Closures are essential in industries such as automative care, industrial, food and beverage, and cosmetics, ensuring products stay safe, sealed, and easy to use. However, you may want to ask “What are different types of closures in packaging?”. As an expert in metal and plastic closures industry for more than 10 years, I will provide a systematic overview of different types of closures and help you choose the right types closures for your products.
What Are Closures in Packaging?
A closure is a device designed to seal a container. Terms like caps, lids, plugs, and covers are all types of closures, each with slightly different designs and functions. Closures are used on a wide range of containers, including bottles, jars, drums, pails, and cans. The type of closure required depends on the container—for example, a small bottle may use a screw cap for precise sealing, while a large drum needs a metal finger press cap or to prevent leaks during transport and storage.
Overview of Types of Closures in Packaging
| Closure Type | Design Features | Suitable Containers | Typical Industries | Liquid / Product Type |
| Screw Cap | Threaded interior, easy open/close | Bottles, jars, small drums | Food & Beverage, Chemicals, Cosmetics | Oils, beverages, sauces, chemical liquids |
| Flip-Top / Hinged Cap | Hinge allows one-hand operation | Bottles, tubes, jars | Personal Care, Chemicals | Shampoos, gels, oils, cleaning solutions |
| Spout / Pourer Cap | Extended nozzle for controlled pouring | Bottles, jugs, pails | Industrial, Chemicals | Engine oils, solvents, liquid chemicals |
| Pump / Press Dispenser | Dispenses measured amount | Bottles, jars | Cosmetics, Food, Personal Care | Lotions, sauces, oils |
| Squeeze / Soft-Liner Cap | Flexible for controlled flow | Tubes, bottles, small pails | Adhesives, Food, Cosmetics | Glues, gels, condiments |
| Mist Sprayer | Sprays liquid as fine mist | Bottles, small jugs, trigger bottles | Automotive Care, Cosmetics, Aerosol | Light oils, cleaning solutions, sprays |
| Press-On / Snap-On Cap | Snap fit or press-on | Pails, medium drums, cans | Chemicals, Food | Liquid chemicals, syrups, oils |
| Metal Lid with Liner | Rigid metal with polymer/foil liner | Drums, cans, barrels | Industrial, Chemicals | Solvents, industrial oils, paints |
| Stopper / Plug Closure | Cylindrical insert, reduces air contact | Bottles, drums, jars | Specialty Chemicals | Oxidation-prone oils, acids, volatile solvents |
| Drum Cover | Large lid, secured with clamp/bolt | Drums, barrels, pails | Industrial, Chemicals | Bulk oils, chemical liquids, coatings |
| Finger Press Cap | Press with finger to dispense small amounts | Bottles, small jars, tubes | Food, Cosmetics, Lab Chemicals, Industrial | Essential oils, liquid flavorings, adhesives |
| Tamper-Evident Closure | Breakable band, induction seal, tear-off, shrink band | Bottles, drums, cans | Food, Cosmetics, Chemicals | Beverages, oils, chemical liquids |
| Child-Resistant Closure | Push-and-turn, squeeze-and-turn, dual-action | Bottles, jars, small containers | Home Care, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals | Cleaning liquids, medicines, detergents |
Material Options: Metal vs. Plastic Closures
Closures are primarily made from metal or plastic, each offering unique advantages.
Metal Closures
Metal closures, typically tinplate or aluminum, provide strength and excellent barrier properties. They protect against oxygen, moisture, and light, which is crucial for chemical and lubricant storage. A 0.25 mm tinplate cap can handle pressures up to 1.2 bar and temperatures up to 120°C according to Tinplate Group.
Metal caps are recyclable and comply with sustainability regulations in many markets. However, without proper lining, they can corrode or react with chemicals. To prevent this, coatings such as epoxy or polymer layers are applied inside the cap, enhancing durability and chemical resistance.
Plastic Closures
Plastic closures, commonly HDPE or polypropylene, are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and versatile. They allow for complex designs such as dispensing spouts, flip-tops, or child-resistant mechanisms. HDPE closures can withstand temperatures up to 100°C and resist most industrial oils and lubricants.
Plastic caps are easier to customize in color, size, or integrated dispensing features. The trade-off is that plastic generally offers lower barrier protection than metal, making it less suitable for products highly sensitive to oxygen or UV light.
Dispensing vs. Non-Dispensing Closures
Closures can be functionally divided into two main categories: dispensing and non-dispensing. Each category includes specific closure types designed to meet different usage requirements and product handling needs.
Dispensing Closures
Dispensing closures allow controlled flow of liquids or semi-liquids, making them ideal for products that need precise pouring or dosing. Common types include:
- Flip-Top Caps – Hinged caps that can be opened and closed easily, suitable for bottles of lubricants, oils, or chemical liquids. They provide convenience and minimize spills.
- Spout or Pourer Caps – Designed with an extended nozzle for precise pouring, often used for industrial oils, automotive fluids, or chemical containers.
- Mist Sprayers – Spray-type closures that disperse liquids in a fine mist, ideal for lubricants, cleaning solutions, or chemical coatings requiring even coverage.
- Pump or Press-Dispenser Caps – Allow the user to dispense measured amounts by pressing a pump, commonly seen in liquid soaps, oils, and specialty chemicals.
- Squeeze or Soft-Liner Caps – Flexible caps that allow the container to be squeezed for controlled dispensing, useful for high-viscosity products.
Non-Dispensing Closures
Non-dispensing closures differ from dispensing types in that they are primarily designed for full containment rather than controlled pouring. They are commonly used for bulk storage, transport, or long-term preservation of products. Common types include:
- Screw Caps – Feature internal threading that matches the container’s neck, creating a tight seal. They are easy to identify by the visible spiral threads inside the cap. Widely used for bottles and small chemical containers.
- Drum Covers – Large, round metal or plastic lids that cover the top of drums completely. They can be secured with clamps or bolt rings and are designed to handle heavy loads and maintain pressure resistance.
- Press-On or Snap-On Caps – Fit by applying pressure until they snap into place. Look for small ridges or grooves on the container edge that secure the cap. Ideal for pails and medium-volume drums.
- Finger Press Caps – Small to medium-sized caps that can be pressed open or closed using a finger. They are commonly used for bottles, jars, and small chemical containers in industries such as personal care, automotive care, and laboratory chemicals.
- Stopper or Plug Closures – Usually cylindrical inserts that fit into the container opening. Often made of plastic or rubber, they reduce air exposure and are used for sensitive liquids, such as oxidation-prone oils, light-sensitive chemicals, strong acids or bases, and volatile solvents.
Safety-Oriented Closures: Tamper-Evident and Child-Resistant Designs
Safety is a major consideration in many industries. Specialized closures provide additional protection:
Tamper-Evident Closures
Tamper-evident closures are designed to show visible or physical signs if a container has been opened or tempered with. Tamper-evident sealing is widely applied in industries such as industrial, food, and cosmetics, ect., where ensuring product integrity and preventing contamination or unauthorized access. Common types include:
- Breakable Bands – A plastic or metal band that must be snapped or removed before the container can be opened. Easy to identify as a ring around the cap’s base.
- Induction Seals – Foil or polymer liners applied inside the closure that bond to the container’s opening. They are often used for oils, chemicals, or food products and can be verified visually or by attempting to peel.
- Tear-Off Caps – Caps with perforated sections that must be torn to access the contents. They provide clear evidence of opening and are common on drums and bottles.
- Shrink Bands – Heat-shrink sleeves covering the closure and neck. They shrink tightly around the container, offering obvious visual indication if tampered.
Child-Resistant Closures
Child-resistant closures are designed to prevent accidental opening by children, particularly for household chemicals, cleaning agents, pharmaceuticals, and other products that may be accessible to children. These closures reduce the risk of accidental ingestion or exposure in homes and workplaces. Common types include:
- Push-and-Turn Caps – Require simultaneous pressing and twisting. The design includes a locking mechanism that prevents simple twisting. Easily identified by warning symbols or instructional icons on the cap.
- Squeeze-and-Turn Caps – Require squeezing specific points while turning the cap, common on chemical bottles and small drums.
- Dual-Action Lids – Combination mechanisms, often seen in pails or medium-sized containers, which need two separate motions (e.g., lifting a tab and twisting).
- Special Locking Spouts – Flip-top or spout closures with a locking tab that must be disengaged to pour liquids, suitable for oils and cleaning agents.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Type of Closure
After exploring the different types of closures, you likely have a deeper understanding of their designs and functions. When selecting the right closure for your project, here are several key factors to consider.
Material Considerations
The material of a closure affects its compatibility, durability, and performance:
- Plastic (PP, LDPE) – Chemically stable, cost-effective, suitable for food, beverage, and cosmetic packaging.
- Metal (Aluminum, Steel) – Provides strong sealing and pressure resistance, ideal for industrial oils and chemicals.
Container Type
Different containers require specific closure types for proper sealing and usability:
- Bottles (PET, glass) – Screw caps, push-and-turn, or child-resistant closures.
- Buckets or Drums (plastic, metal) – Drum covers, plug or stopper closures, screw caps.
- Tubes (soft or rigid) – Flip-top caps, pump dispensers, or twist-off closures.
Regulatory Compliance
Closures must comply with relevant standards depending on the industry:
- Food and pharmaceuticals – FDA, EFSA.
- Chemicals – UN certification, GHS labeling.
- Child-resistant closures – ASTM F963, ISO 8317.
Cost and Sustainability
Closure costs vary with material, design, and production scale:
- Small-scale production: $0.50–$2.00 per piece.
- Large-scale production: $0.10–$0.50 per piece.
Note: Actual costs can vary based on material choice, design complexity, and specific manufacturing processes. Contact us for a specific quotation.
Sustainable options, such as recyclable or biodegradable materials, may increase upfront costs but improve brand image and reduce long-term environmental impact.
Ready to Improve Your Product Packaging?
You’ve now seen how choosing the right closure can elevate product performance and user experience. At FUTEN, we bring over 15 years of expertise in manufacturing precision metal lids and plastic caps for industries like industrial, automotive care, food & beverage, household, and aerosol. Our state-of-the-art in-house factory and streamlined OEM process empower you with reliable, cost-effective closure solutions.
Partner with us today to create packaging that stands out and performs flawlessly. Talk to us now.
