FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything cosmetic brands need to know about working with Shijin Packaging — from materials and MOQ to sampling, quality and shipping.
How to choose your bottle material
Match the resin to your formula, fill process and sustainability goal. Shijin molds PET, HDPE, PP and PETG in-house.
| Material | Clarity | Best for | Typical capacity | Recyclable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PET | High clarity | Serum, lotion, toner, mist | 30–500 ml+ | Yes (widely) |
| HDPE / PE | Opaque, flexible | Shampoo, body wash, cleansers, trigger-spray chemicals | 100–1000 ml | Yes |
| PP | Semi-translucent, heat-resistant | Jars, caps, hot-fill products | 15–500 g / ml | Yes |
| PETG | Glass-like premium clarity | Dropper, serum, cream jars | 15–100 ml | Yes (limited streams) |
| Glass | Premium, inert | Luxury serums, essences | any | Yes (infinitely) |
| Aluminum | Opaque, durable, light | Sprays, travel, aerosols | varies | Yes |
Need a deeper comparison? Read our PET vs HDPE vs PP vs PETG guide and the PCR & GRS explainer.
Key terms (glossary)
OEM — Original Equipment Manufacturer
Shijin produces bottles to your supplied design or specification under your brand. You own the artwork; we handle tooling, molding and decoration.
ODM — Original Design Manufacturer
Shijin uses its own library of 2,000+ stock molds and modifies or decorates them for your brand, shortening time-to-market.
Preform
A small PET tube with a finished neck and thread that is blow-molded into a bottle. Shijin injection-molds preforms in-house before stretch-blow molding.
PCR — Post-Consumer Recycled
Plastic regrind from post-consumer waste. Shijin supplies PCR PET and PCR HDPE with recycled-material supply-chain documentation for sustainable packaging lines.
Neck finish / neck size
The threaded opening (for example 24/410) that determines cap and pump compatibility. Shijin stocks standard neck finishes across its mold range.
GRS — Global Recycled Standard
A certification verifying recycled content and supply-chain traceability. Shijin's PCR materials are supplied with recycled-material supply-chain documentation.
Ordering & MOQ
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?+
Standard MOQ is 5,000 pieces per SKU. For custom-moulded bottles or special color matches, MOQ starts at 10,000. We keep MOQ intentionally low so indie brands and startups can test the market without over-committing to inventory.
Can I order smaller quantities for sampling or market testing?+
Yes. We offer a sampling service starting at 200–500 units for evaluation purposes. Sampling orders are priced at a small premium over mass-production rates, and the sampling fee is credited back against your first production order of 5,000+ units.
Do you offer mixed-SKU orders?+
Yes. You can combine multiple SKUs (different shapes, sizes, or colors) within a single order as long as each SKU meets its individual MOQ. This is common for brands launching multi-product lines.
What payment terms do you accept?+
For new customers: 30% deposit with T/T, balance before shipment. For established customers with 3+ successful orders: 30% deposit, 70% against B/L copy. We also accept L/C for orders above $50,000.
How do I place a repeat order?+
Repeat orders are streamlined — simply email your previous order number with updated quantities. Lead time drops to 12–15 days (vs. 20–25 days for first orders) because tooling and artwork are already on file.
Can I split shipment across multiple delivery addresses?+
Yes. We can arrange partial shipments to different warehouses or fulfillment centers. Split-shipment logistics fees apply based on the number of destinations.
Do you offer blank/unbranded bottles for aftermarket decoration?+
Yes. We supply plain bottles without any decoration for brands that handle printing, labeling, or shrink-sleeving in-house. Decoration-ready pricing is available on request.
What is your annual production capacity?+
Our dual-plant facility (Shenzhen + Huizhou) produces up to 200,000 units per day across 30+ blow-molding lines and 16 injection-molding machines. Peak-season volume is handled with overtime and additional shifts.
How long does sampling take?+
Standard sampling: 3–10 working days from confirmed brief. This includes mould cavity machining (for custom shapes), resin color matching, and initial blow trials. Rush sampling (5–7 days) is available at a 20% surcharge.
What information do you need to start a sample?+
We need: target capacity (ml), material preference (PET/HDPE/PETG), closure type (pump/spray/cap/dropper), desired color (Pantone or sample reference), decoration method (silk-screen/hot-stamp/label), and quantity needed for sampling.
Is sampling free?+
Sampling itself is not free — we charge a sampling fee covering material, machine setup, and courier costs. The fee ranges from $80–$300 depending on complexity. This fee is fully deducted from your first mass-production order.
How many samples do you send?+
We typically send 5–10 finished samples plus 5–10 unpainted blanks for your own decoration testing. Additional samples can be requested at cost.
What is the mass production lead time after sample approval?+
Once the sample is approved: 15–20 working days for standard orders (5,000–20,000 units). Large orders (50,000+) may take 25–30 days. Repeat orders are faster: 12–15 days.
Can you match my existing supplier's bottle specifications?+
Yes. Send us a physical sample or detailed technical drawing (with dimensions, weight, neck finish). We can reverse-engineer compatible bottles or suggest improvements while maintaining fit-with-closure compatibility.
Do you provide 3D renders before making physical samples?+
Yes. For custom-mould projects, we provide CAD-based 3D renders within 3–4 days of brief confirmation. Renders include dimensions, wall-thickness cross-section, and decoration placement mockups.
What happens if the sample doesn't match expectations?+
We offer one free round of adjustments (color, dimension fine-tuning, closure swap). If fundamental changes are needed (shape redesign), a revised sampling quote will be provided. Our goal is approval before mass production.
What materials do you work with?+
Primary materials: PET (clear/tinted), HDPE (opaque/matte), PETG (premium clarity), PP (caps/closures), PCR PET (post-consumer recycled), and PCR HDPE. Material selection depends on formula compatibility, shelf appeal requirements, and sustainability targets.
Which material should I choose for my product?+
Quick guide: PET for clear serums/toners needing glass-like appearance; HDPE for opaque shampoos/detergents requiring chemical resistance; PETG for premium thick-wall jars; PCR PET/HDPE if your brand has published sustainability goals. We provide material compatibility testing during sampling.
What is PCR plastic and is it food-safe?+
PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic is made from recycled consumer packaging, processed and re-pelletized for remanufacturing. Our PCR PET and PCR HDPE are supplied with recycled-material supply-chain documentation and material-safety test reports for cosmetic contact. Available in 25%, 50%, and 100% recycled content grades.
Do you offer biodegradable plastics?+
We do not offer conventional biodegradable plastics (PLA/PHA) because they often underperform in cosmetic applications (poor barrier properties, brittleness). Instead, we recommend recyclable mono-material designs (PCR content) which deliver real environmental impact without compromising product integrity.
What is the difference between PET and PETG?+
PETG is glycol-modified PET with better chemical resistance and thicker-wall molding capability. Use PET for standard cosmetic bottles (15–200ml); use PETG when you need heavy-wall jars (>3mm), better stress-crack resistance, or hot-fill compatibility up to 85°C.
Can you produce bottles in custom colors?+
Yes. We offer unlimited custom colors via Pantone matching, with typical ΔE<2 accuracy. Color options include transparent tints, solid opaque colors, metallic/pearlescent effects, and glow-in-the-dark variants. Minimum order for custom color: 5,000 units.
Are your materials BPA-free?+
All our cosmetic-contact materials (PET, HDPE, PETG, PP) are inherently BPA-free. BPA is primarily a concern with polycarbonate (PC) and certain epoxy linings — neither of which we use for cosmetic packaging.
What is the maximum fill temperature your bottles can handle?+
PET: up to 60°C (warm-fill acceptable); PETG: up to 85°C (hot-fill capable); HDPE: up to 90°C; PP (closures): up to 95°C. For formulas requiring higher temperatures, we recommend HDPE or glass alternatives.
What quality certifications do you hold?+
What is your quality control process?+
Three-stage QC: (1) IQC — incoming resin and closure inspection including melt-index testing and COA verification; (2) IPQC — in-line checks every 30 min for wall thickness (±2% tolerance), weight, and visual defects; (3) OQC — AQL 2.5 final inspection, 1.2m drop test, air-pressure leak test on all closures.
What happens if there are quality issues with my order?+
If defects are confirmed (via photos/video evidence within 14 days of receipt), we provide free replacement production shipped at our cost. For recurring quality issues across multiple orders, we conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions at no charge to the customer.
Do you perform batch traceability?+
Every production batch is assigned a unique lot number linked to: resin batch records, machine operator ID, QC checkpoint logs, and shipment manifest. Full traceability documentation is provided with each delivery.
Can I visit your factory for an audit?+
Absolutely. We welcome customer factory audits and have a dedicated QA team. Pre-arranged visits include facility tour, QC lab demonstration, and meeting with production managers. Virtual video-audit options are also available.
Do you provide third-party inspection reports?+
Yes. We can arrange inspections by SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or your nominated inspection agency. Inspection reports (dimensional, visual, functional) are provided before shipment at our cost for orders above $10,000.
What is your defect rate historically?+
Our historical defect rate (customer-reported) is below 0.3%. Most claims relate to transit damage (addressed through improved packaging) rather than manufacturing defects. Internal OQC rejection rate is approximately 1.2%.
What decoration options do you offer?+
Silk-screen printing (up to 6 colors), hot-stamping (gold/silver foil), pad printing, spray-coating (soft-touch/metallic/pearl), labeling (self-adhesive/shrink-sleeve), and embossing/debossing. We advise on the best method based on bottle shape, run length, and brand aesthetic.
What is the minimum order for decorated bottles?+
Silk-screen/hot-stamp: 3,000 units per design. Shrink-sleeve labeling: 1,000 units. Spray-coating: 5,000 units. Complex multi-process decoration may have higher minimums — we quote per project.
Can you match my brand's Pantone colors exactly?+
We achieve ΔE<2 on >95% of Pantone matches using spectrophotometer-calibrated color mixing. For critical brand colors, we recommend sending a physical color swatch for lab matching before mass production.
Do you offer private mould tooling?+
Yes. Private mould development takes 35–45 days from approved 3D design. Mould life expectancy: 2–3 million cycles. Mould ownership: exclusive to the ordering customer (we do not resell your mould design to other buyers).
What file formats do you accept for artwork?+
Vector formats preferred: AI, EPS, PDF (with outlines converted). High-res raster accepted: PSD, TIFF (300dpi minimum). Artwork should include bleed (3mm) and indicate safe zones. Our graphics team can assist with file preparation.
Can I put my logo on the bottle bottom?+
Yes. Bottom-logo mould engraving is available for custom-mould projects. For stock shapes, silk-screen printing on the bottle bottom is possible (subject to curvature constraints). Bottom logos are popular for anti-counterfeiting purposes.
What are your shipping terms (Incoterms)?+
Standard: FOB Shenzhen (you control ocean freight). Alternative: CIF your port (we arrange freight, you pay). For EU customers: DDP available (we handle customs clearance and VAT). Air freight available for urgent/repeat orders.
Which ports do you ship from?+
Primary: Shenzhen/Yantian Port (ocean), Shenzhen Airport (air). Secondary: Guangzhou Nansha Port (for Huizhou plant output). Transit times: 14–18 days to US West Coast, 28–35 days to Northern Europe, 3–5 days by air (major hubs).
Do you handle export documentation?+
Yes. We provide: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (CO), MSDS for materials, GRS transaction certificates (TC) for PCR products, and fumitation certificates for wooden pallets. Documentation is included at no extra cost.
Can you dropship to Amazon FBA warehouses?+
Yes. We have experience shipping directly to Amazon FBA centers worldwide (US, EU, UK, JP). FBA-compliant labeling (FNSKU barcodes, prep requirements) is handled in-house. Typical FBA lead time: 25–30 days door-to-door.
What is your packaging for export?+
Standard export packing: bottles individually poly-bagged, layered in 5-ply cartons (max 20kg/carton), palletized on heat-treated ISPM-15 compliant wooden pallets (max 800kg/pallet), stretch-wrapped and corner-protected. Custom inner packaging available on request.
How is pricing structured?+
Pricing factors: material type, unit weight (grammage), quantity tier, customization level (decoration/mould), and current resin market price. We provide itemized quotes showing: unit price, mould/amortization cost (if applicable), decoration setup fee, and estimated freight.
Do prices fluctuate with oil/resin markets?+
Yes. Plastic resin prices track crude oil and petrochemical feedstock markets. We quote based on current resin pricing with a 30-day validity window. For large orders (>6-month production span), we can lock pricing with a 5–10% deposit hedge.
Is there a price difference between clear and colored bottles?+
Colored bottles typically cost 2–5% more than clear (same material) due to masterbatch pigment cost. Metallic/pearlescent/special-effect colors may add 5–15%. Transparent tints are usually same-price as clear.
Do you offer volume discounts?+
Yes. Tiered pricing: 5K–10K (base rate), 10K–25K (-3~5%), 25K–50K (-5~8%), 50K–100K (-8~12%), 100K+ (custom negotiation). Volume discounts compound with repeat-customer loyalty discounts.
What currencies do you accept?+
USD (primary), EUR, CNY. Payment via T/T (wire transfer) or L/C (for orders >$50K). PayPal/Wise accepted for sampling fees and small orders (<$2,000).
What warranty do you offer?+
We warrant products against manufacturing defects for 12 months from shipment date. Coverage includes: leaks, cracks, dimensional out-of-tolerance, and decoration errors. Exclusions: damage from improper filling, incompatible formulas, or transit mishandling (insured separately).
Can I get technical support for filling equipment?+
Yes. We provide filling compatibility guidance (pump displacement calibration, torque specs, headspace recommendations) and can connect you with filling-equipment partners in your region. Common filling issues (dripping pumps, inconsistent dispensing) are usually resolved with setup adjustments.
Do you have a customer portal for order tracking?+
Currently we provide order status updates via email (production photos at key milestones, shipment tracking once dispatched). A self-service customer portal is planned for Q4 2026 with real-time tracking and reorder functionality.
What languages does your team speak?+
Our sales and engineering teams communicate in English and Mandarin Chinese. Technical documentation is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, and Korean upon request. On-site interpretation can be arranged for factory visits.
How do I become a long-term partner vs. a one-time buyer?+
We treat every customer as a potential long-term partner. Benefits of ongoing partnership include: priority production slots, reserved resin allocation during shortages, quarterly business reviews, joint new-product development support, and extended payment terms. There's no formal program — it develops naturally through consistent ordering.
Sampling & Mold Development
How fast is your sampling? +
Do you offer free samples? +
Do you develop private molds? +
What is the mold development process? +
Can you use my existing mold? +
Customization & Decoration
Can I customize the bottle color? +
What decoration options do you offer? +
Can you print my logo on the bottle? +
What bottle shapes can you make? +
What closure types do you supply? +
Materials & Sustainability
What materials do you use for cosmetic packaging? +
Which material is best for my product? +
Do you offer PCR (post-consumer recycled) bottles? +
Are your bottles recyclable? +
Do you use BPA or phthalates? +
Quality & Certifications
What certifications do you hold? +
How do you ensure quality consistency? +
What happens if there is a quality issue? +
Can you provide third-party testing? +
Shipping & Logistics
What are your shipping terms? +
What is the typical production lead time? +
Do you ship to my country? +
How are bottles packaged for shipping? +
OEM & ODM Services
What is the difference between OEM and ODM? +
Do you provide OEM packaging services? +
Can I visit your factory? +
Do you offer design assistance? +
Products & Applications
What types of cosmetic bottles do you manufacture? +
What sizes are available? +
Do you make bottles for skincare products? +
Do you produce bottles for personal care products? +
Technical & Manufacturing
What is your daily production capacity? +
What manufacturing processes do you use? +
What is the difference between PET and PETG? +
Can you match my existing bottle color exactly? +
Still have questions?
Our team is ready to help with your specific packaging requirements. We respond within 24 hours.