The US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has authorised the use of glass containers for spirits-based products across all approved sizes.
This includes the popular 355ml (12-ounce) size.
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) has praised the TTB’s decision, which comes into effect tomorrow (January 10th).
Scott DeFife, President of GPI, said: “This decision marks a pivotal moment for consumers, the glass packaging industry and the broader spirits market.
“The TTB’s decision to modernise older regulations that had previously limited packaging options for certain spirits-based products, acknowledges the importance of innovation, consumer choice, and environmental sustainability.
“It ensures a level playing field for all packaging materials. This ruling will allow domestic glass manufacturers to serve this growing market.”
Historically, the 355ml size for spirits-based products was restricted to metal containers.
GPI and its member companies advocated for the elimination of this restriction which hindered glass manufacturers’ ability to compete and limited brands' packaging options.
Glass containers can now offer spirits producers a core packaging size option that aligns with consumer preferences and environmental goals.
The demand for spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails has surged in recent years, with sales increasing by 226% between 2016 and 2021.
The TTB’s updated standards of fill (SOF) will enable producers to better meet this growing demand by offering their products in glass containers.
GPI also commends the TTB for recognising the need for packaging flexibility across other fill sizes, including 187ml and 250ml.
It believes this will ensure that glass containers can serve the needs of spirits producers at all future approved capacities.
