Sunflower Oil Packaging Guide — From PET Bottles to Bulk Tankers

Why Packaging Choice Matters

The right packaging affects your total cost, shelf life, logistics, and target market. Choosing correctly can save thousands per shipment.

Packaging Options Compared

PET Bottles (1L, 3L, 5L)

The standard retail format. Clear plastic bottles that consumers recognize on store shelves.

• Best for: Retail distribution, small HORECA
• MOQ: 1 pallet (~800-1,200 bottles depending on size)
• Cost impact: Highest per-liter cost (packaging adds $150-250/ton)
• Shelf life: 12-18 months
• Pros: Consumer-ready, brand visibility, easy storage
• Cons: Higher cost, more storage space per liter

PET Bottles (10L, 18L)

Larger format for food service and light industrial use.

• Best for: Restaurants, cafeterias, small food producers
• MOQ: 1 pallet
• Cost impact: Medium ($100-150/ton above bulk)
• Shelf life: 12-18 months
• Pros: Convenient handling, no special equipment needed
• Cons: Still more expensive than bulk

IBC Containers (1,000L)

Intermediate Bulk Containers — reusable plastic containers in a metal cage.

• Best for: Medium-volume buyers, food manufacturers
• MOQ: 1-20 containers per order
• Cost impact: Low-medium ($50-80/ton above bulk)
• Shelf life: 12 months
• Pros: Reusable, easy to move with forklift, good middle ground
• Cons: Requires forklift, return logistics

Flexitanks (20-24 tons)

Single-use bags fitted inside standard shipping containers. The most popular bulk format.

• Best for: Large wholesale, international trade
• MOQ: 20-24 tons (one container)
• Cost impact: Low ($20-30/ton above FOB base)
• Shelf life: 6-9 months (shorter due to single-wall protection)
• Pros: Cost-effective, no return logistics, fits standard containers
• Cons: Single use, needs pump for unloading, shorter shelf life

Bulk Tanker (20-40 tons)

Dedicated road tanker trucks for direct delivery.

• Best for: Large-volume buyers, refineries, factories
• MOQ: 20 tons (full truck)
• Cost impact: Lowest (base FOB price)
• Shelf life: Immediate use recommended
• Pros: Cheapest per liter, direct delivery to storage tank
• Cons: Requires storage tanks, pump equipment

Cost Comparison Summary

| Format | Volume | Extra Cost vs Bulk | Best Price/Liter | |--------|--------|-------------------|-----------------| | PET 1L | Per bottle | +$200-250/ton | Highest | | PET 5L | Per bottle | +$150-200/ton | High | | PET 10-18L | Per bottle | +$100-150/ton | Medium-High | | IBC 1,000L | 1-20 units | +$50-80/ton | Medium | | Flexitank | 20-24 tons | +$20-30/ton | Low | | Bulk tanker | 20-40 tons | Base price | Lowest |

Private Label vs Branded Options

At UB Market, we offer three approaches:

1. Star Food Branded — Our registered trademark, ready-made labels in multiple languages. No design costs for you.
2. Private Label — Your brand, our oil. We produce and label to your specifications. Learn about private label →
3. Unbranded Bulk — No labels, delivered in IBC, flexitank, or tanker. You handle packaging on your end.

Need help choosing the right packaging? Tell us your requirements — we'll recommend the optimal format for your business.