Glencairn tackles glass shortage

Crystal glassware manufacturer Glencairn is offering premium glass bottles to spirits producers in response to the packaging shortage.

Glencairn said the spirits sector is currently facing a challenge in the sourcing and availability of premium glass.

As such, the Scotland-based company said it has large quantities of premium glass bottles available to the industry.

The firm said it is a particular problem for companies in the premium malt whisky category aged 18 years and over, as well as other spirits of significant age and value.

Furthermore, Glencairn noted that the pandemic, as well as increased energy costs and transport issues, has hiked up the price and extended lead times of premium glass bottles. It said there are delays of up to a year, with new projects taking up to 18 months to bring to production.

Scott Davidson, new product development director at Glencairn, said: “We’ve been evolving our offerings for over 40 years to provide an unparalleled range of premium cosmetic glass bottles and lead-free crystal bottles and decanters.

“We have worked hard to take the learning from some of the most expensive decanters in the world and supply this on more affordable, and importantly, more readily available, premium glass bottles.

“Our talented team of craftspeople can decorate cosmetic glass and bottles to the highest standards with bespoke designs developed by our in-house design team.

“Our decoration facilities are at the cutting edge of the market, with industry-leading production processes in engraving, decoration and precious metal and materials application.”

Glencairn said it is able to meet demand at short notice, offering fully recyclable glasses in all shapes and sizes. It also makes crystal decanters.