TLDR? We are switching to recyclable/biodegradable wheat straw bottles for our lotions (and perhaps more), at least temporarily. Keep reading if the trials and tribulations of small business are of interest.
Longer story: I ordered glass bottles for lotion in December, but from a new supplier. My usual source was out of stock (more on that later). These bottles are ubiquitous, standard bottles--one of the reasons I chose them a decade ago. The supplier's sample bottle and lotion pump looked fine, so I ordered enough for 6 months of production. When the pallet came and we made a batch of lotion, oh my. The pumps were too big to fit in the neck of the bottle. My source tried a second shipment of pumps. Still no go. Clearly, their bottles were a hair smaller than the sample bottle, and the pumps no longer fit. Did THEY change suppliers? Did their supplier change their production? I have no idea, but I do know I have a pallet of glass bottles and thousands of pumps that no longer fit them.
So we're pivoting to wheat straw bottles. These are a combination of recyclable and biodegradable materials. They are lighter than glass (easier to ship) and less prone to breakage. The current thousands of pumps we have also fit them. Hurrah! I will continue to look for pumps that fit the glass bottles, because otherwise, I have no use for them. For the time being, you may get either a glass or wheat straw bottle when you order lotion. I'm sorry about that, but I hope you understand.
The larger issue for my business and so many others is that the supply chain problems we've been struggling with since 2020 have not resolved; many of my suppliers are out of stock of basic ingredients and packaging, or are themselves scrambling for substitutions, which is no doubt what happened with our lotion bottles. The possibility of rising tariffs on goods from abroad will also affect prices and availability. My suppliers are already warning me of price increases.
These supply chain issues are a headache, but I'm looking at them as an opportunity to try new things and consider new opportunities. I'm always open to your feedback, and be reassured that we will keep making the best body care.
Lesli