Whether you’ve operated in the packaging sector for your entire career or you’ve only just entered this field of limitless opportunities, it probably comes as no surprise that glass and plastic packaging make up the foundation of most systems – and for compelling reasons. Along with their distinct benefits like chemical resistance, durability, and recyclability, these materials share another common advantage: interchangeability.
For many industries, especially those operating in consumer goods spaces, a hallmark strength of glass and plastic packaging is the flexibility to alternate between the materials as needed. Whether a change is meant to reduce costs, upgrade shelf appeal, or circumvent supply chain disruptions, Pipeline Packaging can effortlessly facilitate these transitions to meet any customer’s needs or market trends.
The Waxing and Waning of Glass and Plastic Packaging
Glass and plastic packaging have both undergone various phases of popularity when it comes to implementing them into various containers and components. In the early 20th century, glass reigned as the primary consumer goods packaging material. Its superior preservation properties and reusability made it especially suitable with dairy products, medicines, and other shelf-sensitive goods.
The trend continued until the dawn of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET plastic packaging products in the 1950s. These innovative materials revolutionized packaging options for customers, granting them access to components that were shatter-resistant, lightweight, and inexpensive.
Despite the ways it redefined packaging, plastic did pose some challenges in its early implementation, namely concerns over sustainability as well as chemical leakages with agents like Bisphenol A (BPA). Modern plastic technologies have addressed these pain points by incorporating BPA-free offerings as well as growing attention toward the burgeoning industry of PCR packaging products.
Helping Customers Make the Switch
Today, glass and plastic packaging operates on parallel footing, with similar capacities, shapes, and functionalities. The broad spectrum of available products, alongside Pipeline Packaging’s robust network of distributors and manufacturers, means industries are left with the breadth of choice in finding components that meet their specific needs while achieving reliable Just-In-Time deliveries and other value-added services.
Jennifer Bodin has been an outside sales representative with Pipeline Packaging for more than a decade. She shared how recent market factors have led to a shift in glass and plastic packaging preferences for her customers.
“Many customers are turning to plastic packaging in light of cost increases from tariffs,” said Bodin. “Given our industry connections and access to both materials, our customers have been able to make informed and seamless transitions to alternative packaging options that provide the same high-quality performance at a more economical price.”
She shared a recent experience helping a barbeque sauce producer make the switch from glass to plastic bottle packaging.
“There were several reasons why this customer was interested in changing his packaging system,” said Bodin. “Aside from circumventing the rising cost of glass, he also wanted to prevent wasted products that sometimes occurred from breaks in transportation or on the shelf.”
Not only was the change effortless in terms of sourcing the same volume and label compatibility, but it was well received by the barbeque sauce manufacturer’s customer base.
“The change in shelf presence hasn’t changed the popularity of the barbeque sauce and its performance on grocery store shelves,” she said. “In fact, the manufacturer is considering re-introducing a 32-ounce, family-sized plastic bottle option given the success of the new material.”
Aside from rising unit prices, other factors have contributed to recent shifts in glass and plastic packaging. Bodin shared how the barbeque sauce manufacturer’s transition also led to freight cost savings due to lighter shipment weights.
As part of its continued partnership, Pipeline not only leverages global supply chains, but helps customers like the sauce producer operate at peak efficiency through in-house logistics and inventory management services.
Where Pipeline’s Glass and Plastic Packaging Stands Apart
Through value-added services such as inventory management, logistics, packaging engineering, custom assembly, and design and labeling, Pipeline provides a unique, comprehensive partnership that propels customers toward success, whether it's a system for simple consumer goods or complex hazardous materials.
Bodin described another instance where Pipeline assisted a Midwest provider of pool chemicals in swapping glass and plastic packaging.
“The pool chemical manufacturer was interested in adopting plastic round bottles for all of its product lines,” she said. “We sourced six different plastic bottles to achieve the necessary durability and security required of these sensitive chemicals all at a competitive price and without unnecessary delays.”
Like the barbeque sauce manufacturer, Pipeline also provides the pool chemicals manufacturer with several value-added services.
“Along with inventory management, we supply labels for four of these product lines through our design services,” said Bodin. “As a sensitive chemical product, we also sourced other vital details like compatible bottle closures with child safety and tamper evidence mechanisms to ensure these systems were engineered with compliance in mind.”
Pipeline sets itself apart in the glass and plastic packaging conversation in one other way beyond a limitless inventory and suite of value-added services. Where other packaging suppliers and distributors may be able to source similar core offerings or even provide select support services, our team maintains a personal responsibility to help customers succeed through our operational dexterity and industry expertise.
“Whatever questions a customer may bring, our sales representatives will find the best solution,” said Bodin. “Everyone at Pipeline knows our available resources, and our team works harmoniously together across departments and even states.”
Pipeline’s emphasis on customer relationships also requires a degree of transparency and industry knowledge to provide realistic and high-quality glass and plastic packaging.
“Lead times are still a challenge with certain products,” said Bodin. “After conducting our own research, we will provide recommendations on a close, packaging alternative that will keep that customer on schedule.”
Having a team of experts like those at Pipeline can also be instrumental for companies looking to adopt more innovative and eco-friendly glass and plastic packaging. Bodin shared how many customers throughout various industries have continued to ask questions about the performance and availability of PCR packaging options.
“There’s a desire to grow that sector of plastics, but it isn’t something that is regularly available yet,” she said. “For interested customers, we stay informed on burgeoning packaging offerings and provide updates about availability and market trends as we take notice of them.”
Glass and plastic packaging may be the bedrock of many comprehensive systems, but working alongside a packaging distributor with a customer-first mindset can help you find the best solution for your needs. Contact us today to make a materials switch, redesign your product lineups, or learn more about the latest market advances.
