The journey began at the historic Trezzano sul Naviglio plant, operational since 1960 and known for its skilled craftsmanship. This legacy was further strengthened in 2023 with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art facility in Boffalora sopra Ticino. The new plant represents Vetropack’s vision for the future: a blend of advanced technology, efficiency, and a firm commitment to sustainability.

Over the past decade, the company has focused on improving production processes, reducing environmental impact, and delivering high-quality, durable glass packaging tailored to customer needs. This progress has been made possible by a passionate and dedicated team, along with strong relationships with local communities and partners.

Vetropack Italia’s first 10 years are not just a milestone, they are a foundation for continued innovation and growth. With a clear focus on sustainability and excellence, the company is well-positioned to shape the future of glass packaging in Italy and beyond.

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What began as a modest local venture has evolved into a cornerstone of the European packaging glass market, a testament to enduring tradition and continuous innovation.

The seeds of this enduring legacy were sown on 25th November 1902, when Baron Anton Dreher laid the foundation for the glassworks. In its nascent stages, the factory was a hub of diverse craftsmanship, producing an array of blown and pressed glass items that graced homes and establishments – from practical trays and elegant bowls to intricate candlesticks, classic beer glasses, and functional lamp cylinders.

Over the decades, the glassworks changed hands several times before being nationalised in the late 1940s. A new era began with the installation of a bath furnace and two automatic machines – setting the stage for fully automated production by 1965.

Further rebuilding in the 1970s and 1980s gave the factory its current form, with a focus on jars and flint or coloured packaging glass for the food and chemical industries.

Despite periods of progress, the early 2000s brought significant challenges. An ambitious modernisation drive came with a heavy financial burden – culminating in bankruptcy in 2002. However, this turning point marked a new beginning as the glassworks became part of the Vetropack Group.

Since then, strategic investments and technological upgrades have fuelled two decades of steady growth. Today, the Nemšová glassworks is a modern production centre proudly serving Vetropack’s key customers in Slovakia and neighbouring countries.

Source: Vetropack Group. with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Mr Gobbis will be responsible for driving the development of Vetropack’s business in Italy, to leverage the potential of its glass production facility in Boffalora sopra Ticino.

Johann Reiter, CEO of Vetropack, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Riccardo Gobbis to our management team.

“With his profound knowledge of the glass industry and his strong track record in operational excellence, he brings ideal qualifications to lead our Italian operations to the next level.

“The Italian market remains one of the most attractive, but highly competitive in Europe for glass packaging.

“With our modern plant in Boffalora sopra Ticino, we are well-positioned to take a leading role as a provider for high-quality, sustainable glass packaging solutions.”

Mr Gobbis most recently served as Director of Global Manufacturing Excellence at O-I.

He led a team focused on improving plant efficiency and performance across over 60 plants globally.

His previous roles include Head of Regional Manufacturing Excellence for Europe, where he managed operations across European plants, as well as Regional Manufacturing Director, overseeing eleven plants in Italy and Hungary.

In his new position, Mr Gobbis will focus on leveraging the technological potential of the Boffalora plant, which was opened in 2023.

His expertise in process optimisation and plant performance improvement will be key to strengthening Vetropack’s position in the Italian market and ensuring profitable growth.

Source: Vetropack with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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During his tenure, Mr. Reiter has overseen key initiatives aimed at strengthening Vetropack’s market position, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting sustainability. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving packaging landscape.

In a statement released by the company, Mr. Reiter expressed his gratitude for his time at Vetropack, highlighting the collaborative spirit and dedication of his colleagues. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for his successor and positioning the group for continued success.

“I work side-by-side with many wonderful people here at Vetropack – people I really appreciate not only as professionals, but also at the personal level,” Mr. Reiter stated. “But that’s precisely why my focus during this final year as CEO will also be on doing everything I can to make sure our group is in the best possible position for the future.”

The company confirmed that succession planning is already underway. The Board of Directors is actively engaged in the process of identifying and evaluating potential candidates to ensure a smooth and effective transition. Further details regarding the appointment of Mr. Reiter’s successor will be announced in due course.

Mr. Reiter’s departure marks a significant moment for Vetropack. The company’s focus now rests on identifying a successor who can build upon his accomplishments and lead Vetropack into its next phase of growth and innovation within the dynamic glass packaging industry. The upcoming announcement from the Board of Directors will be closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders alike.

Source: Vetropack with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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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

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“The glass sector,” he said, “because of its high energy consumption and great complexity from a bureaucratic point of view, makes it necessary to have continuous collaboration between client and general contractor. GSE has been a key player from the initial stage of defining the design requirements and authorization strategy.”

It is precisely this aspect that has attracted the most attention at Glasstec: the ability of GSE Italia to be able to liaise at every stage of the authorization process with Vetropack and with the authorities in charge of the 7 planned authorizations, adapting the project as a result of emerging needs.

“It is only thanks to intensive and careful preliminary design work and the adoption of innovative design choices, shared with the client and appropriately planned with the agencies, that we were able to manage all the bureaucratic and operational phases in a very globally complex period. In fact, the job order was obtained in June 2019, the building permit was issued in July 2021, the construction site was started in August 2021, the first furnace in the plant was started in June 2023, more than two years after the start of construction, and the second began production in July 2023. Therefore, in the midst of a global pandemic and the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict with the known consequences on raw materials and energy costs,” Stefano concluded.

Source: GSE Italia with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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The incident was swiftly addressed, thanks in large part to the quick actions of one of the forklift operators who promptly initiated the alarm chain, ensuring that the situation was reported immediately.

The local fire department responded rapidly to the emergency call, allowing them to bring the fire under control in a timely manner. We are relieved to report that, despite the fire, there were no injuries to personnel, and no damage occurred to any buildings on the premises.

At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and further investigations will be necessary to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Additionally, the extent of any damage is still being assessed, but initial reports suggest that operations at the plant can continue without significant disruption.

Importantly, Vetropack does not anticipate any delivery delays as a result of this incident. Should any specific deliveries be affected, our sales team will communicate directly with customers to provide updates and ensure transparency throughout the process.

Vetropack remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and will continue to monitor the situation closely. We appreciate the prompt response from emergency services and the professionalism demonstrated by our staff during this incident.

“As always, the safety and well-being of our employees and the integrity of our operations remain our top priorities. We will keep our stakeholders informed as more information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and support”.

Source: Vetropack  with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Following a 2023 Swiss Packaging Award win for their innovative lightweight glass bottles, the company has received another prestigious nomination – this time for their 0.33-litre reusable bottle in the “reusable packaging / reusable systems” category. This isn’t just another award contender; it represents a significant leap forward in sustainable beverage packaging.

For years, the weight and fragility of glass bottles have posed challenges for reusable systems. Transporting heavy glass repeatedly back to bottlers significantly increases carbon emissions. Vetropack has ingeniously overcome this hurdle by developing a process to thermally harden lightweight glass, creating bottles that are both robust and significantly lighter than traditional counterparts.

Launched in Austria at the beginning of 2024, these innovative bottles are now a standard solution for the entire Austrian brewing industry. The result? A 30% reduction in weight translates to substantial emissions savings in logistics. Furthermore, these durable bottles achieve approximately 20% more refill cycles compared to conventional containers, dramatically reducing waste and environmental impact.

This success isn’t solely down to the bottle itself. Vetropack collaborated extensively with partners like Brau Union Österreich to optimize the entire reusable system, ensuring compatibility with existing crates, pallets, and logistics infrastructure. Several prominent Austrian breweries, including Gösser, are already reaping the benefits of this sustainable solution.

The Swiss Packaging Award judges recognized the exceptional value of this system, considering factors like material recyclability, consumer convenience, process efficiency, and overall ecological advantages. This second nomination for Vetropack’s innovative glass technology – following their 2023 “Technology” category win – underscores the substantial economic and environmental benefits achievable through the implementation of robust, lightweight, and reusable glass packaging. Vetropack continues to demonstrate leadership in the movement towards a more sustainable future for the beverage industry.

Source: Vetropack  with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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This project aims to enhance production capabilities and improve sustainability standards, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. As of September 2, 2024, Vetropack Straža d.d. has commenced the draining of one of its three furnaces, with plans to introduce advanced glass forming machines and a cutting-edge cold end setup.

The existing flint furnace at the Hum na Sutli facility is set to be demolished following the completion of its draining. The modernization process will include a rebuild of the furnace, followed by a brief heat-up period of approximately one to two weeks. The facility is on track to produce its first glass by December 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the plant’s operational capabilities.

Introducing Advanced Technology

One of the standout features of this modernization project is the introduction of new glass forming machines, including the deployment of a servo-electric driven NIS machine— a first for Vetropack Straža. This technological upgrade not only signifies progress in the company’s production methodology but also aims to streamline the entire production flow. This optimized layout is expected to enhance operational efficiency, thereby ensuring that Vetropack continues to deliver high-quality glass packaging products to its clients.

Environmental Impact and Production Efficiency

The modernization initiative is designed to achieve a dual purpose: increasing production capacity while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. Mario Berc, Technical Manager at Vetropack Straža, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s timeline, stating, “I am pleased to say that the modernisation project is carried out in a very time-efficient way. This enables us to bring our product back on the market very soon.”

The upgrade to the furnace will lead to a higher output, enabling the production of more tonnes of glass per square metre. This not only maximizes space efficiency but also optimizes overall production costs—a vital consideration for any manufacturing operation. Furthermore, Berc emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, highlighting that the new installations are specifically designed to reduce energy consumption and lower specific CO2 emissions, helping to minimize the carbon footprint of their operations.

Commitment to Sustainability

In alignment with its sustainability goals, the Vetropack Group outlined ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions in April 2024. The company submitted these targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to a 50.4 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 30 percent reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2032. The modernization project in Hum na Sutli is a critical component of this broader strategy to achieve these targets.

As the Vetropack Group continues to advance its manufacturing capabilities in a sustainable manner, the modernization of the Hum na Sutli plant stands as a testament to the company’s forward-thinking approach. By embracing new technologies and sustainability practices, Vetropack is not only positioning itself as a leader in the glass packaging industry but also contributing positively to the global effort against climate change. The progress at Hum na Sutli symbolizes a bright future for Vetropack and the glass manufacturing sector at large, heralding a new era of efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Source:Vetropack Group  with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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This ambitious project, set to begin in September 2024 and conclude within 11 months, will see the installation of 4,483 photovoltaic modules and 25 inverters on the roofs of key facilities at the Hum na Sutli plant.

This significant investment, co-financed by the Modernizacijski Fond (Modernisation Fund), demonstrates Vetropack Straža’s unwavering commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The project, valued at EUR 1,363,108.89, will receive EUR 817,865.33 in co-funding, a testament to the Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition’s recognition of its sustainability efforts.

The generated energy from Vetropack Straža III will be fully utilized in the production of glass bottles and jars at the Hum na Sutli plant. This move will contribute significantly to Vetropack’s broader sustainability goals, leading to an estimated annual reduction of 1900 MWh in energy consumption and 300 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

“This project is a significant step forward in Vetropack’s journey towards a sustainable future,” says Mario Berc, Technical Manager at Vetropack Straža. “By harnessing the power of the sun, we are minimizing our reliance on fossil fuels and reducing our carbon footprint, aligning with our commitment to achieve a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne of glass produced by 2030.”

These ambitious targets, which are aligned with science-based data provided by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), demonstrate Vetropack’s commitment to sustainable practices. The company first announced its commitment to the SBTi in 2022 and submitted its specific CO2 emission reduction targets for validation in April 2024.

Vetropack Straža’s commitment to renewable energy dates back to 2019, when it transformed previously unused roof areas into productive assets by installing 3,400 solar panels. Covering an area of 5,565 square meters, these panels generate approximately 1,000 MWh of electricity annually, powering air compressors at the plant.

Furthermore, in 2023, Vetropack Straža joined the KOER virtual power plant, contributing to the stability of the Croatian energy system by integrating new renewable capacity. This strategic partnership highlights Vetropack Straža’s dedication to supporting a more sustainable energy infrastructure in Croatia.

With the installation of Vetropack Straža III, the company continues to pave the way for a greener future, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to responsible production and sustainable practices.

Source:Vetropack Group with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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