Have you ever wondered how glass was invented?
Look around and realize how many things we use on a daily basis are packed in glass containers or bottles.
So what’s the story behind this fascinating art of glass making?
The technology of glass making was possibly an accidental product during some type of metallurgical or similar operation. The term “GLASS” includes a wide range of products that range from a state of fusion to solid state. Glass is produced by melting a mixture of Silica (about 75%), Soda (15%), calcium (10%) with metallic oxides that help in providing colour.
The Egyptian and Mesopotamian regions had glass makers even in the third millennium B.C. You would be amazed to know that Venice, in Italy was regarded as the home of the art of fabricating exquisite glassware and art objects. At that time, the Indian Glass Industry began to gain momentum. It was later found that the town of Sirkap in this area showed evidence of International trade in the glass which helped in yielding remnants of foreign glass objects. Interestingly, the art of Indian glass making was initially acquired from the Persian glass makers who brought their craftsmanship to India and were engaged in the production of glass dishes and dish covers.
1. EXTRACTING OF GLASS FROM NATURE:
Glass mainly constitutes of minerals and its stability is enhanced by its natural quality of not being affected by extreme temperatures of heat and cold. Owing to these qualities, glass is considered as one of the safest packaging materials.
2. PACKAGING OF GLASS:
Glass packaging is completely waterproof and helps in preserving the taste, odour and the composition of the contents. It not only protects but also amplifies the quality of the product. The brightness of the coloured or colourless glass displays the quality and consumer appreciates the product too. Due to the transparency of the glass bottles, it is often used for storing beverages.
3. QUIRKY DESIGNS ON GLASS PACKAGING:
The pliability of the glass in its molten state during the formation allows for the production of various products which includes bottles, jars, storing containers and many more. It is used by many processed food manufacturing companies to pack their food grade products. Products like honey, milkshakes, jam jars and many more are sold in a glass packaging with quirky designs. The unique designs give it a cosmetic finish. For example, Keventers provide their milk products in glass bottles using its logo as their unique product design which acts as their USP in the market.
4. GLASS – RESHAPING OUR FUTURE: Glass packaging is 100% recyclable. In the age of sustainability, a recyclable and reusable packaging material such as glass bottles and glass jars are a blessing for the environment. Previously used glass containers can be reutilized for the production of a new glass bottle with the same quality and hence this cycle continues.
Why is glass the trusted and proven packaging for health, taste and the environment?
An important factor about Glass packaging is that its quality and purity remains uncompromised even when it is recycled endlessly. Approximately 80% of the recycled glass can be transformed into new glass products and can be seen on store shelves within a short span of only 30 days.
Glass, being water resistant proves to be beneficial for packing food products. Glass packaging has an almost negligible rate of chemical interactions which maintains the taste and freshness of the products. It is not uncommon to see that almost all microwave utensils these days are made of glass. The only reason behind this is that glass packaging, as well as glassware, prevents leaching from its surface. Since customers of today are versatile and more health conscious, they now prefer glass products over other available options. India is amongst one of the largest consumers of glass in production around the globe with names like Hindustan National Glass as one of the leaders in the glass packaging sector.
In our next article, you’ll read more about the leading glass manufacturers in the country.
Stay tuned for more!
References:
- https://www.verallia.com/en/about-glass
- https://www.bottlestore.com/blog/the-remarkable-history-of-the-glass-bottle-infographic
- http://www.gpi.org/learn-about-glass/benefits-glass-packaging
