How to store and transport preforms
01.10.2025
PET preforms are the preforms that determine the quality of the finished bottle. Improper storage or transportation can lead to deformation, contamination, and static buildup. All of these can lead to defects during blow molding. To avoid these risks, it's important to transport and store preforms correctly. We'll explain how.

Contents

Plastic Preform Packaging: Features

Different packaging options are used for transporting blanks:

  • corrugated box;
  • containers;
  • bags.

Each type of packaging varies in characteristics and reliability, so when choosing packaging, it's important to consider that it should be lightweight, have a stable shape, and remain accessible. These requirements will protect the workpieces from deformation and help save on transportation costs. Corrugated boxes can provide these conditions.

Transporting preforms in this type of packaging offers several advantages. Corrugated boxes are more reliable than bags, yet lighter and less expensive than containers. Their use ensures reliable protection and saves on loading and transportation costs. This is the type of packaging that Preform Plant offers its clients. We have corrugated boxes of various sizes, allowing you to choose a cost-effective packaging option for batches of various sizes.

What to consider during transportation: important conditions

The main requirement is that the PET preform must not be damaged during transportation. It is important to avoid dents on the neck, which could potentially lead to thread distortion or a compromised seal.

Factors such as direct sunlight and temperature also need to be considered. UV radiation and hot weather also increase the risk of preform deformation. Clear plastic acts like a magnifying glass – refracting sunlight, increasing heat, which can cause preforms to soften and deform.

It's also necessary to protect the workpieces from impacts and vibrations. During long-distance transport, the corrugated boxes themselves should be provided with shock-absorbing pads. This property gives this packaging an additional advantage.

How to Store Preforms: Basic Rules

Storing bottle blanks is equally important to prevent them from deforming and deteriorating. There are several rules to follow:

  • The temperature range is from +15 to +25 degrees. However, protection from sudden temperature changes must be ensured.
  • Humidity no more than 60%. PET is not affected by moisture, but it can cause adhesion of contaminants and condensation;
  • Cleanliness. The warehouse must be free of dust, foreign odors, organic matter, and moisture;
  • Pest protection. Rodents can not only damage containers but also contaminate them and create unpleasant odors, so it's important to regularly treat warehouses with special substances and products.

Preforms should be stored horizontally or in cassettes. When storing in boxes, it's important to consider the load and avoid stacking them high. This is necessary to prevent the neck from deforming, otherwise bottle handles and caps will be difficult to attach or won't hold tightly. Additionally, antistatic treatment can be applied to reduce dust attraction.

You also need to follow the recommendations for storage periods to avoid a backlog of stitched blanks.

Advantages of ordering from the Preform Plant

We now offer PET preforms for the production of plastic bottles for various industries. These preforms are available in a variety of sizes, allowing you to choose the right ones for containers of various volumes.

In addition to a wide range of products, the Preform Plant is distinguished by its responsible approach to work:

  • incoming inspection of lots;
  • correct packaging to meet logistics requirements;
  • documentary support and marking;
  • recommendations on storage periods and conditions.

We also offer lids and handles for PET bottles. They are manufactured in accordance with current regulations, ensuring the correct size for the preform neck diameter.