Benvenuti a questa intervista esclusiva con il responsabile della decorazione della società Hrastnik1860 l’Ing. Kristjan Šiftar.
Hrastnik1860 è una azienda slovena nota per essere un’eccellenza nel design e produzione di imballaggi in vetro di alta qualità nel segmento degli alcolici e della profumeria. Con una storia di oltre 160 anni, Hrastnik1860 utilizza alcuni dei vetri più trasparenti al mondo per creare i suoi prodotti, che possono essere ulteriormente valorizzati attraverso varie tecniche di decorazione, tra cui la metallizzazione attraverso il nostro impianto di evaporazione termica Arzuffi AM/KW.
Can you explain the metallization process used for glass bottles in your manufacturing facility?
Before metallization, bottles are always pre-treated with sprayed varnish. The varnish makes such a nice smooth glaze, otherwise any defect on the glass is even more visible and potentiated after the deposition of the metal. After metallization, bottles are covered with top-coat paint to protect the metal layer, avoid oxidation and, if needed, obtain the desired color shade with the addition of some pigment.
What is the most common type of metallization finish applied to glass bottles?
The most common type of metallized bottle finishes is glossy gold achieved with sprayed top-coat paint with yellowish pigment.
What are the typical thickness and composition of the metallized coating on the glass bottles?
Best range around 90 nanometers.
What attention must be taken in the metallization process?
Care should be taken to avoid contamination of dust or water. It is important that we always wear gloves on our hands as the glass should not get contact with damp hands or water.
Are there any specific challenges or considerations to keep in mind during the metallization process?
We must keep an eye on certain bottle shapes as there are also hard-to-reach areas where metallization is hard to complete successfully. That’s why we use the Argon gas to create a chaotic particle movement when aluminum is evaporated, thus metalizing even on dark corners. Sometimes, in terms of bottle shape, we also increase plasma time and the speed of rotation of planets in chamber.
What quality control measures do you have in place to ensure the consistency and quality of metallized glass bottles?
We do not use any tool for testing the thickness, but we constantly make the adhesion test with the tape.
How does metallization contribute to the aesthetic appeal and branding of high-end glass packaging products?
Metallization gives a nice look to the bottle and gives prestige to the glass object
Can you provide examples of markets where metallized glass bottles are particularly popular or in high demand?
Au Vodka, an ultra-premium British vodka brand, is one of biggest customer for the metallization of their iconic signature gold bottle. The company is one of the UK’s fastest-growing company and has become the most popular vodka in the UK in just few years.
How do you anticipate the metallization technology for glass packaging evolving to meet changing consumer preferences and market demands?
I believe that there is an increasing demand for prestige on the market, which metallization can actually provide. Metallization meets the expectations of the customers and of course, makes the product high quality and prestigious.
How does the metallization process impact the recyclability and sustainability of the glass bottles?
Our company produce the purest glass. We are among the first in the world to produce clear glass as crystal. For this reason, metalized bottles cannot be recycled in our glass production plant.
