Decoration technology which enables direct to glass printing on bottles was unveiled by O-I last week.

The world’s largest glass container manufacturer showcased its O-I Innoval facility in Chazelles-sur-Lyon, Loire, France, which provides the O-I Expressions decoration service.

O-I Expressions was launched in September last year and enables direct to glass digital printing. It means O-I customerd can create more personalised and customised glass packaging.

The direct to glass printing means a range of effects and clours for round glass bottles can be created.

At the heart of the process is digital printing equipment from Dekron, a subsidiary of the Krones company.

O-I has installed a U-shaped machine from Dekron at the Chazelles-sur-Lyon site which first pre-treats bottles and then completes the printing process.

Melianthe Leeman, Director of the Global Innovation Platform at O-I, said O-I Expressions was an important step in allowing customers to differentiate themselves in a competitive packaging environment.

“The feedback so far from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers love it when they see it, they have to see it and then touch it. They can see the potential the technology offers and the tremendous possibilities.”

She added that the technology is still in the incubation stage with more developments expected in the coming years.

A full review will be published in the printed issue soon.