Verallia, Europe’s leading and the world’s third largest producer of glass packaging, is inaugurating its first hybrid furnace at its Zaragoza site in Spain. This new facility marks a significant milestone in the Group’s decarbonisation strategy and will reduce CO₂ (scope 1 and 2) emissions by around 50%, with potential to reach 60% depending on the energy mix.  In response to the climate emergency, Verallia has been committed for several years to decarbonising its operations. Supported by a clear and robust CSR roadmap – now reinforced by the SBTi’s1 validation of its Net Zero 2040 trajectory – the Group aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 46.2% by 2030 compared with 2019, and by 90% by 2040. Verallia is the first global producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products to commit to this trajectory for 2040. In this context, the Group is deploying a diversified portfolio of low‑carbon melting technologies across its n

For decades, wooden pallets have been the default standard for warehouse storage and freight movement. But for many operations teams, that standard is creating more problems than it solves. From rising material costs and freight inefficiencies to workplace injuries and sustainability pressure, traditional pallets are becoming an expensive bottleneck in modern logistics. That’s why more companies are making the transition to recycled plastic slip sheets — and once they switch, they rarely go back. The Problem with Traditional Wooden Pallets Wooden pallets may be familiar, but familiarity doesn’t always mean efficiency. They are heavy, bulky, and prone to wear over time. Splintering, broken boards, protruding nails, and damaged corners can create serious safety hazards for employees while also increasing the risk of product damage. Beyond safety, pallets consume valuable warehouse space and add unnecessary weight to every shipment. Those added pounds directly impact tra

We are certainly living in different times—times that are difficult to predict and even harder to plan for. Challenges originating far outside our professional world are quickly impacting our day-to-day operations and, ultimately, your business. Throughout 2026, suppliers across the industry have faced significant disruption, and those challenges have inevitably flowed downstream to our valued wine and spirits customers. While none of us welcome this level of uncertainty, it is also not entirely unexpected given the global environment we’re operating in. Recently, the Wine Industry Network published a timely and insightful article that underscores the importance of preparation. The message is clear: we must plan ahead, secure what we can, and remain ready for continued volatility. Duties, tariffs, currency fluctuations, transportation challenges, and unexpected fees are all contributing to rising costs—and the reality is, no one can predict what will come next. What

The wine and spirits industry is standing on the precipice of a major design evolution. For years, “premium” was defined by weight, excess, and tradition. For 2026, a new definition of luxury is emerging; one that values intelligence over mass, and tactile storytelling over simple visual appeal. For brand owners and procurement leaders, staying ahead of these glass packaging trends in 2026 is no longer just about aesthetics; it is a matter of strategic survival. From the rise of “quiet luxury” and right-weighted glass to the complex pressures of global supply chains, the packaging decisions made today will define brand resilience tomorrow. In this forecast, we explore how sustainable luxury, ergonomic innovation, and smart supply chain strategies are reshaping the premium landscape, and how Global Package provides the specialized glass solutions needed to help you navigate this future. The State of Glass Packaging for Wine & Spirits At Global Package, we&r

A Story of Leadership, Innovation, Hard Work, and Inclusion In an industry dominated by large-scale manufacturers and long-established corporations, National Storage Tank (NST) stands out not only as a leader in engineered water storage systems but also as a certified woman-owned business driving change through innovation, diversity, and community impact. Led by CEO Nicole Oblad, NST has become a powerhouse in the design and delivery of bolted steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, and underground water storage tanks, serving industries ranging from hospitals and data centers to agriculture and manufacturing. Yet, what truly sets NST apart isn’t just the scale of its operations, but the values that fuel its success. Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry The water storage and construction industries have traditionally been male-dominated, but NST’s leadership has rewritten that narrative. Under Nicole Oblad’s guidance, NST has become one of

Glass bottle prices are rising, supply chains remain unpredictable, and tariffs continue to add pressure. For many wineries, these challenges are prompting a fresh look at packaging. Wine on tap in reusable steel kegs offers a resilient, sustainable solution that eliminates reliance on glass while protecting wine quality and freshness from the first pour to the last. Switching to kegs can help reduce costs, simplify logistics, and strengthen your sustainability story. Now’s the time to future-proof your business with a smarter, more flexible packaging option. Connect with our team to explore how Free Flow Wines can help you make the shift with ease. Contact Us  

If you’ve been in the wine industry for a while, you’ve probably noticed how much harder it’s become to rely on international shipping. What used to be a straightforward order for new French oak has turned into a waiting game—freight costs changing by the week, containers delayed, and barrels showing up long after you needed them. But the reality for winemakers is simple: harvest doesn’t pause while barrels are stuck on the water. The New Normal in Barrel Supply There was a time when you could plan around a predictable delivery schedule. Now, that predictability is gone. Port congestion, customs delays, and logistics bottlenecks mean that a barrel ordered today might not arrive until weeks—or even months—later. For wineries, that lag can ripple through the cellar. Tanks fill up faster than barrels arrive. Fermentations need to be moved or held longer than you’d prefer. The whole rhythm of harvest can feel like it’s working against y

Why Delaying Your Purchase Could Cost You More Than You Think In today’s unpredictable economic climate, industries from agriculture to data centers and hospitals to municipalities face rising costs and shrinking timelines. If you’re considering purchasing a steel water storage tank, the time to act is now. National Storage Tank is here to break down the top 10 reasons why buying your steel tank today is smart and, in some cases, essential. Here are 10 reasons why buying your steel tank today 1. Rising and Unpredictable Tariffs on Steel Imports Tariffs on imported steel fluctuate, often rising without warning due to trade negotiations, global policy shifts, and protectionist economic measures. These tariffs directly increase the cost of steel, affecting all steel-related applications like Water and other liquid storage tanks. Locking in your tank price today protects you from the next price hike and is one of the surest ways to stay even close to budget on some projects.

We are proud to announce that R.F. MacDonald Co. has been recognized as the 1st Place Operational Excellence Leader at the Avetta 2025 Summit in Nashville! This award highlights our company’s ongoing commitment to business efficiency, time savings, streamlined workflows, and automated safety compliance practices — all key pillars of operational excellence. About the Avetta Summit Held annually, the Avetta Summit brings together leading voices in safety, compliance, and procurement. This year’s event featured impactful breakout sessions and a customer panel where industry professionals shared insights on building smarter, safer supply chains.The evening concluded with a special celebration dinner honoring Avetta’s 2025 Customer Award winners, selected from over 350 submissions. The night ended on a high note with a live performance from Backstage Nashville, turning the celebration into a true after-party. RFMCO’s Commitment to Safety and Excellence A big co

The U.S. tariff environment remains unpredictable, with repercussions that stretch well beyond its borders. More recently, Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum were doubled to 50 percent on June 4, 2025, adding another layer of complexity to global trade. While these tariffs primarily affect industries reliant on steel and aluminum, they highlight just how volatile the economic landscape can be: a reality that resonates deeply within the glass industry. Although the UK negotiated a temporary carve-out for steel and aluminum (maintaining rates at 25 percent until around July 9), most other trade partners are experiencing the full weight of these changes. For the glass industry, which relies heavily on stable supply chains and predictable costs, such shifts serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by an unstable economic climate. For background on earlier tariff impacts on glass from March 2025, including implications for our glass bottle pricing, see our report on the