In the perfumery industry, crimped glass bottles are the most common bottles. But what is the process of crimping and why is it essential for perfume packaging?
The crimping process allows the bottle to be hermetically sealed, thus guaranteeing the perfect seal of the contents, which are protected from external contamination and do not alter over time. A correct crimping process avoids common problems of perfume evaporation, liquid leakage and dispenser malfunction.
In addition to ensuring a secure closure, the process that hermetically secures the pump on the neck of the bottle also contributes to the aesthetics of the packaging, enhancing the perception of the quality of the product by those who buy it.
For this reason, crimping is adopted by leading perfumery brands and is carried out with precision instruments to ensure uniformity and high quality.
The locking system: main components
In the fragrance industry, crimping technology plays a key role in sealing and protecting essences. The stability of the fragrance is only partly dependent on the conditions in which it is stored; it is the quality of the different elements of which a perfume bottle is composed that plays a key role. Each of these components offers functionality and, potentially, elegant and professional design. Here they are in detail:
- bottle: is the container of the fragrance, usually glass;
- pump: allows the perfume to be dispensed and is equipped with a stem that dips into the liquid contained in the bottle;
- metal ring: this is a ring, often made of aluminium or other metals, which has the task of firmly securing the pump to the neck of the bottle;
- optional decorative elements: cache-pumps, frits and overcaps that enhance the aesthetics of the product and complete its design.
The crimping process: how it happens
Crimping can be performed in two ways:
- manual crimping: performed with specific tools, it is ideal for artisan or small quantity production;
- automatic crimping: made with industrial machines, it guarantees high speed and precision, perfect for large-scale production.
In the latter case, that of automatic crimping, the process takes place in several stages, each of which requires precision and control to guarantee an optimal result. We can divide them into four stages.
1. Preparing the bottle
First, the bottle is filled with the stipulated amount of fragrance and immediately afterwards the pump is carefully placed over the mouth of the bottle, ensuring that the stem is completely immersed in the liquid.
2. Application of the ferrule
Once the bottle has been prepared, the metal ferrule is chosen. To match the product design and brand requirements, the ferrules can have different aesthetic finishes: polished, satin or anodised. After determining the metal ring to match, this is placed over the pump to secure it firmly to the neck of the bottle
3. Mechanical crimping
The third stage is where the bottle is inserted into a crimping machine. Inside the machine, the ferrule is subjected to controlled pressure with precision grippers that compress it around the mouth of the bottle, locking the pump in place. The entire process is designed to ensure an even and robust closure, without any damage to the glass or the pumpette.
4. Post-sealing quality test
Once crimping is complete, rigorous quality tests are carried out to ensure that the product meets the required standards. The most common tests include:
- Leak test: check for any leaks;
- dispensing test: the functioning of the pump and the uniformity of the atomisation are evaluated;
- cosmetic inspection: a visual inspection is carried out to identify any defects in the ferrule or bottle.
With accurate quality control, production waste and defects can be reduced, improving the efficiency and sustainability of the industrial process.
Post-scratching decorative elements
The bottle is sealed and tested. All that remains is to decorate and customise it according to one’s needs. After crimping, in fact, the bottle can be enriched with aesthetic components that, if consistent with the brand, become the distinctive face of the product.
These details not only enhance the visual experience but can also add a touch of elegance to the overall design. Let’s look at some of them:
- cache-pumps: these are positioned above the bezel to hide the technical elements of the clasp, creating a more homogeneous and luxurious look. They are made of materials such as plastic or metal and can be customised with different finishes and colours to match the brand identity;
- frette: these are decorative rings that wrap around the ferrule, contributing to a more polished and sophisticated aesthetic. Frette can be made of aluminium or plastic, which is usually metallised, and often feature engraved details or matt, glossy or satin finishes to match the bottle;
- overcaps: these are covering elements that protect and finish the top of the bottle and are usually press-fitted onto pump and frette caches, contributing to the harmony of the overall design. They can be made of high-quality materials such as anodised metal, transparent (surlyn) or decorated plastic and wood, offering endless customisation possibilities. Some overcaps are designed with engraved logos or special textures to reinforce the brand image.
These details can significantly improve the perception of the product, making it more attractive on the shelves and in the hands of consumers, strengthening the brand positioning in the luxury market.
Advantages of crimping in perfume bottles
Crimping offers numerous advantages over other closure solutions, combining technical efficiency and aesthetics. Here are some of them:
- hermetic sealing: prevents the perfume from evaporating and protects the fragrance from external agents, preserving its purity and intensity for a long time;
- guaranteed safety: a crimped bottle cannot be opened without damage, offering a high level of protection against tampering or accidental contamination;
- strength and durability: due to its robustness, a crimped bottle resists shocks and temperature changes better, reducing the risk of breakage and leakage during transport and daily use;
- premium appearance and perceived value: metal bezels and high-quality finishes provide an elegant and luxurious aesthetic, positioning in a higher market segment and enhancing the consumer’s perception of the brand;
- production efficiency: automated crimping enables consistent and uniform sealing, reducing error margins and increasing productivity in industrial packaging lines;
- compatibility with quality accessories: crimped bottles can be fitted with high-end pumps, which enhance the user experience by ensuring a fine and homogeneous atomisation, ideal for fine fragrances;
- customisation possibilities: The ferrules can be made in different colours, materials and finishes, allowing brands to adapt the packaging to the visual identity of their product.
Eurovetrocap: innovation and quality
Crimping is an indispensable technique in the production of perfume bottles, as it ensures protection, aesthetics and durability. Thanks to modern technology and the use of high-quality materials, therefore, packaging becomes not only a means of preserving the product, but also a distinctive brand element.
Adopting a crimped closure means choosing an effective, secure and highly customisable solution, perfect for meeting the needs of the perfumery industry.
That is why, thanks to a constant focus on innovation and sustainability in the perfumery sector, at Eurovetrocap we offer high quality packaging solutions designed to ensure maximum product sealing and enhancement. In fact, we are able to propose bottles with efficient and customisable closure systems, meeting the needs of the most demanding brands.
Discover ours for packaging that combines design and reliability and find the perfect bottle for your product!
