Following the successful completion of their modernisation and the heat-up, the furnace, the glass forming machines, and the inspection equipment at Hum na Sutli in Croatia are now producing at full capacity. With these technical innovations, Vetropack Straža d.d. is increasing production capacity as well as the plant’s energy efficiency, thereby reducing its carbon footprint – and making a significant contribution to Vetropack’s emissions reduction targets.
Work in Hum na Sutli began in September 2024. In addition to modernising a furnace, Vetropack Straža d.d. also installed new, more efficient glass forming machines and new precision inspection technology at the cold end. The furnace and new equipment stand out for consuming less energy and producing less CO2 emissions than their predecessors, particularly the first NIS machine at the Vetropack Straža d.d. plant with its servo-electric drive. Through these modernisations, the Vetropack Group is advancing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions in line with its targets, as validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The modernised furnace was heated up as planned at the end of last year. Now, Vetropack Straža d.d. is utilising the new equipment to its full capacity to supply its customers even better and meet growing demand more quickly. The latter relates not only to flint glass, but increasingly also to the wide range of coloured bottles and jars produced in Hum na Sutli.
While Vetropack Straža d.d. produces standard colours such as brown and various shades of green in larger batches by recolouring furnaces, smaller quantities of more unusual colours are produced via the process of feeder colouring. This is why the modernised furnace in Hum na Sutli was also equipped with a new colour feeder, designed to accommodate the furnace’s higher production volume. This allows Vetropack Straža d.d. to offer customers smaller batches – from a minimum production batch of two weeks – in individual colours, with flexibility and short lead times. The colour portfolio ranges from delicate turquoise to black-violet or UV white, which offers complete UV protection despite its clear appearance.
Coloured glass production via feeder colouring first started at Hum na Sutli in 2003. The first colour was a dark blue, at that time produced for Fructal’s fruit juice bottles. Today, this rich blue colour is so popular that batches are usually produced by recolouring an entire furnace. With this broad portfolio and individual solutions, Vetropack Straža d.d. supports customers in realising the perfect design and branding for every product.
Source: www.vetropack.com
