I am becoming increasingly concerned about emotionally charged, misleading and inaccurate media reports justifying the introduction by some retailers of alternative packaging formats to glass.
Some seem to have interpreted their Courtauld Commitment as a simple weight reduction exercise, in which case the obvious target is glass. Until now glass has been one of the materials to have escaped criticism from consumer and environmental groups over excessive packaging. I believe it is worth reiterating why glass, although heavy compared with other materials, is actually the most sustainable form of packaging for food and drink products.
Where manufacturers have to use virgin raw materials they are sourced locally and are cheap and plentiful. Supplies of sand and limestone will last for thousands of years.
Glass is virtually inert and will keep any product in a pristine state. It offers long shelf life and in most applications it is resealable and returnable.
And, at a time when under-age drinking is increasingly a problem, is it right that alcoholic beverages should be packed in materials so associated with younger consumers? Glass is the widely accepted medium for the adult drinks sector.
But retailers and brand owners specify weight and often choose containers that are heavier than need be.
Has the number of customer complaints about the price of goods increased recently?
