Mikado-type perfumes are trending in many homes thanks to their combination of Zen aesthetics and functionality. One of the most important parts of this product, both aesthetically and functionally, is the bottle stopper, as it is responsible for preserving the natural aromas in perfect condition and intensity until opened, and it also contributes to the presentation.
Types of Mikado Stoppers
There are several types of stoppers for reed diffusers, which can be classified according to the material they are made from, the sealing system, or the design concept.
Synthetic Stopper
The synthetic stopper is the most widely used for Mikado perfumes today due to its properties and a perfect balance between quality and price. It is made from plastic materials obtained through polymerization, which provide excellent airtightness and prevent leakage or degradation of the interior liquid.
Synthetic stoppers offer great versatility and can be manufactured in various colors and sizes, adapting to any reed diffuser bottle format. In addition, they can be easily customized with brands and prints.
Some of the most common materials used to make them are:
- Polypropylene (PP): a very versatile and economical thermoplastic. It has good chemical resistance.
- Polyethylene (PE): offers high ductility and impact resistance. It is a widely used material for stoppers due to its flexibility.
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): a blend of plastic and elastomer properties. Excellent flexibility and elastic recovery. High airtightness.
- TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber): synthetic rubber modified to be processable like plastic. Great elasticity.
Innovations in the manufacture of these plastic polymers allow the production of injection-molded stoppers with constant improvements in airtightness, durability, and compatibility with fragrances, as well as achieving better aesthetic finishes combined with other techniques.
Cork Stopper
Natural cork stoppers are also used in some reed diffusers. They have the advantage of being a sustainable and biodegradable material. However, they present some disadvantages compared to synthetic stoppers, such as lower airtightness and greater variations in quality from one unit to another.
Natural cork also has a higher risk of contamination and transferring unwanted odors to the fragrance. This is the main reason why its use is declining in favor of synthetic options.
Here are some disadvantages of cork compared to plastic:
- Porosity: Cork has a porous structure that makes it difficult to achieve an airtight seal.
- Variability: Each cork stopper is different, and there are irregularities. This affects the effectiveness of the seal.
- Contamination: Cork may contain microorganisms and transfer odors. Special treatments are required to avoid this.
- Costs: Cork production is subject to the availability of cork bark and its market price.
Even so, cork is still used in premium products and for its natural image. But it is being replaced by synthetic stoppers that can perfectly mimic its aesthetic finish.
Screw Stopper
Some reed diffuser bottles incorporate a plastic screw stopper. This design allows for a very secure seal, although it slightly worsens the user experience.
Screw stoppers are less popular because they don’t offer an aesthetic as well-suited to the product, but they still have their niche due to their low cost and safety.
Crown Stopper
This type of stopper typically has a cork or synthetic spike with a plastic, wood, or metal crown. They combine the advantages of the materials mentioned earlier with the ease of removing the stopper by pulling the crown. They are also quite popular for sealing some perfumes and air fresheners.
Monoblock Stopper
The synthetic Monoblock stopper is undoubtedly one of the best options for reed diffuser bottles. It has both a crown and a spike, but they form a single block, hence its name.
It’s worth exploring what advantages it offers to manufacturers of Mikado-type air fresheners.
Advantages of the Monoblock Stopper for Mikado Diffusers
Brands looking for the most convenient, aesthetic, and innovative option for their reed diffuser stoppers choose Monoblock stoppers for the benefits they offer.
Excellent Airtightness
The main advantage of the Monoblock stopper is that it securely seals the bottle, preventing any leakage of the liquid inside. This allows the fragrance properties to remain intact during storage and also prevents accidental openings due to falls or impacts.
This excellent airtightness is due to the pressure between the stopper and the bottle neck and the use of non-porous synthetic materials.
Good Usability
Monoblock stoppers are very easy to remove and replace, even for people with limited hand strength. Just pull the stopper upwards with minimal effort, often after removing a seal that ensures it has never been opened before.
Their simple and ergonomic design makes them highly accessible for all types of users.
This ease of opening and closing enhances the consumer experience. It’s one of the reasons for their success.
Variety of Sizes and Colors
Monoblock stoppers are manufactured in various sizes, adapting to any standard Mikado bottle. Since they are made by molding, large quantities can be produced in custom sizes.
Additionally, they are available in multiple colors, allowing them to be matched with the packaging design. They can also be made in metallic tones.
This versatility in sizes and colors allows the one-piece synthetic stopper to be used in any home fragrance product line, from the simplest to the most exclusive designs.
Customization
Synthetic stoppers can easily have logos or decorative designs printed on their surface. This customization enhances the brand image.
Some of the most commonly used customization techniques are hot stamping and screen printing.
High-Quality Synthetic Materials
The materials used to manufacture Monoblock synthetic stoppers offer high quality and durability.
These materials do not transmit unwanted odors or become contaminated with microorganisms. In addition, they are fully recyclable and do not release harmful substances.
Stoppers made from next-generation thermoplastic elastomers practically match the airtightness performance of screw stoppers while being easier to use.
Competitive Price
They are a very economical option for sealing Mikado bottles. Their injection molding production process reduces costs compared to other alternatives. In addition, synthetic materials are cheaper than options like natural cork.
Their competitive pricing makes this type of stopper accessible to both small and large companies. It is an ideal solution for entering the home fragrance market with minimal investment.
Reed Diffuser Stopper
In short, the synthetic Monoblock stopper is clearly taking over the Mikado and other home air freshener markets due to its numerous advantages.
Manufacturers increasingly trust this innovative stopper design, which has largely replaced traditional options like cork or screw stoppers.
