Packaging & Shipping
Secure Packaging for African Cosmetic Lipid Oils
At Afrika Botanicals, we understand that packaging is essential to maintaining product quality and ensuring our cosmetic lipid oils reach customers safely, whether delivered within South Africa or exported internationally.
We use high-quality, durable and recyclable plastic containers selected for their suitability for cosmetic oils, resistance to handling during transport and practical performance in commercial supply chains.
Our packaging options range from individual 1-litre containers to 200 kg bulk drums, accommodating small orders, formulation requirements and large-scale manufacturing.
Our Packaging Options
The following dimensions and weights help customers and freight forwarders prepare shipping quotations and plan logistics.
| Packaging configuration | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Approx. packed mass |
| 1 × 1 litre | 10 × 10 × 25 cm | 1.3 kg |
| 2 × 1 litre | 19 × 10 × 25 cm | 2.5 kg |
| 4 × 1 litre | 19 × 19 × 25 cm | 5.5 kg |
| 1 × 5 litres | 20 × 15 × 32 cm | 11 kg |
| 23 kg plastic container | 30 × 27 × 46 cm | 24.5 kg |
| 200 kg drum | 58 × 58 × 95 cm | 210 kg |
Dimensions are in centimetres. Packed masses are indicative and may vary according to the product, container and protective packaging.
Packaging Materials & Protection
High-Quality Recyclable Containers
Our liquid oils are packed in robust, high-quality plastic containers, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) packaging where applicable.
HDPE is widely used for cosmetic and industrial ingredient packaging because of its durability, resistance to impact and compatibility with many vegetable oils.
Our containers are:
- Selected for safe storage and transport of cosmetic lipid oils.
- Manufactured from durable, recyclable plastic materials.
- Designed to withstand normal handling during domestic and international distribution.
- Securely closed to minimise the risk of leakage and contamination.
Recyclability depends on local collection and recycling facilities.
Double-Walled Cardboard Protection
Smaller orders, including configurations of up to 2 × 5 litres, are packed in double-walled corrugated cardboard cartons.
These cartons provide additional protection during courier handling, helping to reduce the risk of damage to containers and their contents.
We use protective packing materials where appropriate to minimise movement within the carton.
Bulk Packaging
For larger commercial orders, we offer approximately 23 kg plastic containers and 200 kg drums.
These formats suit cosmetic manufacturers, ingredient distributors, and customers requiring regular bulk supply.
For larger shipments, we can arrange palletisation and additional protective packaging to meet freight requirements.
Understanding Litres, Kilograms & Container Capacity
Vegetable oils are commonly ordered in litres for smaller quantities and kilograms for bulk commercial supply.
However, one litre of oil does not necessarily weigh one kilogram.
The relationship between volume and weight depends on the oil’s density. Most cosmetic vegetable oils have a density below that of water, meaning that one litre generally weighs less than one kilogram.
There is also an important distinction between a container’s nominal capacity and its actual internal capacity.
For example, a container described as a 5-litre container may physically hold more than five litres. This additional capacity does not mean that the commercial quantity supplied is automatically greater than five litres.
Consequently, container capacity, oil volume and net oil weight should not be treated as interchangeable measurements.
For commercial orders, Afrika Botanicals confirms the quantity supplied according to the agreed unit of sale, whether litres or kilograms.
Customers requiring precise conversions should refer to the density of the relevant oil, as recorded in its technical documentation where available.
Developing Our Packaging Range
We continually review our packaging options to improve convenience, transport efficiency and flexibility for commercial customers.
In particular, we are investigating introducing 10-litre containers as an intermediate option between our existing 5-litre and larger bulk formats.
This may offer a practical alternative for customers who require more than small retail quantities but do not yet need bulk containers.
International Shipping & Logistics
Our packaging configurations are designed to accommodate domestic courier deliveries and international air and sea freight.
We can provide packaging dimensions, approximate gross weights and relevant product documentation to assist customers and their freight agents with shipping arrangements.
Actual shipping charges depend on destination, shipment configuration, chargeable weight, transport method and applicable carrier requirements.
For international orders, we can assist with suitable packaging arrangements and export documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your plastic containers recyclable?
Yes. We use recyclable plastic packaging, including HDPE where applicable. Actual recycling options depend on local facilities.
Are smaller orders packed in cardboard boxes?
Yes. Smaller orders up to 2 × 5 litres are packed in double-walled corrugated cardboard cartons for additional protection during transport.
Why does a 5-litre container hold more than five litres?
The stated size is the nominal capacity. The container may have additional internal capacity, which should not be confused with the quantity of oil purchased.
Is one litre of oil equal to one kilogram?
No. Vegetable oils generally have a lower density than water. The exact relationship between litres and kilograms depends on the particular oil.
Are your shipping weights exact?
The listed weights are indicative gross packed weights for logistics planning. Actual weights may vary depending on the oil and packaging configuration.
Do you offer 10-litre containers?
Not currently as a standard packaging option. We are investigating their introduction.
Can you arrange packaging for bulk exports?
Yes. We can prepare bulk shipments using suitable containers, drums, and palletised configurations based on shipment requirements.
Can I use your packaging dimensions to obtain my own freight quotation?
Yes. You can share the dimensions and approximate packed weights provided above with freight forwarders. We will confirm final shipping details before dispatch.
Request a Packaging or Shipping Quotation
Please contact Afrika Botanicals with your required oil, quantity, preferred packaging configuration and delivery destination.
We will help you identify a practical packaging and shipping solution for your order.