Companies use plastic containers in almost every industry. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, reusable plastic bins, totes and containers reduce packaging waste, protect products, and improve inventory management. Returnable plastic boxes can also decrease production costs as well as provide several other benefits.

Plastic's versatility allows companies to use it in everything from food handling and storage to hazardous waste management, automotive and machinery parts and everything else you can imagine. Because of the structural make up of plastic, it is an ideal packaging choice for many businesses' products. Although the costs of the production of the plastic, itself, may be consistent across the industry, from industry to industry the costs of the finished plastic containers can vary tremendously. Large plastic containers used for shipping can cost up to $300 per container while one plastic food bin may only cost $3. When deciding on types of plastic containers to purchase, consider the following:

1. The temperature of the plastic, its density and molding can affect the materials contained.

2. Recycling of the plastic container must be a viable option.

3. Quality of plastic containers versus quantity.

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Locate suppliers of plastic containers used by shipping industry

You can use shipping containers for transportation or storage. Collapsible bulk containers are space-efficient and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles.

I recommend: Flexcon provides large plastic containers such as plastic shipping containers, plastic pallets and stacking plastic containers for commercial industrial use. The minimum order is about $500. Plastic Container Supply has collapsible bulk containers, uni-pak containers, attached lid containers, plastic pails and plastic pallets ranging from $70 to about $300. These items are in stock and ready for shipping. Use IQS Directory to compare quotes from suppliers.

Locate suppliers of plastic containers for the home and food industry

Businesses involved with food production choose plastic containers because of their practicality. Plastic containers are many times cheaper to produce and maintain than glass or metal containers.

I recommend: Sign up for an account with Container & Packaging Supply, offering plastic containers (specifically, plastic bottles and plastic tubs) for individual purposes as well as wholesale bulk quantities for qualifying businesses. Plastic tubs start at about $.80 a piece or $200 for a 384-piece case. Plastic bottles range from about $50 to $170 a case. Get plastic storage containers for food items from Simple Daily Recipes for between $17 and $40.

Find suppliers of plastic containers used by the cosmetic or floral industry

Plastic containers are popular choices by many industries because of their safety features. Producers of cosmetic products as well as those in the floral industry prefer flexible, shatterproof packaging.

I recommend: SKS Bottle & Packaging offers an assortment of plastic bottles, plastic tubs, and plastic tubes and vials. Tap Plastics provides storage plastic containers such as plastic buckets, plastic measuring cups, plastic bottles, plastic beakers, PVC jars, clear poly bags, and hinged containers for less than $6.00 an item. SpringHill Floral Supply has one of the largest wholesale plastic items specified to the retail floral industry. You can purchase cases of plastic items for less than $50 a case.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchasing plastic containers in person as opposed to online will save tremendously on shipping and handling costs.

For storing and organizing inventory, plastic containers get the job done. Plastic storage containers also act as a protective shield when transporting products from one location to the next. Options have never been more plentiful and today’s plastic storage bins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and price points. With all of this competition, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but shop wisely and you’ll find the best plastic container styles for your business at the best price.

Before you purchase plastic storage containers consider the following:

1. What size and shape plastic containers do you need?
2. How much weight will the plastic boxes need to hold?
3. How do you want to store the plastic bins (stacked, side by side, etc.)?
4. Will the plastic containers remain in only one location or be moved around often?

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Determine the plastic container style that's best for your product

Do your employees need to have quick access to the products in the plastic containers? Or, do you intend to keep products in storage for a lengthy period of time? Establishing exactly how you'll be using the plastic storage bins will make it easier to weed through the options to find the best match for your business.

I recommend: CLD Handling Systems and Grainger Industrial Supply offer large varieties of plastic storage containers, from stack-and-nest plastic totes to plastic bins designed to sit on slanted wire shelving.

Get a handle on your plastic storage containers

If your plastic boxes and plastic bins will be moved around a lot, make sure you buy the kind with built-in handles.

I recommend: Built-in handles on the straight-wall plastic bins offered by LK Goodwin and the plastic containers offered by Material Handling Solutions make them easy to grasp and lift.

Protect your items with specialized plastic bins

If you're dealing with electronics or other products that might be particularly sensitive to things like moisture or light, purchase specialized plastic containers.

I recommend: Anytime Products sells plastic storage bins that are resistant to moisture, grease, oil, and most chemicals. For static-safe storage, try 3M conductive round plastic containers. GlobalIndustrial.com sells collapsible plastic containers that resist rust, odors and moisture.

Shop around for the best price on plastic storage boxes

Just about every merchant sells plastic containers today, from dollar stores to office supply warehouses. For routine office storage needs, plastic boxes, plastic bins and plastic totes from your local office supply store will usually be the most cost-effective. For industrial plastic bins, you'll need more heavy-duty options, which typically cost more.

I recommend: For general use, consider the plastic storage boxes at Office Depot, the plastic storage bins at OfficeMax or the plastic totes at Staples. For industrial use, comparison shop among the plastic container manufacturers listed on DirectIndustry’s site. Also, visit Business.com for links to a variety of vendors of plastic boxes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't get too distracted by things like color or style when purchasing plastic bins, plastic totes and other plastic containers. It doesn't matter if they look nice if they don't support the weight of your product.
• •  Buying in bulk often brings down costs. Consider future needs when shopping for plastic boxes.
• •  When purchasing plastic storage containers, keep your employees in mind. Choose plastic storage bins that employees can easily access and lift.
• •  Durability is key. Buy plastic storage boxes that will hold up under the conditions in your office or warehouse.

Almost every industry uses plastic containers in some form or fashion. Cargo and shipping companies use plastic tubs, pails, barrels, totes and plastic storage containers instead of metal barrels or wooden crates because it is more cost-effective to use lightweight plastic containers. Individuals working in the food industry depend on plastic food containers to protect food against spoilage and contamination. Home products manufacturers use shatterproof, no-spill plastic bottles to cut down on broken glass injuries and clean-ups. Medical and dental facilities prefer plastic packaging to keep tools and instrument sterile. Petro-chemical and agricultural industries find that plastic packaging provides a safe solution for containing or disposing of hazardous materials and consumer products manufactures find plastic boxes are more versatile for display.

Plastic containers are popular industry-wide because of their versatility. Consider the following:

1. Plastics containers are easy to use and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

2. Plastic containers are energy-efficient.

3. Plastic containers are economical.

4. A plastic container is lightweight and takes up less space, making it easier to transport.

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Get information on plastic containers to see how different industries use them

Working with plastic containers can prove quite interesting, as there are many different types of containers and a myriad of uses.

I recommend: Subscribe to Plastics Technology Magazine through Gardner Publications to receive ongoing information on the plastics industry and to search suppliers and machinery database. Subscribe to IBISworld to receive newsletters, industry reports and e-mail alerts. Subscribe to plasticstoday.com to receive more information via newsletters.

Locate suppliers of plastic containers

Running a successful business has many challenges. Using plastic containers can help alleviate some of the challenges. Explore the containers available and determine which ones can best meet your business needs.

I recommend: Get a price quote from The Cary Company on a wide variety of plastic containers of different shapes and sizes. Heavy-duty collapsible and stackable HDPE containers with fold down sides are useful in the automotive industry. Equipment and Supply Central has a large stock of these and other plastic containers. Plastic Packaging Corporation offers plastic containers useful in the food packaging industry. Beverley's carries plastic floral containers.

Purchase plastic containers wholesale to save money

Every little bit helps. Purchasing plastic containers wholesale or even purchasing used plastic shipping containers or large plastic containers can greatly reduce overall purchase costs and can save you some time.

I recommend: Search Wholesale-World.US, an online directory of wholesale products. In addition, try PackagingSupplies.com for wholesale plastic packaging for food items and Carlin Horticultural Supplies for purchase of wholesale planting containers. M H Container and Equipment Company offers used plastic bins. Container Exchanger specializes in used collapsible pallet containers.

Re-use old plastic containers to reduce waste

Plastic containers can still be useful after their original purpose has been fulfilled. Re-using plastic containers can save money and reduce wastes.

I recommend: Frugal Dad and Plan Tea list several ways to use old plastic milk containers. Mesmer Enterprizes explains how plastic containers are useful while at sea.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider recycling and incineration when disposing of plastic containers as opposed to placing in landfills. Recycling recovers the raw material while incineration recovers the chemical energy.

Plastic containers are a convenient, practical and cost-efficient way of packaging. As a result, they appeal to practically every type of industry including food businesses, storage facilities and hazardous waste management sites. The use of plastic containers can create a more effective and organized work environment. If you do decide to utilize plastic containers in your workplace, there are a few terms you should know to ensure the smooth operation of your business.

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Polyethylene Terephthalate

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a polymer used to package soft drinks, water, household cleaners and more. Inexpensive and lightweight, it's an extremely popular packaging material.

I recommend: The National Association for PET Container Resources offers an abundance of information on PET recycling, usage and safety.

Polystyrene, polypropylene and polycarbonate

Polystyrene, polypropylene and polycarbonate are types of plastics. Polystyrene is the most common plastic used today in protective packaging such as foam containers and toys. Polypropylene is most often used in automotive parts, and carpeting. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic used in drinking glasses and eyeglass lenses.

I recommend: There are different types of plastics used for a variety of purposes. Learn about the differences in polystyrene, polypropylene and polycarbonate plastics at PlasticsIndustry.com.

Recyclable

When a substance is recyclable, it can be broken down and used again. Recycling prevents waste, controls energy usage and reduces air pollution. Plastic containers are often recyclable.

I recommend: Learn more about recycling and recyclable items through Discovery Communications.

Resin and resin identification codes

Resin is a viscous substance derived from plants. It is used in plastics, adhesives and varnishes. The small numbers with the arrows around them located on the bottom of plastic containers are called resin identification codes. They indicate what kind of plastic is used in a specific item. These numbers help consumers understand what type of recycling (if any) should be applied to various plastic products.

I recommend: Go to Wisegeek.com to learn more about resin and its uses. The American Chemistry Council explains the resin identification code.

Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A is a questionable chemical compound used primarily to harden plastic. It has low acute toxicity and there is some concern about its effects on human health. Research is being done to determine the negative effects of Bisphenol A on the human body.

I recommend: Read about bisphenol A and the danger it poses at Seattle Post Intelligencer.