A process for the manufacturing and filling of plastic containers, the process comprising the steps of: positioning a preform with relation to a mold assembly of two or more components, the preform generally being fabricated from a plastic and being provided with a longitudinal axis and presenting a stretchable portion and a non-stretchable portion; stretching the preform along its longitudinal axis; injecting a fluid into the interior volume of the preform, the fluid being under such pressure as to cause the preform to plastically deform until achieving the desired size and shape; and releasing the container from the mold assembly and sealing the container, and in which at least a portion of the stretchable portion of the perform is at a temperature below its vitreous transition temperature (Tg) and, preferably, at ambient temperatures.