Sustainability Archives - Global Package

The wine and spirits sustainability trends of 2024

Wine and Spirits Sustainability Trends 2024

April 10, 2024/in Blog, News /by globaladmin

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 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.

An Insight into the Glass Bottle Manufacturing Process

December 10, 2023/in Blog /by globaladmin

Glass is one of the most important materials, particularly in the world of wine and spirits packaging. Glass bottles have stood the test of time as a versatile and reliable container for liquids for centuries. The process of making glass bottles for spirits and wine combines art and science to create functional and appealing glass bottles. Global Package supplies high-end glass bottles to the wine and spirits markets across North America.

How Are Glass Bottles Made?

Glass is made from natural raw materials including sand, soda ash and limestone, as well as recycled glass in large amounts, that are melted at high temperatures to form the new material called glass.

Glass manufacturing is an ancient tradition dating back to around 3500 BC, and over time has evolved to today’s high-tech industrial processes, which has increased the use of glass in our everyday lives. Production of glass is now much more efficient and innovative, with improved factory supply chains. This has enabled glass manufacturers to find positive solutions to a number of economic and environmental challenges.

Put simply, glass is sand that has been melted down and chemically transformed into glass. High temperatures are needed to melt the sand down at roughly 3090°F, which is approximately the same temperature a space shuttle reaches as it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere. Adding recycled glass helps lower this temperature and saves on fuel, thus reducing CO2 emissions. When glass is created, it completely changes the inner structure of the material.

Glass can have a number of properties, but commonly includes sand, limestone, and soda – this is known as soda-lime glass, and is the most commonly used glass.

A Brief History of Glass Manufacturing

Glass was first made in the ancient world, emerging in the Mediterranean and European world throughout the Renaissance and industrial period. From the late 1800s, bottles began to be mass produced, and over the years with technological advances, has become automated and more efficient. Today, the United States produces more than 40 billion glass containers a year.

Read more about the history of wine bottle packaging in this blog: The A–Z of Wine Glass Bottle Packaging.

The Crafting of Glass Bottles

Glass bottle production begins with melting down the raw materials. Once the raw materials have been melted down, it is ready to be shaped into bottles. Glass bottles are formed through various techniques, but the primary technology is for each bottle to pass through two molds. The forming process is a method by which molten glass is poured into molds, a blank and then final mold, and creates a precise shape. This can be a common or popular bottle shape, or a completely custom design.

After molding, the glass undergoes a process called annealing, which is a heat treatment that reinforces chemical properties of the glass to strengthen the glass, increasing its durability. Global Package ensures we supply quality glass, and a rigorous quality control inspection always occurs to certify that it meets industry standards for thickness, clarity, and structural integrity.

After annealing, the bottles go through a rigorous inspection of cosmetic and structural flaws that will reflect many bottles. These limits are based on a contract standard called an AQL (Acceptable Quality Level). The Wild Glass™ range from Estal accepts more cosmetic flaws in order to allow more output and better environmental economies.

Glass as Packaging for Wine and Spirits

Glass packaging for wine and spirits may come in many forms, shapes, and sizes, and depending on a client’s needs, may also be fully tailored to their brand requirements. After the glass bottle is crafted, decorations or labels are added to enhance each bottle’s aesthetic appeal.

One important feature of a glass bottle is the closure, capsule, or stopper which seals the bottle. The closure is commonly made of cork, glass, metal or plastic, and Global Package specializes in supplying closures and bar-top corks to our clients by working alongside leading suppliers.

Once the glass is made, it can be shipped in bulk or custom boxes which Global Package manages for our customers.

Benefits of Glass Packaging

Environmentally Friendly
Glass is an ideal form of packaging for wine and spirits. Glass is an environmentally friendly option for packaging, because it can be recycled indefinitely without losing any of its intrinsic properties, contributing to a circular economy in the packaging industry. Glass is made from natural materials, and is easily recyclable. Global Package stocks the Wild Glass range from Estal for Wine and the Wild Glass range from Estal for Spirits, which is made from 100% post-consumer recycled bottles.

Durability
It is a durable material and resistant to heat – only melting at very high temperatures, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Glass is chemically inert, which means it does not have a chemical reaction with the contents inside, making it perfect for wine and spirits packaging. It does not absorb any flavors or smells, retaining the freshness and quality of the product inside.

Transportation
Glass, however, can be heavier to transport which can increase energy and transportation costs. Global Package stocks the Elegant Light Line range – a sophisticated and attractive range of bottles that are lighter in weight than typical glass bottles.

Discover our range of Elegant Light Line Bottles for Spirits and Elegant Light Line Bottles for Wine.

Glass Packaging at 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 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.

Are You Ready For Sustainable Wine and Spirits Packaging?

April 11, 2023/in Blog /by globaladmin

Sustainability has become a core focus across every industry sector lately, but, as lovers of the traditional, the wine and spirit industries are behind the curve on implementing sustainable glass packaging.

According to the IWSR, 48% of American alcohol drinkers say that a company’s sustainability or environmental initiatives positively influences their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, according to a report by the global decision intelligence company, Morning Consult, 7 in 10 American adults would consider purchasing from a food and beverage brand that prioritizes sustainability, the highest share across all industries.

In the face of ongoing environmental concerns, a growing number of media stories have cited the need for our industry to find a more sustainable package solution. And the call is validated by consumer demands. We are seeing the emergence of a new category of wine consumer: the environmentally-conscious consumer, who is choosing wines and spirits based on the sustainability of the packaging, among other environmental cues.

Consumer demands and the societal importance of saving the environment go hand-in-hand but the benefits in the market definitively outweigh any potential cost-increase in glass.

Despite the relative importance of sustainability, at least 1 in 4 say they don’t know what makes food and beverage products sustainable, while at least 1 in 5 believe efficient, low-waste packaging makes a product sustainable.

What makes glass packaging sustainable?

There are many different elements that comprise a sustainable wine or spirit: sustainable agriculture, reducing the carbon footprint, and conserving energy usage throughout your supply chain. But there is another obvious element that goes into creating a truly sustainable product: using a more environmentally-friendly glass packaging.

According to a California Wine Institute study in 2020, the glass packaging of a wine contributes to over 50% of the entire carbon footprint of a wine product. Of that, nearly a third of the carbon footprint of a bottle of wine is linked to the packaging and shipment of the bottle, and the remaining two thirds is linked to the manufacturing process to craft traditional glass bottles (no recycled glass).

Glass uses high levels of greenhouse gasses in its production, however, it is endlessly recyclable and never compromises in quality no matter how many times it gets recycled.

On the manufacturing front, it takes 1.18 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. Our Wild Glass™ bottles are comprised of almost 100% cullet recycled glass, thus making them the most sustainable bottles on the market.

Glass weight is a top consideration when it comes to shipping, storing, and displaying wine bottles. Our Elegant Light™ bottles are made with less glass and, thus, are lighter weight, resulting in reductions in carbon emissions and 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 products via water than by overland trucking and 17 times more efficient than by airfreight.

Global Package’s Sustainable Collections

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.

Global Package is well known for both our distinctive 100% recycled Wild Glass™ bottles sourced from our Spanish supply partner, Estal, and our lighter-weight Elegant Light™ line of bottles, produced exclusively by Global Package. We also stock bottles locally which reduces the transportation costs and reduces the carbon footprint of the shipping process.

Using recycled materials, lightweight bottles, and having shorter import distances, can all work towards reducing a wine and spirits packaging environmental impact. Our three bottle ranges listed below can achieve all three.

Specialty Wild Glass

The company’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 Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) glass or cullet glass 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.

Estal, Global Package’s Spanish supply partner, is a leader in innovative bottle design and sustainable wine glass production. We helped introduce Estal’s Wild Glass line of 100% sustainable “real cycled” glass bottles to the North American market a few years ago.

Explore our collection of Wild Glass by Estal today.

Elegant Light Line

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.

Our Elegant Light Line™ collection includes bottles for both wine and spirits, and were created to be both functional and beautiful. The innovative bottle design is lighter than a standard glass bottle, without compromising the integrity and intrinsic elegance of traditional glass bottles. The range is influenced by European design, while harnessing intelligent and innovative design of manufacturing lightweight bottles.

Pictured below is our BG SM Essentia. Explore our Elegant Light Line™ collection for wine here, and for spirits here.

Local Stock Bottles

At Global Package, we have local stock bottles held across our extensive network of warehouses in California, Oregon, and North Carolina. This gives you easy access to our attractive range of wine and spirit bottles, with ample quantities available to suit your particular needs.

We hold a large variety of domestic bottles, which limits the freight distance, thus limits the carbon footprint attached to the bottles.

Our Cassiope design for spirits is pictured below. Read more about our local stock collection for wines and spirits.

The Estal Corkcoal

We partner with Spanish company Estal, who are leaders in innovation and sustainability. Estal have recently launched the Corkcoal – a cork mixed with activated charcoal, utilizing two materials from natural and renewable sources.

Searching for the most sustainable stopper for spirit bottles, Estal innovated including activated charcoal, which naturally neutralizes the undesirable substances in cork.

Key sustainability benefits to this closure include decreased waste, reduced carbon footprint and the production of the closure requires fewer washes and no chemical bleaches.

Beyond the positive environmental impact, this also has significant functional benefits to your spirits. It eliminates TCA from the cork, which traps and neutralizes it completely. This is an unprecedented achievement.

What is PCR Glass?

PCR, which stands for post-consumer recycled content, means it is reclaimed from the end-user then crushed, melted down and used again. (Other recycled content in glass comes from broken or reclaimed scrap within the glass manufacturing process itself.)

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.

Post-consumer recycled or PCR glass is made from cullet, which is the powder resulting from crushed glass collected in recycling programs. Cullet gets mixed with the raw materials of glass (silica sand, sodium carbonate, calcium oxide derived from limestone, and lesser amounts of other minerals) in varying percentages, which then is melted and molded into new products.

The higher the percentage of PCR glass, the greater the reduction of environmental impact. An analysis by FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, found:

2 tons of raw material are saved for every 1 ton of cullet used to produce glass.
Every 10% increase in cullet reduces energy consumption by 2.5%.
Cullet improves glass quality. Melting cullet does not release CO2 or carbon dioxide, thus the glass avoids having bubbles, crystals and streaking associated with high-temperature virgin glass production.

What is Greenwashing and Why Should I Be Aware of It?

There are many gaps to solve in the packaging problem: only 19% of consumers have “a lot” of trust in the industry to do what’s right, and just over a quarter said they don’t know what makes a food or beverage product sustainable.

Greenwashing is when companies overrepresent the extent that their products, services, or practices are environmentally-friendly, sustainable, or ethical. It results in a false or misleading impression that the consumer has about the company, making the consumer believe the company is environmentally sustainable when they are perhaps not.

With our product developments and research into environmentally-friendly practices, you can be certain the information is 100% representative of your sustainability efforts.

Sustainability at Global Package:

Global Package maintains long-standing relations with factories around the world, including numerous European partners, providing custom bottles for the premium and ultra-premium markets at very good pricing, as well as stocking a wide selection of domestic bottles. Global Package offers a number of packaging solutions that addresses the needs of the wine and spirits industries, including sustainability.

Lighter weights, less money spent on glass, less shipping costs, less carbon dioxide produced in manufacturing, due to recycled glass and lowered glass weight per bottle. Glass bottle packaging has achieved something no other industry has, affordable methods to combat climate change without hurting the market, and Global Package is at the forefront of eco-friendly, sustainable glass packaging.

We have a comprehensive portfolio of sustainable wine and spirits packaging so we can meet both your budget and expectations. Located conveniently in California, United States, with warehouses across the States and the globe, we assist both local and international brands. Get in touch with our experienced team for your next packaging project.

Global Package will be attending the Napa Rise Waste Prevention & Supply Chain Event on April 12.

Sources

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2023/02/15/solving-the-wine-packaging-sustainability-issue?utm_source=AfternoonBrief&utm_medium=newsletter

https://go.morningconsult.com/rs/850-TAA-511/images/Sustainability-Report-Food-Bev.pdf

https://www.sustainablewinegrowing.org/docs/California_Wine_Executive_Summary.pdf

https://www.winemag.com/2022/04/18/sustainable-wine-packaging/

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

April 27, 2022/in News /by globaladmin

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 29^th 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.

Erica Harrop to Speak at NapaGreen Sustainability Conference Workshop on Tuesday, April 19th

April 14, 2022/in News /by globaladmin

Erica Harrop, President and CEO of Global Package LLC, will be giving a presentation on “All Things Bottle Sustainability” next week at Nickel & Nickel, 8164 St. Helena Highway in Oakville, CA. She will be first on the panel, beginning at 9:30am, and will discuss considerations for lighter bottle glass and using recycled glass bottles.

Global Package is well known for both its lighter-weight Elegant Light™ line of bottles, as well as for its distinctive 100% sustainable Wild Glass™ bottles.
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.

The company’s beautiful and ecological Wild Glass™ line of bottles has become widely popular in the 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.

As an extra treat, Harrop will introduce the newest addition to the Wild Glass™ collection: Tarpon, a new brand owned by Jeremy Carter, who is totally focused on sustainability. See the accompanying photo of the gorgeous Tarpon bottle.

Join NapaGreen to be part of these valuable workshops.

Global Package (www.globalpackage.net) is located in Napa Valley and has an experienced team to provide the best bottles sourced from worldwide factories. It also provides custom shippers, glass decoration, pewter labels, and closures for the wine industry. When it comes to providing custom and specialty bottles and packaging, the firm leads the way in finding solutions to provide a comprehensive and attractive outcome that sets a brand apart. Contact: 2793 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa, CA 94558, and 707-224-5670.

Global Package Adds to Its Beautiful Wild Glass™ Collection

August 17, 2021/in News /by globaladmin

Global Package LLC President and CEO, Erica Harrop, has announced new additions to its beautiful, near 100% recycled Wild Glass™ collection for wines and spirits. The new Wild Glass Dark™ collection—produced by one of Europe’s premier glass companies; Spain’s Estal—is being introduced this month and will be sold in the U.S. exclusively by Global Package.

“We are thrilled to add these new bottles to this extraordinary collection,” says Harrop. “Not only is the manufacturing process for these bottles shorter and more sustainable, it creates bottles each of which is unique and aesthetically beautiful in shape, color, and texture.”

Estal’s Wild Glass™ collection boasts a more sustainable and shorter manufacturing process by embracing “flaws” in the glass, which also tells the story of historical craftsmanship and a legacy of experimentation. “Wild” colors are unique color hues with natural variations to enhance distinctiveness. New designs being introduced this month include the Wild Glass Prima Expressione™ collection of Spumanti, Rhine, Burgundy, Bordelaise wine bottles.
Also new to the collection are the Wild Glass Rude™ spirits bottles, consisting of Lance, Farm, Pilot, Barrel, 1919, and Melee designs. This collection also allows customers efficient ways to expand and customize their bottles, from size and shape to choker diameter.

“I was intrigued by the word “Rude” in the collection name,” Harrop admits. “But I learned that it is drawn from a language being developed in today’s culture, based on asymmetry and imperfections in nature—such as knots in wood, wefts and wrinkles in textiles, veins in stone—and defects in fashion like the torn jeans so fashionable today. It’s fun to watch the Wild Glass™ collection morph into such creative new products!”
Global Package has been an acclaimed industry leader as it consistently introduces new designs into its extensive catalog of offerings, from its Elegant Light™ collection of lighter weight bottles to its opulent DobleAlto™ collection, as well as a full range of in-stock standard bottles.

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.

Crafting Unique and Sustainable Bottles With Erica Harrop of Global Package

August 2, 2021/in News /by globaladmin

The podcast Legends behind the Craft, hosted by Drew Hendricks, delves into the world of craft beverages. Drew interviews top leaders in the wine and craft beverage industry. Drew is the president of Barrels Ahead, a marketing agency specializing in Web Design, SEO, and PPC within the wine and craft spirits industry.

This week’s episode features Global Package LLC President and CEO Erica Harrop, to find out more about the bottle-making process. Her expertise is invaluable as they cover topics such as sourcing, the evolution of the industry, and how Global Package customizes their bottles. They also dive into “wild glass” and what it means for sustainability in the world of glassmaking, and designing environmentally-friendly glass and packaging.

You will also learn how Erica transitioned from winemaking to glass, what inspires her, and how Global Package is set apart from the rest of the industry.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Global Package’s Elegant Light™ Bottles Get High Marks for Design, Sustainability, and Affordability

March 16, 2021/in News /by globaladmin

A couple of months ago Global Package reported the end of last year’s US International Trade Commission’s (USITC) antidumping duty, which returned favorable pricing for Global Package’s Elegant Light™ line of bottles. Now, with new shipping challenges facing imported European glass, these bottles have become even more in demand.

“With fully stocked warehouses we are perfectly positioned to meet these challenging times,” says Erica Harrop, Founder and CEO of Global Package LLC. “Since 2008, our strong alliances with glass factories in China have enabled us not only to help design the European-style Elegant Light™ line, but also to work toward lighter weights that would reduce shipping costs, as well as to achieve a more sustainable line of bottles at affordable pricing. Today, we have achieved all three goals.”

According to Harrop, the Elegant Light™ bottles are always in stock and include nine shapes that are distinctive for their larger, straight-line necks and voluptuous curves. Included in the line is the recently introduced Bordelais Fiona Carrée bottle, which has the look of a heavier reserve bottle and features an elegantly tapered body, deep punt, and larger neck for bottling-line ease and speed. Other Elegant Light™ bottles include European-style, lighter weight 750ml and 1.5L Bordelaise and Burgundy bottles.

Harrop regularly inspects China factories to ensure they meet strict US-required quality standards, including ISO quality measures—from selection of raw materials through all production processes, including automated production lines and the design of molds—to warehousing of the finished product and shipping procedures. She also works directly with product development teams at the factories to ensure customized products meet customers’ and US quality conformance requirements.

“After decades of working with these suppliers, I have built a strong personal trust between us,” adds Harrop. “In addition, through my decades of working with domestic and European glass factories, I have developed great respect for the issues and limitations of manufacturing. This enables me to communicate effectively within this environment.”

Global Package’s alliances with both European and Chinese factories also focus on production efficiencies, which allows the company to control costs and pass on savings to customers.

Favorable Pricing Returns for Global Package’s Elegant Light Bottles

January 20, 2021/in News /by globaladmin

Napa, CA January 20, 2021 – After the US International Trade Commission (USITC) determined on October 20, 2020 that the US industry “is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of glass containers from China” last year’s antidumping duty has now been lifted, which will result in a return to lower prices on China imports.

“This is very welcome news,” says Erica Harrop, Founder and CEO of Global Package LLC. “We have all endured higher prices for these bottles since the start of the investigation last year, making our already financially stressed industry more so. Everyone, producers and customers, will benefit from this.”

Since 2009, Global Package has developed strong alliances with glass factories in China to help design and provide a line of European-style bottles—its Elegant Light™ line—in more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and lighter weights, and at affordable pricing. Introduced back in 2008, the Elegant Light™ bottles are always in stock and include nine shapes that are distinctive for their larger, straight-line necks and voluptuous curves. Included in the line is the newest Bordelais Fiona Carrée bottle, which has the look of a heavier reserve bottle at a non-reserve price. It features an elegantly tapered body, deep punt, and larger neck for bottling-line ease and speed. Other Elegant Light™ bottles include other European-style, lighter weight 750ml and 1.5L Bordelaise and Burgundy bottles.

Harrop regularly inspects the China glass factories from which she orders to ensure US-required quality standards are being precisely implemented. “My in-person relationship with these suppliers is critical to building my decades-long trust between us,” she says. Harrop has worked for years inside a glass factory environment, which has given her a respect for the issues and limitations of manufacturing, and also the ability to communicate with owners and workers in a constructive way.

Her Chinese factory inspections include tracking ISO quality controls, from selection of raw materials through all production processes, including automated production lines and the design of molds, as well as warehousing of the finished product and shipping procedures. She also works directly with product development personnel at the factories to ensure customized products meet customers’ and US quality conformance requirements.

Within these stringent quality demands, Global Package’s alliances with both European and Chinese factories also focus on production efficiencies, which allows the company to control costs and pass on savings to customers.

“I’m extremely pleased this antidumping duty has been terminated,” says Harrop. “Last year was a tough year on so many fronts, it’ll be great to start this new year off on better tariff-free footing.”

Global Package’s Wild Glass Answers Sustainability and Landfill Issues

November 11, 2020/in News /by globaladmin

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.

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