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Can the plastic pump head be reused?

Industry News-

Whether plastic pump heads can be reused mainly depends on the following factors:

Factor Key Considerations for Reusability
Structural Integrity & Function Requires undamaged internal components (springs, pistons, seals). Must reassemble correctly post-cleaning. Discard if leaking, sticking, or dispensing inconsistently.
Cleaning Feasibility Complete removal of prior contents is mandatory. Residual product can contaminate new contents or cause clogs.  Full disassembly is often needed for effective cleaning and drying.
Content Compatibility Safest only for identical/similar replacements (e.g., same product refill). High risk when switching products:   – Chemical incompatibility may degrade plastic/seals.   – Viscosity mismatch affects dispensing performance.   – Never reuse for food, medicine, or skin products if used differently.
Safety & Hygiene Critical for direct-contact items (food, drugs, cosmetics):   – Reuse risks chemical contamination or microbial growth.   – Never repurpose pumps across these categories. Hazardous chemicals pose reaction/corrosion risks if residues mix.
Material Degradation Plastic/seals naturally deteriorate with use cycles. Repeated stress causes fatigue, reducing seal effectiveness. Old pumps may fail even if visibly intact.

Summary Recommendations:

Scenario Advisability Notes
Reuse with identical product refill ️ Conditionally acceptable Only if fully intact, impeccably cleaned, dried, and reassembled.
Reuse with different product type Not acceptable High contamination/degradation risk; strongly discouraged.
For food/drug/cosmetic applications Never reuse Use new pumps exclusively; critical safety precaution.
If any doubt about condition/safety Discard Prioritize safety; replacement pumps are low-cost and low-risk.