businesses must ensure they fulfill all safety requirements to avoid penalties for non-compliance.

2. Jars

A jar is a cylindrical or slightly conical container. Jars are commonly made of glass or ceramic. They have a wide mouth or opening that can be closed with a lid, screw cap, lug cap, cork stopper, or other similar closure. Jars are commonly used for storing food items, such as jams, pickles, and sauces, as well as other household items.

Advantages of Jars

Jars are excellent containers for liquids due to their numerous advantages:

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  Durability and Longevity: Glass jars are highly durable and can withstand repeated use and cleaning. They are also highly resistant to breakage and can last for many years.
• Versatility: Jars come in various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for storing a wide range of liquids, from honey and jam to sauces and pickles. They can hold both hot and cold liquids.
• Airtightness: Jars can be tightly sealed with lids to protect the contents from air, moisture, and contamination.
• Reusability: Glass jars are highly reusable. They can be washed and sterilized for repeated use, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

3. Cans

A can is a metal container, usually cylindrical, used for storing and packaging various products. It's typically made of tinplate or aluminum and is often sealed to preserve the contents. Cans are commonly used for food or beverages like preserved fruits, vegetables, and soups. Cans are also ideal for holding paint and other household liquids.

Advantages of Cans

The main advantages of cans as a vessel are their durability and their ability to significantly extend the shelf life of the product inside.

4. Cartons

Cartons like milk cartons are typically made from a composite material—often paperboard coated with polyethylene—which provides a waterproof and airtight barrier.

Advantages of Cartons

Milk cartons are often gable-top shaped, which allows for easy pouring and resealing. They are designed to be environmentally friendly, as they are recyclable and often made from sustainable materials.

Cartons are highly versatile and can be customized into various shapes and sizes to accommodate different products and brands. They're a durable, cost-effective storage solution for many liquids and a staple in kitchens across the country. 

5. Intermediate Bulk Container Tanks

Intermediate bulk containers (or IBC tanks) are industrial-grade containers designed for the mass handling, transport, and storage of liquids, semi-solids, pastes, and solids. An IBC tank can be rigid or flexible. Rigid IBC tanks tend to be made of durable materials like plastic or metal. 

IBC tanks are commonly used for transporting hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. Flexible IBC tanks are composed of flexible liners inside a rigid cage. This makes them ideal for transporting viscous or sensitive liquids.

Key features of IBC tanks:

• Durability: Built to withstand harsh conditions and frequent handling.
• Capacity: Typically ranges from 300 to 1000 liters, but larger sizes are available.
• Stackable: Can be stacked for efficient storage.
• Reusable: Designed for multiple uses, reducing waste and environmental impact.
• Versatility: Can be used for a wide range of liquids, including chemicals, food products, and water.
• Safety: Equipped with safety features like leak-proof valves and spill containment.

Advantages of IBC Tanks

IBC tanks offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for transporting and storing large quantities of materials. They are widely used in various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics.

6. Flexitanks

Flexitanks are large, flexible bags that can be inserted into standard shipping containers to transport bulk liquids.

Flexitanks are often used to transport food and beverages, chemicals, or petroleum.

They're a popular choice among companies that transport liquids as they can be custom-made to accommodate various liquid types and volumes. 

Advantages of Flexitanks

Companies often choose flexitanks as they offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for moving large volumes of liquids, especially over long distances. They also maximize the container's capacity, allowing for the transportation of larger quantities of liquid compared to traditional drums or tanks.

Choose Customizable Liquid Containers

The type of liquid container used depends on various factors, including the liquid's properties, the desired storage capacity, and the intended use. Understanding the characteristics of different container types means businesses can make informed decisions to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable packaging of liquids.

When choosing a container for your product, take its storage and customization capabilities into account. The branding of your chosen vessel will be key in getting your product noticed and into consumers' homes.