VOSS uses Envirogluv, which replaces applied ceramic labeling (ACL), on 375- and 750-mL bottles of its own ultra-premium water.
Essentially a method of screen printing directly on glass and curing quickly with UV light, Envirogluv offers the quality of ACL, but requires less energy and factory space because the special inks don’t require drying in a huge lehr (oven). Also, unlike ACL inks, Envirogluv inks are free of heavy metals.
“We are impressed with the results achieved with RevTech’s UV ink technology and are equally committed to the environment,” says VOSS chief executive officer Ole Sandberg.
Started up in August 2000, the in-line Envirogluv process at VOSS includes bottle decoration done in two colors on glass decorating machinery from Rosario (Dongen, Holland). The method complies with all ECC bans on heavy metals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
As set by the filler speed, VOSS decorates the bottles at a rate of 110/min for the 750-mL size and 150/min for the smaller bottles, Packaging World is told. The bottling plant is near Kristiansan, a remote location at the southern tip of the country.
In addition to European sales, the ultra-premium bottled water was introduced into the United States in late ’00 in still and sparkling versions at exclusive locations such as hotels, restaurants and night clubs. The larger size sells for about $10, the smaller for $6.
In June of last year, RevTech was awarded the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2000 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its Envirogluv technology. The technique was cited by the EPA for its aesthetics, durability, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness and energy efficiency. RevTech was one of five winners selected from among 80 entries nationwide.
