Global Package’s Wild Glass Answers Sustainability and Landfill Issues

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Study after study has proved that consumers prefer glass over other packaging materials for several reasons: Because it is aesthetically pleasing, is virtually inert and doesn’t interact with the food or beverage it holds, and because it is recyclable.

Global Package has a long tradition of promoting glass in the wine and spirits industries for these very reasons. Our latest collection of Wild Glass, produced by Estal Packaging, is 100% sustainable “real cycled” and boasts a production process that is both efficient and ecologically sustainable. It utilizes only post-consumer recycled glass collected from municipalities and its production method uses lowerfuel consumption, resulting in a reduction of CO2 as well as less extraction of virgin material.

Importantly, glass addresses the sustainability issue that today’s consumers are demanding. According to a 2019 article in Chemical & Engineering News:

“Glass can be recycled endlessly by crushing, blending, and melting it together with sand and other starting materials. Doing so benefits manufacturers, the environment, and consumers. Yet each year only one-third of the roughly 10 million metric tons of glass that Americans throw away is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills. In contrast, some European countries recycle more that 90% of their glass. US glass trade groups (such as Owens-Illinois) are working to boost these numbers.”  

In addition, a recent report by Owens-Illinois reveals that waste management companies in North America and around the world are running out of landfill space, a growing problem now that China is no longer accepting our trash. In a recent article in American Recycler entitled “Landfill Space Continues to Decline” author Maura Keller reports that “the future of landfills looks bleak” and estimates that we have less than two decades before landfills in the US reach capacity, with single-use plastics in the form of beverage containers, take out containers, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles and similar items contributing the lion’s share.

As landfills grow in short supply, glass packaging becomes an increasingly vital component to reaching America’s aggressive sustainable goals. Here’s more from American Recycler:

“Haulers and others will be disincentivized to put obvious recyclables like glass in landfills, and we’ll see a broader harmonizing of our waste management and recycling policies to further disincentivize putting recyclables in landfills …At the same time, glass-only curbside collection and/or alternate collection systems will become the predominant collection method boosting glass collection in the U.S. to 50 percent by 2030.”

In other words, waste management companies will increasingly force consumers to recycle their glass containers, not toss them into landfill collection bins, so the sustainable value of glass grows exponentially. Global Package’s line of Wild Glass is the most sustainable glass on the market. Additionally, each of thesebottles is truly unique since the production process allows for slight imperfections in the natural formation of the glass to remain, making each bottle an aesthetic one-of-a-kind work of art. As important, the manufacturing process retains all the benefits of automation. Tests run by Estal, our glass partners in Europe, have shown a significant reduction in the discard rate since the process doesn’t discard bottles with these slight cosmetic imperfections. It’s a win-win …100% sustainability and gorgeous quality design.

As Global Package continues to work with leaders in the glass industry to find solutions to the landfill and recycling concerns, we are proud to offer the full line of Wild Glass, which is now inventoried here in California. Global Package (www.globalpackage.net) is located at 2793 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa, CA 94558 and can be reached at 707-224-5670.

Globalization Affects Us All by Erica Harrop, CEO Global Package

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Next week we will be exhibiting in Booth #941 at this year’s Unified Show, January 25-27 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento. But as we prepare for the show, I’d like to share some thoughts.

It’s clear that supply chain challenges are still with us, casting a renewed spotlight on globalization and its impact on each one of us in the wine and spirits industry. It’s a big topic that most in the industry have spent little time thinking about, at least prior to the pandemic. But the realities of globalization have been Global Package’s continual focus since our founding, pushing us to continuously find the best partners with the best packaging and logistics solutions to advance our industry segments with enhanced creativity and innovation.

I recently reviewed a December 7, 2015 article in the Advertising Age Journal entitled “How to Manage Marketing When ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’ Isn’t Enough.” In the article the author discusses global business marketing and defines globalization as “coherence, reliability, and certainty, while addressing universal truths.” This prompted me to reflect on how worldwide sourcing has changed our prior perceptions and understandings.

All of us at Global Package believe that finding good partners and developing relationships is what globalization is all about; it is the crux of the concept. Whether your business is working with a supplier around the corner or across the seas, having that ‘coherence, reliability, and certainty’ is essential to a successful relationship.

Unfortunately, over the past two years the pandemic has strained many supplier-partner relationships. However, Global Package’s solid relationships with domestic and overseas partners have enabled us to keep our focus on reliability and creativity at the same time. While supply chain challenges continue, we are always receiving excellent up-to-date information from our partners here and abroad, enabling us to expeditiously fulfill our clients’ expectations and orders.

So we invite you to visit our Booth #941 at Unified. On display, you’ll find an impressive array of lightweight and beautifully shaped specialty bottles, as well as our sustainable Wild Glass™ bottles and our anti-drip Sommelier Mouth (SM) line.

Our entire sales staff, on both East and West coasts, will be on hand to help and to answer any questions you may have.

Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

Good News About Bad Actors by Erica Harrop, CEO Global Package

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After reading a recent piece in the trade newsletter, www.retailleader.com , I was encouraged to learn that the DOJ’s Antitrust Division and the FBI have launched an initiative to “deter, detect, and prosecute those who would exploit the supply chain disruptions.” This has led to the “formation of a working group with global partners, including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Canadian Competition Bureau, the New Zealand Commerce Commission and the United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authority.”

It’s appalling that there are companies and individuals who are taking advantage of the supply chain situation created post-Covid, and are lining their own pockets by fixing prices and overcharging customers. But it is good news that the government will track down and prosecute these bad actors. However, we are still bedeviled by stalled ships and late shipments, ratcheting up a future of higher prices for everything.

A recent review of my daily shipping logs confirms this. Particularly interesting in a recent log is the Drifting vs Anchor vs Arrived ships. Dates for ETAs are surreal as they are past due, and delays are 30 to 45 days beyond scheduled arrival date. The Drifting category is why none of us know what to expect. Unfortunately, I believe these Issues are likely to last a long while, probably up to the end of the year.

International experts expect similar long-lasting supply chain bottlenecks. While the German publication Wein.plus Wine Magazine recently assessed the 2022 outlook for the international wine industry as positive, they said it with this important caveat: “…cost increases and supply chain disruptions are perceived as a threat.” ((https://magazine.wein.plus/news/). Now, of course, we have the Russia-Ukraine conflict added to the threats.

On another front, industry analysts say that climate change and stricter environmental regulations are concerning producers even more than trade issues, believing they will have a much longer and more profound impact on the health of the industry.
So what to do? Since the beginning of the pandemic—even long before—we at Global Package initiated and solidified partnerships, both domestic and international, to ensure our manufacturers and suppliers are allied in a supportive, strong, sustainable, and close-knit network of resources for us.

A primary example of these strong relationships is Estal, a glass customization specialist, with which we have worked for years and which has consistently led with innovative designs and production practices. Pre-pandemic, Estal introduced its beautiful and ecological Wild Glass™ line of bottles to an enthusiastic US and international market. These bottles are 100% sustainable “real cycled” glass bottles that are one-of-a-kind, since slight imperfections in the natural formation of the glass are allowed to remain, while retaining all the manufacturing positives of automated glass, much like organic handmade art. Estal’s process also doesn’t discard bottles with cosmetic defects, which reduces the discard rate from 25% to 15%.

Global Package also offers Estal’s Sommelier Mouth (SM) bottles, which feature an anti-drip barrier and groove guides to facilitate a clean, straight cut of the capsule. The line includes the Essentia Burgundy, Bordeaux, and fluted Espiga bottles. All are available in Flint, Wild Glass, and Antique options.

And further addressing environmental concerns, Global Package has in stock the full line of Elegant Light™ bottles, lighter weight bottles that result in more economical and ecological shipping, and which come in the full range of classical shapes and colors.
Yes, these are trying times. But working with a trusted and competent supplier will help relieve the stress of uncertainty. We invite you to learn more about all that Global Package has to offer.

Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

Hats Off to NapaGreen for its Recent Sustainability Conference by Erica Harrop

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I was a guest speaker at NapaGreen’s Conference last week, presenting at the workshop “All Things Bottle Sustainability.” The conference featured several workshops on sustainability, with the last in the series this upcoming Friday, April 29th on “All Things Soil Sustainability.” I was proud to participate in the series and to support this important organization (www.napagreen.org), which focuses on building a more sustainable wine industry.

As I’ve written about before, our industry’s continued success will depend on our ability to combat climate change by reducing our impact on the environment, including developing and utilizing better farming, production and, yes, packaging practices. My workshop focused on achievable ways we can manufacture and package wine bottles while reducing our carbon footprint and, at the same time, continuing to innovate quality and design.

My company, Global Package LLC, has a long history of working with glass manufacturing partners around the world who have led efforts in sustainability. Therefore, my presentation focused on several ecological factors that impact the glass wine bottle. Glass weight, of course, is a top consideration when it comes to shipping, storing, and displaying wine bottles. I offered the example of our Elegant Light™ bottles, which are made with less glass and, thus, are lighter weight, resulting in considerable savings in transportation costs. In fact they are up to 20% less expensive to ship than standard bottles.

In addition, we’ve found that it’s 10 times more efficient to transport product via water than by overland trucking and 17 times more efficient than by airfreight.

Also, recent developments in the effort to decrease greenhouse gas emissions have led the Europeans and Chinese to tighten environmental controls, passing laws over the past several years to reduce sulfur in fuel. In total, according to a recent LCA- Life Cycle Assessment, there is small energy impact from the transport of glass packaging.

On the manufacturing front, it takes 1.8 tons of raw material to produce one ton of glass. Cullet, which is recycled glass, can be added in varying amounts to decrease these raw materials. Recycled cullet is critical to reduce raw material use, pollutants, and even transportation costs.

Several years ago Global Package introduced to the US market Wild Glass™, an innovative line of bottles from Spain’s Estal. These bottles are not only works of art, they are comprised of almost 100% cullet recycled glass, thus making them the most sustainable bottles on the market.

Every Wild Glass™ bottle is unique, since the manufacturing process allows bubbles, orange peel, coloring line imperfections and color variations to remain. The resulting aesthetic is an organic design similar to hand blown glass, but with all the efficiencies of automatic glass production. Because these cosmetic imperfections are not only acceptable, but also desirable, fewer bottles are rejected, reducing from 25% to 15% the discard rate at the factory.

The sustainability factor is also impressive because 100% of Wild Glass™ is made from PCR (Post Consumer Recycling) material, which comes from recycling centers. Therefore, its fusion of recycled glass production uses less energy. The PCR content means less extraction of virgin raw materials in production.

All of us at Global Package are grateful to Napa Green’s leadership in promoting and developing sustainable practices in our industry. We’d like to help promote their upcoming “Napa THRIVES” six-event series June 7 – 23. Here’s a link to the series: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/june-7-23-napa-thrives-six-event-series-tickets-289015863227

           Let’s all continue to support this essential organization!

Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

In Their Own Words: Part One by Erica Harrop

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I’ve recently been receiving some wonderful feedback from designers with whom I’ve worked over many years, so I thought I’d share a few. Here’s one from Tony Auston, founder and creative director of Auston Design Group in Oakland, CA. Auston has designed labels and packaging for some of the region’s leading wine and spirits brands, including Dry Creek Vineyard, Gnarly Head, and Bogle Vineyards, among others.  He has worked with me for over 25 years and it has always been a pleasure to work with him.  He is exceptional at creative design and respects the input of the bottle maker, which is crucial to get a project moving forward and across the finish line. Here’s Tony in his own words:

  “Erica and I met in the early 1990s while I was working on the brand development and package design program for the former Carneros Alambic Distillery. She was t

he Brandy Maker at that time. Soon after that she made the decision to quit the production side and move to the supply side of the wine and spirits industry, starting in sales at Saver Glass. Many years later she founded Global Package.

            Erica and her team have been a valuable resource to me. As a designer, I have to consider all options available to me, so I rarely work with just one glass suppl

ier. While I sometimes may not use her glass that doesn’t mean we aren’t working together on a project. Her vast knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry is of great value to our process.

            We have spent the last few years working together to develop our proprietary custom bottle design for a new high-end vodka brand. Throughout the project, there were plenty of hurtles to clear in the engineering and production process. Erica and her team’s ability to guide us through those challenges was essential to getting a final package design that we and the client are very proud of.”

At Global Package we love working with designers who are creatively inspired, yet clear-eyed about production practicalities, and Tony is a perfect example. He is an exceptional designer and at the same time understands technical production aspects. During our most recent project together—a spirits bottle— we incorporated many elements of decoration and shape to achieve a stunningly unique package, which we’ll be able to feature when the brand launches at the end of the year!

Other similarly creative projects for the wine industry have employed many of the new glass developments Global Package has brought to the US, such as Estal’s Wild Glass ™, and the innovative Sommelier™ ring style bottle. The new Limerick Lane custom bottle is just one recent example of the sommelier ring.  We are proud of our work with outstanding designers like Tony Auston and enjoy the collaboration which brings real innovation to the wine and spirits industries!

Find part two here.

Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Their Own Words: Part Two by Erica Harrop

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As I wrote in our last WIN newsletter entry, we’ve received many wonderfully affirming comments from designers with whom I, and my team at Global Package, have worked over the years. This time I’d like to feature Tina Carpenter, founder and principal of Carpenter Creative. Here are some of Tina’s thoughts, in her own words:

“I met Erica when I moved with my husband, who is a winemaker, from Chicago, Illinois to Napa over 20 years ago. She was working with Saver Glass at the time and I had just started with Colonna Farrell Design. While I was mostly responsible for timelines and logistics, I watched her unrelenting attention to detail at every step of the process.

“Since starting my own design studio, Carpenter Creative, in 2002, Erica and I have worked together on a dozen or so projects. One project, which is still underway, has been one of the most complex I’ve ever worked on, with elaborate decoration embellishments, as well as a custom glass mold.

“The client wanted to reimagine an old bottle he had discovered, so we worked with him to create a shape that echoed the old bottle, yet was emblazoned with his own brand identity. He also wanted to create a sense of discovery for his buyers, so we designed several nuanced treatments of a custom drip bead and a raised logo crest in the proprietary glass mold.

“Erica and her team always bring uncommon knowledge and indispensible resources to every project. Even for complex projects involving many types of embellishment and variations, she patiently and expertly helps to bring the final vision to fruition. I am indebted to her and her team.”

It’s such a pleasure to work with a designer like Tina! She epitomizes the unique blend of creativity and practicality that distinguishes the best in her field. And I am especially indebted to my suppliers who are so innovative and work with great care to accomplish the feats the designers envision. After Tina and the Global Package team submitted drawings of prospective bottle shapes, these wonderful suppliers provided physical samples for us to show the client. Now in the final stages of production, we all look forward to launching this exciting new brand into the marketplace. So stay tuned, there is more to come.

Find part one here.

Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

International Shipping Chaos Drives Bottle Supply into Tailspin

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Napa, CA  March 2, 2021 – Recent news about market uncertainties and European shipping and port chaos is a real issue for glass suppliers, many of whom are scrambling for product. Not Global Package LLC. Having planned well in advance, Global Package has fully stocked warehouses and is well prepared to fill orders.

“These shipping concerns have been simmering since November and now are impacting supplies around the world,” says Harrop. “But we have worked hard over the past pandemic year to bring classic and innovative European bottles and ecologically featured Chinese bottles into our warehouses to be prepared for this year’s bottling season.”

According to European industry reports, blank sailings, delays in departures, shortages of equipment, and lack of room on vessels are exacerbating timely deliveries. Even the more stable markets like North and South America have been affected, sources report.

“While glass from abroad may be more difficult to acquire going forward, we always plan ahead to procureenough product to meet upcoming seasonal needs,” Harrop assures. “Given our 35-year history and all the procurement channels we have established and are available to us, our warehouses are fully stocked with a broad range of bottles in every shape and color.”

Included in the stock offerings are Estal’s beautiful 100% recycled Wild Glass, the revolutionary Sommelier Mouth, and the podium-designed DobleAlto ®

bottles, as well as the new line of bottles specifically designed for Vinolok’s 100% recyclable and sustainably produced glass closure.  Harrop stresses:  “Our trained staff is standing ready to help you select the right bottle for your brand and budget. Call today!”

Packaging That Makes a Difference

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Erica Harrop, Founder and CEO of Global Packaging LLC, recently learned that client, Adam Lee of Clarice Winery, received kudus not just for his high-scoring Pinots, but also for the wine’s bottles and labels. According to Good Vitis editor, Aaron Menenberg:

“The bottles and labels themselves received serious design consideration and effort as well. The labels are beautifully designed and executed, and are true pieces of art. And the bottles bear a Chateauneuf de Pape -inspired custom cartouche. Both myself and my wife thoroughly enjoyed the ascetics of the Clarice Wine Company labels and bottles.”

Global Packaging started working with Lee—familiarly known as the “Prince of Pinots”—last year before debuting his three new Pinots. Lee wanted packaging  that reflected the history of the wine’s namesake, his beloved grandmother, Clarice, as well as the winery’s close affinity with France’s famed Chateauneuf de Pape wines. He shared this:

“I knew generally the height and weight I wanted, so I contacted Erica, who presented several options and suggestions, including an etched cartouche to the bottle for added distinction. I initially thought the pricing and quantities required for a custom designed bottle would be prohibitive, but it turned out that the quantities required were quite reasonable and the pricing was really fair. It cost a bit more than a stock bottle, but given the bang for the buck, it was quite reasonable. With Erica’s help the finished product is both classy and classic. I was also pleased with how smoothly and quickly the whole process was.”

Lee’s choice of a screw cap for the wines was also unusual: “Some have been surprised by my choice of a screw cap on the package …it was not to save money. My many years in the industry as a Pinotphile have convinced me that screw tops are the best closure; they allow the right amount of oxygen in without TCA contamination.”

Wine writer Jeb Dunnuck scored all of Clarice’s 2018 Pinot Noirs with high marks: Garys’ Vineyard Pinot (97-94 Points); Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot (97 Points); and Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot (94 Points).

“It’s so gratifying to see Adam’s Pinots take off,” says Harrop. “He has a wonderful aesthetic and an inspired commitment to educating his community of members about every facet of winemaking and wines around the world.

Check out the Clarice website: www.claricewinecompany.com and become a member.”

Dozens of container ships have been waiting to unload their goods in American ports

Staying Ahead of Supply Chain Disruptions

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Story originally published on Wine Industry Advisor by Dawn Dolan

Issues with the broken, or at best, limping along chain of supply have been a reality of life for wineries during the pandemic. It appears that trend is set to continue over the next year or two. The issue is not specific to one particular item, but cuts across the gamut of wine industry products, from wine glass, to tanks, barrels and amphorae. Delays are caused by issues in Europe, Asia, and here at home with our own port back-ups and transportation issues plaguing the USA as well.

Erica Harrop, President of Global Package, LLC, says it is, “Currently impossible to anticipate how long it will take [items ordered] to arrive.” She says it is a compound problem, with a lot of moving parts. “Shipping lines moved from China to Europe due to high tariffs, and during the pandemic, but now ports on the west coast, in particular Port of Oakland, are so backed up, European container ships don’t want to come here.” According to the Port of Oakland website, only 16% of overall cargo they handle is coming from Europe.

Daniel Moore, of Wine IQ, says the backup can go even further back. “We are waiting on raw materials,” he states. “There are rail strikes, shipping space issues; everything is so backed up. I don’t think anyone has ever seen the supply chain in such disarray.”

Given the energy issues created by the war in Eastern Europe, glass factories across Europe are working much more slowly, as energy is limited. “Freight may then sit waiting at a port or railyard for up to twelve weeks due to administrative issues,” says Harrop. “There is too much disorganization at the ports, too many containers, and not enough labor,” she stresses. The best advice she offers to wineries is to order wine glass at least six months ahead.

Dozens of container ships have been waiting to unload their goods in American ports

Dozens of container ships have been waiting to unload their goods in American ports / Alexander Kliem / Pixabay

Moore is in agreement. “A lot of the winery mentality is behind the mark, and they haven’t adapted to the new normal,” he notes gently. “Before, when something went wrong, there was always another option. Now that’s not true.”

Moore’s website for Wine IQ offers an “order by” counter, so clients know when to order tanks, barrels and amphorae, which all come from Europe. “Basically, now they [wineries] need to order in the first quarter for Fall delivery,” says Moore, for any of those storage-related items.

Additionally, according to Moore, there is no projecting how high freight costs will go. “What used to be a $4,000 container, went up to $14,000 a container.” Moore is a consulting winemaker and says empathetically, “I’ve been a winemaker on the other side of this, waiting for product. It’s frustrating.”

Sadly, notes Harrop, “We have no idea what the freight is going to cost us until we get the bill.” She knows that wineries wanting to order glass ahead are not able to plan for the cost per bottle, as there is no such thing as “locking in” shipping rates at this point. Freight is such a moving target, subject to many pressures, and there is just no guarantee.

However, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel, if it is a bit far away and dim right now. “Costs are starting to stabilize. 2023 should be better than 2022, and 2024 should be much better,” observes Harrop optimistically.

Harrop notes that in this climate of delays, planning ahead is key to successfully receiving your wine glass or whatever your order is, in a timely fashion. “People will have to be flexible and understanding,” she says. “Please be kind to your supplier!”

Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

 

 

The Impact of the New U.S. Tariffs on the Glass Industry

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In recent months, the United States government’s changes to their international trade policy imposed new tariffs on imported goods. At 12:01 AM on March 4, 2025, a new 25% tariff was imposed on nearly all goods imported from Mexico and Canada. Additionally, a 20% increase was applied to the existing 25% tariff on Chinese imports, bringing the total tariff on Chinese goods to 45%. 

This is an evolving landscape. For both the glass industry and its customers, the introduction of these tariffs raises important questions regarding pricing, supply chains and the broader implications for global trade. While some of the ramifications seem complex, understanding how the new tariffs will operate is essential to navigating the evolving trade landscape.

An Evolving Landscape: The Current Chaos of Changing Tariffs

As of 12:01am, March 7, 2025, the Trump Administration delayed the 25% tariffs on some imports from Canada and Mexico. Goods that are compliant with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be exempt from the tariffs imposed on March 4. This agreement was negotiated by the three countries during President Trump’s first term. The exemption will expire on April 2, 2025. 

This update reflects a volatile trade environment. Unfortunately, the relief from the tariffs is only temporary. They are delayed, not eliminated. Importantly, these delays are not retroactive, meaning goods imported during the brief window that the tariffs were in effect, March 4, 2025, to March 6, 2025, will remain subject to tariffs upon arrival. 

Further, on March 8, 2025, a day after imposing the partial reprieve, Mr Trump threatened to match Canada’s existing 250% tariff on Canadian dairy imports and a reciprocal tariff on Canadian lumber imports to the United States. The Trump Administration vacillated on when the tariffs would be enforced but stated “we may do it as early as today [8 March 2025], or we’ll wait until Monday or Tuesday.”

Additionally, on April 2, 2025, the day the exemption expires, the Trump Administration is threatening to impose a regime of “reciprocal tariffs” on all US trading partners. They have stated that the rates will be tailor-made to reflect all tariff and non-tariff measures imposed by trade partners on the US. 

Finally, new tariffs are hitting industries like steel and aluminum with the force of a sledgehammer. In these sectors, quick fixes for sourcing are simply not feasible, creating widespread disruption and havoc on supply chains. 

The Wine US Tariffs, Now in Effect, will Impact

The turbulent policies of the Trump Administration are aggressively reactive, with inevitable effects on businesses and consumers alike. For the American people, the chaotic introductions of new tariffs will drive up the cost of everyday products as businesses fail to absorb the increased costs which are passed down to consumers. 

While this is how the tariffs have been implemented currently, there will likely be further changes made moving forward. For any business that relies on glass, staying informed and up-to-date is essential. 

How Will Tariffs Affect New Glass Shipments?

The first point to clarify is that the tariffs do not apply retroactively. This means that if the product was cleared by customs before 12:01 a.m. on March 4 it cannot be directly affected by the new tariffs. 

Notably, some goods do not meet the required standard for tariff exemptions and will still be subject to the new tariffs after March 7, what they are we do not know.   

The distinction of when products came into the US is essential for businesses planning their inventory management. While existing stock will remain unaffected, future orders will need to account for the tariff costs imposed on imported glass materials.

Glass Bottles that may be affected by increased tariffs imposed by the United States

How will Tariffs Affect the Cost of Glass? 

It is also essential to understand that the imposed tariffs are referred to as ad valorem tariffs, which means that the tax on imports is calculated as a percentage of the item’s value. This means that the tariffs are only applied to the cost of the glass itself, not the transportation. 

Another important distinction to make is that the internal costs, such as warehousing and handling are not directly impacted by the increased tariffs. This means that while the price of each glass unit crossing the border increases, the cost of transporting the glass to a warehouse or into production lines remains unchanged. 

Legally, the tariffs will need to be imposed as they are issued. However, it is also important to note that the tariffs can be modified, raised or rescinded altogether. 

Between 2019 and 2024, sporadically applied tariffs combined with the impact of COVID-19 caused a significant disruption in the supply chain; leading to haywire shipping costs and unpredictable pricing. With the introduction of excessive new tariffs, this remains a critical area we are closely monitoring. 

We are proactively working to stay ahead of potential changes as we plan for the future.

Glass bottles may be affected when the United States increase tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China

Impact on the Glass Industry:  Global Package’s Response

While these tariffs are inevitably disruptive to routine business, the overall impact on glass costing will be somewhat affected, but not to the extent that many have feared. 

The tariffs cannot operate retroactively meaning they only apply to glass products entered for consumption, or withdrawn from an import warehouse for consumption, on or after the tariff took effect at 12:01a.m. on March 4, 2025. Any stock which passed through customs before this cannot be directly affected. Further, the price of glass stock itself is not impacted, as ad valorem tariffs are calculated as a percentage of the product’s cost, which itself remains unchanged. Finally, as we have already seen, this continues to be a fluid situation experiencing constant change which we hope will be more positive moving forward.

We recognize the frustration this situation can cause. Global Package views the tariffs as aggressive trade tactics that are using businesses as pawns to be sacrificed for larger geopolitical conflicts. 

At Global Package, we believe in fair trade and fostering a global world of trading partners. Through fair trade we have become safer and more informed of the world around us. We believe we need to return to these values. 

We understand the significant disruption these changes may cause for our customers, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to secure the best sourcing options and prices to minimize the impact.

In response to the current challenges, Global Package is proactively securing as much stock as possible to ensure continuity of supply for our valued clients. Additionally, we are expanding our network by working with new suppliers who can provide alternative solutions tailored to this evolving landscape. 

As part of our strategy, we are also focusing on a variety of bottles that are better protected from tariffs and supply chain issues, allowing us to offer unique and innovative options to meet the demands of this changing market.

Our goal is not only to adapt but also to position ourselves as a reliable partner capable of navigating uncertainty while continuing to deliver exceptional value.

In Conclusion…

The tariffs are a complex part of a larger economic strategy and are consequently subject to potential change over time. At Global Package we remain committed to take a proactive stance, navigating changing circumstances and continuing to ensure that our customers are always our number one priority. 

We remain dedicated to supporting your business. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Global Package at info@globalpackage.net with any further questions.