Mould Cost and Ownership for Custom PP Containers
Cost by type
| Mould type | Cavities | Cost (USD) | Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple round container | 1–2 | 3,000–5,000 | fast |
| Rectangular, ribbed base | 2–4 | 5,000–8,000 | medium |
| Multi-compartment | 2–4 | 6,000–10,000 | slower |
| IML with label plate | 2–4 | 8,000–14,000 | slow |
| Thin-wall high-cavity | 8–16 | 20,000+ | very fast |
Ownership: the clause that matters
Write this into the purchase contract:
The mould described in Annex A is the property of the Buyer. The Supplier holds it as bailee for production of the Buyer's orders only, may not use it for any other customer, and will return or transfer it to a manufacturer nominated by the Buyer on request, at the Buyer's cost.
Without this, the mould is a sunk cost you cannot recover. In practice, a supplier who refuses this clause is telling you something about how the relationship will go.
Maintenance and life
| Mould material | Shots before refurbishment |
|---|---|
| P20 steel | 300,000–500,000 |
| S136 / 718H | 500,000–1,000,000 |
| Hardened H13 | 1,000,000+ |
At 50,000 pcs per order, a P20 mould lasts 6–10 orders before it needs work. Ask who pays for refurbishment.
FAQ
Can the mould cost be waived? Sometimes, amortised into unit price over a committed volume — but then you do not own it.
How long does a mould change take? 2–8 hours depending on machine and mould size.
Next step
Send the container drawing or a sample of the closest shape. We will confirm whether a new mould is genuinely needed or an existing one can be adapted.
Related reading
- 3-Compartment PP Lunch Box: PF-3C900 Specifications
- 3-Compartment vs 4-Compartment Meal Prep Container
- How to Import PP Food Containers from China: A Step-by-Step Guide for Distributors
Models covered on this site: 750 ml PF-SQ750 · 1000 ml PF-RW1000 · 1000 ml PF-SQ1000S · see all models in this category.
Looking for a PP food container manufacturer?
We manufacture PP lunch boxes, bowls, compartment containers and sauce cups in Guangdong, China with OEM and IML printing service. Get a quote today.
Get Free Quote → Browse Products