Jerry cans are one of the most practical formats in liquid packaging: stackable, refillable, tough enough for transport, and available in food-grade and industrial grades. But not every jerry can suits every product. Here is what to check before you commit to a container for your liquid product.
1. Match the material to the product
Most jerry cans are blow-moulded from HDPE (high-density polyethylene). HDPE handles water-based products, detergents, sanitisers, oils and many agricultural chemicals well. For food products such as sauces, oils and dairy, the can must be manufactured from food-grade material on a clean production line.
2. Get the closure right
The cap does more work than most buyers realise. Tamper-evident caps protect the end customer. Vented closures prevent panelling (the container sucking inwards) with certain chemicals. Tap caps turn a 5 or 10 litre can into a dispensing container for end users. Decide how your customer will actually use the product before choosing the neck and closure.
3. Check the weight, not just the size
Two jerry cans of the same volume can have very different wall thicknesses. A heavier can costs more but survives stacking, long-distance transport and repeat handling. If your product ships on pallets or gets reused, specify the gram weight, not just the litres.
4. Think about the full journey
- Filling: does the neck size suit your filling line or manual filling?
- Transport: will the cans be stacked? How high?
- Shelf: does the shape stand stable and label well?
- End of life: HDPE jerry cans are widely recyclable in South Africa. A recyclable container is increasingly part of the purchase decision for your own customers.
5. Buy at the right quantity
Locally manufactured jerry cans can be ordered in far smaller runs than imported stock, without shipping lead times. That means less capital tied up in packaging and less storage space given over to stock you will not fill for months.
Plastimed manufactures jerry cans and liquid packaging in Durban, in sizes and closure options to suit food, chemical, agricultural and industrial products. View our jerry cans or request a quote for your product.
