How preforms are packed is not just logistics — it changes how many pieces fit a container, how the bottling line is fed, and how well the food-contact surface is protected. Three formats dominate.
The three formats
| Format | Typical use | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Octabin / bulk box | High-volume preforms | Most pieces per container, efficient tipping/depalletizing; needs a box tipper |
| Carton (boxed) | Smaller runs, closures | Easy manual handling, more packaging weight and cost, fewer pieces per container |
| Palletized + stretch wrap | Mixed or fragile loads | Stable transit and standard forklift handling, some volume lost to the pallet |
Protecting the food-contact surface
Preforms ship with a sealed inner liner so the neck and inner wall stay clean in transit; for food-contact and rPET grades, specify the liner and any desiccant in the RFQ. Damp or dusty preforms cause closure and fill problems downstream.
Size it against the container
The packing format directly drives the count per container — work it through with the Container Calculator and the preforms per 40ft container guide, plan the stuffing in container loading, and state your packing preference when you build the RFQ.