Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a container having an integral handle, comprising the steps of: a) providing a preform (6) in a mold cavity (1); b) stretch-blow molding the preform (6) to form an intermediate container (8) which comprises at least one, preferably two, convex bubble(s) (9); c) deforming the or each convex bubble (9) by means of an inwardly moving plug (5) to form one or more concave gripping region(s), while maintaining the pressure within the intermediate container (8) above 1 bar and while the temperature of the material in the gripping region of the intermediate container is maintained at a temperature between the glass transition temperature, Tg, and the melt temperature, Tm; d) releasing excess pressure within the container, preferably prior to withdrawing the plug (5) from within the container; and e) ejecting the finished container from the mold cavity (1, 3).