Pump bottles are generally intended for liquid and semi-liquid preparations such as lotions, light creams, gels and serums. Very thick or semi-solid creams may reduce the comfort of dosing and put strain on the pump mechanism. Before filling an entire batch, we recommend carrying out a trial filling with a smaller quantity, checking the smoothness of pumping, the dose size and the behaviour of the product during longer storage in the packaging.

The packaging can be reused provided that strict hygiene principles are observed. Before each new filling, the bottle and the pump must be thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected with a suitable agent, for example isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. For disinfection we recommend products available on Handymade, such as IPA 99 % isopropyl alcohol or Ethanol 96 % denatured plant-based. Only after the alcohol has completely dried and ventilated is the packaging ready for refilling. When switching to a completely different type of product (for example from an oil base to a water base), we recommend especially thorough cleaning and your own compatibility test.

When cleaning, it is advisable to separate the pump from the bottle. You can rinse the container with warm water and a mild cleaning agent suitable for cosmetic packaging, then rinse thoroughly with potable water and finally disinfect with an alcoholic solution. Clean the pump by flushing it through – not by soaking it for a long time, in order to minimise the risk of wear of the seals. After flushing and disinfection, let all parts dry thoroughly on a clean, uncontaminated surface. Before refilling, always check the functionality of the pump and the tightness of the connection between the bottle and the dispenser.

If you decide not to reuse the packaging, we recommend sorting it into separated waste according to the material composition specified in the product parameters. The metal bottle can generally be placed with metals, and it is advisable to empty it of product residues. The pump usually consists of several parts (plastic, metal springs), so before recycling it is practical to separate it from the metal container as far as possible and follow the local rules for waste sorting. Always base your decision on the information in the parameter table for the specific product on the Handymade website and on the recommendations of your local waste collection system.

To select suitable packaging, you can use the advanced filter located at the top of the page after clicking on the chosen packaging material category. In the advanced filter it is possible to combine several parameters at once – for example the type and diameter of the neck, pack size, colour and material of the packaging. This allows you to quickly filter bottles, jars or pharmaceutical vials that correspond to your formulation and the desired dosing method. We also recommend checking the recommended combinations of packaging and closure directly for the specific product, which are tested and functional on Handymade.