If you’ve been researching castor oil lately, you’ve probably seen claims that castor oil should only be stored in glass bottles. While glass is a great packaging material for small retail sizes, it isn’t the only safe choice and in many cases, it isn’t the best one.
At Brightpack, we supply hexane-free, cold-pressed castor oil in bulk and we store and ship it in high-quality HDPE containers. Here’s why this is the global industry standard, and why you can feel confident that your oil is safe, stable, and uncompromised.
How Bulk Castor Oil Is Really Transported
Over 80% of the world’s castor oil comes from India, where castor beans are pressed and processed before being shipped worldwide.
Contrary to what you might read online, bulk castor oil is not shipped around the world in glass bottles - it would be impractical, fragile, and extremely costly.
Instead, manufacturers, cosmetic formulators, and pharmaceutical companies receive castor oil in:
- HDPE drums
- IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers)
- Steel drums with food-grade liners
This method has been used for decades and meets international safety and quality standards.
Why HDPE Containers Are Perfect for Castor Oil
At Brightpack, we use HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) containers for bulk castor oil because they are:
- Chemically Inert – HDPE does not react with castor oil, preserving its purity, colour, and viscosity.
- Safe & Non-Leaching – Food- and cosmetic-grade HDPE is designed to prevent leaching, ensuring no contamination.
- Light- and Air-Protective – Opaque or pigmented HDPE protects the oil from UV light, helping prevent oxidation.
- Durable & Practical – Unlike glass, HDPE won’t shatter during handling or transport, keeping your product and staff safe.
- Cost-Efficient – Lower packaging and transport costs mean you get premium oil at a competitive price.
HDPE and Sustainability: Just as Green as Glass
There’s a common perception that glass is the “greener” choice, but in reality, HDPE is just as environmentally responsible:
- 100% Recyclable: HDPE is one of the easiest plastics to recycle and is widely accepted by recycling facilities worldwide.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Because HDPE is lightweight, it uses less fuel to transport compared to glass, reducing CO₂ emissions.
- Closed-Loop Potential: Recycled HDPE (rHDPE) can be used to make new containers, creating a circular economy solution.
This means that when handled responsibly, HDPE packaging is every bit as sustainable as glass, with the added benefit of being safer and more practical for bulk transport.
Brightpack’s Commitment to Quality
When you buy castor oil from Brightpack, you get more than just premium oil, you get peace of mind.
- Hexane-Free & Cold-Pressed: Our castor oil is extracted without harsh solvents, preserving its natural properties.
- Bulk Supply Options: Available in 1L, 5L, Pack of 4 (5L), and 208L Drum.
- Industry-Standard Packaging: Always stored in food- and cosmetic-grade HDPE for maximum safety and quality.
- Sustainable Choice: Our HDPE containers are fully recyclable, helping you meet your sustainability goals.
- Expert Support: Our team can guide you on storage, handling, and formulation use.
Final Word: Safe Storage, Quality Assured
Despite what some online articles suggest, HDPE containers are a safe, industry-approved, and environmentally responsible choice for storing and transporting castor oil. Glass may look good on a shelf, but HDPE is trusted worldwide to deliver oils safely, cost-effectively, and with a lower carbon footprint.
If you’re looking for a reliable bulk castor oil supplier, Brightpack is ready to help.
Contact Brightpack today to discuss your bulk castor oil needs, request pricing, or ask about our packaging options.
