The WWII-inspired design of the Squadron 303 Vodka bottle – which mixes metal and glass in a stunning yet robust design – won Stölzle Glass Group the Glass Focus Award 2017 for Design of the Year – sponsored by Daedalian Glass Studios.
These annual awards – organised by British Glass and supported by Glass Worldwide – showcase the innovation and excellence in glass that underpin the glass industry’s contribution to the economy, to society and to customers, staff and stakeholders.
In the Design of the Year category judges were looking for a product that used the properties of glass to meet a customer’s or market’s needs. In particular they were looking for entrants combing skills, know-how and creativity to get the best from glass.
Using advanced CAD expertise and sophisticated 3D printing, Stölzle were able to quickly realise the customer’s hip-flask concept, create a prototype and manufacture the first glass sample. Close customer-supplier teamwork enabled the whole product development process – from first sketch to delivery of bottles – to be completed in less than three months. This speed to market saved time and money for the customer.
Squadron 303 takes its name from a highly successful Polish World War II squadron which distilled its own vodka. Although inspired by the heroes hip flask, used by the pilots, the design still has a modern twist.
The judges' feedback on Stölzle Glass Group’s entry commended not just the bottle's beauty, but the excellent execution of a design that is challenging to make in order to create a package that complements the brand’s story so evocatively.
The award was presented by John Cooper of Daedalian Glass Studios – a team of multi-disciplined glass makers who apply traditional and contemporary techniques to create artistic glass decoration for unique glass art installations and decorative finishes.
Daedalian Glass studios marketing manager, John Cooper said:
"At Daedalian Glass Studios, our focus is on creating bespoke glass installations - so it is great to get an opportunity to interact with the British Glass community and see what others are creating. Glass is a wonderful material to work with and can be used to achieve an incredible range of function, form and finish. Daedalian Glass Studios are proud to sponsor the Glass Focus Award for Design of the Year and celebrate another worthy winner in Stölzle Glass.”
British Glass CEO, David Dalton said:
“From raw materials to decoration – the industry uses a distinctive blend of experience and the latest techniques to deliver world class products. By bringing together science, technology and creativity, glass companies meet and exceed their customers’ aesthetic and functional needs every day. British Glass celebrates that with this award. Well done Stölzle Glass Group.”
Find out about the other winners.
Notes
British Glass is the industry’s representative body – providing insight, intelligence and leadership. It works with all parts of the supply chain to ensure that glass manufacturing, particularly in the UK, has the resources, influence and skills to remain commercially successful, innovative and sustainable.
The Glass Focus Awards are an annual event organised by British Glass and supported by Glass Worldwide. Each year the awards recognise and celebrate excellence across the glass industry.
Stölzle Glass Group are experts in high-end glass packaging. They have more than 200 years experience in the production of glass. www.stoelzle.com
