Port of Kalama, Washington is the site for the first wine bottle glass plant in 30 years. Cameron Family Glass Packaging, Pittsburg, PA, recently closed a $109 million financing deal that will allow the company to break ground in June, 2007. Scheduled for startup in the last half of 2008, the 175,000 square foot facility will rely on a hydro-powered electric furnace, making it the largest eco-friendly wine bottle manufacturing facility in the world.

Recycling will also be a top priority. Wine bottles will be made at least in part with cullet received from recycling programs in surrounding Washington and Oregon communities. The company will also recycle all water used during the glass making process. Washington State is home to more than 500 wineries, comprising a $3 billion industry that is second only to California in the U.S. Get more details

PACKAGING TRENDS

New Science Sheds Light on Consumer Packaging Choices

According to recent media reports and scientific studies, there is growing concern that under certain conditions some "endocrine disrupting" chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, could leach out of particular plastics containers into food or beverages.

While much remains to be uncovered about the potential harm of such chemicals, and scientists are far from conclusive on the topic, consumers increasingly have to consider the "whole package" when selecting food and beverages. Find out more about this issue at www.keepitorganic.org

Following are a few studies being reported:

06/04/07: "Birthrate of Boys is Declining," The Washington Post
" … exposure to gender-bending pollutants, including certain plastics and metals that have been shown in laboratory experiments to preferentially harm male-producing sperm or to cause feminization of genetically male fetuses."

05/31/07: "Chemicals may cause range of health ailments," The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Some of the chemicals—found in plastic containers, dental sealants, soda and soup can linings, carpets, paints and pesticides—remain virtually unregulated in the United States."

05/25/07: "Common chemicals pose danger for fetuses, scientists warn," The Los Angeles Times
"Chemicals with evidence of developmental effects include compounds in plastics, cosmetics and pesticides."

05/20/07: "The hazards in our plastic," Seattle Times
"For the microwave, instead choose glass containers or ceramic containers with no metallic paint."

"Product: Mountain Valley Spring Water," www.MightyFoods.com
"Why glass? People are becoming increasingly interested in avoiding foods and beverages packaged in plastic, many citing health reasons. There is concern that under certain conditions (for example, heat) some of the powerful chemicals that make plastic flexible can leach into the water or food."

UK Survey Finds Pub Customers Prefer Glass

A survey of 4,406 UK consumers by customer service evaluation firm Retail Eyes found that 85% of pub goers believe a drink served in a plastic cup is worth less than one served in glass. In addition, 62% of respondents are very aware of the actual glass used, including shape and size, for different types and brands of drinks. Get all survey findings

"FiFi" Trophy Redesign Merges Glass and Fragrance

Not since 1975 has the Fragrance Foundation redesigned its award trophy for the FiFi's, the "Oscars" of the fragrance world. Last year they launched a competition among 12 firms in Europe and the U.S. to redesign the trophy. Denis Bouard's glass-inspired design was selected from among six finalists and unveiled to the public at the FiFi Awards ceremony in New York on May 31, 2007.

"I wanted to create a sculpture which embodied the blending of glass and fragrance, because in this industry one cannot exist without the other," said Bouard, designer and founder of OSLD. The Award simulates a drop of perfume dissolving into and sending ripples through a slender sheet of crystal. Find out more

SUSTAINABILITY

New Report Spotlights Sustainability and Consumer Choice

"The Hartman Report on Sustainability: Understanding the Consumer Perspective," released May 2007, opens a window into consumer understanding of "sustainability" and it plays into day-to-day living and consumer purchases.

The report finds that glass containers are at the deepest level of sustainability. According to a Seattle Post Intelligencer article on the study, "the deepest shade of green translates to glass containers, recycled building material, solar panels and hybrid cars." The Hartman Group is a U.S. market research firm. Get the full report

GLASS RECYCLING

O-I Hosts Recycling Facility at French Glass Plant

O-I will have part ownership and host a household glass recycling facility at its glass plant near Beziers in France. The hi-tech facility, operated by IPAQ, a glass recycling specialist, is expected to begin operation by end of 2007 and recycle 120-150 metric tons annually. Glass cullet will travel by conveyor from the facility into batch storage silos at the glass plant. Lasers, digital cameras, and ultraviolet systems will sort cullet and remove contaminants.

California DOC Releases Recycling Grant Notice

The California Department of Conservation (DOC) has released its request for proposals for the 2007 Recycling Market Development and Expansion (MDE) Grant Program. The grants provide up to $20 million annually for programs to achieve sustainable containers, packaging materials or systems, and to improve the beverage container recycling rate in California. The focus is on recycled aluminum, glass, and plastic, including research and development projects that lead to sustainable manufacturing and processing. Download an application

LEGISLATION

Bill Provides for Upgrade to Owens-Brockway Facility

Legislators unanimously passed a bill for a facility upgrade to the Owens-Brockway Glass Container plant. The 13-0 vote approves a project that entails the ownership of more than 220 acres of land, a minimum capital investment of more than $20 million, and the retention of about 200 manufacturing jobs in Cayuga County, NY.

The bill will allow the facility to make significant renovations and expand furnace capacity to continue production of glass containers. The bill also authorizes a payment in lieu of tax agreement for up to 20 years, allowing the company to make a sizable investment on the property. Learn more

RISE Act Introduced

Senator Olympia Snowe (ME) recently introduced the Recycling Investment Saves Energy (RISE) Act (S. 1587). Senators Carper (DE), Kerry (MA), Obama (IL), Isakson (GA), Lieberman (CT), Lincoln (AR) and Bayh (IN) have agreed to co-sponsor the legislation. The RISE Act will:

GPI is working with a coalition to promote passage of this bill. For information contact Bryan Vickers at bvickers@pacellp.com.

1000 WORDS

POM Tea shows the many ways to reuse their glass package, bringing life to the slogan, "Drink Up. Be Creative." Watch the ad

Copyright © 2007 Glass Packaging Institute 

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