The Different Types of Plastic Caps and Closures

Screw Cap

Flip-Top Cap

The snap-to cap is very similar to the flip-top cap. However, the hinge on the attached lid is specially designed to snap open or closed, making it less likely that the container will be left open accidentally. This can be particularly useful for products that lose freshness when exposed to air.

Tamper Resistant/Guarantee Cap

The grinder is a functional closure commonly used on small jars and bottles of salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. Each grinder cap contains a mechanism that, when twisted, will grind coarse materials into finer, smaller pieces.

The screw cap is arguably the most common type of cap/closure there is. Used primarily on jars and bottles, the interior of the cap has threads (either continuous or lugs) that are matched to similar threads on the mouth of the container. When the cap is "screwed" to the right, the threads hold the cap in place and form a seal. When turned to the left, the threads force the cap to separate from the container.

Handle Cap

A flip-top cap is a screw cap with added functionality. It includes an additional hinged lid that can be flipped open to reveal a spout, nozzle, or series of holes. This allows the consumer to easily access the contents of the container without having to fully remove the cap.

Snap-To Cap

A tamper resistant cap is a screw cap with a breakaway "guarantee" ring attached to the bottom. When the cap is removed from the container for the first time, the ring separates from it. This provides clear evidence that the container has been opened and can be handy for deterring tampering or pilferage before the product ends up in the hands of the consumer.

Grinder Closure