The present invention pertains to a single-piece flange adapted to be a part of a reel or spool, wherein the flange includes: (a) a hub portion defining one or more apertures, wherein the hub portion comprises an outer face and a wire face; (b) an outer rim; (c) a side wall disposed between the hub portion and the outer rim, wherein the side wall comprises an outer face and a wire face, and a plurality of crack propagation inhibitors extending through a thickness of at least the sidewall; and (d) a plurality of ribs connected to the side wall, and extending toward the hub portion.