The Best Supplier of 26/22 Neck Preforms in Gujarat Packaging has become one of the most important industries in India today. Whether it is bottled water, juices, carbonated soft drinks, or household essentials, one thing remains common. Strong, safe, and reliable PET bottle preforms. Among the many types available in the market, the 26/22 neck preform stands out as one of the most widely used formats. In this blog, we will explain in simple terms what these preforms are, why they matter, and why DRJ is recognised as the best PET preform manufacturer and the leading 26/22 preform supplier in Gujarat. What is a 26/22 Neck Preform? A 26/22 neck preform is a semi-finished product made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It looks like a test tube with a threaded neck. Through a blowing process, this preform is expanded into a bottle. The term 26/22 refers to the neck dimensions: the diameter of the mouth (26mm) and the thread height (22mm). These preforms are the backbone of the packaged drinking water and carbonated beverage industries. Why PET Preforms Are Important in Packaging PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) has become the most popular material for packaging. It is lightweight, strong, recyclable, and safe for food-grade applications. In India, the PET packaging market is valued at USD 1.9 billion and is expected to grow at 6.3% CAGR by 2028 (Mordor Intelligence, 2023). PET preforms serve as the base for manufacturing bottles of all shapes and sizes. Without them, it would be impossible to achieve consistent quality and efficiency in mass production of bottles for: The Growing Demand for 26/22 Preforms in India India is now one of the largest bottled water markets in the world. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) estimates that there are more than 1,400 bottled water plants across India (BIS, 2022). Gujarat, with its strong industrial base, contributes significantly to this demand. The Indian packaged drinking water industry is expected to reach INR 403 billion by 2026, growing at over 20% annually (Research and Markets, 2023). This growth is fueled by increasing urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and a shift towards hygienic drinking solutions. In this expanding market, the need for reliable 26/22 preform supplier Gujarat has never been greater. DRJ – The Biggest PET Preform Manufacturer in Surat Based in Surat, Gujarat, DRJ has built its reputation as the best PET preform manufacturer in the region. Our company has invested heavily in state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, strict quality control, and sustainable practices. Here’s why businesses choose us: How DRJ Stands Out from Market Standards While many PET preform manufacturers exist in Gujarat, DRJ sets itself apart in the following ways: Applications of 26/22 Neck Preforms To help everyone understand, let’s look at how these preforms translate into everyday products: For instance, the Indian bottled water industry consumes millions of PET bottle preforms each day. Without suppliers like DRJ, this demand could not be met reliably. Real-World Impact of PET Preforms According to the Packaging Industry Association of India (PIAI), packaging is the 5th largest sector in India’s economy and growing at 22–25% annually (PIAI, 2023). This growth directly fuels demand for PET preform manufacturers. Moreover, India’s per capita bottled water consumption has increased to ~25 litres annually, compared to just 5 litres a decade ago (India Water Portal, 2022). Most of this water is packaged in bottles created from 26/22 neck preforms. This means the role of a reliable 26/22 preform supplier Gujarat is more crucial than ever. Why DRJ is the Best PET Preform Manufacturer for You When businesses search for a PET preform manufacturer in Gujarat, they need someone who combines experience, technology, and service. DRJ provides: To Wrap Up The 26/22 neck preform may look simple, but it powers one of the most important industries in modern life: packaged beverages. With India’s packaged drinking water and soft drink sectors booming, the demand for reliable suppliers is only set to grow. As the biggest PET preform manufacturer in Surat and a leading 26/22 preform supplier Gujarat, DRJ stands as the partner businesses can count on. By delivering consistent quality, bulk capacity, and customer-first service, DRJ has rightly earned its title as the best PET preform manufacturer in Gujarat. For businesses looking to secure their packaging supply chain, DRJ is not just a supplier – it is a long-term partner in growth.

A well-designed plastic bottle cap does more than seal a container — it protects your product, prevents costly leaks, and builds consumer trust.

The bubble top bottle is more than just a water container — it’s a product shaped by design innovation and the quality of its plastic bottle preform.

Carbonated soft drinks (CSD) are a high-demand beverage category with equally high packaging requirements. Unlike still water or juice, these drinks are filled with carbon dioxide under pressure, which means the container must be exceptionally durable and precisely engineered. For manufacturers, selecting the right PET preform for bottle production is one of the most critical decisions. The wrong choice could result in burst bottles, leaks during transport, poor shelf presentation, or higher scrap rates – all of which reduce profitability and damage brand trust. At DRJ Plasttech, a leading plastic bottle preform manufacturer based in Surat, we help beverage companies avoid these pitfalls with tailored, high-quality PET preform solutions specifically designed for CSD applications. Whether you’re bottling 250ml cans or 2-liter family packs, this complete guide will help you make an informed decision about your preform selection. Table of Contents Why PET is Ideal for CSD Packaging Design Considerations for PET Preforms in CSD Common Use-Cases: Matching Preforms with Bottle Sizes Step-by-Step Process for Choosing the Right PET Preform Common Mistakes to Avoid FAQs on CSD PET Preforms and Bottling Final Thoughts Why PET is Ideal for CSD Packaging Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is the material of choice for modern beverage packaging for several key reasons: These benefits make PET the go-to material for both still and carbonated beverages but CSD bottles require far more precision in preform design and manufacturing. Design Considerations for PET Preforms in CSD 1. Preform Weight and Wall Thickness The internal pressure of carbonated drinks places significant stress on bottle walls. This makes weight and thickness crucial. Thinner preforms risk bottle panelling, deformation, or breakage during filling. Overweight preforms, on the other hand, increase costs unnecessarily. Pro Tip: Use stretch ratio and blow moulding tests to validate wall distribution before finalising a preform weight. 2. Neck Finish and Closure System CSD beverages require a pressure-resistant sealing system. The industry-standard neck finishes for CSD include: These necks are compatible with tamper-evident caps designed to maintain carbonation integrity. Selecting the wrong neck design can lead to: At DRJ Plasttech, we manufacture preforms with highly precise neck dimensions using digital tooling systems to ensure perfect cap compatibility. 3. Barrier Performance and Shelf Life CSD beverages must retain carbonation for months on shelves. PET inherently allows some gas permeation, which is why choosing the right preform design and additives is crucial. Enhancements for barrier performance include: Though these methods can raise costs, they are essential for products with longer shelf lives or premium positioning. 4. Preform Clarity and Crystallinity The degree of crystallinity in a PET preform affects both aesthetics and mechanical performance. Achieving optimal crystallinity requires careful control of the PET preform heating temperature during injection moulding and reheat blowing. Inconsistent heating leads to hazy or brittle bottles, which are unacceptable for branded products. DRJ Plasttech uses precise temperature management and mould cooling systems to maintain ideal crystallinity levels in every plastic bottle preform we manufacture. 5. Mould Compatibility and Blowability Your selected preform must work seamlessly with your existing bottle moulds and blowing machines. Factors to check: Preform geometry, including shoulder design and wall thickness distribution, plays a critical role in bottle performance. Poor fit can cause: At DRJ Plasttech, we offer custom preform design support to ensure each PET preform for bottle applications fits perfectly into your downstream systems. 6. Resin Quality and Moisture Control PET is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the environment. If not properly dried, this moisture turns into steam during injection, creating micro-bubbles and weakening the structure. Risks of poor moisture control: At our Surat facility, we use high-efficiency dehumidifying dryers to maintain optimal resin moisture content (below 0.005%)—a critical step in ensuring the long-term durability of our plastic bottle preforms. Common Use-Cases: Matching Preforms with Bottle Sizes Bottle Size Preform Weight Neck Finish Notes 250 ml 23g–25g PCO 1881 For compact, single-serve formats 500 ml 28g–30g PCO 1881 Most common size for on-the-go CSD 1 Litre 34g–38g PCO 1810 Requires stronger wall support 1.5 Litre 40g–45g PCO 1810 High internal pressure; durability critical 2 Litre 45g–48g PCO 1810 Ideal for family packs and multi-serves This chart provides a general guideline, but final specifications should be validated with actual bottle-blowing tests. Step-by-Step Process for Choosing the Right PET Preform Selecting the ideal PET preform for bottle manufacturing (especially for CSD applications) requires a detailed approach. Here’s a structured process to ensure long-term performance and efficiency: Step 1: Identify Your Beverage Specifications Step 2: Define Bottle Size and Geometry Step 3: Select Appropriate Preform Weight Choose a plastic bottle preform weight that meets structural and marketing requirements while remaining cost-effective. Always test multiple weights to find the balance between durability and material savings. Step 4: Choose Neck Finish and Closure System Ensure compatibility with your capper machine, tamper-evidence requirements, and CO₂ retention specifications. PCO 1881 is now widely preferred due to its lightweight yet strong design. Step 5: Validate Resin Quality Ensure the resin is: Step 6: Conduct Blowing and Filling Trials Use sample preforms to test blow moulding in actual production conditions. Evaluate for: Common Mistakes to Avoid Even experienced teams can make errors that affect bottle performance or increase costs. Watch out for these: Using Water Bottle Preforms for CSD Water bottle preforms are lighter and not designed to hold carbonation. This is a common cost-cutting mistake that leads to high scrap rates. Ignoring Preform Neck Precision CSD closures must seal tightly under pressure. Even small deviations in neck thread dimensions can lead to slow CO₂ leaks and compromised shelf life. Overweight Preforms Without Justification Heavier doesn’t always mean better. Every additional gram increases material cost and affects line efficiency. Always test alternatives. Inadequate Quality Checks Skipping moisture checks or temperature control in the injection process can lead to crystallinity issues, yellowing, or uneven blowing. Lack of Customisation Every bottle design and filling setup is different. Off-the-shelf preforms may not provide the best results without proper customisation. Final Thoughts Whether you’re launching a new CSD brand or optimising your current