Frequently Asked Questions

What colours do Vetropack's glass containers come in?

Our eight standard colours are white, primeur, green, Vetrogreen, olive, feuille-morte, cuvée and brown. Of course, individual shades are also possible. With feeder colouring, you can create cobalt blue, light blue, light green, black or whatever shade you want. 

What is the difference between standard and bespoke moulds?

Standard moulds can be used by any bottling company. The cost of the mould is included as a proportion of the cost per item. We produce bespoke moulds exclusively for one customer. The cost of the mould is a one-off cost or can be included as a proportion of the cost per item.

How long does the project development process take for a bespoke mould?

From the initial idea to the finished technical drawing, it usually takes about three to four weeks. 

What is the delivery time for a bespoke mould?

From the time the customer approves the drawing to delivery usually takes about ten to twelve weeks.

Does Vetropack produce any enhanced or decorated glass packaging? What is the minimum batch size?

Embossed glass reliefs underline the individuality of the product. They are a popular way of enhancing glass packaging. We also work with professional partners to produce glass packaging with decoration (screen printing, lacquering, frosting, etc.). Such enhancements are possible from small batch sizes through to large-scale production.

From a production technology aspect, what is the difference between non-returnable and returnable packaging?

Returnable packaging is subjected to greater stress due to the repeated refilling and washing. So it is made heavier, with thicker walls. Non-returnable glass packaging, on the other hand, requires thinner walls and is more lightweight.

How often can a returnable bottle be reused?

A returnable bottle can withstand more than 40 cycles.

How does Vetropack monitor the quality of its glass packaging?

We put our glass packaging through the following quality tests:

  • measuring tests (weight, content, dimensions, etc.)
  • destructive testing (internal pressure, pendulum swing impact, thermal shock, etc.)
  • 100% inline testing by inspection machines (wall thickness, crack testing, impurity testing, etc.)
Why is surface tempering necessary and what does it consist of?

Glass packaging is tempered at the hot end with a coating of zinc oxide. At the cold end, it is normally given a coating of polyethylene. The two coatings together act as a kind of protective film. It means that the glass containers slide more easily past one another, and scratches during bottling and transportation are avoided. Where wet glue labels are used, the glue has to be matched to the cold end coating.

What happens if I have a complaint?

If you have a complaint, please always retain the damaged glass packaging and the pallet number and give them to your customer adviser or to our technical customer services. These documents enable our specialists to quickly identify the cause of the complaint.

What information is important to have at the briefing for developing a new item of glass packaging?

 

Product

  • What product is it for?
  • Is the product light-sensitive?
  • What is the CO2 content?
  • What is the specific weight of your product (food only)? 
  • At what temperature is the product bottled?
  • Are there any other specific requirements for bottling?
  • How do you want to position the product in its competitive environment?
  • What is the USP?
  • What characteristics define the market for this product category and what are its dynamics?
  • In which countries is the product expected to find a market?

 

Company

  • What corporate identity specifications do we need to observe?
  • What does the corporate design consist of?
  • How are the new glass containers unpacked during your production process?
  • Are there any other specifications for the bottling line?
  • What pallet size is used?
    • 800 x 1200
    • 1000 x 1200
    • up to ______ cm pallet height 

 

Glass packaging

How is the glass packaging to be used?

  • One-way bottles
  • Multi-trip bottles

 

What kind of closure do you prefer?

What message should the glass packaging convey?

Which target group do you hope to appeal to?

  • Age _____
  • Mainly male
  • Mainly female
  • Ø household income 
  • Other demographic data 

 

What are the consumer habits of the target group?

What are the attitudes and convictions that define this target group?

 

Distribution

Which distribution channels do you have in mind?

  • Food retailers
  • Catering trade
  • Other ______

 

Which price segment are you aiming for?

  • Premium price segment
  • Average price segment
  • Budget price segment

 

What kind of labels do you have in mind?

  • Wet-glue labels
  • Self-adhesive labels
  • No-label look
  • Screen printing

 

Where is the label to be positioned?

  • Neck
  • Front
  • Back

 

What are the requirements on the glass packaging that arise from the outer packaging?

What specifications from your distribution partners need to be taken into account?