What Is the Best Way to Measure the Color of Plastic Bottles?

The use of plastic bottles in liquid packaging first became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, plastic's cost-effectiveness, durability and recyclability have made it the go-to material for bottles among most major companies. Throughout the manufacturing of these bottles, it is vital that processors maintain accurate coloration. Any product entering the sales market should be uniform and consistent, down to the label and the packaging. This level of precision calls for specialized tools — and HunterLab provides them.

The Power of Spectrophotometers 

When you need to measure the color of plastic bottles, spectrophotometers offer the most objective and precise results. A spectrophotometer measures how light reflects off the bottle and uses those measurements to produce a numerical value in line with some of the most well-known color indices. 

Spectrophotometers make it easy for any brand to streamline its coloration practices and increase product consistency. Their use can translate to major benefits in:

• Brand identity: Plastic bottles can be manufactured in almost any color, so many brands produce their bottles using a unique pigment combination to set them apart. Coloring bottles consistently allows you to establish your own look that consumers will begin to recognize over time, even before they see the label.

• Consumer satisfaction: Changes in any part of your product or its packaging — including a significant color departure — can signal to loyal consumers that your product has changed in some way. By keeping your colors consistent, you can put consumers at ease and ensure they stay with your brand instead of choosing a competitor. 

Precise Color Measurement Promotes Sustainable Production

Spectrophotometers from HunterLab are vital in measuring plastic bottle colors. Beyond creating benefits related to brand identity and consumer satisfaction, these solutions can enhance sustainability. Both virgin and recycled plastic resin often have variations in color, such as yellowing due to oxidation. These color differences may lead to inconsistencies in the final plastic bottle. A batch without the desired color may be scrapped, wasting materials and energy. 

HunterLab spectrophotometers enhance sustainability by:

• Identifying color issues early on to prevent the production of large quantities of defective items.
• Reducing wasted energy used in the rework process after scrapping items.
• Limiting your overall carbon footprint during plastic bottle production.
• Creating a circular economy by ensuring color consistency through everything from raw materials to recycled plastics.

Companies face increasing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting requirements. HunterLab solutions can positively influence your metrics by reducing rework, scrap, and energy waste. 

Find the Right Spectrophotometers at HunterLab

Many of HunterLab's best spectrophotometers are designed to work with various forms of plastic. Our best solutions for plastic bottles are Vista and UltraScan VIS. UltraScan VIS is a powerful benchtop spectrophotometer that can measure haze, transmittance, and reflectance simultaneously. These characteristics play a crucial role in determining appearance in a range of lighting environments. 

UltraScan VIS is your reliable solution for measuring the color of opaque and translucent plastics. Vista measures haze and transmission, making it an excellent choice for measuring the color of translucent to transparent bottles. With these solutions, you can meet industry standards and achieve a high level of accuracy. 

Request Your Quote Today 

Measuring the color of your plastic bottles and other products using HunterLab spectrophotometers can save time, energy, and money while increasing in-store revenue. Watch your bottom line improve in real time when you request a quote for the new tool in your arsenal.