top of page

How to Package Your Glass Bottles for Shipping

  • Tim Turner
  • Jun 30, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 2

Ensuring the safe shipping of glass bottles is crucial for industries such as wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Proper packaging glass bottles for shipping not only prevents breakage but also maintains product quality and enhances customer satisfaction.


This comprehensive guide delves into best practices for packaging glass bottles for shipping, supported by industry insights and statistics.


Cardboard Packaging for Wineries and Breweries

The Importance of Proper Glass Bottle Packaging for Shipping

Glass bottles are a preferred choice for packaging beverages due to their impermeability and ability to preserve taste. However, their fragility poses challenges during shipping. Inadequate packaging glass bottles for shipping can lead to:


  • Product Loss: Breakage during transit results in financial losses and potential supply chain disruptions.

  • Customer Dissatisfaction: Receiving damaged goods can harm brand reputation and customer loyalty.

  • Environmental Impact: Broken glass contributes to waste and environmental hazards.


Broken Glass Bottles in a Cardboard Box

Industry Insights on Shipping Glass Bottles


The global demand for glass bottles is significant. In 2020, the production volume of glass bottles and containers reached nearly 690 billion units, with projections estimating it will climb to 1.03 trillion units by 2029.


This surge is driven by the beverage industry's reliance on glass packaging to maintain product integrity.


In the United Kingdom, the glass bottles and containers market is expected to grow from 2.35 million tonnes in 2025 to 2.71 million tonnes by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.94%.


This growth is largely attributed to the popularity of beverages like beer and wine, which predominantly use glass packaging.


Best Practices for Packaging Glass Bottles for Shipping


To ensure the safe delivery of glass bottles, consider the following steps:


1. Select Appropriate Packaging Materials for Glass Bottles


  • Sturdy Outer Boxes: Use double-walled corrugated cardboard boxes to provide robust protection.

  • Internal Dividers: Incorporate partitions to prevent bottles from contacting each other, reducing the risk of breakage.

  • Protective Wrapping: Use RhinoWrap, RhinoPack’s extra-strong glass bottle packaging, to individually wrap bottles and secure them in place without relying on plastic-based materials like bubble wrap.

    https://www.rhinopack.co.uk/extra-strong-glass-bottle-packaging


For more eco-friendly protective wrapping solutions, check out our blog on bubble wrap alternatives:



Glass Bottle Packaging by RhinoPack

2. Utilize RhinoPack's Packaging Solutions for Shipping Glass Bottles

RhinoPack offers a range of products designed to safeguard glass bottles during transit:



Glass Bottle in Superior Cardboard Packaging

3. Implement Secure Packing Techniques


  • Individual Wrapping: Use RhinoWrap to enclose each bottle securely, eliminating the need for plastic-based wrapping.

  • Appropriate Box Sizing: Choose boxes that snugly fit the bottles, minimizing movement during transit.

  • Void Fillers: Use eco-friendly materials to fill any empty spaces, ensuring bottles remain stationary.

Glass Bottle with Strong Cardboard Packaging Inside a Cardboard Box

4. Consider Eco-Friendly Pallet Options for Shipping Glass Bottles

For bulk shipments, the choice of pallets can impact both cost and environmental footprint. RhinoPack's honeycomb cardboard pallets offer a sustainable and lightweight alternative to traditional wooden pallets, reducing shipping costs and carbon emissions. https://www.rhinopack.co.uk/honeycomb-cardboard-pallet-manufacturer


At RhinoPack - We don't cut corners, we cut cardboard. Actually we do sometimes cut corners, only cardboard one's though ;)




Addressing Industry-Specific Needs for Shipping Glass Bottles


Wine Industry

Wineries often face challenges related to temperature fluctuations and vibration during shipping, which can affect wine quality. Utilizing specialized wine shipping boxes with thermal insulation and shock absorption features is advisable. https://www.wineshippingboxes.com/blogs/news/how-to-safely-ship-wine-expert-tips-and-best-practices


Breweries

Beers, especially those that are bottle-conditioned, require careful handling to maintain carbonation levels. Ensuring bottles are kept upright and using packaging that absorbs vibrations can help preserve beer quality during transit. https://www.brewersassociation.org/brewing-industry-updates/shipping-beer-safely-guide


Distilleries

Spirits packaged in glass bottles, often with unique shapes and sizes, benefit from custom-designed boxes that accommodate their specific dimensions, providing both protection and a premium unboxing experience. https://www.distillerytrail.com/blog/the-science-of-shipping-spirits-how-to-protect-your-glass-bottles


Multiple Glass Bottles in Strong Cardboard Packaging

Environmental Considerations When Shipping Glass Bottles

While glass is recyclable, its production and transportation have notable environmental impacts due to weight and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Businesses are encouraged to:


  • Promote Recycling: Educate consumers on proper glass recycling practices to enhance sustainability efforts.


  • Explore Alternative Materials: Consider using lighter, eco-friendly packaging options where feasible to reduce carbon footprint.


  • Reduce Shipping Costs: Utilizing lightweight yet strong packaging options, such as RhinoPack’s eco-friendly honeycomb pallets, can lower shipping expenses and minimize carbon emissions.


Promoting Eco Friendly Packaging For Glass Bottles

Conclusion

Proper packaging glass bottles for shipping is essential to ensure product integrity, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. By implementing the outlined best practices and utilizing RhinoPack's specialized solutions, businesses can navigate the challenges of shipping glass bottles effectively.

For more information on our packaging products and to discuss your specific requirements, contact us today.


If you have any other questions, you may find the answers here -




Or find us here -


🦏📦

 
 
bottom of page