🌐 Navigating the Confusing World of Neck Finishes 🌐

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the intricate details of neck finishes in the pharmaceutical, dietary supplements, and cosmetics industry? Fear not! Let's unravel the mystery together with an in-depth guide to key standards and abbreviations:

1. GPI/SPI/GCMI Bottle Neck Finishes:

• Description: Standards set by the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) and Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) – nowadays Plastics Industry Association -  to ensure compatibility between containers and closures.
• Methodology: first set of numbers indicate the neck diameter in mm. The second set of numbers indicates a unique finish according to the standards of GPI with diverse parameters taken into account – such as height, number of threads, continuity of threads etc.
• Common Sizes:
  • 18-400: 18mm neck with 1 thread turn (400 is also widely reffered to as R3)
  • 20-410: 20mm neck with 1.5 thread turns
  • 24-415: 24 mm  neck with 2 thread turns and overal higher
  • 28-425: 28 mm neck with 2 thread turns while threads are narrow
• Applications:
  • Used in various industries including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

2. DIN Standard:

• Description: German industry standard for dropper bottles in Europe. Accounts for a designated place for TE ring.
• Methodology: DIN indicates the standard and the set of numbers indicates the neck diameter in mm.
• Common Sizes:
  • DIN 18: Standard neck size for dropper bottles.
• Applications:
  • Commonly used in the European market for dropper-style packaging.

3. GL Standard:

• Description: French version of the German DIN neck finish. Doesn’t have to have a designated place for a TE ring.
• Common Sizes:
  • GL18: Normed dropper bottles.
• Applications:
  • Similar to DIN, used in Europe for dropper-style packaging.

4. Pilfer Proof (PP) Standard:

• Description: Indicates a tamper-evident closure with a tear-off ring at the bottom.
• Methodology: PP added before a set of numbers indicating the diameter of the neck in mm
• Common Sizes:
  • PP28: a neck with a 28mm diameter, intended for a closure with a tear-off TE ring.
• Applications:
  • Common in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries to ensure product integrity.

These standards play a crucial role in ensuring that closures are compatible with containers, facilitating a secure and sealed fit for various products in different industries.

Other useful abbreviations in the context of neck finishes:

1. CT (Continuous Thread):
   • Description: Requires full rotation for opening and closing.
   • Use Cases: Liquids, chemical products, VMS, food.
2. TO (Twist Off):
   • Description: Twist-off closure opened with a short rotation.
   • Use Cases: Mainly in the food sector.
3. MTO (Medium TO):
   • Description: Medium Twist Off with height between TO and DTO.
   • Use Cases: Mainly used in the food market.
4. DTO (Deep TO):
   • Description: Deep Twist Off for a premium appearance.
   • Use Cases: Mostly used in the food sector for premium jars.
5. CRC (Child Resistant Closure):
   • Description: Special CT closure requiring push down and turn for opening. Provides child protection.
   • Use Cases: Products requiring child protection (e.g., VMS, cleaning products).
6. TE (Tamper Evident):
   • Description: Closure offering visible proof of opening by breaking a safety rim on first use.
   • Use Cases: Products requiring proof of opening.
7. CRC/TE (Child Resistant and Tamper Evident):
   • Description: Child-resistant closure with tamper-evident rim. Required for specific markets.
   • Use Cases: Products requiring both child protection and proof of opening.
8. ROPP/PP/PFP (Roll on Pilfer Proof/Pilfer Proof):
   • Description: Aluminum caps with tamper-evident rim and EPE liner.
   • Use Cases: Wines, spirits, waters, soft drinks, carbonated drinks, food, pharma.
9. HG (Hinged):
   • Description: Specific neck finish fitting snap-on cap, may have a tamper-evident rim.
   • Use Cases: Pills, tablets, pharma & parapharma products, chewing gum, confectionery.
10. PS22 (Pressure Sensitive):
    • Description: Liner with a foam sheet for sealing when closed.
11. IHS (Induction Heat Seal):
    • Description: Common liner sealed to the container by induction heat. Perfect for protecting flavors, oil, or powdered products.

These abbreviations cover a spectrum of features, providing a comprehensive understanding of neck finishes. Now, you're equipped to navigate the complexities of neck finishes and make informed choices for your industry needs. 🚀✨ #PharmaIndustry #PackagingStandards #NeckFinishes