Left to right: Alex Shuert, Evan Klug, Sarah Waterson, Dean Rigoni, with Rich Crawford, GPI Chairman, at O-I University.

The first place winner of GPI’s 2010/2011 Glass Packaging Design Competition at Michigan State University School of Packaging is the student team of Evan Klug, Dean Rigoni, Alex Shuert, and Sarah Waterson for their Nature’s Sun glass beverage packaging.

The winning team incorporated a tree design to create a unique glass package for an organic apple or orange juice. The competition among nearly 50 student teams of four is the 5^th glass bottle design competition at MSU. According to their entry, “the most important feature of this product is the glass itself. Choosing glass allows us to design a product that has more options.” The clear glass bottle, 100% recyclability, and custom shape give the brand shelf advantage. “Overall, we believe our product will excite the consumer as soon as they see it on the shelf. It’s fun, innovative, and eco-friendly.”

“The great thing about this competition is that we had close to 200 students thinking about the positive attributes of glass as a packaging material,” Says Rick Bayer, GPI’s Academic Subcommittee Chair. The students spent well over a month, three lectures a week, talking about glass, so they became very familiar with all aspects of glass packaging during the competition.

The top five entries from each of the two semesters were included in the final judging. The top ten were then judged by representatives from Anchor Glass, Verallia, O-I, Vitro, and Diageo. “The winning design goes a long way towards communicating by structure what the product was all about,” says Dennis Young, MSU Instructor. “We emphasize creativity and innovation, and they did a really good job.”

A model of the winning design was created by Anchor Glass, and will be displayed at the MSU packaging building alongside the other winning designs. “As we point out,” says Young, “it’s a wonderful thing to put on their resume. The competition is beginning to be recognized in the industry because a lot of people come through here and see the models. And also the packaging graduates that participated in the competition are now working with companies that use glass.”

First place winners receive enrollment at O-I’s Glass University, an engraved glass plaque, and a Best Buy gift card. “Glass University is a great experience for the students to be around glass producers and users, a great learning experience and opportunity for them to make contacts for the future,” says Rick Bayer.

“We appreciate so much getting the support and interest from GPI,” says Young. “Anything we can do to connect the classroom with what happens in the glass packaging industry is critically important to the education process and for the students and their future careers.”

In response to the U.S. EPA’s request for comments, the Glass Packaging Institute and its member companies responded with specific request for changes to the report. In addition to comments focused on the energy and emissions benefits of using recycled glass, the GPI asked the EPA to consider including the use of industry data for recycled content, distinguishing between closed-loop recycling and diversion, and examining the effectiveness of current recycling collection systems for recovering materials. Here are the details:

• Consider the inclusion of industry data to further improve the validity of recovery rates of recyclables reported and to help verify already collected data.

• Split the current “recovery” section into two distinct reporting categories. The first one would be designated “closed loop recycling,” and the rate would be based upon the glass actually reused in the manufacture of a new product, such as a container. The second one would be designated “diversion,” and recycled glass included in this section would be that used for lower value one-time uses, such as landfill cover or for use in roadbed aggregate. This would supply the glass industry with more accurate data on what is being beneficially recycled.

• In addition, the GPI has asked that the report examine the type of collection system used to gather the recyclables, and have requested that a specific recovery rate be issued for each of the major types of collection systems. Again, this is an attempt to make known which systems are most effective in recovering material for eventual re-use in the manufacture of a new product, versus that being used in one-time, lower value applications.

• Make the report annual, rather than being issued every two years.

Click here for a link to the GPI Comments and GPI Member Company comments.

The Glass Packaging Institute presents the winners of its 2011 Clear Choice Awards. This year, 10 consumer product goods companies were recognized for their achievements in creating innovative glass packages with shelf impact. Entries were judged on innovation, package design (including container, label, and closure), and consumer appeal by judges from the world of design and printing, packaging trade press, and packaging schools.

“These winning package designs demonstrate that glass continues to be the ‘clear choice’ for consumers who want a package that complements today’s healthy and environmentally-conscious lifestyles,” says Lynn Bragg, President of the GPI, who notes that glass is one of the “greenest” packaging choices, being 100 percent and endlessly recyclable. “Additionally, nothing communicates purity, quality and value to consumers like a well-designed glass package.”

All 2011 Clear Choice Awards winners receive benefit from industry-wide recognition and brand building media coverage. And winning products will be displayed at PACK EXPO 2011 in Las Vegas, September 26-28, 2011. And new this year, it’s your turn to vote for your favorite. This year’s Clear Choice Awards’ People’s Choice will be announced during PACK EXPO 2011. Cast your vote on Facebook through September 28th.

Awards were given in the following categories: beer, wine, food, carbonated beverage, non-carbonated beverage, organic food or beverage, distilled spirits, flavored alcoholic beverage, cosmetics or fragrances and conversion recognition (products that have been converted to glass packaging from other forms of packaging). See all the award winners.

With the introduction of the Safe Cosmetics Act in June 2011, focus has moved to the potential human health and environmental impacts of ingredients in cosmetics and perfumes. Should it become law, the Act gives the Food & Drug Administration greater oversight on the ingredients that go into these products.

In the meantime, many beauty product makers are moving forward to be more transparent about the ingredients they use, especially companies that promote themselves as organic or natural. And many are rediscovering the benefits of glass packaging, which is virtually inert, resulting in little if any migration of chemicals from packaging to product.

“Plastic releases toxic chemicals as it degrades into the environment,” says Ejyo Remington, Co-Founder and Owner of Waxelene, Inc., a sustainability-focused company that produces an all-natural alternative to petroleum jelly. “Glass is made from silica, which is an incredibly abundant and easy to obtain material, as opposed to plastic and other materials, which can require heavy refining and chemical additives to produce.”

Beauty product makers have long had a relationship with glass packaging because glass is so effective at helping communicate messages about style and quality. But more recently, health, sustainability, and social awareness are added considerations that make glass the ideal package.

Production data 2010 published by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) show a general recovery from the drop the previous year. In 2010, the European industry produced 20.7 million tons of glass compared to 20.1 million tons in 2009 marking an increase of 3.5%. The biggest increase in production was recorded in Turkey (27%) and United Kingdom (9.5%). 

“The industry was able to react firmly to the impact of the previous year’s financial crisis.” says FEVE President Niall Wall,” and to maintain its place as a key player in the packaging market notwithstanding the harsh competition.” The glass container industry continues to make efforts to improve the efficiency of manufacturing process, to reduce environmental impacts and to reduce costs to ensure that brands are provided with a premium packaging solution at competitive prices when compared to other materials. More
 

In less than two months nearly 2100 consumers have made their voices heard through the “Ask For Glass” campaign, making it one of fastest-growing social media efforts by the Glass Packaging Institute.

“The enthusiastic response to this campaign underscores the fact that there is pent up consumer demand for glass,” says Lynn Bragg, GPI President. “Our goal is to encourage consumers to turn this enthusiasm into action by asking the producers of their favorite brands to offer an option in glass. For instance, if a major brand offers an organic or natural version of their product in a can, jar or bottle, it only makes sense to offer that product in glass.”

To date, 65% of campaign followers are women between the ages of 18 and 44. They are predominantly from major metropolitan areas, including New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Phoenix. About 1 in 7 have found the “Ask For Glass” Facebook page after visiting a brand page that was endorsed by “Ask For Glass” for using glass packaging for their products. Find out more

To share your stories and photos of Recycle Glass Month activities and glass recycling successes, the Glass Packaging Institute has launched the effort’s own Facebook page. Post early and often. Or, just “like” us and share with your friends. The Facebook page also serves as a clearinghouse for resources and information to make the most of the month.

To show your support for glass recycling, GPI is offering promotional items, including T-Shirts, stickers, and buttons. Order them now at Café Press. The online shop features promotional items for both Recycle Glass Month 2011 and GPI’s “Ask For Glass” campaign.

During Recycle Glass Month GPI will announce the 2011 Clear Choice Awards winners, who will be featured at PACK EXPO 2011 in Las Vegas September 26-28. GPI will also recognize its Friends of Glass, those organizations or persons that recycle glass or promote the glass recycling as a way to better the environment. Look for more Recycle Glass Months details in op-eds, radio media tours, and press releases.

As part of an effort to expand Virginia Tech’s packaging program, professors there toured O-I’s Winston-Salem, NC glass manufacturing plant and the nearby Miller Brewery in Eden, NC, where the amber glass bottles go for filling.

“It’s exciting that an expanded packaging curriculum is underway at Virginia Tech,” says Rick Bayer, GPI’s Academic Subcommittee Chair. “These tours are the start of building an understanding of glass packaging and a relationship with the school.”

“We learned a lot, and hope to take our students in the fall to the same two facilities,” says Virginia Tech Professor Robert Bush from his Blacksburg, VA campus. “We want to expose them to glass, and get them excited to perhaps do an internship in the industry.”

To build a comprehensive packaging program, Virginia Tech has hired two new faculty, is offering several new courses, and has proposed a packaging degree. “We’re really pleased with the level of enthusiasm for what we are trying to do from the glass industry,” says Bush. Also in the works is a lab for teaching and research, which will include glass containers.

The “Modern Vintage” marketing trend has taken a hold on consumer products, including foods and beverages. Spurred on by the success of AMC’s Mad Men, vintage styles on the fashion runways of Manhattan and Milan, and the return of the classic Ford Mustang Cobra, modern vintage takes a classic idea and gives it a modern twist.

The trend has also spurred a notable return to glass bottle for many classic products for the summer of 2011, including Heinz Ketchup, Orange Crush, Coca-Cola, and Hershey’s Hot Fudge Topping.

“We’re pleased to see major brands revisiting glass this summer as a way to appeal to their customers,” says Lynn Bragg, GPI President. “Consumers obviously know the benefits of glass for maintaining the quality, purity, and taste of products. We’re hopeful these companies will continue offering their products in glass for the foreseeable future.”

One standout is Heinz Ketchup, which is bringing back its 14-ounce glass bottles to store shelves, including Wal-Mart and Safeway, for the first time in 10 years.

“In response to consumer demand and to inspire memories of and relive good times from summers past, we wanted to bring back the glass bottle with a limited edition design that gives a nod to the product’s 135-year history,” says Noel Geoffroy, Vice President of Heinz Brands, of the O-I produced bottle.

In collaboration with Conservation International, Ecotopia has launched on Facebook. A free-to-play game, Ecotopia wraps compelling game play with real-world involvement where players create their own eco-friendly world. “This game represents a refreshing new way to engage millions of people in addressing critical environmental issues and finding solutions that work for the wellbeing of humanity,” said Harrison Ford, Vice Chairman of Conservation International.

Within the game is Ecotopia TV (visual at left) where players can view videos, including GPI’s Glass Recycling PSA, and others uploaded by players for eco-friendly contests. And, in a first for social gaming, players are encouraged and empowered to do environmental good in the real world—and get rewarded in the world of Ecotopia. Play the game! And start recycling your glass bottles.

In May, the Glass Packaging Institute kicks off “Ask for Glass,” a social media campaign. In recent years, consumer demand for products packaged in glass has grown. Some popular brands, however, don’t provide a glass package option. In response, GPI developed the “Ask for Glass” campaign to help consumers use social media to let their voice be heard.

“If there is one thing we know about American consumers, it’s that they want a choice,” said Lynn Bragg, President of the Glass Packaging Institute. “There are many popular brands offered in packages of all shapes and sizes, but some do not offer an option in glass. We believe consumers want the choice to buy their favorite brands in glass jars and bottles, and it’s the intent of this program to let consumers’ voices be heard using social media.”

As part of the campaign, consumers can use Facebook and Twitter to connect with their favorite brands’ social media pages and request that products be offered in glass. Interested brands can take a simple pledge affirming that they will offer consumers the choice of buying their product in glass. The campaign also features a YouTube video that can be shared with friends and family.

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. Click here to get the complete agenda and all symposium details.

Verallia North America, a leading producer of glass containers in the United States, is sharing in the honor of the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with its parent company Saint-Gobain. All Saint-Gobain businesses in the U.S. are being recognized for their leadership in conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized by the EPA for a third year in a row,” said Joseph R. Grewe, President and CEO with Verallia North America. “We will pursue our objective to search for and implement prudent energy management technologies that improve the environment.”

Through a wide range of energy-awareness programs, process improvements, and energy management practices, Saint-Gobain businesses in North America were able to reduce their energy intensity (the amount of energy used to produce a unit of product) by 3.8% and reduced their carbon dioxide emissions by more than 131,000 tons last year.

"Saint-Gobain's robust energy management program is a national model," said Elizabeth Craig, acting director of EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs. "Effective energy management not only helps the bottom line, but it also is our most cost-effective greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy." More

On March 25, Indiana Senator Richard Lugar was recognized with the 2011 Glass Packaging Institute Friend of Glass Award for his commitment to ensuring Indiana’s ongoing leadership in the manufacturing and recycling of glass containers. GPI President Lynn Bragg presented the award to Senator Lugar in Indianapolis, along with representatives from Indiana’s glass container manufacturing and recycling industries.

“Indiana is the country’s third largest manufacturer and recycler of glass packaging,” said GPI’s Bragg. “Senator Lugar’s national leadership in promoting good paying manufacturing and recycling jobs in both the U.S. and Indiana has been instrumental in the success of the glass packaging industry in his home state.”

The GPI Friend of Glass Award honors legislators, institutions, and organizations that recognize the important dual roles that glass container manufacturing and recycling play in the economic development and sustainment of communities throughout the country. Senator Lugar has demonstrated his support of glass manufacturing and recycling in Indiana and national efforts that promote sound policy. More