The Glass Packaging Institute is inviting all interested groups to enter the 2011 Clear Choice Awards, which recognizes the contribution glass packaging makes to the image, marketability, sustainability and success of food, beverage, and cosmetic products.

"Glass is a versatile, 'green' and exciting packaging material," said Lynn Bragg, President of the Glass Packaging Institute. "The Clear Choice Awards allows us to recognize the innovation that is taking place within the industry and highlight the incomparable style and beauty of glass packaging."

GPI will award top package designs in the following categories: Beer; Wine; Food; Carbonated Beverage; Non-Carbonated Beverage; Distilled Spirits; Flavored Alcoholic Beverage; Organic Food or Beverage; and Fragrance/Cosmetics/Other. GPI will also choose one package design to receive the Clear Choice Award for Overall Package Design, and honor eligible entries with GPI’s Conversion Recognition.

"The Clear Choice Award means a lot to us," said James Koch, Chairman and Founder of the Boston Brewing Company, which won for Overall Package Design in 2010 for its Sam Adams Barrel Room Collection, produced by Anchor Glass Container. "We created really wonderful beer, but we needed a great glass package to present it to consumers."

Clear Choice Awards winners will be announced on the GPI website the week of September 11, 2011. For 2011, GPI will again hold a virtual Clear Choice Awards event. All entries must be postmarked by Saturday, July 9, 2011. Get entry details

Bragg Named President of the Glass Packaging Institute

Lynn Bragg has been named President of the Glass Packaging Institute. Ms. Bragg assumes the position of President following the retirement of current GPI President Joseph Cattaneo in March 2011. Mr. Cattaneo will continue to support GPI in a consulting role following his retirement.

“Lynn comes to GPI with a great breadth of experience in the government service and association management realms,” said Rich Crawford, Chairman, Board of Trustees, GPI. “We look forward to her leading our industry association as we address the challenges and opportunities that present themselves within our ever-changing, ever-evolving field.”

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with the nation’s glass container manufacturers as they offer new and innovative packaging solutions,” said Bragg. “I look forward to working with GPI’s members as we move forward in educating customers and consumers about the benefits of using glass packaging, including its environmental friendliness, endless recyclability and unmatched ability to maintain the freshness, purity and taste of products packaged in it.”

Ms. Bragg has extensive government and association experience. In recent years, she served as CEO of Worldwide ERC, a workforce mobility association, and as President of the Chocolate Manufacturers Association. On the government service front, she was appointed to the U.S. International Trade Commission by then President Bill Clinton, holding the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman during her tenure. She was also the Legislative Director for former U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop (R-WY). More

Florida Legislators Call For Study to Investigate Container Deposit Program

Results of University of Florida economic study released as well as public poll showing Floridian’s support for beverage container deposit refund programs.

Members of the Florida Legislature announced that they will call for a study to examine the potential for a new program in Florida to reduce waste and litter, and increase recycling. Senators Jack Latvala, Dennis Jones, and State Representative Doug Holder joined with environmental and beverage container industry officials to speak out in favor the need for the legislature to study a glass deposit program in Florida.

State legislators cited the potential for a beverage deposit program to help reduce litter and meet the state’s 75% recycling goal for 2020. The study would also look at the potential for job creation and revenue generation. Also announced were results of a University of Florida economic analysis and statewide public opinion survey showing support for a container recycling refund program.

A UF Bureau of Economic and Business Research report found that 30 million beverage containers wind up in landfills, and some as litter. According to the study, a beverage container deposit refund system creates a financial incentive to discourage litter and landfill growth while encouraging recycling. It would also generate unredeemed deposit revenue of potentially $70 million annually to help the state finance services and offset other tax burdens. That offset could also result in at least 280 new high-paying jobs, including recycling and manufacturing, according to the analysis.

And a statewide public opinion survey by McLaughlin and Associates revealed that a strong majority of Florida voters (63%) approve of a proposal for Florida to create its own recycling refund program. A large majority (77%) has a positive opinion of recycling refund programs at work in other states. An overwhelming majority (82%) approve of Florida setting a goal to achieve a 75% recycling rate by 2020, and 83% of voters believe a recycling refund program would be helpful in Florida achieving that goal.

Bill Waltz, CEO of Strategic Materials, a large U.S. glass processor with Florida operations in Jacksonville and Sarasota, said his company was excited about the survey results. “The people of Florida certainly care about the environment and implementing a beverage container deposit program will help raise the state’s recycling rate while cleaning up litter, adding green jobs, and benefiting the economy of the state,” said Waltz.

In attendance at the announcement and voicing support were representatives from Florida Wildlife Federation, the Florida Sierra Club, Florida Audubon, Defenders of Wildlife, Owens-Illinois, Inc., Container Recycling Institute, Strategic Materials Inc., Anchor Glass Container Corporation, the Glass Packaging Institute, and Verallia/Saint-Gobain Containers. Read local article

Bennu Glass to Reopen Glass Container Factory in Kalama, WA

Bennu Glass LLC has announced that it intends to reopen the idle glass wine bottle manufacturing facility located in Kalama, Washington. The factory was previously owned by Cameron Family Glass Packaging, LLC. Bennu purchased most of Cameronʼs assets through foreclosure after Cameron filed chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2009.

“To restart the factory, Bennu will make a significant investment in the existing facility,” says Jerry Lemieux, Bennu CEO. “This will include removal of the inoperable electric glass furnace that was blamed in large part for Cameronʼs failure. In its place, a new, state-of-the-art oxygen-fuel furnace will be installed.”

The company is hopeful that the factory will be in full production by early 2012. Bennu has applied to Washingtonʼs Southwest Clean Air Agency for an environmental permit, which must be obtained before construction of the new glass furnace. Bennu will serve the vibrant wine industry in California, Oregon, Washington and western Canada. At full capacity, the factory will produce over 100 million glass wine bottles per year. Within the next several months, Bennu will begin hiring employees (up to 100 hourly and salaried personnel) necessary for the factory and business operations. Read local new story

PACKAGING TRENDS

Traders Point Makes a Point by Packaging Cheese in Glass

Zionsville, Indiana dairy Traders Point Creamery has tossed out the plastic containers and replaced them with stylish glass jars with metal lids and shrink-sleeve labels for its cottage cheese and fromage products.

"This is a much more attractive package than our square, flat-top plastic container, and it draws attention to our award-winning product inside," says Gail Alden, Traders Point Creamery's director of marketing, media and events.

The company’s handmade cottage cheese is a European-style cultured cheese that is hand-packed, with smaller curds and a simple, less prominent dressing than most conventional cottage cheeses today. The International Metal Decorators Association recently recognized Traders Point Creamery for their new glass jars by awarding it Best in Category among closure entries. Traders Point Creamery is also a past recipient of the Glass Packaging Institute’s Clear Choice Award.

Massachusetts Mom Adds Flavrz to Glass Containers

Concerned about providing fruit drinks in plastic bottles to her kids, Karen Barth, a Harvard Business School graduate and former beverage industry consultant had a revolutionary idea. She founded Flavrz Drink Mix which offers a healthy beverage concentrate that is mixed with water at home or on-the-go. And it’s offered in reusable 16-ounce glass bottles.

Flavrz is made from fruit extracts and juices and sweetened mainly with agave nectar, a natural sweetener derived from a cactus plant. This combination results in a product with less than one third the sugar of most sodas and juices and 100 percent RDA of Vitamin C.

"I couldn't find one drink I would give my family—so I created one,” says Barth, who began experimenting with combinations of concentrates. "I had all my kids' friends coming over and asking 'for some more of that new drink. If the picky kid who likes to down cola and Kool-Aid went crazy over my drink, I had to market this."

To help encourage families not to use plastic bottles, which are often thrown away instead of recycled, Flavrz sells a branded 16-ounce glass bottle, which flavors an average of 30-40 servings and retails for $7.99. Based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Flavrz sells its products through retailers in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Virginia, as well as online.

Fetzer Commemorates Earth Day with Limited Edition Glass Bottle

Fetzer Vineyards, Mendocino, California, is celebrating 25 years of pioneering earth-friendly winemaking practices, by releasing a limited edition Earth Day glass bottle featuring a striking new label designed by a renowned local artist.

"Achieving a quarter of a century of pioneering earth-friendly winemaking practices is a special accomplishment, so it was only fitting that we celebrate this year with a special bottling," said Mike Haering, Fetzer brand manager. Fetzer's 2010 Chardonnay will be released in the commemorative Earth Day glass bottle in limited quantities beginning April 2011. The Earth Day label features artwork by Anne Kessler, a Mendocino-based artist known for her rich impressionist interpretations of California landscapes.

Fetzer's wine bottles are made from 35% recycled glass, and are part of O-I’s “Lean and Green” wine bottle collection. LIghtweighting their 750ml and 1.5L glass bottles resulted in a 14% reduction in Fetzer’s carbon footprint. Fetzer initiated its sustainable business practices in 1986, focusing on energy conservation and carbon emission reduction, natural pest control in its own vineyards, waste reduction, water conservation, and recycled materials packaging. More

Spear Puts a Label on “Ultimalt” Malt Drink

A new premium non-alcoholic malt drink has launched in the UK. Prevalent in Africa and the Caribbean, non-alcoholic malt drinks are gaining widespread popularity in the UK and parts of Europe. Ultimalt is the new face in the malt category and brand distributor Kato Enterprises claims it will take malt drinks to a new level.

The 330 ml amber glass bottle’s unique shape and Spear pressure-sensitive label make the package a standout. To achieve the desired look for the new product, Spear was on hand from design concept and label application. The finished pressure-sensitive label is created using a six-color screen/flexo combination. Printed on metalized film, the design is accentuated by semi-opaque colors to achieve an elegant metallic sheen.

“The highest quality brewing processes, the beautifully-engineered bespoke bottle, the elegant packaging, and last but certainly not least, a full malt flavor fortified with B vitamins for nourishing goodness,” says Kayode Toyinbo, Director of Kato Enterprises, Ltd., describing their new Ultimalt beverage. More

LEGISLATION

South Carolina Senate Bill Pushes Bar/Restaurant Recycling Forward

Similar to a law passed in 2007 in North Carolina, South Carolina Senate Bill 461, sponsored by Sen. Ray Cleary, R-Georgetown, would require bars and restaurants in the state that serve alcohol to recycle all beverage containers and their packaging.

To date, there are over 3,000 businesses that hold liquor licenses and 49 are recycling voluntarily. As it stands, the law would allow at least one year for businesses to come in to compliance, and longer if the glass market infrastructure is not sufficiently in place at that time. According to Will Sagar, policy director for the Southeast Recycling Development Council, in FY 2010, South Carolina facilities recycled 15,457 tons of glass. Passage of this bill will likely raise the recycled glass tonnage in SC to 30,000 tons/yr.

The Senate Judiciary Sub-Committee hearings on the bill took place on March 2nd, which included testimony from Dave Hudson, V.P. for government affairs with glass processor Strategic Materials. According to Hudson, passage of the bill will add numerous benefits to the state, including growth of green recycling jobs. Hudson also said that Strategic Materials would likely consider building a glass recycling facility in South Carolina if the bill passes. The bill has moved forward for discussion and voting by the full committee membership. More

GLASS RECYCLING

Glass Recycling in Europe Continues Steady Rise

According to figures released by FEVE, the EU Container Glass Federation, more than 67% of glass bottles and jars were collected for recycling in the European Union in 2009. That’s the equivalent of 25 billion glass bottles and jars recovered for recycling throughout Europe. It’s also an increase from 2008, when the rate was 66%.

“Glass recycling increases each year thanks to the commitment of consumers everywhere. Our industry is able to turn this waste into a valuable resource to make new bottles and jars because glass by nature is 100% recycleable,” says Niall Wall, FEVE President. Read the news release

GMIC Hosts Glass Recycling Symposium

As a first step to organizing a coalition around the challenges and opportunities for U.S. glass recycling, the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC) will host a one-day symposium on May 19, 2011 in Savannah, GA. The event will be held in conjunction with meetings of the American Ceramic Society.

The goal of “Glass Recycling in America—Challenges and Opportunities” is to bring together stakeholders to focus on how to achieve more robust glass recycling in America. According to Robert Lipetz, GMIC Executive Director, “The bottom line objective is to increase the amount of glass cullet that’s available to the industry that is free of contaminants and affordable.”

The symposium is the first step in a strategic plan to build that coalition. Similar events will be held in conjunction with other trade shows, such as those for waste haulers and recyclers. “We need to understand the barriers and opportunities from the standpoint of melters, waste haulers, government participants, cullet processors, and all stakeholders,” says Lipetz. Symposium speakers will include representatives from all of these areas as well as glass container and fiberglass manufacturers.

GMIC represents all four segments of the glass industry—flat, containers, fiberglass, and specialty. “Our industry is very much focused toward being competitive, but also has aggressive sustainability goals,” says Lipetz. Representing the container segment, the Glass Packaging Institute is on the steering committee. Get the complete agenda and all symposium details

Recycle Runway Arrives in Atlanta on April 1

Eighteen “Recycle Runway” fashions will be installed in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport beginning April 1, 2011. The eco-fashion exhibit will be displayed in nine cases located throughout international Concourse E. Between 10 to 13 million people are expected to pass through the terminal during this year-long display.

Santa Fe artist Nancy Judd is the eco-fashionista behind the exhibit. Her couture garments include faux fur jackets made with endless loops of cassette and video tape, a dress made of origami junk mail, fans sewn together like fish scales, a dress made from dry cleaning bags, and an evening gown glittering with thousands of pieces of recycled crushed glass (photo at right).

“My exhibitions use glamorous trash fashions to encourage people in a fun and creative context to live lighter on the earth,” says Judd. “The Atlanta exhibition provides an amazing opportunity to reach countless people with education about conservation.” More

1000 WORDS

Glass is Baaaaack!

New Reusable Glass Water Bottle with Lowest Carbon Footprint in the Industry

Using the slogan “Glass is Back,” BottlesUp introduces the first reusable glass water bottle that blends the artistic beauty of glass with the environmental responsibility of all natural, recycled materials. The BottlesUp glass water bottle is designed by nationally-acclaimed glass artist Laurel Herter.

"We've been able to capture the beauty of glass and highlight its spectacular qualities in a reusable bottle," said Laurel Herter, founder, BottlesUp. "The distinctive qualities of the glass go beyond the bottle—it's better for the environment and for our own health.”

The 22-ounce glass water bottle is 100% sourced in North America. Each bottle is created from up to 75% recycled glass. Glass is the purest and healthiest material to use for beverages. BottlesUp's bottles are free of known toxins including Bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and polycarbonates that research has shown can compromise human health.

BottlesUp was named one of six finalists for the 2011 International Home & Housewares Association Global Innovator Awards. BottlesUp glass water bottles are available online or at specialty retailers. More

Watch how BottlesUp reusable glass water bottles are made. And visit their blog: www.glassisback.com