An elegant tear-drop shaped bottle for olive oil took first place in GPI’s Glass Packaging Design Competition held fall semester 2009 at Michigan State University School of Packaging.

The winning 12-ounce glass package was created by the team of Mike Rowe and Zack Werner, beating out 32 other Michigan State University (MSU) student teams. “My idea about glass has changed not only from our design, but from seeing the other innovative ideas,” says Werner.

“The winning design makes excellent use of the material characteristics and design flexibility of glass containers. "Good use of shape and color produces a great shelf impact," says Dennis Young, MSU Instructor. The competition is part of Young’s Glass and Metal Packaging course. “We had an excellent quality of projects from all the teams of students,” says Young.

The winning design is a spherical body with a gradual sloping neck and a bulky base for overall support. “The form is based on an old Italian wine bottle shape, with a rustic paper label,” says Mike Rowe. The amber color reduces the amount of sunlight entering the bottle, and the flint lower half provides a “window” so consumers can view the product. More

Listen to a podcast with MSU design Contest Winners

Hear What MSU Design Contest Winners Have To Say About Glass

GPI spoke with Professor Dennis Young and undergraduate students Mike Rowe and Zack Werner, winners of GPI’s 4th Glass Packaging Design Competition held fall semester 2009 at Michigan State University School of Packaging. Mike and Zack share a little about the creative process, and details about the winning 12-ounce glass package design for Lucini Premium Olive Oil. Professor Dennis Young provides listeners with ‘a look inside’ the GPI design competition and how it benefits his students. Listen to the podcast or read the text.

PACKAGING TRENDS

SGD N.A. Launches Infinite Glass, 100% Recycled Content Glass Bottles for Cosmetics Industry

After 18 months of research and development, SGD N.A., the world leader in glass bottle manufacturing for the perfume and cosmetics industries, has launched the first incarnation of its Infinite Glass line, Gaïa, which boasts glass jars and bottles made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass or “cullet.” In Greek mythology, Gaïa is a goddess personifying earth and symbolizing the ecosystem.

“The goal was to create ecological glass packaging with all of its performance advantages—compatibility, barrier quality, stability—while maintaining limitless decoration possibilities,” said Sheherazade Chamlou, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for SGD North America. “By addressing environmental issues, Infinite Glass is the perfect synergy between being green and glamorous.” More

GPI Design Competition Winner Lands Internship at Diageo

Nathan Sahr, a member of the winning team from GPI’s 2008 Packaging Design Competition, has landed an internship this winter and spring at Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business. Nathan, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree from MSU’s School of Packaging this December, says in addition to his studies, his knowledge from GPI’s guest lectures on glass container production and marketability, and his experience at O-I’s Glass University helped him secure this prestigious internship.

“I really enjoyed working with glass for the GPI design competition because of its premium look and high quality,” said Nathan. “From GPI, O-I, and my Michigan State classes, I basically decided I wanted to work in the beverage industry and Diageo was definitely at the top of my list for places I’d want to work.” More

LEGISLATION

Alaskan Senator Introduces Resolution of Disapproval to Prevent EPA Regulation of GHGs

Thirty-eight cosponsors, including three Senate Democrats, joined Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in sponsoring a “resolution of disapproval” that would prevent the EPA from regulating GHGs. The resolution would need to pass full votes by both the Senate and House of Representatives, in addition to being signed by President Obama before going into effect.

In a Senate-floor speech Senator Murkowski stated that the Clean Air Act was written by Congress to regulate criteria pollutants, not greenhouse gases, and its implementation remains subject to oversight and guidance from elected representatives. Senator Murkowski also expects court challenges to raising the regulatory thresholds under the Clean Air Act to encompass larger emitters.

In comments to the EPA and in communications with Members of Congress, GPI and its member companies have maintained that the only appropriate avenue to regulate greenhouse gas emissions is the U.S. Congress. They have also worked diligently with Members of Congress and their staff to ensure that all economic and environmental aspects are taken into account when considering emissions reductions regulation of glass container manufacturing facilities and their suppliers.

Read Senator Murkowski’s Senate floor statement and resolution of disapproval

Massachusetts Governor Includes Container Deposit Expansion in FY 2011 Budget Proposal

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s (D) FY 2011 budget proposes an expansion of the state’s container deposit system to include non-carbonated beverages. This follows a similar effort last July, when the Governor included container deposit expansion in the supplemental budget. The state estimates this expansion could generate an additional $20 million annually from unredeemed deposits. According to the plan, $5 million of these deposits would be dedicated to help fund recycling programs. Beverage container recycling operators have requested that the handling fee (currently at 2.25 cents per container) be increased as well. Legislation has been introduced that would increase the handling fee by 1 cent per container.

Maryland Legislator Introduces Bar and Restaurant Recycling Bill

Maryland House Del. Doyle Niemann (D-47th) has introduced legislation that would require the owner of a bar or restaurant which serves alcohol to provide for the collection, storage, separation, and recycling of all glass, aluminum, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage containers that are “generated for disposal.” If passed, these recycling requirements would begin January 1, 2012. Milk and other primarily “dairy” beverage containers would be exempt, as would bars and restaurants located in counties with populations of less than 150,000. Beginning in 2013, local governments would be required beginning to submit a report to the State Department of Environment on the tonnage of glass, aluminum, and PET collected and recycled through the program.

GLASS RECYCLING

Coca-Cola and KAB Announce 2010 Bin Grant Program

The Coca-Cola Company and Keep America Beautiful have opened the spring grant cycle for the Coca-Cola/KAB Recycling Bin Grant Program. Applications for this effort to promote and support community recycling are open until March 12, 2010. Find out more at www.bingrant.org.

Grants are open to government agencies, civic organizations, schools, nonprofit groups and for-profit companies. Successful applicants will be notified on or before April 22.

Grant recipients have the benefit of receiving both donated recycling bins and expertise on how to set up recycling programs from KAB. The grant program is part of Coca-Cola’s significant investment in recycling programs and initiatives in the U.S.

1000 WORDS

Vintage Budweiser Ad Showcases Glass Recyclability

To get glass container recycling started, be sure to invite the ants to your next picnic. Or recycle glass bottles yourself. This 1997 Budweiser commercial proves that the glass recycling message still holds strong more than a decade later. Watch the ad