What is the top of a glass bottle called?

1. Neck: Just below the finish, we have the neck of the bottle. This is the slender and elongated part that connects the finish to the shoulder. The neck can be straight or curved, depending on the bottle's design. It not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also serves a functional purpose providing a convenient grip for pouring and handling the bottle.
2. Shoulder: Ah, the shoulder of the bottle, where elegance meets practicality. The shoulder is the sloping section that connects the neck to the body of the bottle. It adds stability and strength to the overall structure while also contributing to the bottle's visual appeal. The shape and angle of the shoulder can vary greatly, ranging from gentle slopes to sharp angles, depending on the bottle's style and purpose.
3. Body: The body of the bottle is the main section, known for its wide and cylindrical shape. This is where the liquid is stored, and where labels, embossing, or other decorative elements are usually applied. The body can come in various sizes, lengths, and curvatures, offering a canvas for creativity and branding opportunities for beverage companies and artisans alike.
4. Push-up: Now, let's move towards the bottom of the bottle, where we find the push-up. This is a small indentation or protrusion on the bottom interior of the bottle. It serves as a reinforcement, providing added strength and stability to the bottle. The push-up also helps prevent the bottle from easily tipping over, especially when placed on uneven surfaces.
5. Heel: Have you ever noticed a small ring or bulge at the bottom of a bottle? That's the heel! The heel is a slight convex curvature, often found at the base of the bottle, which provides additional support and strength. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and balance of the bottle, especially when it's filled with liquid.
6. Base: Last but certainly not least, we have the base of the bottle, also known as the bottom. This is the flat surface that allows the bottle to stand upright. The base can be plain and smooth or feature unique designs, such as embossed logos or brand information. It provides a solid foundation for the entire bottle and ensures that it rests securely on any surface.

We begin this series with basic bottle anatomy. Take a look at the image below to match the definitions with the terms.

At TricorBraun, we pride ourselves on having the most knowledgeable Packaging Consultants in the industry; now we have a way to share their knowledge with you. In this blog series we’ll be focused on shedding light on some of the definitions and specifics about rigid packaging, since packaging terms have developed into a language of their own. We hope that these guides help educate as you browse our website for the perfect packaging solution.

Finish

In general, the plastic or glass forming the opening of a container shaped to accommodate a specific closure. The finish description reflects the outside diameter of a bottle or jar's neck in millimeters, and a thread configuration or some other description of how the closure fits on the container. The term originated from when glass bottles were hand blown and the top was the last piece to be completed.

Neck

The part of a container where the bottle cross section decreases to form the finish.

1. Sealing Surface

The portion of a glass or plastic container finish which will make contact with the interior liner of the cap to effect the seal.

2. Thread

The indented curved formed section of the cap on the skirt that engages and matches the thread of the container for screw fit purposes. The thread may be continuous (pictured below) or interrupted.

3. Transfer Bead

A projecting bead on the outer surface of threaded containers, usually just below the finish, to provide a surface of engagement for the jaws of handling devices during manufacture.

4. Shoulder

The part of a container between the main body and the neck usually sloped.

5. Heel

The lower portion of a glass or plastic container, starting with the bearing surface of the bottom and including a small portion of the lower sidewall.

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