Oil bottling: preservation, standards and key processes.
Oil bottling is not just a technical or aesthetic step, but a crucial phase in ensuring the quality, safety and regulatory compliance of the final product. From packaging to sealing, every detail affects the freshness, aroma and taste of the oil. At VETROelite, we design bottles that combine design and technical expertise to protect and enhance the product inside.
In this article, we will explore the importance of choosing the right packaging for oil, the regulatory requirements and the impact that design and functionality have on the market.
Bottling is essential for preserving the organoleptic characteristics of oil, such as freshness, aroma and flavour. The right glass packaging protects the oil from oxidation, light and contact with external agents that could alter its quality.
In addition, proper packaging helps to extend the shelf life of the product, ensuring safety and hygiene until the moment of consumption.
Regulatory requirements for oil bottling
In Italy and Europe, oil bottling is regulated by specific standards concerning:
- Transparent and complete labelling, in accordance with EU Regulation 1169/2011, to provide consumers with accurate information.
- Food safety and hygiene standards: bottling must take place in controlled environments to avoid contamination.
- Product traceability, essential for ensuring that the oil can be traced from production to the end consumer.
- Certifications such as ISO 22000 and other food industry-specific standards ensure compliance with strict quality and safety standards.
The stages of the oil bottling process
Preparation of the bottles
The preparation of the bottles is a delicate stage: glass bottles for oil must be clean and free of impurities to prevent product alteration. Thanks to its inert properties, glass does not interact with the oil, keeping its organoleptic qualities intact.
Bottling and filling
After extraction, the oil is transported to automated bottling lines that ensure precise dosing and prevent oxidation. Dark glass bottles are recommended to reduce exposure to light.
Closing and sealing: protecting the oil until consumption
The closure of the bottles plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of the oil. Among the most popular solutions are screw caps, pourers, anti-refill caps and Guala models.
The closure system chosen must guarantee an airtight seal, protecting the oil from exposure to air and any external contamination.
Discover VETROelite bottle closures for the food industry caps and for safe and functional packaging.
The importance of packaging for oil: aesthetics and functionality
Packaging must not only protect the product, but also communicate the brand's identity, positioning the oil as a premium product. VETROelite glass bottles combine refined design and functionality, making the product immediately recognisable and attractive on the market.
How bottle design affects product perception
An attractive design can enhance the image of the product, creating a visual impact that distinguishes the brand and reinforces its perception of quality. Careful packaging choices and design allow the product to stand out on crowded shelves, where the consumer's attention is limited to a few moments.
The use of distinctive colours can increase brand recognition and make the product more memorable.
What may seem like a simple bottle at first glance is actually a critical factor for success.
The properties of glass that preserve the quality of oil
Glass is considered the ideal material for bottling extra virgin olive oil thanks to its excellent protective properties. It is a chemically inert and totally impermeable material that prevents the passage of gases and external substances, safeguarding the purity and composition of the oil over time.
The use of dark glass, in particular, shields the oil from light, one of the main factors in its degradation, slowing down the oxidation process and helping to keep its freshness, aroma and flavour intact.
Furthermore, glass does not absorb odours or release substances, ensuring maximum neutrality and food safety.
From an aesthetic and functional point of view, glass gives the product an image of quality, sustainability and tradition, elements that are increasingly valued by consumers.
Finally, it is a completely recyclable material, a responsible choice for the environment and increasingly in line with the needs of a market that is attentive to sustainability.
Sustainability in packaging: eco-friendly solutions
VETROelite is committed to offering sustainable packaging solutions, responding to the growing demand for environmental responsibility in the food sector. Our focus on the environment is reflected in every stage of the creative process: from lines to design, thickness to weight, every detail is designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on elegance.
Some of our most iconic models have been reinterpreted in an ECO version: lighter bottles with less glass in the base, but still characterised by a refined aesthetic and a strong premium identity.
How to choose the right packaging for your oil: a practical guide
Choosing the right packaging for oil is a crucial step that goes beyond aesthetics. Each type of oil has specific storage and presentation requirements that directly affect the quality of the final product and consumer perception. Here are some key considerations when choosing packaging for your oil.
- Type of oil: extra virgin, flavoured or blended, each requires specific storage conditions.
- Product shelf life: oils intended for long-term storage require dark glass and airtight closures.
- Target market: premium packaging for high-end markets or more functional solutions for mass retail.
- Size and format: bottles ranging from 250 ml to 1 litre, depending on use and consumer preferences.
- Bottle: you can choose more classic, modern or distinctive designs, in line with the brand identity and product positioning.
- Customisation: coatings, labels, decorations, there are various solutions to make the packaging eye-catching.
Customised packaging not only protects the product, but also makes it unique, facilitating brand recognition and increasing perceived value. VETROelite supports companies in the food sector with catalogue and tailor-made solutions, accompanying them in the creation of aesthetic, functional packaging that complies with all regulations.
Thanks to our bottles, every product finds its perfect visual expression, standing out in the market and strengthening the brand identity.
Discover how the design and functionality of our bottles for oil and vinegar can enhance your oil. Make your product truly unique with VETROelite packaging.