Looking to package your face cream or body butter in a sleek PET jar? Wide mouth PET preforms are a lightweight, durable, and recyclable option—but they require special handling.
Wide mouth PET preforms typically feature neck sizes from 38mm to 63mm and are used for creams, balms, and scrubs. They require precise blowing techniques and heavier preform weights to achieve the strength and aesthetics of traditional jars while keeping the packaging fully recyclable.
Let’s dive into the details of choosing and working with wide mouth preforms.
Outline
What Is a Wide Mouth PET Preform?
A wide mouth PET preform is designed with a larger neck diameter, allowing the end-user to scoop, dip, or squeeze out thicker formulations. Features include:
- Neck finishes like 38mm, 45mm, 53mm, and 63mm
- Wall-thick designs for premium feel and durability
- Threaded closures compatible with flat lids or disc tops
They’re most commonly used for jars rather than bottles.
Why Use PET Instead of Acrylic or PP for Cosmetic Jars?
PET offers several advantages over traditional materials:
| Material | PET Jar | Acrylic / PP Jar |
| Weight | Lightweight, travel-friendly | Heavier |
| Clarity | High, glass-like | Acrylic = good, PP = dull |
| Recyclability | Fully recyclable | Limited (especially acrylic) |
| Breakability | Shatter-resistant | Acrylic can crack under pressure |
| Cost | Lower in volume production | Acrylic tends to be more expensive |
Many brands now replace acrylic jars with PET for a cleaner eco footprint and safer handling.
Common Sizes and Applications for Wide Mouth Preforms
Here are common wide mouth necks and what they’re used for:
| Neck Size | Application |
| 38mm | Eye creams, lip scrubs |
| 45mm | Face masks, lightweight balms |
| 53mm | Moisturizers, whipped butters |
| 63mm | Hair masks, exfoliating scrubs |
Standard wide mouth PET preforms typically weigh between 25g–50g, depending on jar volume and wall thickness.
Blow Molding Tips for Wide Mouth PET Jars
Because of the short neck and wide diameter, blowing wide mouth jars requires:
- Precise heating profile – to avoid oval-shaped mouths
- Stable preform centering in the mold cavity
- High-quality steel molds with clear polishing for transparency
- Proper wall distribution – thick base and sides for a jar-like feel
PET preform injection molding machines must be tuned for higher gram weights and lower elongation ratios in this case.
Customization Options for Cream Jar Preforms
Want a premium look? You can customize:
- Color – amber, frosted, pastel, or pearl tones
- Shape – square-shoulder, dome-top, double-wall appearance
- Logo embossing – on base or sidewall
- Neck finish – compatible with flat lids or aluminum caps
Use Pantone matching for consistent brand color identity across your full skincare line.
Supplier Checklist for Wide Mouth PET Preforms
Before ordering, confirm:
- Neck finish drawings (e.g., 53/400, 63mm thread pitch)
- Recommended blowing parameters for your machine
- MOQ for custom molds or color runs
- AA level—even jars must be odor-free
- Sample jars to test sealing and product interaction
Trusted sources like KGI Preforms offer wide mouth solutions with mold options and short lead times.
Conclusion
Wide mouth PET preforms are a smart, sustainable choice for modern cream packaging—but they require technical care in design and blowing. If you need help matching your jar concept with the right preform, I’m happy to assist. Let’s build your skincare packaging together.
