Vetropack Straža, a prominent player in the glass packaging industry, has successfully completed a significant modernization project at its Hum na Sutli facility in Croatia.
The newly upgraded furnace, glass forming machines, and inspection equipment are now operating at full capacity, marking a pivotal step towards enhanced production capabilities, improved energy efficiency, and a reduced environmental impact.
The comprehensive upgrade, initiated in September 2024, involved a complete furnace overhaul alongside the installation of state-of-the-art glass forming machines and precision inspection technology. These advancements are designed to optimize energy consumption and minimize CO2 emissions. Notably, the introduction of the first NIS machine with a servo-electric drive is expected to significantly contribute to lower energy usage.
Following a planned heat-up at the end of last year, the modernised furnace is now fully operational, allowing Vetropack Straža to better serve its customers and efficiently meet growing demand. This expanded capacity applies not only to standard flint glass production but also extends to the coloured bottles and jars for which the Hum na Sutli facility is well-known.
A key highlight of the upgrade is the integration of a new colour feeder designed to accommodate the furnace’s increased production volume. This investment significantly enhances Vetropack Straža’s ability to offer customers smaller batches of custom-coloured glass, with a minimum production batch of just two weeks. This agility allows for increased flexibility and shorter lead times, catering to the growing demand for bespoke packaging solutions.
Vetropack Straža’s colour portfolio is extensive, ranging from delicate turquoise to black-violet and even UV white, a transparent glass offering complete UV protection. The Hum na Sutli facility pioneered feeder colouring in 2003, initially producing a dark blue glass for Fructal’s fruit juice bottles. Today, this vibrant blue is so popular that it’s often produced by recolouring an entire furnace, demonstrating the facility’s evolution and expertise in coloured glass production.
This modernization underscores Vetropack Straža’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the Hum na Sutli facility is poised to meet the evolving demands of the market while simultaneously minimizing its environmental footprint. This strategic investment solidifies Vetropack Straža’s position as a leader in the glass packaging industry.
Source: Vetropack with additional information added by GlassBalkan
