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Glass production requires the use of several different ingredients, but among them, sand is the uncontested leader. Choosing the suitable glass sand is of great importance for the final look of glass bottles or other containers, especially impacting their shade and level of transparency. Edwanex values the highest quality. That’s why we manufacture super flint glass packaging, using carefully selected, high-quality glass sand. What makes super flint glass so special? How important is the selection of sand in achieving this effect? Where do we source this important raw material and why? Find out in the article.

Super Flint Color – What’s So Special About It?

Domestic flint and super flint are the terms used to describe the natural color of glass. Anyone who has had, for example, cheap jars for preserves at home will be familiar with the tint characteristic of domestic flint. It is slightly greenish or yellowish, visible especially in the thickest parts of the glass – at the bottom and the neck.

On the other hand, super flint glass is totally colorless. Our glass is ideal for the production of elegant bottles for luxury spirits, as it perfectly highlights the distinctive color of the drink. That’s why amber whiskey or colorless vodka looks great in the bottles we manufacture. What is the secret of such clean glass? First of all, it lies in the glass sand!

Sand is the Main Raw Material in Glass Production

To produce glass, we mix several ingredients, including sand, limestone, soda, and clarifying agents. We also add glass cullet, reducing the use of raw materials and energy, and thus having a positive impact on the environment. Then we melt it all at 1,450 degrees Celsius and make beautiful glass packaging from the molten mass.

Sand is undoubtedly the most important element in the entire process. We use this raw material the most in terms of weight and volume. It constitutes approximately 75% of the glass composition. The quality of the final product, including color, depends on the quality of the glass sand – primarily its level of iron oxide contamination.

If the sand contains a lot of iron oxides, the glass takes on a light yellow or greenish tint, typical of domestic flint. However, if the content of iron oxides is low, the glass color is close to colorless, which is extremely desirable in premium alcohol bottle production.

Where Does Edwanex Obtain High-Quality Glass Sand?

Edwanex chooses carefully selected quartz sand. Since the very beginning, i.e. since 1977, the glassworks has been ordering it from the same place – from the Quarzwerke Poland glass sand mine, located in Osiecznica near Bolesławiec. So many years have passed, and we are still delighted with the quality of the raw material. And we absolutely do not plan to change the supplier!

This refined type of sand from Bolesławiec has some of the best quality parameters in Europe. It can be considered unique for many reasons. Thanks to the large quantity of quartz, the glass becomes durable and resistant to mechanical damage.

The raw material obtained from Quarzwerke Poland is also characterized by an ideal level of granulation. It also has extremely high chemical purity, including a low content of iron oxides, which guarantees the colorlessness of the glass. In addition, it is simply beautiful – delicate, fine, with a wonderfully milky white color. Its appearance is reminiscent of the sand covering the exotic beaches of the Maldives or Seychelles.

With such a good raw material, we can easily create super flint glass. We are happy to cooperate with producers of premium alcoholic beverages. The quality of the glass bottles Edwanex produces goes hand in hand with the quality of the alcohol contained in them. We are happy to implement any interesting concept!

Edwanex specializes in the production of glass packaging for premium alcohol brands. We manufacture high-quality glass that showcases all of the assets of an alcoholic beverage. We supply small production batches which is especially important for certain clients. When Kamień Distillery contacted us searching for a new manufacturer of bottles for their premium alcohol, we knew that we were able to come across their needs and expectations. Explore the details of our cooperation with the V-One brand.

V-One as a Premium Craft Alcohol Brand

V-One is a premium spell vodka manufactured with a slow distillation method. It has a mild and subtle taste and pleasant aroma which makes it a pure beverage of the highest quality. It comes in several flavors such as cucumber and vanilla.

Kamień Distillery established in 1882 stands behind this vodka brand. This is a family business with a longstanding tradition that now focuses on craft vodka creation. It skillfully combines the latest production technology with traditional methods of mash and distillate preparation. It uses carefully selected spell grains and crystal clear water from its own spring in Kamień. The owner with over 40 years of experience in the alcohol industry supervises the whole production process.  

Why Has the V-One Brand Established the Cooperation With Edwanex?

Kamień Distillery had previously cooperated with another supplier of glass bottles for premium alcoholic beverages. However, the quantities offered by the manufacturer turned out to be too big for the distillery in terms of logistical capacity. The distillery decided to search for a new glass manufacturer that would be able to offer glass in smaller batches, more adequate to the real needs. They used some networking among their peers in the business and they recommended us. 

The brand decided to contact us for several reasons. Firstly, we offered a lower cost of project implementation than the competitors. Secondly, it was urgent. The distillery wanted to run the first batch after three months of cooperation (which we agreed to do). Moreover, we offer small production batches per order and this solved an important logistical problem for our partner. Additionally, in terms of logistics, our company is located close to Kamień Distillery – which makes it easier to maintain direct contact and fast shipping. Furthermore, the premium spell vodka being the flagship product of V-One is so pure that it needs crystal clear glass packaging expressing the visual beauty of the alcohol. Thanks to the fact that our glass has the so-called super flint color it is possible to expose the quality of the liquid. At the same time, it has the third hydrolytic class which stands for high durability to chemical corrosion.

The Beginning of Cooperation Between Edwanex and the V-One Brand

When we started the cooperation with Kamień Distillery, it was easier for us at the beginning, because the bottle design had already existed. We only adjusted the technical drawing to our production technology and made some corrections with no influence on the shape of the glass packaging itself. Based on this, we made a 3D model, and after the client’s approval, we made a glass mold.

As mentioned before, the project was urgent for our partner so we had to speed up the manufacturing process but at the same time, we paid attention to the quality of the final products. Only 3 months passed since we had received the technical drawing from the client to run the first production batch which is impressive timing.

Characteristics of the Bottle Manufactured for the V-One Brand

An elegant slim bottle with a bold bottom. There is an embossed logo on the glass surface which makes the bottle even more special. There is also a wooden stopper on the top of it as the brand cares for the natural environment. 

The bottle is made of clear glass and has no decorations (except for the paper minimalistic labels) which makes it possible to see the whole beauty of the beverage. Such glass packaging emphasizes the premium character of the V-One alcohol.

Manufacturing of the V-One Bottle and Ecology

While manufacturing glass for our clients, including bottles for V-One, we emphasized the care for being eco-conscious. All the raw materials used in the production process are safe for the natural environment, fully recyclable, and do not disturb the ecological balance. Byproducts and faulty products are destroyed and added to the furnace during the glass melting process. In addition to that, we invest in solar energy and the latest technology to diminish gas emissions. 

Expanding the Scope of Services for the V-One Brand

Certainly, after delivering the first order, we have not rested on our laurels. We continued the cooperation and produced more 0,7 l bottles. In addition to that, the client placed an order for two other volumes: 0,5 liter and 1,75 liter. 

In the case of the 0.5-liter project, it was necessary to minimize the existing bottle. But, in the case of a 1,75-litre project, it was no longer so easy. Proportional scaling of the bottle was not the case here as the final shape of the bottle couldn’t exceed a certain height. Therefore, we created a new design that had different proportions to ensure a certain height and volume while keeping a similar shape to the packaging. 

Cooperation With Kamień Distillery Now

Our cooperation with Kamień Distillery has successfully existed since 2019 until now. We have manufactured so far about 200 thousand 0,7 liter bottles and we have also been manufacturing the two remaining types of packaging. The V-One brand has constantly been developing, creating new flavors, and entering new foreign markets, and we have had the pleasure of being there and watching.

The client recommended us to two other brands who needed a glass packaging manufacturer. This is pure evidence that they are satisfied with our cooperation and appreciate our unique skills in glass manufacturing.

Some time ago Edwanex started an interesting and challenging cooperation with Belvedere Vodka. It resulted in the creation of an elegant bottle with an unusual shape. This original glass packaging has won the prestigious Formes de Luxe Awards 2023 in the “Wine & Spirits Bottle” category! What makes the phenomenal Belvedere 10 bottle stand out? Get to know the story behind its creation.

A Symbol of Excellence for Exceptional People

Belvedere 10 is a luxury vodka in an equally luxurious packaging. The eye-catching bottle is an icon of style and sophistication. The sheer beauty and pure elegance combined in a harmonious form.

The shape of the glass bottle is immensely impressive. As the team of experts in Edwanex has fully mastered the demanding art of glassmaking, they were able to achieve an effect that seemed impossible at the beginning – the exceptionally slim bottle. Its surface consists of as many as 360 triangles creating 1,540 edges.

The slim glass packaging of Belvedere 10 is in snow-white tones to emphasize the impeccability and highest purity of the drink. The whole shape looks like a carved statuette, a sublime trophy for someone special.

The Meaning of the Number 10

Why Belvedere 10? Why is there such a number in the name of this elegant product? There are two reasons behind it. First of all, the Belvedere Distillery was established in 1910. The inspiration for the present-day alcohol in this luxurious bottle comes from a recipe from that time. Secondly, the drink undergoes a ten-step production process to get perfect aroma and clarity.

Moreover, the narrow bottle consists of ten levels. In addition, at the very top of the bottle, on the carefully crafted cork, there is the “Belvedere 10” logo. The enlarged number 10 appears like a mysterious code whose meaning is known only to a closed group of people.

The Diamond in the Crown of the Belvedere Brand

This stunning bottle holds more surprises that emphasize its exclusivity. On the neck, there is a fine decoration in the form of a gold ring with a discreetly engraved Belvedere logo. Just remove the cork during tasting to fully admire the beauty of this subtle detail.

The edges and bends that decorate the entire bottle resemble a precise cut on a precious diamond. Thus, it is no surprise that this extraordinary Belvedere jewel is packed as high-class diamonds – in a black suede bag.

Everything With Ecology in Mind

This unique packaging was designed with a deep concern for ecological issues, which are close to the hearts of the organizers of Formes de Luxe, too. All raw materials used in the glass production process are of natural origin and are safe for the environment. They do not disturb the ecological balance and are 100% recyclable.

In addition, the Edwanex glass factory processes by-products generated during glass production into a glass cullet, which is added to the rest of the ingredients and melted into a glass mass. Such in-house glass recycling means significant savings in raw materials and energy.

The Award Presented During Luxe Pack Monaco

When the Belvedere 10 bottle was nominated for Formes de Luxe 2023, everyone in Edwanex kept their fingers crossed for success. It worked! The results were announced on October 2, 2023, during the Luxe Pack Monaco luxury packaging fair, where Edwanex was an exhibitor. The jury appreciated the unique design, hard work, and skills, thanks to which the original idea became a reality.

Everyone in this Polish glass facility will always remember the demanding and at the same time very satisfying cooperation with Belvedere. The Edwanex team would like to thank their extraordinary partner for the trust!

This is Edwanex’s second win in the Formes de Luxe luxury packaging competition. Previously, the glass manufacturer won an award in 2020 in the “Most Innovative Luxury Packaging for Premium Alcohol” category. The captivating beauty of the White Feather bottle brought the distinction. Edwanex promises not to rest on its laurels and will try to get nominations in the subsequent editions.

Mr. Daniel. Edwanex has been operating on the market since 1977. Could you please provide some insights into the history of the company’s establishment and growth?

Edwanex is a family company with many years of tradition. My father, Edward Wąsikowski, has been working in the industry as a glass technologist since 1966. In 1977 he decided to start his own business. We gradually increased production. Edwanex Glassworks became an important player on the domestic and then foreign markets. We gained more and more competences in the production of complex forms and specialist knowledge in the field of decorating glass packaging. We have proven ourselves many times as a partner to leaders in the spirits industry. The first major cooperation of this type took place in 2005, when we produced first models of vodka bottles for Ultimat. We efficiently implemented the client’s vision, resulting in a distinctive product. Later, other brands that wanted to be unique started to apply.

The first major transition in Edwanex’s history occurred when you took over the company from your father in 2019?

Yes, that is correct. I took over the reins from my father in 2019. I became the head of the company to give it a new direction, largely focused on taking full advantage of opportunities emerging in the business environment.

How do you define ‘chances’ in the context of your business?

I thought that these were primarily the growing needs and ambitions of our clients. Over the years, we have proven ourselves as masters of our profession when we talk about the production of packaging glass and its processing. We have developed valuable business relationships and the credibility of our brand on the market of luxury alcohol producers. We decided to focus on this direction and develop competencies in this area, within our industry contacts. Currently, we mainly produce exclusive bottles with a refined shape. We provide short production runs, which meets market requirements. The client comes to us with his own project. He is looking for someone who will effectively implement his complex and demanding concept. We are one of the few companies that provide such services.

What competencies distinguish Edwanex in this case?

We think of ourselves more as a design company carrying out interesting projects than as a glassworks. What sets Edwanex apart in this regard are our design capabilities. We approach glass not just as a material but as a medium. We can give glass a complex, unique, unusual shape, while ensuring functionality. We take on challenges that many other players have not met. We implement projects that are difficult and sometimes almost impossible to complete. We started to approach our clients’ vision differently. Less as a producer, and more as a partner helping to solve a problem and successfully implement a specific idea. Our special feature is great flexibility in terms of production batch size. Customers know that when we undertake an ambitious project, we believe it is fully feasible. Thanks to our support, they can introduce a unique product to the market in a packaging that arouses admiration and envy.

What about the quality of the glass itself? What makes it stand out on the market?

We use carefully selected types of sand, which serve as the foundation for our high-quality glass. Our glass meets the highest standards, with a third hydrolytic class rating and the super flint classification for color.

For which brands has Edwanex carried out projects?

We have started partnership with famous producers of luxury alcohol. I have already talked about the Ultimat brand. In addition, we have carried out projects for White Feather, Bartex, Żytnia, and recently for Belvedere. I can’t tell you about some of the collaborations yet, but I assure you that there will be something to admire.

During the development and change of strategy, Edwanex became one of the leading independent players in its segment. What do you consider to be your most important achievements?

One of our most significant achievements was winning the prestigious Formes de Luxe award in 2020 for the innovative luxury packaging we created for White Feather. We put a lot of work into creating a characteristic cavity in the center of the bottle. I will also mention Belvedere, because thanks to this partnership we have won Formes de Luxe award again in 2023. The bottle for Belvedere is the most difficult project we have completed so far. It was a huge challenge to create complex edges on the entire surface. There are as many as 1,540 of them.

Why do you think large companies are currently looking for solutions provided by Edwanex?

In my opinion large companies seek out Edwanex’s solutions because they recognize the need for uniqueness and prestige in a highly competitive market. They understand that high-quality liquid alone is not enough, and that distinctive, expertly crafted packaging is essential to create a strong brand identity. We successfully realize these ambitions by providing rare and exceptional services.

Fantastic news! We have been nominated for the prestigious Formes de Luxe award. The jury once again appreciated the unique glass packaging that we created in cooperation with the manufacturer of exclusive alcoholic beverages. The results will be announced at the beginning of October 2023 – at the industry show in Monaco, in which Edwanex is participating. 

Formes de Luxe Is a Noteworthy Award in the Luxury Packaging Industry 

This is the twenty-fifth edition of Formes de Luxe, a renowned competition for packaging producers and affiliated brands. The jury looks primarily for innovation in the luxury packaging industry. They recognize outstanding, extraordinary projects and their implementation. Issues such as eco-manufacturing are one of their concerns, too. 

Why Was Edwanex Nominated for the Formes de Luxe Award? 

We have been nominated in the “Wine & Spirits Bottle” category. An elegant glass bottle developed for the Belvedere Vodka was highly appreciated by the jury. 

The project turned out to be very demanding to implement. It required a genuine mastership of our craft. The client provided us with a specific packaging concept, and despite many challenges, we turned the idea into action. We can proudly say that the final effect exceeded our wildest expectations. 

We will share details about this unique glass packaging soon. Now we can only reveal that it is more than just a bottle. It is an icon embodying luxury and sophistication. It is a true diamond in the Belvedere collection.

Previous Success of Edwanex in Formes de Luxe 

This is not the first time we have been competing for an award in Formes de Luxe. In 2020, we contested in the “Most Innovative Luxury Packaging for Premium Alcohol” category, and we won the main prize! 

The glass packaging manufactured for White Feather Vodka turned out to be the undisputed winner. The production of a bottle with a characteristic cavity in the middle was not easy. However, it was possible thanks to our extensive glass craftsmanship and many years of experience in the glass manufacturing industry.

Results of Formes de Luxe 2023 to Be Announced Soon 

The winners of Formes de Luxe in all categories are to be announced on October 2nd, 2023, at a gala during the Luxe Pack Monaco luxury packaging fair. We are looking forward to the results! 

We invite you to stand no. RE03, where we are going to showcase our glass products. We will also be happy to talk about exceptional and ambitious projects. Who knows, maybe this will be the beginning of another successful cooperation.