Take our sustainability survey
header

Imagine, you’re out looking for containers to hold your industrial chemicals or liquids.
Problem is, you’re a bit unsure what to search for.
Maybe you’re thinking of a high school chemical container or a homebrewing kit.
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.
Maybe you’re thinking of an option you saw on The History Channel.
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.
Maybe you’re thinking of something more like boxed wine.
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 are buckets.
But they really are the bottom of the barrel.
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.
Containers perfect for storing and shipping chemicals and viscous products, tight heads should be your go-to.
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.
So why tight heads?
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.
TIGHT HEAD FAQ
1. What is a tight head container?
A tight head container, also known as a closed-head container, is a type of container with a permanently sealed top, typically used for storing liquids. It usually has small openings, to fill or dispense the contents.
2. What materials are tight head containers made of?
Tight head containers are typically made from materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The material used depends on the type of liquid being stored and the required durability.
3. What are the standard sizes of tight head containers?
Common sizes include 5 gallons, 15 gallons, and 30 gallons. However, smaller or larger sizes may be available depending on the manufacturer and specific use cases.
4. What types of liquids are stored in tight head containers?
Tight head containers are used for storing a variety of liquids, including chemicals, oils, solvents, hazardous materials, and even food-grade liquids like syrups and oils.
5. How are tight head containers sealed?
Tight head containers are sealed with a screw cap or a bung that is fitted into the small opening. These seals are often tamper-evident and designed to prevent leaks.
6. What regulations apply to tight head containers?
Regulations vary depending on the contents and country, but many tight head containers must meet specific standards such as UN DOT (United Nations Department of Transportation) regulations for hazardous materials or FDA standards for food-grade materials.
7. How are tight head containers transported?
These containers are typically transported on pallets, often secured with straps or shrink wrap. They may also be shipped in specialized containers that prevent movement during transport.
8. Can tight head containers be reused?
Yes, tight head containers can be reused, especially if they are made of durable materials. However, they must be properly cleaned and inspected to ensure they are safe for reuse, particularly when switching between different types of liquids.
9. How do you clean a tight head container?
Cleaning tight head containers can be challenging due to the small openings. Methods may include using specialized cleaning equipment that can be inserted through the bung or by rinsing with solvents or detergents compatible with the stored material.
10. What are the benefits of using tight head containers?
Tight head containers offer benefits like enhanced protection against leaks and spills, durability, secure transport of liquids, and compliance with safety regulations for hazardous materials.

download our platform and then build yours.

DOWNLOAD OUR PLATFORM AND THEN BUILD YOURS.

CLICK HERE

We can work toward the future together.

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Click here to learn the sustainability terms you need to know.

How important is sustainability to you today?

Let us help you find solutions to improve your sustainability score.