Looking at sustainable solutions in light of the rising price of glass bottle production
Anyone who hasn’t yet picked up on the fact that everything is on the rise has probably been in hibernation for the past six months. As price indexes continually rise for every important commodity in line with supply chain demand, the price index for flat glass is certainly another victim of this phenomenon. However, the rise in glass prices isn’t a new event, having been rising over the past two years, culminating in an approximate 22 per cent increase by the summer of this year. Much of that increase certainly came in recent months and is set to increase considerably more into 2023.
It has been widely published across many industry sectors that use glass for many aspects including consumer products into glass bottles or flat glass for construction purposes, that next year is going to be tough for all, particularly smaller companies where the use of glass makes up a considerable cost per item off the production line. Glass Magazine’s industry blogger, Max Perilstein stated that the psyche of the glass buying industry is now very fragile, with back-to-back blows post covid and the current fuel crisis representing massive increases in glass prices for businesses ahead.
A typical market that relies on glass as its main substrate for packing is the drinks market. Distillers are being forced to increase their prices as the distribution of bottles is beginning to put a strain on gas prices, as recently published in MarketWatch. The manufacturing process requires considerable heating and energy usage, especially when the final product requires individual shape and thickness, demanding more energy and increased cost.
Significant and unsettling ripples of change
For those who use the glass bottle as a significant requirement in packaging their products, it will be a rocky road of price increases ahead. Indeed, it could mean a regular review of retail prices to counteract the unpopular and somewhat unpredictable changes in the market as we head into 2023. The ripples of change will go much deeper, with many producers, where possible, looking at other alternative materials or methods to package their products.
Being transparent and positive about change
One of the big changes in consumer habits has come from the move toward refillable packaging solutions. Our supermarket shelves are now full of pouches of all shapes and sizes that follow the refill trend and revolution. From sanitizing liquids to alcoholic drinks, the consumer is now well-versed in refilling their glass or rigid plastic bottles with the latest purchase of pouches containing their favourite washing detergent or brand of
alcoholic beverage. The pouch revolution is upon us, with health supplements, foodstuffs, pet food, detergents, sanitisers, beverages and cosmetics all making up a long list of brands that have made the jump to a more sustainable method of packaging.
Indeed, sustainability is important, but it can also be a cost-effective solution for the producers as well. With the latest wave of training the consumer to be and think in a more sustainable way, manufacturers are needing to explore not only new substrates for their packaging, but they are also contributing to a new way of thinking about packaging and how that is utilized in the future. Whether it is your favourite Gin brand or washing detergent, the brains behind these products are now under pressure to become more transparent about their corporate social and sustainable responsibilities, continually publishing their own commitment to reducing waste to pursue a more sustainable future.
But aren’t pouches made of plastic? That isn’t good, is it?
Of course, any plastic waste that ends up in landfill or in our beautiful blue oceans isn’t good at all. However, the change towards pouches isn’t about irresponsible disposal of plastic waste, it is about educating how across the life cycle (production, distribution, disposal) the plastic pouch offers superior sustainability all whilst providing a very cost-effective substrate to be disposed of responsibly. It is part of the steering towards change, encouraging recycling attitudes in the end user, and waste facilities to gear up to deal with such materials. In comparison to glass which takes up to a million years to biodegrade, plastic is a perfect reusable solution for products. With biodegradable pouches and our very own push towards 100% recyclable pouches for alcoholic liquids, the pouch revolution is well underway.
Testing ground for the future!
At present, we are working on the latest in pouch technology. Our new 100% recyclable pouches are already in product trialling, with many distillers looking to jump on board the recyclable refill revolution.
100% recyclable means that our spouted pouches are ready for household blue bag inclusion (check locally for applicability), rather than the typical multi-layer aluminium pouches that can only be broken down by a few specific, private and expensive waste disposal facilities that have the equipment to do so.
‘These new pouches are a real game-changer and the chance for many brands to join the recycle and refill revolution towards a more sustainable future.’
If you are interested in exploring pouches for your brand, get in touch by providing us with a specification using the form below and our team will get back to you with a quotation…
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