The Challenge
A private label food manufacturer – who currently fills ambient product into glass jars – wanted to explore what the future of glass packaging could look like for one of their production sites across one of their production sites.
While glass continues to deliver strong premium positioning, increasing retailer concerns around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) costs, transport weight and carbon intensity were creating pressure to identify alternative packaging formats.
The client needed a clear understanding of which alternative solutions could realistically be implemented while balancing sustainability, operational and commercial requirements.
Our Approach
ThePackHub identified and evaluated a wide range of alternative packaging formats using the Innovation Zone, Patent Zone and wider market intelligence.
Following an initial screening process, five alternative formats were selected for detailed comparison against the original glass jar format.
Each solution was assessed across multiple criteria including:
- Operational compatibility
- Commercial feasibility
- Consumer acceptance
- Sustainability
- Functionality
The project combined strategic packaging insight with practical implementation considerations to support future decision-making.
The Impact
ThePackHub delivered a clear hierarchy of alternative packaging solutions, enabling the client to confidently evaluate future packaging directions for the category.
The final report provided:
- Comparative analysis across all key metrics
- Strategic recommendations
- Implementation considerations
- Prioritised next-step opportunities
The work helped the client identify the most viable future packaging formats while balancing sustainability ambitions, operational realities and commercial requirements.