Bottle Neck-Finishes are defined by their thread style, which determines what type of cap or closure can be applied. The thread profile impacts seal performance, carbonation resistance, tamper evidence, resealability, and application torque. Below is an overview of the most common thread styles used in plastic and glass packaging..
Continuous Thread Design (CT) - Continuous Thread (CT) finishes use a single uninterrupted spiral thread. This style is extremely versatile and widely used across pharmaceuticals, food, and household products.
Application – Wide range — from OTC pharma bottles to peanut butter jars.
Pressure Performance – Low–moderate; not for carbonation unless reinforced with special liners.
Sealing Mechanism – Full thread engagement with liners (foam, induction, or pressure-sensitive).
Advantages – Universal, simple to reseal, supports many liner types.
Limitations – Not inherently tamper-evident (requires shrink bands, foil seals, etc.).
DBJ Thread Design - DBJ threads are widely used for bottled water and non-carbonated beverages. They feature a J-cut tamper-evident band design that clearly shows if the closure has been opened.
Application – Water, teas, juices, dairy and still beverages.
Pressure Performance – Low (<2 bar CO₂).
Sealing Mechanism – Snap-and-break band design for tamper evidence.
Advantages – Cost-effective and tamper evidence.
Limitations – Cannot withstand high carbonation pressures.
IPEC Thread Design - IPEC threads are designed for lightweight beverage closures, mainly for PET bottles. They are optimized for injection-molded caps and maintain secure sealing under moderate carbonation.
Application – Still and carbonated beverages.
Pressure Performance – Medium strength (~4–6 bar CO₂).
Sealing Mechanism – Compression seal with tamper-evident band.
Advantages – Lightweight, efficient material use.
Limitations – Less robust for high-pressure carbonation compared to PCO.
Lug Thread Design - Lug threads use interrupted threads (lugs) instead of a continuous spiral. The closure is applied with a partial twist (typically less than a full turn) and tightened using torque or vacuum sealing.
Application – Glass jars, hot-fill foods, sauces, baby food.
Pressure Performance – Designed for vacuum seals, not carbonation.
Sealing Mechanism – Interrupted thread + liner or vacuum button.
Advantages – Secure for hot-fill and vacuum-packed goods; consumer-friendly “pop” seal.
Limitations – Not resealable under pressure, requires vacuum equipment.
PCO Thread Design - PCO (Plastic Closure Only) threads are the industry standard for carbonated soft drinks (CSD). They are engineered for maximum CO₂ retention and mechanical strength. Variants include PCO 1810 (heavier) and PCO 1881 (lightweight, short finish).
Application – Carbonated soft drinks, sparkling water.
Pressure Performance – High strength (6–8 bar CO₂).
Sealing Mechanism – Continuous helical thread with breakaway tamper band.
Advantages – Excellent carbonation retention, global compatibility.
Limitations – Heavier than DBJ/IPEC.
Snap-Screw Thread Design - Snap Screw threads combine snap-on application with a screw-style reseal, giving versatility across multiple industries such as packaged water, food oils, powdered products, and household chemicals.
Application – Packaged water, food oils, powders, condiments, household chemicals.
Pressure Performance – Very low (<1 bar, not suitable for carbonation).
Sealing Mechanism – Dual snap-fit and partial thread engagement.
Advantages – Easy application (no torque needed), resealable.
Limitations – Weaker seal than continuous thread or PCO finishes.
The Choice is Yours – Thread designs define how a closure engages with its container, and the choice directly affects seal reliability, tamper evidence, carbonation resistance, and consumer usability. Continuous threads are universal, resealable, and great for all around, general packaging. DBJ threads are intended for lightweight, tamper-evident options for beverage and juice bottling. Lug threads are ideal for vacuum-sealed foods in glass jars. PCO and IPEC thread designs dominate the high-pressure carbonated soft drink market, thanks to their precise sealing and ability to withstand 6–8 bar CO₂. Snap Screw thread designs, though less pressure-resistant, offer versatile and cost-effective solutions for non-carbonated beverage, water, and chemical packaging.
The decision ultimately comes down to pressure requirements, oxygen management, tamper evidence, and cost per closure, which all tie back to the specific product being packaged.
Interested in Talking with us? - If you would like more information. Please contact our customer service team. We will help you select the right products to meet your needs.
