Batch Code / Lot Number
A manufacturing identification code printed on containers for quality traceability and recall management.
A batch code (also called a lot number or lot code) is an alphanumeric identifier assigned to a specific production run of containers. The batch code is typically molded into the bottom of the pail or printed on a label, and it encodes critical manufacturing data: the production date, the manufacturing plant, the resin lot used, and sometimes the specific mold cavity. Batch codes enable full traceability from raw resin to finished product, which is critical for quality control, FDA compliance (21 CFR Part 117), and recall management. In pharmaceutical and food processing applications, batch codes are legally required and must be retained for the shelf life of the product plus one year. A typical HDPE pail batch code format might look like: "26-043-A2-M7" where 26 = year (2026), 043 = Julian date (February 12), A2 = plant and line identifier, and M7 = mold cavity number. Understanding this format allows quality teams to trace any container back to the exact production conditions. Batch code tracking is especially important for UN-certified dangerous goods containers, where each production lot must pass testing requirements before the batch can be released for hazmat use.