The Eco-conscious Glass Packaging Movement: What You Need to Know  

Glass has always had a reputation for sustainability. With its infinitely recyclable quality and long-lasting nature, it has been hailed as the epitome of green in past years. But, as our consumer’s knowledge surrounding eco-conscious glass packaging improves, so must our manufacturing techniques.   

In this blog we delve into the eco-conscious glass packaging movement and tell you all you’ll need to know about how you can kickstart your glass packaging’s green credential journey. 

The Environmental Impact of Glass  

When looking at a glass bottle range, it’s easy to not think about it’s sustainable impact. After all, glass is recyclable by nature, therefore presenting a more sustainable alternative to the commonly used plastic. But that doesn’t mean that all glass is eco-conscious.  

Due to variations in production methods and materials, some glass bottles may not meet your business sustainability goals. Many glass manufacturing processes are energy-intensive and contribute to the release of carbon emissions. Additionally, when manufacturers refuse to be transparent about the extraction and transportation of their raw materials it’s difficult to get a clear view of the materials used in your glass bottle. Often resulting in products that contain 100% raw materials, which due to the intensive manufacturing process, carry a higher carbon footprint.  

Verallia UK’s Eco-conscious Glass Packaging 

Eco-conscious glass packaging refers to glass products crafted with transparent and eco-friendly practices that aim to limit the bottle’s ecological footprint. One of the most effective ways to create eco-conscious glass packaging is to maximise the amount of recycled glass content used per bottle through the use of cullet. Cullet is a material that is made from recycled glass taken from either our internal factory or post-consumer waste, that are then reground and melted to be used in further runs. While many manufacturers use internal cullet in their productions, we prioritise the use of external cullet over raw materials in our glass bottles. Allowing us to not only reduce glass waste in our own factories but also nationwide. 

Worth the Reduced Weight   

Another way that Verallia leads the way in eco-conscious glass bottle manufacturing, is through the reduced weight of our bottles. As the notion of premium glass shifts towards values over traditional markers, the idea that a heavy-weighted bottle equals a premium spirit is dissipating. To reflect this, we have streamlined the weight of both our bespoke and off-the-shelf designs to fit in line with consumer expectations.  

By reducing the weight of our eco-conscious glass bottles, we minimise the carbon footprint created both in the manufacturing process, through a reduced need for raw materials, and transportation process,  lighter packages are more fuel-efficient.  

Creating a Sustainable Splash with Eco-Conscious Glass Packaging 

In addition to its low carbon footprint and ability to increase transport efficiency, it allows your bottle to make a statement when on the supermarket shelf.  

While many still view sustainable swaps as a less aesthetic version of their carbon-intensive counterparts, eco-conscious glass bottles are just as visually stunning as those that are made of raw materials. In fact, with its high use of cullet it also aligns with consumers seeking more sustainable alternatives. Consumers are becoming wise to greenwashing tactics, and therefore are looking for sustainable practices to be transparent. Recent studies have shown that 11% of customers agree that they will make a purchase based on a products available carbon footprint data and one in four are prepared to pay more for sustainable packaging.  

Keeping in line with consumer values is key to success in a saturated industry and the use of eco-conscious glass in a bottle’s design gives established and emerging brands alike the chance to stand out from the crowd with their transparency on sustainability, whilst also allowing you to produce a bottle that will look good on a personal bar cart.  

Your Next Steps to Eco-conscious Glass Packaging  

Are you looking to boost your sustainability credentials and incorporate eco-conscious glass into your products? Then get in contact with our team today.