Conquer the Plastic Bottle Market: Your Guide to Sourcing from China

Today, living calls for products that are useful for daily use. One is the use of a water bottle. You cannot go anywhere without bringing it. Water is a daily need. So, bringing a bottle with you is part of your must-have!

Just as anyone would love to bring a Starbucks tumbler, some would like to bring a plastic water bottle! We can see students, teachers, runners, gym goers, and more use one. The demand for a cool water bottle is significant!

Many shop owners sell trendy and cute water bottles. They look for suppliers who can give low prices so they can sell it for a cheap price, too! If you are looking for a supplier of plastic bottles, here’s a great guide. It can help you find a supplier of any plastic bottle you need for any liquid.

 

1. Basic

It was only in 1947 when plastic bottles were used for commercial purposes. China saw the need worldwide for bottled water, so it started leading the way. In 2015, the demand for Pet bottles grew by up to 28%.

Today, plastic production in China has reached 95.7 million tons. It includes the use and recycling process. That means China is importing plastic waste worldwide to reuse it and save the environment. PET or (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles are used for beverages and food. China recycles them to make the Green campaign happen.

Over the years, plastic bottle manufacturers in China have grown to provide and supply the demand. Over 1 million pieces of plastic bottles are sold every minute worldwide. Now, you can import plastic bottles from thousands of suppliers. It has become the top exporter.

Importance of Plastic Bottles in Various Industries

Lower energy in production

Compared to glass, plastic uses less energy and less natural resources. It lowers fuel consumption during transport because it is lightweight and has a long shelf life.

Low-cost but durable

Plastic bottles are cheap and can be used in many liquid products. It protects the product and reduces waste.

Plastic can withstand pressures.

Plastic is chemically inactive and resistant to corrosion. It is an excellent electrical and thermal insulator. It is water-resistant and has great adhesion.

It can be recycled.

They can be recycled into other products like carpet fibers, strap materials, bags, etc. Since they are lightweight, the cost of transporting them to recycling centers is low. It can help reduce the waste in the environment.

Hygienic and Aesthetic

Plastics can be turned into many shapes, so it gives an aesthetic appeal. Your products look clean and hygienic. You can dispose of them after use.

 

2. Understanding Plastic Bottle Manufacturing

1) Plastic Bottle Manufacturing Process

There are three stages when making a plastic bottle.

Injection Blow Molding

It is a popular production method for creating vast quantities of hollow plastic bottles. This step aims to make precise measures and an excellent finish. Two steps are involved in this process: first, a preform is injected and then blown into the final bottle shape.

Extrusion Blow Molding

Generally, extrusion molding is used to create bottles with enormous capacities and thin walls. With little material waste, a lot of bottles may be produced. It uses a high level of automation, labor expenses are decreased, and productivity is raised.

Stretch Blow Molding

Stretch molding is used to create plastic bottles for carbonated drinks, water, and other liquids. It is done by stretching a molten plastic preform into the desired shape. It produces thin, light bottles with superior barriers that shield contents from air and moisture. This is great for the food and beverage industry.

2) Types of Plastic Used in Bottle Manufacturing

• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

It is used to pack various goods like milk, juice, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. It is durable and can be recycled to form another product.

• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

It is the type of plastic used for products like shampoo, lotion, and other personal care products. It is easy to squeeze and lightweight.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or vinyl)

These bottles are resistant to temperature, so they are used to pack products like chemicals and cleaning solutions such as detergents, bleach, and acids.

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

This type of plastic is not expensive. It serves as drink containers, including milk bottles, juices, soft drinks, and water. PET is a clear, robust, lightweight, and easily moldable plastic that is perfect for manufacturing plastic bottles.

3) Innovations in Plastic Bottle Design and Materials

PET bottle-making machines

Innovative machines that can make PET bottles efficiently because of their high and efficient production. It can reduce the cycle time by up to 30% with less waste production. These machines are energy-saving, so they consume less energy.

Artificial Intelligence

They are equipped with PLC controllers with touchscreen functions for easy operation. It makes the production fast and smooth. It also uses a monitor system to check the machine’s work or performance remotely.

Plastic Recycling Technology

With this breakthrough method, plastic composites are divided into their individual components.  By selectively digesting PET plastic, this ground-breaking method removes plastic bottles and other trash from the water.

 

3. The Advantages of Sourcing from China

China is known for manufacturing things or products cheaply. They are very efficient in large production. You can find thousands of suppliers that can be an excellent partner to your business.

Getting your supplies from a Chinese supplier can give you lots of benefits. They can make OEM or ODM services so you can grow your business. Are you looking for a plastic bottle manufacturer but hesitating to get it from China?

Here are the advantages when you pick your supplier here:

1) Cost Effective

You can save on many things when you get your supplier in China. Labor is wealthy in China, so buying an item is cheap. This is why you can get the product for a reasonable price. The lower the labor cost, the lower the product price when you purchase it in China.

Suppliers in China can give you huge discounts. It allows you to get more profit from the product you are selling. The discounts are based on the MOQ requirement per seller.

China’s OEM market is fiercely competitive. Because of this, most manufacturers would instead work directly with customers to avoid the higher expenses associated with using multiple middlemen. It can be simpler to get started when you only have to deal with one sourcing agency in some situations. This is cost-effective.

2) Scale of production

China’s economy is solid. Companies have an in-depth understanding of global supply chain management. With their years of experience, these two elements enable them to increase production as needed.

You can expand your business in no time if you source from China. For example, you can increase your orders from thousands to hundreds of thousands without waiting for an extended period. You can work with your supplier to meet your product demands.

3) Advanced technology and skilled workforce

With a vast labor force, you can find companies that employ only skilled workers to meet a client’s demands. You don’t have to worry about the quality of your orders because they use advanced technology and high-end machinery.

One company can supply a variety of services. They can provide solutions, including raw material procurement. You can trust the services because they are experts in this field.

4. The Process of Sourcing Plastic Bottles from China

1) Find reliable plastic bottle manufacturers and suppliers.

It is easy to find suppliers when you search the internet. You can easily see them when you search them on Google or Chinese platforms like Alibaba, Aliexpress, Global Sources, and more. They are good places to check for qualified suppliers.

However, the key to finding a reliable supplier can be based on the following:

• Direct company

• Expertise and years of operation

• Clientele

• Permits and licenses

• Reviews

• Referrals

• Location

Big companies looking for suppliers can have the means to attend fairs in China, where they can meet and talk to potential suppliers. You can also get your sourcing agent from a reputable company like JustChinaIt to get you access to all verified suppliers.

Remember to evaluate the companies you wish to work with. You need to contact them and ask as many questions as possible. Beware of too-good-to-be-true offers. Before you close the deal, review the contract and ensure you agree to all the terms.

2) Understanding the importance of quality control and certifications.

Certifications (for example, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000) are necessary when selecting your supplier. Your plastic bottle manufacturer certifications can prove that they comply with the standards and requirements of the plastic bottle industry.

This ensures that the products are safe for consumers. If your supplier has this, you know the products they sell are safe because they adhere to the safety and quality control requirements.

3) Navigating logistics and shipping

Logistics play an important role in importing business. After you place your orders, shipping the products to your destination can be challenging. For example, not all suppliers can ship your items, and you need to find your courier to do the shipping. Another big factor is the shipping cost.

Do not worry when you want to buy from China because multiple channels are used to deliver your orders on time and safely. If your supplier does not handle shipping, a freight forwarding company can help you streamline the process.

A sourcing company can also be a great help when easily delivering your orders. They have partnerships with couriers who can give you great deals for shipping. You can save on shipping costs, and they can assist with Customs clearance. There are ways and options you can choose from to save on costs.

5. Timing Your Orders

1) Lead times and production timelines

Most suppliers have stocks on hand for their products. If you only order the minimum MOQ, they can immediately ship the order to you. But let’s say you are ordering bulk ( the supplier will let you know how many stocks on hand they have), and the supplier needs to reproduce; the minimum lead time is 15 business days.

For OEM or ODM, direct factories can allot 30-35 business working days to finish the production. Depending on the quantity, services like inspection will add at least five business days or more. For customization, the lead time depends on the packaging requested.

The shipping starts when the production, inspection, and packaging are done. If you go for the express courier, the delivery can take less than a week, but sea cargo can take anywhere from 15-45 days.

2) Chinese Holidays and Production Cycles

A few Chinese Holidays can affect the manufacturing of your orders. Major holidays like Chinese New Year, Tomb Sweeping Day, Festivals like Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn, and the National Day Golden Week are critical holidays where most factories do not work. You have to consider this when placing your orders.

The same goes for Western holidays and special occasions celebrated around the world. Christmas and New Year can affect the production and the shipping of orders. You must adjust and order or ship in advance if your stocks are critical and must replenish quickly.

6. Key Manufacturing Hubs in China

There are different regions in China for the factories’ distribution in manufacturing. Since plastic bottle manufacturing is part of the food and beverage section, most suppliers or factories are situated in:

• Guangdong

• Jiangsu

• Hunan

• Henan

• Shandong

• Huber

However, there are industrial regions in China where you can find plastic bottle companies. There are factories of plastic in Ningbo and Guangzhou. You can find a list of qualified suppliers from these regions. They have lower production costs and have been operating for many years.

7. Choosing the Right Manufacturer

It may look easy to choose from the companies you can find online, but we want to help you select the right one.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Water Bottle Manufacturers

Direct Source

Buying directly from the source gives you a lot of advantages. You get quality products and great price deals. You can get a product sample, and they are willing to work with you for a long time. Always look for the manufacturer if you buy in bulk or can afford their minimum. MOQ.

Better Scaling Function

Always consider your company’s needs and potential. Choose bottle manufacturing companies that can keep up with your order increase with shorter or quicker lead times. Go for those with knowledge about the industry and updated with technology.

Specialization

Since there are different types of plastic bottles, you look for a company that specializes in the type you need. You can count on companies who know how to work and produce quality products, using only the right materials with caution.

Communication

Do you get a response when you email or chat? Do they also clarify information when you ask questions? Go for a company that can promptly attend to your needs and inquiries. Good communication is essential when looking for a supplier.

Values client

You can have a lasting relationship and good partnership with a supplier who values its clients. They not only give what you need but also provide knowledge and the best options when you purchase and ship.

8. Top 10 Plastic Bottle Suppliers

1) Taizhou Ganglong Plastic Co., Ltd

The company’s pride is their high-quality of raw materials used in making plastic water bottles. They have factories in Shenzhen and started since 1999.

2) Koodee Metal Co., Ltd

As one of the leaders in the industry, they manufacture PET bottles since 2002 with efficient facilities. They are popular in many countries like US, UK, Africa and Asian countries.

3) KingStar Industries Co., Ltd

The company is located in Hubei and is one of the largest makers of PET and plastic bottles. They are known for their quality products that passed the Chinese standards and testing. They also do custom made products.

4) Zhejiang Xinlei Packaging Co., Ltd.

They started in 2002 in Shaoxing, Zhejiang. They are known as a top exporter of plastic bottles and related products. They have over a hundred high-tech machines for their OEM and ODM products.

5) Xianning MingDa Plastic Products Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2006, this is one of the leading manufacturers of PE and PET bottles from Hubei. Their products have 100,000 GMP standards, so their clients are satisfied with their products.

6) Dongguan Xianglin Plastic Products Co., Ltd.

Known as one of the leading plastic bottle makers and a plastic bottle packaging supplier, you can get high-quality products from them. They have OEM and ODM services.

7) Guangzhou Junjie Cosmetics Packaging Co., Ltd.

You can consider this company if you are looking for a quality airless PET bottle supplier. They export almost 70% of their plastic products to the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

8) Safeshine Industrial Limited

Another renowned Chinese manufacturer of high-quality water bottles. They provide a large range of water bottle varieties, such as PET and HDPE. Whether you’re looking for a bike, smart water bottle, or folding water bottle, they can provide everything you need.

9) Guangzhou Diller Daily Necessities Co., Ltd

It is a top Chinese producer of plastic water bottles. Since PET bottles are safe to use with hot meals like soup or coffee, they have expertise in creating PET bottles that are used extensively in the food packaging industries. They have a team that can offer clients with tailored solutions.

10) Shaoxing Shangyu Yastar Plastic Co., Ltd.

They are among the most reliable and well-known producers and exporters of various kinds of plastic bottles. They sell between 70 and 90 percent of their various kinds of plastic bottles, along with other goods, to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East.

9. Cost Considerations and Negotiation

1) Pricing Structures in Plastic Bottle Manufacturing

Plastic bottles are priced low in terms of their wholesale price. Sometimes, it is even less than a dollar. If you go to Chinese marketplaces and compare prices with the manufacturers, you can see that their prices are almost the same.

The price depends on the type of plastic bottle, size, design, and material used. Each supplier has its MOQ requirement. The higher the volume of orders, the lower the price per piece. The pricing changes when you want it custom-made. Extra packaging adds more cost.

When you opt for custom-made water bottles, you may request a change in design, coatings, and labels and perform tests. These add-ons can change the base amount of the plastic bottles. This is what you will negotiate with the supplier. It helps when you compare prices with different suppliers.

2) Tips for Negotiating Prices and Terms

• Get the tier prices

Instead of haggling for the lowest price, ask first for their MOQ and the discounts you will get per order tier. If they give you a price for 100 pieces, ask how much discount you will get when you buy 1000, 10,000, and so on. Haggle with a reasonable price and see how you can make better deals.

• Always stay polite

You can negotiate or even refuse in a polite way. Being polite shows your sellers that you are interested in having a good, lasting business partnership.

• Ask for a sample

A sample can be free or sold in a lower price. It will give you an opportunity to test and evaluate the product. You can give feedback to the seller, and they can fix or offer solutions for you.

• Start with small orders

You can check the overall process and evaluate the supplier’s service with your first order. Go for a small order and see if you are satisfied with the experience. You can increase your orders if you find them satisfactory.

• Get a contract

The contract will protect you and the seller in your transaction. You can refer to it when there’s a problem with the orders or if one party does not adhere to the agreement.

• Build Relationship

Show that you want to establish a partnership so that each will benefit from it. It is a give-and-take approach to establish your network by having a trusted and reliable supplier willing to work with you for a long time.

10. FAQs

1) How much is a water bottle in China?

A water bottle in China costs 50-90% cheaper than any supplier. The pricing varies on what kind and size it is, including the design and material used. Here’s a simple example: a sports water bottle can be around $2-$3 if you get the required MOQ from a supplier. A retail or less-than-required MOQ can be less than $8.

2) What bottled water comes from China?

A bottled water brand named Ganten comes from a company in Shenzhen, China. The TV commercial they made was shot in Scotland. Since 2012, China has become the world’s biggest market for bottled water. Other famous brands are Nongfu Spring, Ice Dew, and Tingyi.

3) Is it safe to buy water bottles from China?

Buying water bottles from certified and reliable manufacturers in China is safe. In plastic bottles, elements like antimony, BPA, and phthalates are unsafe for humans. So, if you are a buyer and want a safe plastic bottle for your business, you can discuss it with your supplier to make products free of harmful elements.

4) Who makes HDPE bottles in China?

You can find an HDPE plastic bottle company in China from platforms like Alibaba, AliExpress, Made in China, or Global Sources. Some of the trusted companies that make these bottles are:

• Maxspeed Group Co., Ltd

• Hangzhou Bona Packaging Co., Ltd.

• Wenzhou Start Inzok Co.,Ltd

• Ningbo Wellpack Packaging Co. Ltd

• Gracepack

• Guoyu Bottle

5) Do they customize water bottles in China?

Yes. Numerous companies make custom water bottles at reasonable prices. They can customize a wide range of plastic bottles with fast production. You can get custom service with most suppliers if you are looking for corporate giveaways, special events, or business needs.

Conclusion

We hope this guide helped you understand about the plastic bottle manufacturers in China.

China is the best choice when looking for water bottle manufacturing companies that can provide you with high-quality, low-cost, and all types of plastic bottle products. Most of the bottle manufacturing companies here supply to major countries worldwide in different industries.

You can find OEM and ODM services from most of the plastic bottle manufacturers. They can do custom-made products and packaging for your company’s needs. They have a team that specializes in customization, so you can ensure that your orders will be excellent in design, condition, and quality.

If you are a start-up company looking for a supplier, we can help you find a suitable one. We understand that your orders may not be in high volume. Or, if you do not know how and where to start, we can provide you with potential suppliers that are proven reliable and safe.

Send us your inquiry, and we will get back to you in less than 24 hours.