Plastic bottle cap manufacturers supply a wide range of bottle cap types, ranging from medical prescription and cosmetic bottles to food and drink containers. Different caps types vary in complexity of design and mechanics, from threaded or unthreaded to other features like droppers and shakers, and the complexity of the device will affect the unit price of plastic caps and plugs.

Plastic caps are also customizable, and factors like inside lining, color and label printing all influence the price. Plastic screw caps are also typically sold in bulk, meaning the more plastic cap units you buy, the cheaper they will be. Keep in mind that this also means you will need to pay a high price upfront. Plastic caps can also save you money, however, when they are used in industrial fields to protect and prolong the life of equipment.

When evaluating plastic caps pricing and costs, consider the following factors:

1. Get a low unit price on basic plastic caps and plugs with comparison shopping.
2. Expect to pay more when buying from specialty plastic cap suppliers.
3. Save money by protecting equipment with affordable plastic pipe caps.
   

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Get the best rates on basic plastic plugs and caps

Plastic plugs and caps that have a basic design and do not include extra features like push-pull caps, shakers, droppers or brushes are the least expensive, whether for unthreaded or threaded caps. Expect to pay about $8 to $12 for 144 or, slightly more for plastic plugs at about 50 cents per unit.

I recommend: SKS Science Products sells a range of basic caps for plastic containers, with varying prices depending on the cap and order size. J&T's Molded Plastic Enterprises sells plastic tube caps for 50 to 70 cents per cap, with a minimum order of 130.

Get specialty plastic bottle cap features for a higher unit cost

Other basic plastic bottle cap options include the shaker lid, child-safe plastic cap or dropper cap. These types of specialty lids typically cost at least twice the unit price of comparable basic lids, and in the case of shaker caps, may be an added cost in addition to a regular closure.

I recommend: When determining plastic caps pricing and costs, sifters and droppers have a base rate of about 50 cents per unit, like the dropper lids sold by Container & Packaging Supply, to 75 cents per unit, like the spice sifters at Spice Barn. Some caps may be more expensive if they must be purchased together with specialty bottles or additional caps.

Save on maintenance costs with protective plastic caps

Plastic end cap styles that are used to protect pipes and mechanical equipment come at a low unit cost, but can save thousands of dollars a year on equipment service and replacement. A box of 100 can cost as little as $3.00 for small sizes, or $18 to $30 for 1000. Larger plastic tube caps and protectors cost two to three times more per unit.

I recommend: Sentry Safety Supply sells plastic end cap protectors for equipment at low unit costs. Flexicaps sells similar plastic and vinyl caps sorted by shape and size. When pricing your order, keep in mind that the minimum order size is typically 100 pieces.

Plastic is a versatile and impermeable material, so it only makes sense that plastic caps are used to protect a wide variety of products. A plastic bottle cap is a great way to keep liquids and solids fresh, whatever kind of bottle they might be stored in. If your business sells products that need their edges or sides protected, a plastic end cap may be the best solution.

Many plastic cap distributors supply caps designed for a wide variety of uses, regardless of your industry. Whether you need plastic plugs or plastic tube caps to protect encapsulated items, or plastic screw caps, you can find an online supplier providing what you need. Know your options when searching for plastic caps, including:

1. Find bottle cap manufacturers online.
2. Buy plastic tubing caps and plugs.
3. Buy custom molded plastic caps specially designed for your product.

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Purchase bottle caps online

When you're selling liquids or solids in bottle form, you need to be sure they'll remain fresh and won't leak. Look for a plastic cap supplier selling a variety of tops that will protect your product, whatever container it is in.

I recommend: SKS Bottle & Packaging sells plastic bottle caps of all types and in a variety of colors. Find your standard threaded cap, or buy child resistant caps. SKS also provides a selection of bottles and containers. Look through the online catalog at M. Jacob & Sons to find the plastic bottle caps that are right for your business.

Buy plastic caps and plugs for tubes

A common application of tubing caps is for mailing tubes, but they can also be used to package products sold in tube form.

I recommend: Whatever the shape and size of the tubing your business uses, find a plastic end cap from StockCap. StockCap sells round, square, long and short caps in a multitude of colors. Request a quote or sample directly from their website. MOCAP manufactures plastic tube caps of all varieties. Visit their website to see product protection plugs, to contact sales officers, and to request free samples of any plastic cap product.

Find a manufacturer of custom plastic caps

If you sell products of non-standard shapes or sizes, you may not be able to find a plastic cap or covering to fit your needs. Contact a supplier of custom plastic caps to receive a quote on a specialty product and work with engineers to design a cap that suits your product.

I recommend: Carlisle Plastics manufactures a variety of standard plastic caps, as well as custom caps. They sell caps in a number of standard colors, and can also match the custom color of your product. Visit their website to request a quote. Caplugs offers dip molded vinyl caps, injection molded plastic caps, as well as any custom caps to meet your needs. Visit their website to submit a request form or request custom manufacturing literature.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Try out a plastic bottle cap before you buy them in bulk. Many plastic cap manufacturers and suppliers will send you free samples of their products so you can test them out before a purchase.

Plastic caps are an excellent choice for many products. Because plastic is so versatile, they come in many different styles, such as anti-roll or vented plastic caps. Companies may need to decide whether they need a threaded cap or a tear cap. They should also consider child-resistant caps if they are packaging medicines or other potentially harmful substances. Learning some of the key terms associated with plastic caps will help you make the right choice for your business.

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Anti-roll plastic caps

Anti-roll plastic caps have a special square-shaped design, which prevents them from rolling. This works well for many types of products, but especially products where the consumer is likely to set the cap down while using the product.

I recommend: See examples of anti-roll caps at Visipak.

Vented plastic caps

Vented plastic caps help to release the pressure inside of a container. They are used for a variety of products, such as food products and beauty products.

I recommend: Learn about the technology of vented plastic caps from Pearce Plastics.

Hanger plastic caps

Hanger plastic caps have a loop at one end, which consumers can use to hang the capped object on a hook or nail. These types of caps fit tightly on the product to ensure that they do not slip out when hanging.

I recommend: The Harman Corporation shows a picture of a hanger plastic cap.

Child-resistant plastic caps

Child-resistant plastic caps are specially designed to prevent children from opening the product. They are often used on dangerous substances. To open, the user must press down on the cap while twisting. It's important to note that these caps are called 'child-resistant' and not 'child-proof.' There is still a small chance that a child could open the product.

I recommend: Drug & Cosmetic Packaging shows a child-resistant plastic cap.

Threaded plastic caps

Threaded plastic caps have grooves along the inside that match up with the bottles grooves. The user must twist the cap to screw it on. You often see threaded caps used for plastic soda, juice and water bottles.

I recommend: Look at Niagara Caps and Plugs to see a diagram of how a threaded cap works.

Tear caps

Tear caps form a tight seal on the product. When the consumer is ready to use the product, he or she simply pulls on a tab which tears off, allowing them to open it. After, the cap usually will pop on, but it is not as strong as it first was. You may see this type of cap on a gallon of milk.

I recommend: View tear caps at Stock Cap.

Plastic caps and plugs are available in a plethora of types and styles to fit the most diverse needs. From plastic tube caps and plastic bottle cap varieties to plastic screw caps and plastic pipe caps, plastic caps exist to fit any budget.

Plastic cap distributors and bottle cap manufacturers can offer the variety of plastic end cap products and plastic bottle cap styles you need at prices you can afford. To be a savvy shopper of plastic caps, you need to research and compare plastic caps types and styles to find the best plastic caps for your unique needs. As you shop for plastic caps, you should:

1. Work with plastic cap distributors that offer a variety of plastic caps and plugs to meet your varying needs.

2. Buy basic plastic plugs and plastic caps in bulk to build up your stock of plastic caps for large, general projects.

3. Create custom plastic caps and plastic plugs for your special projects.

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Partner with suppliers of plastic caps that offer the best variety

Your plastic cap needs may change over time. Establish a good working relationship with plastic cap suppliers that offer a wide selection of plastic caps in various styles, types and sizes.

I recommend: MOCAP offers a full line of polyethylene plastic caps and plugs in a variety of sizes and styles. Buy tubing caps and plastic caps and plugs in a plethora of shapes, sizes and colors from Harmon Corporation. They offer standard and unique plastic caps to fit any need.

Stock up on basic plastic caps and plastic plugs

For large quantities of products, stock up on basic use plastic caps and plastic plugs and buy in bulk to receive the best prices. Plastic cap suppliers often offer volume price discounts for bulk purchases.

I recommend: SKS offers a wide selection of basic plastic caps for use in a variety of applications. From threaded plastic caps to unthreaded, find the plastic cap products you need at affordable bulk prices. StockCap offers quality, general-use plastic caps and plugs at competitive prices.

Customize plastic cap products to fit your specific needs

Products come in all shapes and sizes. When standard-size plastic caps and plugs don't meet your need, work with plastic cap distributors that can create custom plastic caps to meet your specifications. They often offer free quotes for custom orders and free samples to ensure customer satisfaction.

I recommend: AMCLO, an Ohio-based manufacturer of plastic caps and plugs, can create custom plastic caps for your special product or project. Order custom dip molded plastic caps from Flexicap. They can create specific shapes to fit your unique needs in any color.