Plastic push-pull cap 28/410

The plastic push-pull cap 28/410 is a closure for bottles with a 28/410 neck finish that allows dispensing liquid products with one hand without unscrewing. It opens by pulling the centre piece upward and closes by pushing it back down. It is particularly suited to shampoos, shower gels and liquid soaps, as well as conditioners, body lotions and other products with a liquid to medium-thick consistency that are dispensed by squeezing the bottle.

What the push-pull cap is suitable for

• Dispensing by squeezing the bottle – product flows through the centre opening when the bottle is squeezed. The amount can be controlled well, which is practical for shower and hair care products.
• One-hand operation – pulling and pushing the nozzle can be managed even with a wet hand, which is why this type of closure is commonly used in the bathroom.
• Protection of contents between uses – the closed nozzle limits air and contaminant access to the product, unlike an open neck.

How the push-pull cap works with different products

The push-pull closure is designed for contents that flow when the bottle is squeezed. It performs best with liquid to medium-thick consistencies, such as shower gels, shampoos or lighter massage oils. With very thick creams and high-viscosity gel formulations, dispensing can be strenuous and the product may be forced through the opening unevenly. For such formulations a pump or jar is more appropriate. Conversely, with very thin contents such as tonics or hydrolats, the product flows quickly and is difficult to dispense drop by drop. A spray or dropper is more practical in that case.

The closure is made of polypropylene (PP), which is widely used in cosmetic packaging and performs well in practice with water-based and mildly alcoholic products. The suitability of the material for use with cosmetic products is confirmed by the technical documentation for this closure. For formulations with a higher proportion of essential oils, solvents, or unusual raw materials, we recommend verifying compatibility through a test fill and several weeks of monitoring for leaks and the condition of the plastic.

Use and combination with a bottle

The push-pull cap screws onto a 28/410 neck. The same neck finish can be found in the parameters of bottles in the Handymade range, and ready-made bottle + closure combinations have their own description in the range. When combining a bottle and closure yourself, we recommend verifying the seal, dispensing behaviour and overall performance with your specific formulation, as the sealing effect also depends on the shape of the neck and how tightly the cap is fastened.

Before the first fill, we recommend washing and disinfecting the cap with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol and allowing it to dry completely, so that no contaminants from handling and storage enter the product. For repeated use, disassemble the closure to the extent the design permits, rinse with warm water and detergent, remove any residue of the previous product from the nozzle channel, and disinfect again. Residue left in the nozzle is a common cause of dried deposits and contamination of a new fill.

Good to know

• Storage before use – keep closures in a dry, clean environment, preferably in a sealed bag, so they remain clean until filling.
• Product residue around the nozzle – with thicker products, some content collects in the opening and once dried may make opening harder. Regular wiping is sufficient.
• Material and heat – polypropylene withstands normal bathroom temperatures, but do not fill the closure with hot products. Allow the formulation to cool before filling.
• Recycling – the closure is made of a single type of plastic (PP); once emptied and rinsed it belongs in sorted plastic waste.

Frequently asked questions