The Supply Cloud is Lifting by Erica Harrop

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Thankfully, it appears that better times are ahead as supplies from our domestic glass suppliers are coming back on track. Additionally, we are seeing costs from our Asian suppliers also coming back in line. These positive trends have reinvigorated all of us at Global Package: A stronger supply side of our business means that our customers will again see high-quality products arrive on time. Coupled with our well-known hands-on quality service, we again assure customers of excellent care and attention.

The past few years have been especially difficult in securing freight from overseas. With that bottleneck loosening and now with domestic supplies becoming available again we strongly believe we are “back in the saddle” and well-positioned to ride out any remaining glass supply issues.

Our mission has always been to provide timely and experience-backed solutions so our customers have a partner that is looking out for their best interests. Over the many decades we’re been in business we’ve gained our customers’ trust. We intend to continue to expand that message throughout the wine industry.

It has been gratifying to witness the incredible hard work all of our wineries have undertaken over the extraordinarily difficult past five years. We remain committed to partner with our customers to make sure we all make it through any further challenges in the years to come.
As always, we encourage you to contact us for your glass packaging needs.

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.

 

 

 

 

Thrilling to Get Back to Industry Events! By Erica Harrop

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I recently returned from a wonderful trip to beautiful Kentucky for the ADI Craft Spirits Conference and Expo in Louisville. Global Package had a booth there, which was the first time we’d exhibited in more than a year and a half. What a joy it was to get back to meeting old and new friends at this event!

Kentucky is gorgeous this time of year (see photos): lush greenery, blue skies, historic buildings, and wonderful people. And there’s so much to see: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby Museum, not to mention all the local distilleries and craft breweries. There are even many wineries!

While we think of California when it comes to wine, Kentucky has a good selection of vineyards and wineries, too, including the popular Purple Toad Cedar Creek, and Forest Edge wineries. Here’s a list of others, most with tasting rooms: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28938-Activities-c36-t132-Kentucky.html.

These conferences are always interesting and educational, offering everyone a chance to learn about the local culture and historical relevance of these states and regions in America.

I am so looking forward to renewing old friendships in person at our own upcoming regional shows: the WIN Expo on December 2nd in Santa Rosa and, of course, the 2022 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium/Trade Show on January 26 & 27 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. I’ll be sending more information regarding the shows and our Booth #s, so stay tuned.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

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.

WBM’s “Savvy Packaging” Article Describes Exactly – What Global Packaging Is All About – By Erica Harrop

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I read with interest the Wine Business Monthly piece in the April issue, “Savvy Packaging Makes Budget-Price Wines Appear a Great Value,” because the points raised precisely describe in important aspect of Global Package’s mission …packaging that’s both exceptional and economical. A prime example is our Elegant Light™ line of bottles: they are lighter weight, thus reducing shipping costs, and come in classic shapes and colors, thus reinforcing a high-quality perception for brands.

Another example is our wide selection of pewter and gold-foil labels, which were mentioned by Affinity Creatives’ Ed Rice in the article: “The value consumer actually appreciates some of these extra design cues …such as gold coloring, a crest or even a cartouche.” You can save with a lighter-weight bottle and still add considerable shelf appeal with a judicious use of decoration and a quality-embuing label. Global Package’s decades-long partnership with pewter label maker, Etiq’Etains—the French manufacturer that is known worldwide for innovative and beautiful tin, pewter, labels—gives us important leverage when purchasing pewter, tin, and gold-foil labels.

Pewter Labels

These custom self-adhesive labels are supple and are easily applied as either single pieces or supplied on a reel, both with self-adhesive backing. You can choose pewter labels in three distinct categories—Natural (silver), Luxury (gold, bronze, copper), and Modern (many colors, including blue, red, yellow, green, brown, black). And they can be 2-dimensional designs in relief or hollow; 3-dimensional sculptural patterns, total metalizing designs, or metalizing motifs in relief. They can be applied to any surface, including glass, ceramic, even wood and cardboard, and they are lead-free and come in a range of styles and colors to help products stand out on the shelf. They are a great way to customize a lower-cost bottle in smaller runs.

Custom crests were also mentioned in the article, which is another way to boost the perception of high quality, as do cartouches and medallions. Global Package’s long-term alliances with bottle suppliers enable us to add these decorative enhancements at reasonable prices. So don’t make the mistake of thinking these touches are too expensive. They can be cost-effective when everything is factored in.

Finally, larger fonts were suggested in the article as a way to grab attention. We offer another, more provocative suggestion …a unique bottle shape. Check out our website

(www.globalpackage.net) for recent bottle innovations like Estal’s DobleAlto™ and the Sommelier Mouth bottles. It you’re looking for further inspiration, our Wild Glass™ line combines sustainability with a gorgeous aesthetic for a truly unique look.

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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.

Prima & Rude glass

We Have New Designs and Quality Bottles: Plan Ahead By Erica Harrop

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I was recently interviewed for a San Francisco Examiner article about supply chain hiccups that are impacting every aspect of our industry, including bottles: https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/champagne-problems-and-supply-chain-nightmares-san-franciscos-wine-industry-is-suffering/. While it is certainly true that supply disruptions are creating bottlenecks (pun intended) in both foreign and domestic delivery, preemptive planning has make all the difference at Global Package.

Even before this pandemic hit our shores, we were stocking our warehouses and showrooms with an impressive range of bottles, from classical styles in standard colors and weights to lightweight options, as well as an incredibly wide variety of distinctive bottles. We’ll display all of these collections in Booth #230 at the WIN Expo on Thursday, December 2nd  from 2 to 4pm.

 As I mentioned in the article, getting bottles to their destinations has been challenging and, unfortunately, as a result costs have gone up for everything. But, while dock workers and truckers are in short supply our production partners have been busy, introducing new products throughout the past several years.

Our Spanish partner, Estal, came out early with its innovative Sommelier Mouth (SM) bottles, which feature an anti-drip barrier and groove guides to facilitate a clean, straight cut of the capsule. This line includes the Essentia Burgundy, Bordeaux, and fluted Espiga bottles, in Flint, Wild Glass, and Antique options.

Then Estal launched its gorgeous 100% ‘real cycle’ Wild Glass™ collection, which features a beautiful organic hand-made look made in an ecologically sustainable production process, utilizing only post-consumer recycled glass. It’s a process that’s both efficient and sustainable, reducing CO2 output because it takes less energy to melt glass than converting raw material into glass. We will be displaying new PRIMA and RUDE bottles in this unique Wild Glass™ collection. These, too, are available in Flint and Antique colors.

I’d like to stress that neither of these collections requires any changes on your the bottling line. It’s also Important to point out that the supply chain situation does necessitate getting orders in as early as possible to avoid missed deadlines and unavailable bottles. We encourage customers to visit our Booth #230 at WIN Expo to check out our newest bottles in these collections. We’ll also showcase our wide range of both stock and custom bottles, available in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

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.

 

What Will Affect Glass Bottle Availability in 2024?

What Will Affect Glass Bottle Availability in 2024?

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As we venture further into the promising yet unpredictable landscape of 2024, the wine and spirit industry faces unprecedented challenges that are set to disrupt the availability of glass bottles. Buckle up, because there may be turbulence to come.

What Factors Will Influence Glass Bottle Availability in 2024?

Government Duties Threaten Supply Chains

The United States International Trade Commission is likely to add duties to imports from overseas, particularly from Mexico, Chile, and China. This move is anticipated to disrupt supplies and inevitably escalate costs. The potential for increased duties adds an additional layer of complexity to an already intricate global supply chain.

Skyrocketing Freight Costs from Asia

It’s only February, and the freight costs from Asia have already doubled and European prices are beginning to follow suit. The surge is a consequence of a competitive rush to ship stocks to the United States. The heightened demand for imports, coupled with existing supply chain challenges, has led to a significant spike in transportation costs.

Domestic Glass Factories Attempt to Reduce Competition

Duties are a result of a few domestic glass factories suing the US commerce and trade commissions that import pricing is unfair. This is occurring while pricing is increasing on a frequent basis from the domestic suppliers. Not a good visual for an open market economy. In their quest to reduce competition, there will again be a glass shortage as we saw in 2021 and 2022 due to this harsh approach, exacerbating an already turbulent situation.

Understanding the Roots of the Crisis: A Look Back at 2020

In 2021, Global Package President and CEO, Erica Harrop, provided insights into similar challenges faced by the industry. The global labor shortage induced prior duties set in place in mid 2020 along with the pandemic, combined with disruptions in shipping, created a web of bottlenecks affecting every stage of the supply chain. 

The duties introduced in 2020 were over 40%, which combined with the 25% tariffs imposed the year prior caused a significant commotion for glass suppliers.

The demand for consumer goods surged, exacerbating the existing challenges. Rates soared as a result of container shortages, impacting freight costs and delivery timelines. While the 2020 duties were rescinded after a year, the 25% tariffs are still in place today. 

Harrop highlighted the importance of strategic planning and transparent communication during challenging times. “Our financial strength and established long-term relationships with suppliers in China, Europe, and here in the U.S. are enabling us to negotiate these many bottlenecks”. By working closely with reliable suppliers across China and Europe, Global Package initiated alternatives to improve production capacity and mitigate supply chain disruptions.

How Global Package is Meeting the Challenge of Glass Shortages in 2024 

As we brace for the challenges of 2024, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and adaptable. Global Package’s proactive approach, evident in our preparedness for the bottling season, serves as a model for navigating uncertainties. The importance of transparent communication, strategic partnerships, and a flexible supply chain cannot be overstated.

In a landscape where every decision reverberates globally, the resilience of the industry lies in collaboration, innovation, and foresight. As we navigate these stormy waters, the commitment to meeting customer expectations and deadlines remains paramount. It’s time to buckle up, stay informed, and adapt to ensure we can continue to provide a steady flow of high-quality wine and spirit glass bottles.

About Global Package

Global Package supplies high-end glass bottles to the wine and spirits markets across North America. Sourcing bottles from Europe, Asia and domestic markets, Global Package has an esteemed portfolio of bottles and packaging, specializing in sourcing and supplying glass, bottle customization, and speciality sourcing for small to large projects ensuring your product is presented affordably, effectively and professionally. Global Package has strategic alliances with innovative suppliers, designers and marketing collaborators both domestically and internationally, as well as stock across a local network of warehouses ready for dispatch.

Please contact our team with any queries you may have about our products or services. Fill out our contact form, email us at sales@globalpackage.net, or call us on +1 707 224-5670.

WIN Expo and Global Package Exhibit Were Great Successes!

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Global Package LLC again exhibited at last week’s WIN Expo after the show’s year-long absence. In its booth, the company displayed the full range of bottles it has on hand in inventory, as well as the many innovative new bottles it has introduced over the past year.

Even with Covid protocols in place, including temperature checks at the door and masking for everyone, attendance was as good as in past years. “Turnout was great!” says Founder and CEO, Erica Harrop. “The enthusiasm was palpable. Everyone was happy to be there and they were asking lots of questions.”

On display were Estal’s unique bottle collections: the award-winning 100% ‘real cycle’ Wild Glass™ and the Sommelier Mouth bottles; both lines now include Flint glass options. “People are looking for new and interesting glass,” says Harrop, “and all were quite interested in our unique bottle shapes and the sustainable Wild Glass™ bottles. As part of the agricultural industry, we are all keenly aware of environmental issues. These ecologically produced bottles are a really promising direction for the glass industry, which needs to be part of the solution.”

Wild Glass™ features a beautiful organic and unique hand-made look with an ecologically sustainable production process, utilizing only post-consumer recycled glass. It’s a process that’s both efficient and sustainable, reducing CO2 output because it takes less energy to melt glass than converting raw material into glass.

Global Package also exhibited 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.

According to Harrop, supply chain issues were top-of-mind, but there was general consensus the situation was improving. “I was surprised to hear there’s still a lot of wine to be bottled. I think visitors were relieved to learn about our ability to expeditiously fill most orders.”

It was a splendid warm day and the show seemed to invigorate the industry. “People were glad to be there, coming from far and wide,” Harrop adds. “It was great to see friends from the foothills, as well as from Paso Robles. These wineries are making a mark in the industry.”

“Finally,” says Harrop, “I want to thank Sue Keechler, California Sales; Hunter Harris, East and Midwest sales; and Daniel Harrop, customer service, who were a tremendous help in the booth. They are terrific, knowledgeable members of the Global Package team!”

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 wine and spirits sustainability trends of 2024

Wine and Spirits Sustainability Trends 2024

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The global shift toward sustainability is palpable across nearly every sector. Within the wine and spirits industries, this movement has gained remarkable traction, driven by consumers’ increasing demand for environmentally responsible products. 2024 brings about more pressure for industry to put sustainability at the center of all operations, but also provides opportunities for businesses to flourish by staying ahead of the trends in innovative and sustainable advancements. Here are four sustainability trends to keep an eye on in 2024:

Regenerative practices for wine and spirits

Recent years have seen a boom in conscious agricultural practices through the philosophy that all aspects of agriculture are connected. This philosophy emphasizes the careful utilization of land management to restore and regenerate the ecosystems and land we use, leaving it in better health for future generations. 

Regenerative principles are a push back against traditional industrial agriculture practices which are responsible for almost one third of the world’s carbon emissions. Regenerative practices promote climate resilience, ecosystem preservation, soil regeneration, and more. But it goes beyond climate impact, having personal and regional economic, community, and mental health benefits as well. 

The wine industry has begun paving the way for establishing regenerative principles, labeled regenerative viticulture, and are reaping the benefits alongside growing consumer awareness and support for the move. Wineries are able to show a genuine commitment to putting the planet and people at the forefront of operations. But the principles can be applied to all forms of agriculture, and it is only a matter of time before regenerative practices become commonplace within the spirits industry as well.

Carbon offset vs reduction in the wine and spirit industry

It’s out with carbon offsetting and in with carbon reduction measures for 2024. Credit and offsetting of a company’s carbon emissions has been considered a simple solution to a complex issue for decades. But experts suggest that this isn’t enough to curb the environmental impacts. 

Attitudes towards credits and offsetting have begun to change as they are seen as a way for companies to deflect any impactful behavioral changes towards reducing their carbon footprints. Offsetting carbon emissions should only be considered a last resort and cannot replace tangible efforts to reduce carbon emissions towards net zero. 

An organization’s carbon footprint can be reduced through the careful consideration of all areas of operation that contribute to the production and distribution of the product. At Global Package, we considered the environmental impact of our products and have measures in place to reduce the carbon footprint of our customers. We hold a large variety of domestic bottles within our expansive network of warehouses in California, Oregon, and North Carolina, which limits the freight distance, thus limiting the carbon footprint attached to the bottles. This gives you easy access to our attractive range of wine and spirit bottles, with ample quantities available to suit your particular needs, without the extra carbon attached.

Read more about our collection of locally stocked wine and spirit bottles. 

Lightweight glass bottles for wines and spirits

One method gaining momentum in the effort to reduce carbon emissions within the wine and spirit industry is the adoption of lighter-weight bottles. This approach not only offers a reduction in transportation costs, but also significantly contributes to reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport of wine and spirit packaging. By utilizing lighter-weight bottles, businesses can effectively decrease the energy required for transportation, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions generated during shipping.

Global Package offers a stylish line of Elegant Light bottles. These bottles are specifically designed to be lighter in weight, resulting in both more economical and ecological shipping practices. Available in a variety of classical shapes and colors, our Elegant Light collection includes options for both wine and spirits. Despite their reduced weight, these bottles maintain the integrity and timeless elegance of traditional glass bottles. Through innovative design and materials, our Elegant Light bottles represent a sustainable solution for packaging needs in the wine and spirits industry, aligning with the overarching goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship.

Read more about our Elegant Light Line of wine and spirit bottles. 

Wine and spirit climate regulations and reporting

Governments around the world have begun considering and implementing mandatory climate reporting for business. This will increase the transparency and visibility of the impact organizations are having on the planet and will have serious implications for how an organization is viewed by the public. It is a step towards eliminating greenwashing and provides opportunities for organizations who have sustainable practices at the core of their operations to leverage their positive impact.

Global Package LLC, has a long history of working with glass manufacturing partners around the world who are leading efforts in sustainability. Striving to be among those who led efforts in easing the environmental concerns of our industry, we have developed our own innovations in glass manufacturing to aid in the reduction of our clients impact on the environment.

Read more about our sustainable wine and spirit packaging.

Sustainable packaging for wines and spirits

Sustainable glass packaging manufacturing

Sustainable manufacturing for glass packaging plays a crucial role in the overall sustainability efforts of the wine and spirits industry. While agricultural practices certainly have a significant impact on sustainability, it’s essential to recognize that not all resources are renewable or can benefit from regenerative practices.

The standard production of glass requires substantial amounts of raw materials – primarily sand, soda ash, and limestone amounting for 95% of the raw materials used in typical glass production. This reliance on raw materials underscores the importance of incorporating recycled materials into the manufacturing process.

Recycled cullet is a key component in sustainable glass production. For every kilogram of recovered glass used in manufacturing, approximately 1.2 kilograms of virgin raw materials are saved. Moreover, the integration of recycled cullet into the production process yields significant energy and emissions savings. For every 10% of recycled cullet used, there is a 2-3% reduction in energy consumption and a 5% decrease in CO2 emissions. This means that for every six tons of recycled glass utilized, one ton of CO2 emissions is offset, highlighting the environmental benefits of cullet utilization.

At Global Package, sustainability is at the forefront of our manufacturing practices. Our green & antique glass utilizes 90% cullet, while our amber glass incorporates 80% recycled material. Additionally, our flint glass contains 65% cullet, further reducing our reliance on virgin raw materials. Notably, our Wild Glass collection boasts close to 100% cullet content, exemplifying our dedication to sustainable glass packaging manufacturing.

By prioritizing the integration of recycled cullet and embracing sustainable manufacturing practices, the wine and spirits industry can minimize its environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Wine and spirit sustainable packaging

Recycling and waste reduction has been a staple in sustainability efforts for years with packaging reflecting consumers and businesses desire to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing quality. The wine and spirit packaging industry experiences new innovations, technological advances and trends every year.

In 2024, we’re seeing changing perceptions about boxed wine in an effort to use more sustainable materials, and the move to glass bottles that are manufactured from 100% PCR glass. PCR, which stands for post-consumer recycled content, is reclaimed glass from the end-user that has been crushed, melted down and used again. The glass recycling cycle can be repeated endlessly without damage to the end product. That makes glass a so-called permanent material, unlike plastic whose recycle life has limitations.

Global Package’s beautiful and sustainable Wild Glass line of bottles has become widely popular in the US and international market. 100% of the Wild Glass material is PCR glass or cullet glass sourced from recycling programs, and its production method reduces energy use and CO2 emissions.

These bottles are 100% recycled 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. This results in fewer discards (from 25% to 10%), since the cosmetic (aesthetic) defects are accepted as part of the organic beauty of the glass, so less glass is wasted. 

All Wild Glass bottles retain the manufacturing standard and structurally soundness of traditional bottles yet, no bottles are discarded for having aesthetic defects. This means that bottles that would usually be classified as rejects, are used and celebrated. This efficiency creates a more sustainable supply chain. 

Explore our collection of Wild Glass by Estal today. 

At Global Packaging, we aim to provide our customers with the highest level of innovation and sustainability through our wine glass bottles and spirit glass bottles. Using recycled materials, lightweight bottles, and having shorter import distances, can all work towards reducing  wine and spirits packaging environmental impact. 

Explore our glass wine bottle and our glass spirit bottle collections. 

About Global Package 

Global Package supplies high-end glass bottles to the wine and spirits markets across North America. Sourcing bottles from Europe, Asia and domestic markets, Global Package has an esteemed portfolio of bottles and packaging, specializing in sourcing and supplying glass, bottle customization, and speciality sourcing for small to large projects ensuring your product is presented affordably, effectively and professionally. Global Package has strategic alliances with innovative suppliers, designers and marketing collaborators both domestically and internationally, as well as stock across a local network of warehouses ready for dispatch. 

Please contact our team with any queries you may have about our products or services. Fill out our contact form, email us at sales@globalpackage.net, or call us on +1 707 224-5670.