Minimum Order Quantity for Plastic Packaging — MOQ Explained
The minimumorderquantity (MOQ) is a key consideration for any business looking to purchaseplastic packagingfrom a manufacturer. AtLABOPICHOT, the standard MOQ is 5,000 unitsper product code, a threshold that reflects the practical realities of plastic production via injection moulding and blow moulding.
This guide explains why this minimum order quantity exists, how to make the most of it, what options are available for small runs, and how the ordering process works at LABOPICHOT.
Why is the minimum order quantity 5,000 units?
The MOQ of 5,000 units is not arbitrary. It reflects the actual technical and economic constraints of industrial plastics manufacturing:
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Machine settings
Each reference change requires tooling assembly, parameter adjustment (temperature, pressure, cycle) and material purging: 2 to 4 hours of non-productive setup time.
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Quality control
The first batch of parts is systematically inspected (for dimensions, weight and appearance), and any non-conforming items are rejected. This initial inspection represents a fixed cost that is independent of the quantity produced.
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Raw materials
Plastic pellets are purchased and mixed (colourants, additives) in batches. If a batch is too small, this leads to higher material costs and a risk of colour variation.
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Logistique
Palletising, wrapping, packaging, issuing compliance documents and dispatch represent a fixed cost per order, which is spread across the volume.
Ordering process — 5 steps
1
Demande de devis
Please provide the following details: product code, material, colour, cap, quantity and delivery address.
2
Commercial offer
Receive your quote within 48 hours with unit price, setup fees and delivery terms.
3
Validation & acompte
Signing the order form and paying the deposit (usually 30–50%).
4
Production
Production launch: 3 weeks for catalogue references, 8-12 weeks for custom orders.
5
Quality control & dispatch
Quality control, document preparation (batch sheet, declaration of conformity) and dispatch.
Prototypes and small batches
Before placing a bulk order, LABOPICHOT offers a3D printing prototyping service to help you validate the design, dimensions and compatibility with your filling line.
Quelle est la commande minimum (MOQ) chez LABOPICHOT ?
Our standard MOQ is 5,000 units per product code. This threshold represents the minimum quantity required to recoup fixed production costs: machine set-up and cleaning, quality checks at the start of production, raw materials purchased in bulk, packaging and dispatch. For custom shapes requiring the creation of new tooling (moulds), the MOQ may range from 10,000 to 25,000 pieces depending on complexity.
Can we order fewer than 5,000 items?
In exceptional cases, orders below the MOQ may be considered for repeat customers or market testing, subject to a price surcharge (setup fees). For new projects, we recommend ordering samples or prototypes (1 to 50 units per 3D print) prior to placing a production order. Please contact our sales team to discuss your specific requirements.
Does the MOQ apply per colour or per product code?
The MOQ of 5,000 units applies per product reference. A product reference is defined by the combination of shape, material, colour and cap. An order for 5,000 white bottles and 5,000 black bottles of the same model therefore constitutes two separate product references, each subject to the MOQ. However, different capacities of the same bottle (50 ml and 100 ml using the same mould) can sometimes be combined — subject to confirmation with our technical team.
Are there volume discounts?
Yes, our prices are tiered based on quantity. The unit price decreases significantly at the 5,000-unit (MOQ), 10,000, 25,000, 50,000 and 100,000+ unit thresholds. For large volumes (>100,000 units per year), annual framework agreements with split deliveries are available. These agreements allow you to benefit from bulk pricing whilst smoothing cash flow and storage requirements.
Can I order several different items to meet the overall minimum order quantity?
No — the MOQ applies to each individual product code, not cumulatively. An order for 2,500 bottles of Model A plus 2,500 bottles of Model B does not meet the MOQ for either product code. Each product code is produced separately on its own machine with its own settings. This rule applies to all plastic manufacturers and reflects the industrial reality of injection or blow moulding production.
What is the delivery time for a standard order?
For our catalogue items (existing tooling), the standard lead time is three weeks from confirmation of the purchase order and receipt of the deposit. For bespoke moulds requiring the manufacture of new tooling, please allow eight to twelve weeks (design + mould manufacture + mass production + quality control). Lead times can be reduced for customers with a framework agreement and buffer stock.
LABOPICHOT manufactures your plastic packaging in France for orders of 5,000 units or more. Free quote within 48 hours, delivery within 3 weeks, ISO 50001 certified.