The birth of a bottle: between craftsmanship and innovation

Every glass bottle is born from the encounter between aesthetic vision and technical expertise. It is a process that moves between the power of industrial innovation and the elegance of Italian craftsmanship, always guided by the pursuit of excellence.

From project to form: the design concept

It all starts with an idea. The design of a bottle comes to life from a creative intuition, whether it is intended for a catalogue model or a tailor-made project. In both cases, each creation is born from a precise vision: to convey the character of the contents through a unique shape that combines functionality and aesthetics. The bottle thus becomes a unique hallmark of the brand, a symbol capable of translating values, identity and style into a tangible, recognisable and timeless form.

How glass is produced: raw materials and the melting process

Glass is the result of melting a mixture of raw materials, transformed at high temperatures into a fluid mass which, once cooled, becomes solid and transparent.

The main components

Three elements form the basis of the composition:

• Silica: the vitrifier, i.e. the fundamental element that melts at high temperatures.
• Soda (sodium carbonate): the flux, which lowers the melting temperature of silica and facilitates its workability.
• Calcium (calcium carbonate): the stabiliser, which strengthens the glass, reduces its surface alterability and makes it more resistant to chemical agents.

Complementary elements

Other oxides and additives are added to perfect the characteristics of the glass:

• Magnesium: improves workability by lowering the temperature and speed of devitrification.
• Aluminium oxide: increases resistance to thermal shock and water, and reduces expansion.
• Nitrates and sulphates: eliminate gases formed during melting and make the glass mass more homogeneous.

Colours and transparencies

Glass can be natural or enriched with colourants. Even transparent white glass contains traces of impurities (iron and chromium oxides) that give it a greenish tint. To neutralise these tones, selenium (pink) and cobalt (blue) are added, which together give a perfectly colourless effect.
Other traditional colourants:

• Chromite for green colouring;
• Graphite or pyrite for a dark yellow;
• Copper for a red hue.

These combinations allow for the creation of infinite colour variations, making glass not only a functional material but also a highly expressive one.

The stages of production of a glass container

The production of a glass container is a complex and fascinating process, the result of technology, precision and tradition. Each stage is essential to ensure quality, resistance and aesthetic perfection. Here are the main steps that lead from a raw mixture to a finished product ready for use.

1. Preparation of the vitrifiable mixture

It all starts with the preparation of the vitrifiable mixture: a combination of raw materials carefully measured by automatic systems that prevent dispersion and impurities.
Recycled glass (up to 80%) is added to this mixture, which lowers the melting temperature, reduces energy consumption and gives new life to the material without any loss of quality. A true example of the circular economy: one kilo of scrap glass produces one kilo of new glass.

2. Melting the mixture

The mixture is transferred to the melting furnace, the heart of the glassworks. Here, at temperatures reaching 1550°C, the mass is transformed into molten glass.
The process is optimised by heat recovery systems, which allow the combustion air to be preheated, improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
The glass is then refined and directed to the processing channels, ready to be transformed into containers.

3. Processing of molten glass

Once melted, the glass passes through feeders, which regulate the amount of material to be used. This is where the glass drops that will be transformed into bottles or flasks are created.

Forming can take place using two main processes:

• Blow-Blow: the glass drop is blown with compressed air until it fills the mould, shaping the container.
• Press-Blow: a punch distributes the glass in the mould before the final blowing, ensuring greater uniformity of the walls.

The machines used can work on several drops and sections at the same time, ensuring high productivity and precision.

4. Surface treatments and annealing

Once formed, the containers undergo protective treatments that improve their resistance.

• Heat treatment: an invisible film of metal oxide is applied to the surface.
• Cold treatment: this reduces the risk of micro-fractures during handling and transport.

This is followed by annealing, a fundamental step that eliminates internal stresses in the glass through controlled heating and gradual cooling.

5. Quality control and packaging

Before leaving the factory, each container undergoes thorough checks: visual inspections, dimensional checks and automated analysis of the mouth, bottom and walls.
Once they have passed quality control, the containers are packaged in optimal hygienic conditions, using systems that protect them from impact and friction. From standard pallets to more specific solutions such as honeycomb packaging for decorated bottles, the goal is always the same: to ensure safe and flawless transport.

Decoration and closures: the distinctive signature of each bottle

The production process does not stop at the creation of the container: the decoration and choice of closure are the elements that transform a bottle into a work of design.

Advanced decoration techniques

At our production site dedicated to decoration, we use both traditional and advanced techniques: painting, screen printing, metallisation, satin finishing and much more.
Each process becomes an expressive tool, capable of amplifying the character of the contents and reinforcing the brand narrative.

Customised closures: a detail that completes the story

There is no bottle without its perfect closure. At VETROelite, we study and develop caps and accessories in harmony with the shape and positioning of the product.
From functionality to aesthetics, every detail is designed with consistency.

Tailor-made production for different sectors

Each sector has its own rules, but our philosophy remains unchanged: to guarantee uniqueness in every project. In the world of spirits, our bottles are designed to convey prestige and uniqueness. For fragrances, on the other hand, we develop refined and harmonious bottles that elegantly convey sensations and emotions; true furnishing accessories. In the food sector, we offer solutions that combine functionality and design, protection and storytelling, transforming each container into a vehicle of identity and value.
Thanks to our ability to produce even small batches, we work with the same dedication with both major international brands and emerging and independent brands that want to stand out.

Why choose VETROelite for the production of glass bottles

Choosing VETROelite means relying on a partner with over thirty years of experience, capable of combining technical expertise and consolidated know-how with creativity, design and customisation. Our work is based on authentic Made in Italy quality, consisting of attention to detail and the pursuit of perfection, without forgetting sustainability, with the conscious use of resources and the reduction of waste. We are not just glass suppliers: we are travelling companions in the creation of packaging that leaves a mark.

VETROelite is the result of intuition and over twenty years of small and large achievements. Since 1994, we have been exploring innovative approaches to glass packaging, charting a path that balances reality and creativity, conformity and differentiation. Each of our projects aims to create unique and authentic products that stand out from the crowd.

We strive to be the ideal partner for those seeking something exclusive and meticulously crafted. We do not limit ourselves to shaping the material: we want glass to become an expression of creativity and identity. This is why we look beyond traditional aesthetic standards, convinced that it is only by transcending the boundaries of the known that the true essence of design can be found.

Thanks to our passion and experience, we offer comprehensive packaging solutions: from bottles to caps, to decorations created using various techniques. Each element enriches and completes the product, making it unique.

Every VETROelite product is created with a clear objective: to protect and enhance its contents, transforming a product into an experience. Because for us, glass is not just a material, but a language with which to tell stories.

Discover our collection of designer glass bottles and flasks: patented solutions, Made in Italy quality and tailor-made designs for spirits, fragrances and food & wine.