Verescence, a global leader in glass packaging for the perfumery and cosmetics industries, has received the Platinum EcoVadis1 medal for its social and environmental performance (CSR). This is the highest level of distinction awarded by EcoVadis, the world's most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings.

Verescence in the top 1% of best-rated companies in 2022

With a score of 80/100, the Verescence Group has improved its overall score by one point compared to 2020. Platinum rating means that Verescence is among the 1% of the best performing companies, a position that the glassmaker has held since 2018.

Gerresheimer has been awarded the gold medal for the first time by EcoVadis, one of the leading providers of sustainability rankings, for the successful implementation of its sustainability strategy. With 68 out of a maximum of 100 possible points, Gerresheimer is among the top 5 percent of all companies assessed by EcoVadis and among the best 2 percent in the industry. Gerresheimer has been awarded an EcoVadis silver medal in each of the past three years with steadily rising point values.

Worldwide glass primary packaging supplier SGD Pharma has announced the appointment of Olivier Rousseau as its new Chief Executive Officer. He brings over 30 years of industrial experience to the role, most recently after four years as CEO and President of Verallia France.

Prior to Verallia, Mr Rousseau worked for more than 20 years at The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where his roles included Chief Financial Officer of the EMEA region, managing a portfolio worth €5 billion. After that, he led the consumer business unit for the EMEA region, managing a portfolio with a value of €3 billion.

New 2021 industry data released this week points to strong growth in container glass production in Europe and demonstrates that the sector continues its recovery from a 2020 decline. Industry production volume of glass packaging for the food and beverage sector increased strongly by 5.0% compared to 2020 figures, to reach its highest level ever recorded.

According to newly-available data released by FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation: 23.4 million tonnes, or 83.3 billion bottles and jars, were produced for the European and global markets in 2021; likewise, production of glass flacons for the perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceutical segments delivered a strong growth of 2.2% to reach 13.6 billion units by the end of 2021.

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) has released a statement in support of the passage of Senate Bill 54 in California. GPI President Scott DeFife has issued the following statement:

Arglass Yamamura has appointed Tony Krznar as Vice President of Operations. With over 36 years of Technical and Operational experience leading some of the most advanced glass plants in the world, Mr Krznar is one of the last few remaining "Glass Whisperers". He is a globally recognised glass operational executive with elite technical and business improvement skills. With his exceptional track record in building high performance teams, he will lead the charge in making Arglass the best performing company in the industry.

The 2022 Otto Schott Research Award has gone to two European researchers: Professor Alicia Durán from the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid, Spain, and Professor Daniel Neuville from the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris at the University of Paris. The Ernst Abbe Fund’s Board of Trustees recognised both Duran and Neuville as, “Internationally renowned glass scientists, leaders amongst global industry and academic entities, who have given significantly to the glass community.” The prize is valued at €25,000 and is dedicated to outstanding scientific and technological achievements in glass, glass-ceramic, and related advanced materials.

The Hokuyo Glass Company, which produces Tsugaru Vidro, started out in 1949 as a glass fishing float manufacturer. The glass floats blown by Hokuyo were popular for their durability and the company became the top producer in Japan.

Over time, these glass floats were replaced with plastic versions and the long history of their production ended. Hokuyo used its knowledge of glassblowing techniques to instead make vases, dishware, and other everyday items. Tsugaru Vidro was first created when a craftsman added sand from Shichiri-Nagahama, thought to be one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Aomori, into their glass mixture, producing an exceptionally beautiful deep green colour in the process. The glass became an instant hit all around Japan.

Vitro Glass is joining VueReal, a leader in micro printing technology, to advance the interactivity and functionality of glass. Other companies joining Vitro in the advancement of efforts to bring MicroLED production to an industrial scale include Samsung Ventures, LG Electronics, TDK and a leading global automobile manufacturer.

“Innovation and collaboration are central to Vitro’s success, and we are excited to be partnering with VueReal to assist in the evolution of display technology,” says Vitro Chief Executive Officer Adrián Sada Cueva. “Together, our aim is to enhance the experience consumers have with glass in their homes, cars, buildings and beyond.”