Stoelzle formalized its offering of recycled PCR glass for the luxury market by highlighting that the industry needs adapt to the appearance of this type of glass, and in particular the fact that its transparency varies according to the proportion of PCR content. For example, with 5% PCR, there will be no perceptible difference compared to virgin glass. With 40% PCR, it takes on a green tint that destines it, for example, to the production of wine bottles. If it’s 80% recycled, with 30% PCR and 50% glass recovered from the post-industrial sector, it will be dark and suitable for the spirits sector. To lighten its carbon footprint, Stoelzle’s Masnières Parfumerie division is offering to combine PCR glass with its Quali Glass Coat powder coating process, which features carbon emissions reduced by 77% compared to traditional lacquering.
Bormioli Luigi, metallizing gets complex
Bormioli Luigi showcased Inside Mirror, the metallized version of Inside, its interior laquering process that already decorates more than 20 million pieces. Here, the decoration is produced by superimposing layers and the metallization can be combined with a translucent hue to enhance the visual effect. The coating in direct contact with the liquid remains unchanged, and retains its characteristics of strength and chemical compatibility. Inside Mirror already adorns a collector’s edition of the Mon Guerlain fragrance. In addition, Bormioli Luigi launched a catalog showcasing its wide range of lacquers and finishes: flocking, glitter, crackle effect, phosphorescent, various material effects, and even an olfactory glass treatment.
O-I, 3D printing in glassmaking
O-I has been perfecting its O-I Expressions process, which applies 3D printed motifs to bottles by depositing organic inks, which polymerize via UV flashing. Faster and more flexible than in-mold engraving, or enamel fired at 600°C, the technique lends itself to small runs and offers great finesse in its relief. In the same production cycle, flat and embossed printing can be carried out, as well as eight-color positions, gradients, and soon metallized effects. Developed along with Dekron (Krones), and set up at the OI plant at Chazelles-sur-Lyon in France, the production line has an annual capacity of 9 to 14 million bottles, which vary according to the dimensions, relief and complexity of the decoration.
Hrastnik 1860, a growing catalog
The Slovenian glassmaker presented a spirits bottle under the name Jupiter Polaris featuring geometric surface motifs in relief that evoke polar ice and its plays of light. The challenge was to create a two-part mold that accurately reproduces the design on the entire circumference of the bottle.
Saverglass, towards digital decoration
Saverglass has been developing digital inkjet decoration, and has notably launched its Filigrane effect, consisting of a rather diffuse motif that looks to be melted into the glass. Simply decorative, or for customization, the process can also help combat counterfeiting. The group also presented two new mass-dyed colors: Dark Amber (in furnace tank) and Onyx (in feeder). The latter is an opaque black glass, a first for Saverglass, which is committed to ensuring that the product meets its quality standards. It is in fact more difficult to guarantee a perfect surface in black glass, as the optical control machines at the exit of the annealing arch are designed for white glass.
Pochet du Courval, continuous lightweighting
The glassmaker is continuing its work on lightweight glass, which it began in 2016 with the Epure cosmetic jar. Pochet du Courval presented two 50ml bottles in lightened versions. One, with a cylindrical shape, weighs 65 grams—a weight reduction of 48% and a carbon footprint reduced by 49%. The other rectangular shape weighs 83 grams, with a 42% decrease in both its weight as well as its CO2 emissions. In terms of sustainable development, the company is also promoting its Seva glass, containing 10% selected recycled glass, not food grade (which might degrade its shine) but perfumery. This consists of recovering empty bottles brought back to stores by the consumer, and those eliminated at certain manufacturing stages, such as during filling.
Verescence, a sustainable partnership
Verescence is aiming to illustrate its sustainable approach via a conceptual range of beauty products named 10: a perfume-skincare product and a moisturizer, formulated by Symrise, based on just ten ingredients. The containers are lightened (by 39%), recycled (using VERO Infinite Glass by Verescence, composed of 25% PCR glass, and 65% post-industrial cullet) and refillable. Eco-designed inks and acid etching without environmental emissions complete this virtuous profile. Other packaging companies participated in this project: Technicaps, Aptar, and Centurybox Group. In addition, LTU Tech connected the two products to a visual recognition system, thus facilitating traceability.
