Manufacuring plastic bottles

More brands are looking again at the bottles they use. They’re responding to customers asking how much recycled plastic they are using and now the UK Plastic Packaging Tax is also part of the conversation, with the rate rising to £228.82 per tonne from April 2026 on plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic.

This is where the terminology can get confusing. PET is one of the most common plastics used for clear bottles. rPET is recycled PET. PCR means post-consumer recycled plastic, which is plastic that has already been used by consumers, collected and processed so it can be used again.

That means the choice comes down to how much recycled content you want, what your product needs from the bottle and how the finished packaging should look and perform.

At iBottles, we supply clear PET bottles, recycled rPET bottles and PCR containers to UK brands in flexible quantities, so you can compare the options before committing to a bulk order. This guide explains what the terms

If you make cosmetic products from home, run a small skincare brand or are preparing to sell your first proper batch, packaging can feel like something to think about once the formula is finished. In reality, it is one of the biggest practical decisions you will make.

The right bottle, jar, pot, closure or pump will protect your product, keep it stable, make it easy to use and give your label enough space to include the information customers need. The wrong choice early on can lead to big issues later on. 

Over the decades, iBottles has become the packaging supply partner of choice to countless small cosmetic businesses, home producers and growing skincare, haircare and personal care brands across the UK. We supply bottles, jars, pots, closures, pumps, atomisers, droppers and recycled-content packaging in flexible quantities, so you can order samples, test your packaging with your product and scale up when you are ready.

This guide explains how your packaging decisions will affect compliance

If you make or sell small-dose liquids, the dropper bottle is one of the hardest-working bits of packaging on your shelf. It’s a popular format for everything from essential oils and skincare serums to tinctures, vape liquids and craft dyes.

In this guide, the packaging specialists at iBottles cover the considerations you should make when selecting the ideal dropper bottles for your products.

The component parts of a dropper bottle

Different types of dropper bottles are made from a combination of several components, and the exact specification you choose should follow your product's viscosity, ingredients, dosage and the person using it.

Bottle

The bottle is the body that holds and stores your liquid. It comes in a range of sizes, materials and colours, and carries your branding. Size affects how much headspace you leave when filling; material and colour affect how well the bottle protects light-sensitive contents. We stock dropper bottles from 3ml upwards, so you can match the capacity

When you’re building a cosmetics brand, every detail shapes how your products are received. Cosmetic packaging closures play a direct role in how your formulations are protected, dispensed and experienced by your customers. For ambitious brands, closure selection also provides consistency as product ranges expand. Matching closures across bottles and jars creates a cleaner, more cohesive look while maintaining consistent performance during filling, storage and transport.

Below, the packaging specialists at iBottles outline common closure types, and the practical considerations that will help you choose the right closure for your cosmetic packaging.

Common types of cosmetic packaging closures

There are several widely used closures across cosmetics and personal care ranges. Each is designed to suit specific product viscosities, dispensing requirements and packaging styles.

Screw caps

Screw caps remain one of the most versatile options in cosmetic packaging. They fit a wide range of bottles

Plastic bottles have become an integral part of our daily lives, from water to soft drinks, juices to cosmetics, a vast array of products are packaged using plastic. Among the various types of plastic bottles, one particular variety stands out: the PET bottle. But, what is a PET bottle and how can you use it within your industry? 

At iBottles, we have been distributing quality PET bottles for over two decades and have created this article to discuss what a PET bottle is, its history, advantages, manufacturing process, and environmental considerations.

●      What is PET?

●      History of PET bottles

●      Advantages of PET bottles

●      PET bottle manufacturing process

●      Common uses of PET bottles

●      Recycling PET bottles

●      PET bottle safety considerations

●      Conclusion

What is PET?

PET, or Polyethylene Terephthalate, is a type of plastic resin widely used in the production of bottles and food containers. 

It is a thermoplastic polymer known for