Thermoformed Parts in Practice

Plastic Containers in Industry – Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Industrial plastic containers must withstand mechanical, chemical, and long-term stresses. They are designed to support your processes and employees.


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Lisa-Marie Bittner

Updated on June 2, 2026

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Avoiding errors with plastic containers- The essentials in brief

  • Ergonomic design and stable grip recesses extend the service life of plastic trays and prevent health risks when lifting.
  • Reinforcements such as ribs and special adaptations increase stability and prevent cracks, buckling, or wobbling of the trays.
  • Individual lids protect the contents from contamination and meet important hygiene requirements in various industries.

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Griffmulden bei Kunststoffwannen
Grip recesses help with the ergonomic carrying of plastic containers

What does ergonomics have to do with plastic containers?

Ergonomics is a central criterion for plastic containers. The area of application and weight when filled are crucial, as well as whether machines transport them or employees lift them from KLTs and boxes.

Health risks from excessive weight

According to specialists in occupational medicine, the following one-time lifting loads can already be harmful to health:

  • Women: from 25 kg
  • Men: from 40 kg

Therefore, we recommend filling plastic containers with a maximum of 14 kg or not exceeding a maximum weight of 35 kg when handled by two people.

Ergonomic design for safe handling

For safe and fatigue-free work, weight, haptics, and shape are crucial:

  • Carrying handles or grip recesses: stable, well-positioned, and aligned with the center of gravity of the filled container.
  • Grip design: the grip should be able to be fully enclosed with the hand, offer a comfortable grip feeling, and not wobble.
  • Stability: an unstable or swinging container leads to a feeling of insecurity when carrying and increases the risk of injury.

Support through ergonomic aids

In addition to an optimal weight, employees can be supported by devices that simplify lifting, carrying, and setting down. These include lifting aids, grip recesses, or shape-adapted transport racks.
In the next section, we show how critical points on plastic containers can be specifically stabilized to ensure maximum safety and longevity.

Avoiding buckling, cracks, and wobbling in plastic containers

Plastic containers that buckle or break open when lifted cause frustration at work. But where do kinks and cracks in plastic actually come from? Plastic damage usually occurs because:

  • the loading weight was not considered during construction
  • the plastic cannot withstand pointed, sharp-edged loads OR
  • the plastic container has been in use for too long.

Tip: With our DfM analysis, you can check the data of your plastic container for thermoformability and problem areas.

DfM-Analyse Software Mockup

Can plastic containers be designed as reusable products?

Of course they can. Whenever possible, we try to design the plastic container as a reusable product, since longevity makes sense for economic and ecological reasons.

Decisive criteria for the longevity of plastic containers

  • How long is the plastic container in use?
  • What is it used for and what is being transported?
  • How high are the load values in kilograms?
  • Is it exposed to additional mechanical stress from the environment or from the contents?

Targeted reinforcement of plastic containers

  • Ribs, bracing, or transition contours
  • stronger base materials
  • optimized material distribution through adapted forming ratio

Our experts select the appropriate material and the ideal wall thickness, always material-saving and application-oriented.

Special applications of plastic containers

Individuelle Fräsungen der Kunststoffwanne
individual milling on the bottom of the container

The application of plastic containers is as diverse as the industry itself. From catch trays to rinse trays or plastic wash tubs to food-safe containers, everything can be found.

Design possibilities for plastic containers

  • For special requirements, openings and apertures can be incorporated in the bottom.
  • Connection systems to surrounding objects can be attached
  • Tight tolerances? This can be taken into account in the thermoforming tool at the critical points
  • Sensitive high-gloss containers can be delivered specially packaged with foil and intermediate layers to avoid scratches during transport and storage
  • If you want to additionally protect the contents of the plastic container or prepare them for freight, then a suitable lid is a must.

Tip: In our Design Guide, you will find the most important criteria for the design of thermoformed plastic parts.

Design Guide Banner Mockup English

Plastic lids for plastic containers – precise fit, secure, and versatile

A plastic lid must above all do one thing: fit – both on the plastic container and to your specific application. It reliably seals the container and fulfills important functions in many industries:

Protection and hygiene

In the food industry and pharmaceutical industry, compliance with strict hygiene requirements is paramount. A suitable plastic lid reliably protects the contents from:

  • Dust
  • Contamination
  • Particles

Furthermore, sterilizability, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance are mandatory in many areas of application, not only in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, but also in chemistry, medical technology, and in high-tech industries.

Other important functions

Plastic lids not only prevent the ingress of dirt, but also:

  • Leakage of liquids
  • Falling out of sensitive components
  • Damage during transport or storage

In addition, lids can serve as a plug-in and stacking system for storage and intermediate storage. Important: The contents should be completely recessed or flush with the edge of the plastic container at most to ensure a secure seal.

Batteriegehäuse aus Kunststoff
Example of a Plastic container with lid ©DG/Bebop Media

Closure types for plastic lids

Depending on requirements, different closure techniques are used:

  • Slip-on closure: sits loosely on top, easily removable
  • Snap closure: locking mechanism holds the lid securely on the container
  • Hinged lid: firmly fixed to the container, for opening and closing

A transparent plastic lid additionally offers the advantage that you can check the contents at any time without opening the container.


Conclusion - Avoiding common errors with plastic containers

To extend the service life of your plastic containers and avoid damage, you should pay attention to proper handling, use stable carrying handles, and keep an eye on the loading weight.
Additionally, individual adaptations such as reinforced structures and special packaging can help increase stability and protect the contents. In summary, plastic containers are extremely durable and survive many production cycles with proper handling.

Frequently asked questions about the design of plastic containers

What is a thermoformed plastic container?

A thermoformed plastic container is a robust, lightweight container that is manufactured using the thermoforming process. It is used in industry, logistics, and food production and can be individually adapted to shape, size, and material.

What advantages do thermoformed plastic containers offer?

How can cracks or kinks in plastic containers be avoided?

What role does ergonomics play in plastic containers?

Can plastic containers be used multiple times?

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