Dornbirn-based Mohrenbrauerei has been using thermally tempered lightweight glass for its 0.33-litre returnable containers for five years. Vetropack's packaging solution has now been honoured with a WorldStar Award.
With the market launch of the worldwide first thermally tempered glass bottle the Vorarlberg-based family-owned company, together with the Swiss packaging manufacturer Vetropack has done valuable groundwork. Since 2019, the Mohrenbrauerei has put more than 60 million lightweight glass bottles into circulation. Thanks to the 30 per cent lighter container, it saves over 1,000 tonnes of transport weight per year. Since its introduction, around 2,400 tonnes of CO2 saved. „We have delivered the proof and Regional brewing art combined with international innovation. The first group breweries have now followed our example and have also recently introduced the lightweight glass bottle,“ says Mohrenbräu Managing Director Thomas Pachole.
The pioneering achievement was once again recognised internationally. The lightweight glass bottle „Echovai“, which already won two Swiss Packaging Awards in 2023, was honoured at the WorldStar Packaging Award 2024 in the „Packaging Materials and Components“ category. The prestigious industry award will be officially presented on 15 June in Bangkok. The jury was impressed by the combination of Sustainability, durability and aesthetics impressed. „We have been researching our Echovai process for almost ten years. I am proud and very grateful to the team at our Innovation Centre for the excellent result,“ emphasises Johann Reiter, CEO of Vetropack.
The 0.33-litre lightweight glass bottle only causes a quarter of the emissions of conventional reusable bottles - and at the same time scores as a robust, convenient and economically attractive alternative. This is also confirmed by the Mohrenbrauerei's experience, as Managing Director Pachole reports:
„Five years after the launch, the bottles still shine almost as brightly as on the first day. We expect around 60 cycles, which means significantly more fillings and years than with standard bottles. The low weight also increases the transport capacity per lorry and makes it easier to enjoy the beer every time.“
The Mohrenbrauerei fills the popular „Spezial“ and „Pfiff“ varieties and the Radler range in the innovative lightweight glass bottles. „Smaller containers in particular are often consumed on the go and outdoors in the warmer seasons. The returnable lightweight glass bottle is the sustainable alternative to cans and also cools the beer very quickly thanks to the thin walls,“ emphasises Pachole.
Source: Mohren Brewery
