Why Packaging Distributors Must Rethink Glass, Metal, and Rigid Plastic—Before Tariffs Force Their Hand

The Real Problem Isn’t Tariffs—It’s Outdated Thinking

Across the packaging industry, distributors and resellers are scrambling to respond to new and potential tariff increases. But here’s the truth: tariffs are just the tip of the iceberg.

The real issue is this—most industries are still stuck using outdated packaging formats like glass jars, metal cans, and rigid plastic buckets. Not because these formats are the best solution, but because they’ve been doing it this way for decades.

It’s inertia. It’s fear of change. And it’s costing everyone—especially you as the distributor—money and opportunity.

💡 Forward-thinking packaging distributors don’t just react to tariffs. They lead by reengineering packaging solutions before the pressure hits.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection – Tariff Info

Why Outdated Formats Are Hurting Customers—and You

Let’s break down what these legacy formats are really doing:

• 💡 Excess weight = increased freight costs

• 💡 Glass jars = breakage, returns, and shelf-life issues

• 💡 Metal cans = outdated appearance and higher raw material costs

• 💡 Rigid buckets = poor cube efficiency, labor issues, and storage problems

• 💡 None of these formats support modern sustainability goals

  Examples:

• Sauce companies using glass instead of lightweight flexible pouches

• Bulk liquid suppliers still using HDPE pails instead of bag-in-box systems

Why Most Packaging Distributors Miss These Opportunities

If these problems are obvious, why aren’t more packaging reps offering
solutions?

Because most packaging distributors are stuck in survival mode:

❌ Afraid to challenge the status quo
❌ Untrained in packaging innovation and redesign
❌ Dependent on a limited catalog of commodity products
❌ Focused on price, not value

This isn’t a knowledge problem—it’s a mindset problem. And AI and Amazon are about to eat the lunch of every “order taker” who doesn’t adapt.

💡 PMMI – The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies

The Gold Mine Inside Your Existing Customer Base

Here’s the good news:

You don’t need to find new customers to grow. You just need to look differently at the ones you already serve. Industries like food, beverage, chemicals, cannabis, and pet care are ALL
actively looking for:

✅ Cost reductions
✅ More sustainable packaging
✅ Better shelf efficiency and reduced damage
✅ New ideas that cut through supply chain challenges

And most of them aren’t hearing anything new from their current packaging
rep. That’s your opportunity.

Be the Hero, Not the Order Taker

Here’s the part most reps miss: You don’t need to be a packaging engineer to offer better ideas. You just need to: Ask smarter questions

• Know what’s possible in the world of flexible, sustainable, and
  automated packaging

• Build relationships with the RIGHT suppliers who can back you up
  Because when you’re the one bringing innovation to the table, you become
  more than a rep.

• You become a problem solver. A pain killer. A profit partner.
  

Getting Started: Build Your Specialized Packaging Department™

If you're tired of competing on price and getting ghosted by customers shopping online, it's time to level up.

A Specialized Packaging Department™ gives you the tools, team, and
training to:

• Identify high-margin packaging opportunities

• Uncover cost-saving redesigns inside current accounts

• Stand out from commodity sellers

• Work directly with vetted suppliers who can perform

• Close deals others don’t even see
  

This isn’t theory. It’s a system. And it works.

Don’t Wait for Tariffs to Force Innovation

You can wait until tariffs eat your margins...
Or you can lead your customers to smarter, more profitable packaging now.

Let’s build your Specialized Packaging Department™ and help you turn outdated packaging into your competitive edge.

💡 Contact us today to start the conversation.