If this is in your search bar, there’s a good chance you heard them called carboys—or demijohns, jugs, fermenters, or vessels. They’re large jugs typically made of glass or plastic to store acid, other corrosive materials, or even flammable and combustible materials.

Carboys are also popular with homebrewers looking to ferment beer or wine (it’s where the name originated, actually). Carboys range from one to sixteen U.S. gallons and are often fitted with rubber stoppers and fermentation locks. The downside with classic glass carboys is that they are too heavy to carry and prone to breaking. Newer plastic carboys have a host of other problems, including getting scratches where bacteria can collect and harbor. Ultimately, carboys are heavy, fragile, and downright dangerous for businesses that need safe solutions, as they are best used for homebrewing and single-use, limited storing of chemicals.

Jerry cans. Historians have likely tossed this name around (they’re also called fuel cans, military cans, water cans, blitz cans, gas cans, petrol cans, or utility cans). During World War II, German armed forces introduced the concept of Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister, which translates to “armed forces unit canister.”

These stackable, metallic box-like cans transported up to five gallons of fuel and water as they were slapped onto the sides of military vehicles. Recessed seams and indentations protected the cans from impact damage while the interior was sealed to prevent corrosion. The bayonet closure and locking pin secured these cans and helped prevent leaks. It’s no surprise that many manufacturers copycatted jerry cans as they remodeled their unique long-lasting designs with touches of modernization.

But jerry cans do have a handful of setbacks. The original metal manufacturing and rolled seams tended to leak, triggering compliance issues and expensive shutdowns. Eventually, less metal was used in an attempt to keep the weight down, but the thinner walls and wobbly handles put the cans’ durability and safety into question.

Cubitainers is another term you may have heard. These were typically plastic containers housed in cardboard shells, which add protection and structure to the less durable insides.

Less plastic can make them more sustainable, but the cardboard can be sponge-like, making cubitainers flimsy, filthy, and unreliable.

Buckets (a.k.a. open-headed pails) are more of a convenience than an effective tool. They’re far from ideal for storing or transporting liquids. Glugging issues, when pouring, lead to spills. Open lids are unreliable and easily pop off, leading to more messes. Under no circumstance should chemicals or any corrosive liquids ever be considered for these containers when is safety is a priority.

We call them tight heads. The complete package for a more sustainable packaging solution.

They’re versatile and have closed heads and no removable lids, ensuring a leak-proof (“tight”) experience.

Tight heads are 100% completely sealed, with the exception of one or two openings to make adding or removing liquids a snap—a remarkable improvement over the classics. Furthermore, the flat-top design of tight head containers makes them easy to stack and store, which improves handling for both users and customers.

Now you know the source of all the names you might have entered in your search bar, and

the truth is, many containers preceded tight heads, so we owe a debt of gratitude to the classics. Priority Plastics is still inspired by the original designs—and we continue to refine our tight heads to better overcome the toughest challenges the classics just couldn’t conquer.

We believe tight heads are a superior choice for many companies, but in the end, here’s why you should ask for tight heads by name:

1. Leak-Proof Design: The sealed, one-piece construction eliminates risk of spills and leaks, which is especially crucial when handling dangerous liquids.
2. Stackable Efficiency: Thanks to their flat-top design, tight heads can be easily stacked and stored, maximizing space and simplifying transportation.
3. Durability and Reusability: Tight heads are built to last. They can be reconditioned and are recyclable (with some effort), making them an eco-friendly choice for companies looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Plus, their robust construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of tough use without compromising their integrity.