Plastic Bottles
HDPE Bottles
HDPE cosmetic bottles are opaque, durable, chemical-resistant and the most cost-effective option above 250 ml, which is why they dominate cleansers, shampoo, body wash and professional-size skincare.
- 50 ml
- 100 ml
- 150 ml
- 200 ml
- 250 ml
- 300 ml
At a glance
- Best for
- Cleanser and body wash ranges · Shampoo and conditioner brands · Professional and salon-size formats
- Formula fit
- Gel and cream cleanser · Shampoo and conditioner · Body wash and shower gel
- Materials
- HDPE (virgin and PCR) · PP for caps and discs · LDPE for some overcaps
- Decoration
- Custom colour matching (Pantone or approved physical sample) · Screen printing, up to 6 colours on cylindrical surfaces
What are hdpe bottles?
HDPE is extrusion or injection moulded into soft-shouldered, high-impact bottles. It resists many surfactants and oils that attack PET, and it is naturally opaque, so no UV-sensitive formula is exposed to light. Its matte surface takes colour uniformly and can be finished with spray coating for gloss when a premium look is required.
Because HDPE bottles are produced from the shoulder up in one mould, larger capacities (500 ml to 1,000 ml) remain economical. This makes them the default for body care, hair care and refill programmes.
Typical specification range
Values below are the ranges we quote most often. Confirm against your formula viscosity, fill weight and destination market before freezing a specification.
| Parameter | Options we quote |
|---|---|
| Capacities | 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 300 ml, 400 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1,000 ml |
| Materials | HDPE (virgin and PCR), PP for caps and discs, LDPE for some overcaps |
| Closures / dispensing | Flip-top cap 24/410, 28/410, Disc-top cap, Lotion pump, Trigger sprayer, Push-pull cap, Measuring cap |
| Customisation | Custom colour matching (Pantone or approved physical sample), Screen printing, up to 6 colours on cylindrical surfaces, UV digital printing (short runs, multi-SKU artwork), Hot stamping for logos and metallic accents, Frosted, soft-touch, spray-coated or metallic finishing, Wrap label, front-and-back label or shrink sleeve, PCR or mono-material construction options |
| MOQ | 1,000 pcs per design for stock moulds; 3,000 pcs for decorated orders; 10,000 pcs per size for custom moulds. |
| Sampling time | Stock samples in 5–10 working days; custom colour and decorated samples in 10–20 working days. |
| Production lead time | 15–30 working days after sample approval, depending on quantity, decoration and assembly complexity. |
Product features
Opaque protection
HDPE blocks light, which protects photosensitive actives and allows the bottle to be moulded in any solid colour without transparency trade-offs.
High chemical resistance
HDPE tolerates many surfactants, oils and low-pH formulas that can stress-crack PET over time.
PCR-ready and mono-material
HDPE is widely available as certified PCR resin, and HDPE bottles with HDPE closures are a practical mono-material recyclable construction.
Who it is suitable for
- Cleanser and body wash ranges
- Shampoo and conditioner brands
- Professional and salon-size formats
- Refill and bulk programmes
- Brands targeting low unit cost at high volume
Suitable formulas and products
- Gel and cream cleanser
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash and shower gel
- Hand and foot care
- Massage and body oils (with compatibility test)
- Exfoliating scrubs
Customisation options
HDPE Bottles can be delivered as a stock-mould pack with your colour and decoration, or developed into a proprietary format. Decoration is specified against the final surface finish so print adhesion and colour hold in use.
- Custom colour matching (Pantone or approved physical sample)
- Screen printing, up to 6 colours on cylindrical surfaces
- UV digital printing (short runs, multi-SKU artwork)
- Hot stamping for logos and metallic accents
- Frosted, soft-touch, spray-coated or metallic finishing
- Wrap label, front-and-back label or shrink sleeve
- PCR or mono-material construction options
How these are manufactured
Parts are moulded by injection, injection blow or extrusion blow moulding depending on the format and material, then assembled, decorated and inspected in lots. Moulding parameters are recorded per mould so repeat orders match the approved sample. Read the manufacturing process.
Quality control
Dimension and weight checks, closure torque, leak and dose testing where relevant, colour verification (ΔE ≤ 1.5 opaque parts) and AQL 1.0/2.5 final inspection. Lot records are supplied with the shipping documents. See the inspection checklist.
Materials for this range
- HDPE — material guide
- PCR plastic — material guide
- PP — material guide
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions buyers ask most about hdpe bottles. Send any specific question through the contact form and a packaging engineer will reply in writing.
Can I use recycled plastic in HDPE cosmetic bottles?
Yes. HDPE is the most common carrier for post-consumer recycled resin in cosmetic packaging. We supply 25–100% PCR options; certified grades come with documented recycled content, and we provide samples so the buyer can approve the slightly softer matte surface PCR often shows.
Is HDPE suitable for products with essential oils?
HDPE resists and absorbs some fragrance and essential oil components. For high-concentration oil formulas we recommend a compatibility soak test on the actual bottle: filled and stored for 4–12 weeks at 40 °C to check deformation, weight loss and panel movement.
What is the difference between HDPE and LDPE for bottles?
HDPE is more rigid and is used for standalone bottles; LDPE is softer and flexible, used for squeeze bottles and closures such as flip-top caps.
What MOQ applies to HDPE bottles?
1,000 pcs per design for stock moulds; 3,000 pcs for decorated orders; 10,000 pcs per size for custom moulds.
What is the MOQ for hdpe bottles?
1,000 pcs per design for stock moulds; 3,000 pcs for decorated orders; 10,000 pcs per size for custom moulds.
Can I customise the colour?
Yes. Colour is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical sample and verified on production-resin parts. Custom colour matching (Pantone or approved physical sample) is the standard route, and we supply samples for approval before the run.
Can you print or emboss my logo?
Yes — printing, hot stamping, coating, labelling and custom closures are all available for hdpe bottles. Choose the method with your surface finish in mind: gloss print or foil works best on matte and soft-touch surfaces.
Can I request samples?
Stock samples in 5–10 working days; custom colour and decorated samples in 10–20 working days. Stock samples are supplied free (up to five pieces per SKU, courier at your cost); custom colour and decorated samples are quoted per project, typically USD 120–450.
Can you develop a custom mould?
Yes. Custom tooling is quoted as a separate line item with the cavity plan stated, usually from around 10,000 pcs per size and 25–40 calendar days from drawing approval to first-article inspection.
What is the production lead time?
15–30 working days after sample approval, depending on quantity, decoration and assembly complexity.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship hdpe bottles to the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and Latin America, quoting FOB, CIF, DDP and air freight.
Which materials are available?
HDPE (virgin and PCR), PP for caps and discs, LDPE for some overcaps. Selection is driven by formula compatibility, clarity requirements, decoration and any recycled-content target.
Still have a question? Talk to a packaging expert.
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Quotes and samples for hdpe bottles
Send the capacity, quantity, colour reference and decoration you need. We reply with MOQ, unit price band, sampling time and lead time — and we will tell you if a different format suits your formula better. Stock mould formats from 1,000 pcs per design; decorated orders typically from 3,000 pcs; custom moulds usually from 10,000 pcs per size.
No account required · NDA available · Quote replies within one business day (Mon–Sat, GMT+8)