The Ultimate Guide to Glass Packaging

The Ultimate Guide to Glass Packaging: Everything You Need to Know When Choosing Glass Bottles and Jars

At Glassworks International, we understand how vital packaging is to your product’s success. Whether you’re a drinks brand, sauce producer, or health supplement start-up, the right glass bottle or jar can elevate your brand, protect your product and give you the edge in a competitive market.

But with so many options, terms and pricing variables, choosing the right glass packaging can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. As a trusted glass supplier and manufacturing partner, we help you to source the best glass bottles, jars and closures from the right supplier: balancing quality, price, lead time and design.

In this blog, we break down the key questions and terms to help you confidently navigate the world of glass packaging.

What is a Specialist Glass Packaging Distributor and why work with one?

A Specialist Glass Packaging Distributor acts as a strategic link between glass manufacturers and customers. Unlike manufacturers who may only offer their own range, a supplier like Glassworks International offers access to a broad network of glass manufacturers, each with different strengths, price points and specialisations.

We pride ourselves on offering a platinum service, ensuring we look after all aspects of the glass supply, including shipping, payable duties and importation paperwork, so you can focus on building your brand.

We don’t just sell glass, we find the right glass for your needs.

Whether you need large volumes at the best price or niche solutions in lower quantities, we ensure you’re matched with a factory that suits your product, budget and lead time.

Think going direct to a manufacturer is cheaper? Not always. Thanks to the volumes we handle across our customer base, we often negotiate better pricing than most businesses could get alone; and we pass those savings straight on to you.

What types of glass packaging are available?

We supply a wide range of glass containers for:

Carbonated and non-carbonated drinks
Wines, spirits and olive oil
Sauces, spreads and jams
Cosmetic packaging

Glass types include:

Flint glass – Clear and colourless, ideal for visibility
Amber glass – Protects against UV light, perfect for beer or supplements
Green, dark green or UVAQ glass – Commonly used for wine bottles

How are glass bottles and jars priced?

Glass pricing can vary significantly. Key factors include:

Raw material costs (especially soda ash)
Energy and labour costs
Production efficiency (e.g., double gob vs. triple gob machinery)
Transport and logistics
Customisation complexity
Supply and demand fluctuations

We monitor these variables and work proactively to get you the best price per thousand units, especially useful when price is your biggest concern. (Remember www.glassworksdirect.com for smaller requirements.)

Thanks to improved shipping methods, lightweighting options and additional storage and port locations, we’ve recently helped many businesses reduce their glass costs. If you’ve had a quote before, it’s worth asking us for a new one.

What is “cullet” and why does it matter?

Cullet is recycled glass used in manufacturing. It reduces the raw material usage, energy needed to make new containers and cuts CO₂ emissions. It’s a key part of sustainable packaging and is increasingly valued by retailers and consumers alike.

What should you ask before choosing glass packaging?

When onboarding a new customer, we always ask:

What product are you packaging?
What size and shape are you after?
Do you require UV protection or specific colours?
What volume do you expect to order?
Do you want custom branding, embossing or decoration?
What is your target price per thousand?

These answers help us tailor a solution that’s commercially viable and future-proof.

What are typical lead times and MOQs?

Lead times vary depending on stock availability, design complexity and origin. We hold significant stock in our UK warehouses for quick delivery (usually within 2 working days) and keep stock for production runs to guarantee availability.

Typical timelines:

Standard orders: 2 working days for stocked orders as above.
Imported glass: 4 – 8 weeks (subject to confirmation)
Custom designs: 10–16 weeks (up to 9 months from scratch)

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) range from 1,000 to 100,000 units, but we work with specialist factories to support smaller runs. Speak to us about Glassworks Direct, our division launching soon to support smaller requirements.

How does glass compare to plastic?

We’re often asked: “Isn’t glass more expensive than plastic?”

Here’s the reality:

Glass is 100% recyclable infinitely
No microplastics or harmful leaching
Enhances your brand’s premium feel
Consumers trust glass for food safety and sustainability

While upfront costs can be slightly higher, the long-term brand value and environmental credibility are worth far more.

What if things go wrong?

At Glassworks International, we’re built on trust, transparency and customer-first service.

Got a complaint? We have a clear process involving photos, batch checks and direct communication with our suppliers, handled by our technical team. (We’re proud to receive very few complaints thanks to our 25 years of experience.)
Worried about breakages? We use best-in-class packaging and certified manufacturing partners.
Need certification? We’ll supply ISO, BRC, FSSC and food contact declarations on request.

What is EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and how does it affect glass packaging?

EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility, a new UK regulation that requires businesses to take responsibility for the packaging waste they create. If you import glass bottles or jars into the UK, this likely applies to you

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know:

Who pays?

The UK-based importer or brand owner is responsible. If you’re placing packaged goods on the UK market, you must register and report under EPR.

What does it cost?

Fees are based on the weight and recyclability of the packaging. Glass, being fully recyclable, typically incurs lower fees than plastic.

What are the EPR thresholds for 2025?

Large Organisation (Full EPR obligations)

Turnover: Over £2 million
Packaging handled: Over 50 tonnes/year
Must:
Register
Submit packaging data
Pay EPR and waste management fees

Small Organisation (Reporting-only obligations)

Turnover: £1–2 million
Packaging handled: Over 25 tonnes/year
Must:
Register
Submit packaging data (no fees currently)

Below this threshold (under £1 million turnover or <25 tonnes):

No EPR obligations

How can we help?

At Glassworks International, we support customers in understanding and managing their EPR obligations. We guide you through:

Whether you’re classed as an importer or producer
How to calculate your obligations
Ways to reduce packaging weight or switch to more sustainable formats

Want to stay compliant and reduce long-term costs? Ask us how the right glass choices can make a difference.

BONUS: What sustainability options are available beyond glass choice?

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the bottle. We also help customers with:

Lightweighting glass – Reducing raw material use and transport emissions

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