3 Factors to Consider Before Packing Commercial Liquids

Packing commercial liquids can be tricky, but with the right approach, it doesn't have to be. In this article, we'll cover three key factors to consider before packing commercial liquids.

For information on different packing requirements for a variety of liquid products including accreditation, temperature and materials, head on over to our advice centre.

How can liquids be packed?

As consumers, we often take packaging for granted. But as a business that specialises in liquid filling, we know that packing liquid products into the correct receptacle takes some serious planning, not to mention some sophisticated technology if you want to complete the process safely and efficiently.

One of the first things you’ll need to do is find the most appropriate container for your liquids. From bottles, jars and tubes to sachets and pouches, there are plenty of options – and each of them offers their own pros and cons and is best suited to different kinds of products. For example, honey – a naturally viscous substance – often thrives best in robust glass jars, because the chemicals in plastic containers will eventually spoil the product. On the other hand, cosmetic gels and creams will be both safe and accessible when stored in a sachet or perhaps a tubular bag.

It's vital to do your research. As highly experienced contract packing specialists, the team here at WePack can advise you on the most appropriate packaging and talk you through the do’s and don’ts of liquid packing.

Factor 1: Understanding the regulations

Talking of which, there are some rules you need to follow when packing liquids that cannot, for both practical and legal reasons, be ignored.

For example, there are specific guidelines regarding filling and storing aerosols with flammable propellants, which are available in full on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website. Similarly, raw food liquids will need to be accompanied by a certificate that proves hygiene and safety legislation has been followed during the production and packing procedures.

As mentioned earlier, some products, like honey, cannot be stored in containers made from certain materials because these materials will damage the product over time – or, at the very least, reduce its quality.

You’ll also need to consider the temperature requirements of your products to ensure your liquids remain as intended; alcohol remains at its best when it’s stored at room temperature or cooler, but too much warmth will age the product and/or ruin its flavour.

Factor 2: Special considerations for vulnerable and fragile liquids

If you wish to package up particularly hazardous liquids, you must follow the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 to the letter. If you are import these kinds of chemical substances into the EEA, you should always record the movements of your goods in the REACH database.

Clear labelling is also key to ensure fragile or vulnerable liquids can be identified quickly and extra care can be taken when shipping or storing them.

Factor 3: Preparation before packing

Leaks are a very real problem for liquid distributors, so you’ll want to do everything you can to prevent them. Most leaks are a result of faulty closures, so following stringent quality control measures throughout production is vital.

As well as ensuring your liquids are housed in the right primary containers, you’ll need to think about what’s going to protect each of these items from knocks and scrapes, particularly while they are in transit. The secondary containers you choose need to be easy to handle and as lightweight as possible – and if you are keen to reduce your impact on the environment, you’ll need to consider their sustainability credentials, too. Cardboard boxes and mould trays are great all-rounders, while specialist products such as Thermocol boxes are ideal for perishable liquids, as they can help maintain the optimum temperature. Consider using bubble wrap to add an extra layer of protection (particularly if you’re dealing with glass bottles or jars), and securely fasten all products with packing tape, stretch wrap and/or shrink wrap to keep them in place for longer.

Innovative solutions for liquid packing

Packing liquids by hand is difficult and, in some cases, downright dangerous. WePack offers a contract liquid filling service that uses the latest machinery to speed up production, ensure packing consistency, and reduce the likelihood of creating damaged or contaminated products.

Investing in professional packing solutions will almost always save you time and money in the long run – and because we have an expert understanding of the demands of different products and the regulations that govern modern-day packing processes, we can provide you with additional peace of mind that your items will have been handled correctly and compliantly.