Modern Trends in Beer Bottles and Packaging

The theme of trends is one that impacts numerous industries, and the beer industry is no exception. There are several major modern trends that mark key areas of the beer industry, particularly when it comes to bottles and other forms of packaging or transportation that are often used for beer products.

At Industrial Container and Supply Company, we're happy to supply clients across industries with numerous bottles, cans, jars and other containers, including many specific beer containers in both glass and other material categories. Here are some of the modern trends that are impacting the beer bottling world today, plus how these may impact your manufacturing processes or future needs.

An Increase in Sustainable Practices

One of the single largest and most notable trends in the beer industry is the increase of sustainable practices in both brewing and bottling processes. In order to best meet these needs, many breweries are turning toward more reusable or refillable bottles and cans rather than single-use containers, as well as other eco-friendly production methods for their product packaging.

For instance, many breweries are making use of lighter weight bottles to reduce the amount of resources used in production. Additionally, some are looking to more easily recycled materials such as aluminum for their cans and other containers. To further reduce waste, many companies are considering options that can be refilled multiple times at their brewery before being discarded or recycled.

Snap Packs, Stackable Cans and Other Innovations

Down related lines, a number of craft brewers and other major beer companies are turning to new or innovative packaging options for their products. For instance, some have moved away from traditional six-packs of bottles towards stackable cans that make it much easier to store in refrigerators or other small spaces.

Additionally, many are now looking at snap packs which bind together individual cans without any need for plastic or paper wrap. Many of these design innovations are intended to make the product more convenient for consumers and reduce packaging waste.

What We Learned From COVID-19

Another major shift in the beer industry has come in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In many areas, restaurants and bars were closed down or significantly limited, leaving breweries to find new ways to get their product into consumers' hands. This led to an increase in takeout and delivery options for beer, as well as larger containers intended for sharing between households.

It also led to beer manufacturers looking for more creative ways to transport their product without risking contamination, such as contactless delivery services and other innovations. This has led to an increased demand for new types of containers that are designed specifically for these kinds of needs, such as tamper-proof packaging solutions or resealable containers.

Furthermore, the concept of beer subscriptions is quickly becoming more popular, as many consumers are looking for new and convenient ways to get their favorite beer into their homes. This has led to an increase in the use of specialty packaging solutions that can accommodate multiple bottles or cans throughout an entire subscription period, with various refillable options available depending on the manufacturer.

Glass and Aluminum Remain King

As you may have assumed while reading the above trends, glass and aluminum remain the most popular materials for beer bottles and other containers. This is largely due to their durability and recyclability – two aspects that are very important to many consumers today.

For instance, traditional amber glass remains the most common material used for bottles in the craft brewing industry, while the vast majority of cans continue to be made out of aluminum. As we noted earlier, many breweries are looking to reduce the amount of resources used for these containers, which is why lighter weight bottles and cans are becoming increasingly popular.

What the Future May Hold

While we certainly don't have a crystal ball, it's fair to expect many of these existing trends to continue in the future. Sustainable practices, reducing packaging waste and finding creative solutions that accommodate today's needs are all likely to remain a priority for beer manufacturers in the years ahead.

At Industrial Container and Supply Company, we will continue to keep our finger on the pulse of these trends in order to ensure that our clients have access to the latest and greatest packaging solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the containers you need for your beer product line.