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Editorial Green is the new black Second life What’s up

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Featured customers Be clear and sustainable Compatible bottles Design options

nature

N o. 07 | 2021–22 | ENGLISH

For the love of

Silence is rosé We live in a hyper-connected world in which we forget to slow down and put on silent mode. This wine is an invitation to enjoy, to connect with our inner self and with our loved ones. A wine with which to sit and talk for hours, away from phones and other devices. Enjoy the trip, each sip is designed to create memories. mutewine.com

Editorial

The corona virus pandemic has affected almost every country in the world. The crisis has affected us all and we are forced to adapt. There are several possible futures, all of which depend on how governments and society as a whole respond to the corona virus and its economic consequences. Let us hope that we can use this crisis to rebuild, to produce something better and more humane.

I feel that this crisis has made us stop and think about common human values and clarify our priorities.

At Vinolok, we try to regard the whole situation as an opportunity for coming up with new processes and strategic steps. Let us stand firm on the ground and not just follow slogans, let us go together to fulfil the real process of responsibility. One of our most serious topics that needs to be covered is caring for the Earth, which, simply put, is the most important thing for our well-being. Whatever our field of activity, life balance is essential. In our business world, we focus on packaging and design.

Today, sustainable packaging is becoming a higher priority for both brands and consumers - now more than ever. The implementation of ecological packaging into the operation of our brands is no longer only an option - it is a necessity. With Vinolok, we can completely fulfil this process because the benefits of glass packaging are clear: it is sustainable, inert, and 100% and infinitely recyclable, reusable, and refillable; it’s safe to store food and drinks in; and it’s beautiful, consumers love it.

Vinolok's commitment to sustainability governs all parts of glass production and supply.

Availability, service, speed of delivery and overall pro-customer approach drive us to constantly improve our services. This year, we have therefore significantly strengthened the technical team and ranked the availability of bottles compatible with glass closures among the first of the company's previous processes.

On the following pages you will find where we have moved and what our goal is in this area. I wish you more than ever a successful year and good health, and do not forget that we are here for you.

dear partners Aleš Urbánek CEO

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Fully recyclable Glass, the main part of the Vinolok closure, can be melted repeatedly and transformed into new Vinolok closures or other glass products. Glass is an archetype of sustainable packaging and as such is usually the first choice for consumers who are environmentally conscious.

Sustainability

Glass, the main part of the Vinolok closure, is endlessly recyclable with no impact on quality. It can be melted repeatedly and transformed into new Vinolok closures or other glass products. Even the sealing ring is recyclable in the same way as low-density polyethylene (used in juice and milk cartons). The result is a fully recyclable closure.

Vinolok’s commitment to sustainability drives all aspects of glass production and delivery.

Vinolok strictly adheres to a comprehensive program of environmentally responsible business practices and manufacturing procedures that comply with all major EU standards and legislation.

Technologies are regularly submitted for voluntary audit to accredited laboratories and organizations to ensure adequate compliance levels and guarantee safe working conditions for our employees worldwide.

green is the new black

Download Vinolok sustainability report

Ecological production At Vinolok we use the most efficient electric glass melting. This method does not pollute the immediate surroundings of the production plant with fumes, as there is very little direct emission of combustion products and dust.

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Responsible sourcing The glass closure is made from the best raw materials from local sources.

Furthermore, production takes place in northern Bohemia. Mining of glass sand, glass melting and pressing all take place locally within 40 km of the company headquarters.

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The cardboard box in which closures are delivered is made from recycled material (68%) and is suitable for further recycling after use. The surface is made of primary fibre to ensure the packaging hygiene.

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After decentralizing the heating system in our HQ and production plant, we reduced the incoming energy consumption (kW/h) to 38 % during the first heating season compared to the same period of the previous year.

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Water conservation Vinolok adheres to strict emission limits for pollutants set for water discharged into sewage systems.

For example, the adoption of a closed cooling water loop minimizes water consumption during the glass melting process.

Glass recycling 99% of glass cullet from the Vinolok production is used again in the production of the closures. Glass recycling has a direct impact on climate change and the use of recycled glass reduces carbon emissions and saves energy. Recycled glass melts at a lower temperature than virgin materials, so the use of recycled glass instead of raw materials helps to conserve natural resources.

A German designer Marietta Scheider uses Vinolok closures to create lights.

The closures are placed on a transparent and deformable plastic sheet and offer a variety of light-shades.

PHOTO: THOMAS EBERT

Upcycling

Upcycling is a way to turn old things into something new, without breaking the product down into its raw materials (as recycling does).

The life cycle of a Vinolok glass closure could be un­ limited. Upcycling means turning a product into something useful and often beautiful, which can happen with a glass closure and a bottle. Not only is it good for the environment, but it also creates memorable branding.

Glass recycling has a direct impact on climate change and the use of recycled glass reduces carbon emissions and saves energy. Upcycling essentially helps us achieve two of the 3 ‘Rs’ of recycling: reduce and reuse. It also helps us reduce what is going to landfill and reuse the product we were going to throw away, giving it a second life, without the need for “degrading” it.

Let’s have a look at some important key points as to why upcycling is so important in today’s world…

It keeps materials out of the landfill. Upcycling allows for creativity that buying something new often does not. Most upcycling projects involve using your hands, being creative and, in some circumstances, being outdoors—great ways to relieve stress that can also unveil new business opportunities. It can also open significant business opportunities.

In the case of bottle packaging with a Vinolok glass closure, we then have empty glass packaging (in various shapes and colours) to be used for olive oils, homemade syrups, or for simply serving water on the table at home or in restaurants. In this way, we can work together to support creativity and, at the same time, be friends of our planet.

second life Giving packaging a

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News

➊ Ô Amazon Air Water, Brazil Ô Amazon Air Water

➌ Waterford Distillery, Ireland Luna 1.1 is the world’s

was born out of a resolute search for sustainable solutions to conserve our planet’s resources by developing a technology that condenses water from the air.​As a member of the Fine Water Society, they are fully committed to the environment and use glass packaging only, including the Vinolok glass closure.

first biodynamic whiskey. It is produced exclusively from biodynamic barley grown by local farmers in Ireland who practice this alternative form of agriculture.

➋ Palmanhac, Portugal Palmanhac is a family-owned

➍ Born Rosé, Spain 503 Born Rosé Premium is a

powerful but elegant rosé with a Mediterranean influence.

It is made with organic grapes and natural fermentation, resulting in a beautiful wine with high aromatic intensity.

producer of fruit wines and aguardiente in the Palmela region of Portugal. They produce unique beverages from carefully selected whole fruits, including peels.

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➎ Rudolf Jelínek Distillery, Czechia Goldcock whisky

➐ Eva Distillery, Greece Mastic Tears Premium is a

is made from Czech barley, aged in oak barrels made of Czech wood. Goldcock Single Malt 10yo has a symbolic strength of 49.2% – this number corresponds to the degree of latitude that passes through the headquarters of Rudolf Jelínek Distillery.

tribute to its origin. Made in Mastic Villages in Chios, it evokes the delicate taste of “mastic tears”, a resin with a slight pine or cedar-like flavour gathered from the mastic tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. The design of the bottle refers to the “ksistá”, a technique for carving geometrical motifs in plaster on the façades of houses.

➏ Nikolay Dalakov, Bulgaria A famous Bulgarian wine

entrepreneur and winemaker with a career that started at Pernod Ricard and later continued at Belvedere, where he created some of the best wine brands in Bulgaria.

Dalakov 69 Rosé is an atypical rosé blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Malbec. The dazzling top is a precisely cut Vinolok closure.

➑ Zsolnay, Hungary The Zsolnay Cornflower Gin is

hand-crafted with local flowers and spices and comes in a premium bottle that is decorated with an 168-yearold cornflower motif. This premium gin commemorates the 193rd anniversary of the birth of Vilmos Zsolnay, the director of the world-famous Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory which was founded 168 years ago.

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Featured Customer

Welcome to the future: Air Company is a technological company that converts carbon dioxide into high-quality products that do good. With the belief that smart execution of the right science can change the world, they created and patented an innovative technology to tackle the planet’s most vexing problem: anthropogenic climate change.

The first product, Air Vodka with Natural Flavours, is a perfect example of the company’s approach. It’s sugar-free, carbohydrate-free, gluten-free, and impurity-free: the world’s highest quality and most sustainable spirit.

This vodka is not only carbon-negative but also removes one pound of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with each bottle produced.

And spirits are only the beginning. Air Company plans to apply their innovative technology across a multitude of industries. This Brooklyn based company is currently competing in NASA’s CO2 Conversion Challenge, making a glucose with a technology that converts carbon dioxide into ethanol.

Made from air, water and sun Air Vodka Recyclable and reusable packaging of this premium vodka includes a custommade adhesive that is biodegradable and resistant to water and freezing temperatures. It allows customers to remove the label without leaving any trace, encouraging them to reuse the bottle. The packaging also includes a Vinolok closure, made from a recyclable and reusable material—glass.

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A brand-new wine: ethical, vegan, and honestly good Created to satisfy today’s discerning customers, who are attentive to their health and aware that a sustainable lifestyle is the key to ensuring our children’s futures— because we care for those who care.

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Featured Customer

Introducing Mi Piace senza solfiti: ethical, vegan and honestly good. Produced for today’s discerning customers, who are attentive about their health and aware that a sustainable lifestyle is the key to ensuring a bright future for our children, this wine is for those who care. Mi Piace senza solfiti is much more than a sulfite-free wine—it is a comprehensively sustainable project where every element is designed to reduce environmental impact.

One important element is the use of the premium quality Vinolok glass closure, making the bottles reusable.

Each bottle sold includes a note printed on recycled paper that encourages users not to throw away the bottle

once the wine is finished, but to instead keep it at home to store other liquids. Mi Piace senza solfiti operates a fully sustainable production chain. They use paint-free, glass-powder, screen-printed labels: 100% natural and recycled packaging materials.

Their sulfite-free wines have a fresh, abundant flavour profile. The grapes are hand-harvested from sun-kissed Tuscany, and, thanks to leading-edge technology and painstaking handling, the wines are naturally protected from oxidation. Sulfite-free and “headache and hangover-free”.

sulfites Saying goodbye to

Bottles made to last forever Sleek, elegant, lightweight, and topped with premium glass closure. The bottles are perfect for a variety of household uses once the wine is finished.

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Featured Customer

Island Gin is crafted five hours off the coast of New Zealand in a small distillery on Great Barrier Island. With a population of less than 1,000, the remote island is unrivalled in its natural beauty – it is one of only 12 dark sky sanctuaries in the world – and the small community’s dedication to preserving its unique landscape.

Distilled with 100% pure New Zealand base spirit, organic Macedonian juniper, hand foraged botanicals mostly grown on the Island and cut with water sourced from a local Island rain water, the unique profile of Island Gin is led by locally harvested Island Bush Honey and Coriander.

Kīna sea urchin

The Kīna Shell Bottle, in which the gin is sold, is made from recycled glass sourced from across New Zealand. The inspi­ ration for the bottle design comes from the Kīna shell, a sea urchin native to New Zealand. Just as no two Kīna are the same, no two bottles are the same – the production approach means that there are very faint but discernible variations to the green tint from bottle to bottle.

The bottle is sealed with Vinolok Woody. The wood and glass closure complete the beautiful, inspired packaging that may be reused as a vessel for water or olive oil, or as a vase.

Sustainably reclaimed

photos: Charles Howells

ANDI ROSS, MADAME DISTILLER For nearly 20 years, Andi spent long dreamy summers on Great Barrier Island in a modest beach shack with two solar panels and a 12-volt battery. It was there in her tiny kitchen where she started playing around with mixing G&Ts, using lemons foraged from an island tree. With time on her hands, she dived deeper into distillation and began experimenting with a small alembic copper pot still and local ingredients.

Sustainability

The phrase 'reduce, reuse, recycle' is becoming ubiquitous in our daily lives. Today, it's essential that our business reflects these same values, not only to help the environment, but also to increase brand loyalty amongst eco-conscious consumers.

Consumer trends are arguably one of the main reasons that brands are using environmentally friendly packaging.

Even if sustainability and environmentalism is not at the forefront of its defining features, eco-conscious packaging can give a brand an edge over the competition.

The message is clear: consumers want to associate with brands that are environmentally focused. As a result, large corporations are spearheading the initiative to help their public image, while small- and medium-sized brands will be forced to implement sustainability into their packaging.

The spirits category is adapting quickly, and in various ways, to this growing demand for environmentally-conscious packaging. Some brands are taking a more extreme approach, incorporating new packaging solutions into the DNA of their brands. Some companies make efforts to conserve energy and reduce water waste in their production.

Others make use of innovative packaging solutions. Being fully recyclable or moving to the upcycling category is a must, and Vinolok will help you to achieve it.

An independent consumer research survey by Friends of Glass and the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) reveals that people are buying more glass than ever before: 50% of consumers are now buying more products in glass packaging than they were three years ago. At the same time, 9 in 10 people would recommend glass as the best packaging material to friends and family—an 11% increase compared to 2016.

These findings are driven by the high recyclability of glass, along with a growing consumer awareness of its environmental credentials.

So why is it important to choose glass for the packaging?

Glass is fully recyclable and can be recycled repeatedly with no impact on quality or purity. Glass recycling is a closed loop system, creating no additional waste or by-products.

Glass is one of the very few examples where the same material can be recycled repeatedly without loss of quality.

Let’s choose Vinolok.

Be clear and sustainable Kateřina Slezáková Marketing Manager

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Ecology Gérard Bertrand was awarded with the Green Personality of the Year Award at the annual Drinks Business Green Awards, the world’s largest green competition. This award honours an individual who excels in furthering environmental causes by working to spread the word within their company and to a wider audience. Gérard Bertrand also received special commendations from the jury in the Best Organic Initiative category to highlight the way he conducts all his activities to build a better world. We are proud that Vinolok is part of Gérard Bertrand's wines and is therefore committed to this great effort.

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Edge Collection

➊ Mademoiselle Kokou, Germany A matured

distillate made from coconut that contains no additives and uses only pure ingredients. Vinolok Philos closure is used to close this wonderful spirit. ➋ Baldinini S.r.l., Italy Paracelso Gin is the result

of the union of several spirits and alcoholates of the highest quality, expertly produced and blended.

The bottles are sealed with the Vinolok Philos closure with a full golden coating. ➌ Distilleria F.lli Caffo, Italy Emporia Gin mixes

water of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the aromas of the main botanicals typical of the Mediterranean. Bottles are sealed with Vinolok Deco with an inner silver coating.

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Edge Collection

➍ Gintaro Sino, Lithuania A set of five new premium,

delicate spirits crafted with precision by Gintaras Sinkus over the course of a year and a half. Carefully chosen natural ingredients result in a complex palate of flavours crowned by minimalist packaging with intricate handmade details. ➎ Birgitta Rust – Piekfeine Brände, Germany

Aquavit Bremer Kööm is a brandy flavoured liqueur with a selection of 11 ingredients, one of which is typical of Bremen: kale. The Vinolok Deco closure matches the bottle perfectly.

➏ Trebitsch Old Town Distillery, Czechia The distillery successfully launched in 2017 and subsequently created an investment fund through which qualified investors can profit from the increase of value of the whisky as it ages.

Bottles sealed with Vinolok Philos. ➐ Mein Distrikt, Germany This handcrafted dry

liqueur is made with pink grapefruit, blood oranges, tonka and rose blossom. Bottles are hand-filled in Rheinland (Western Germany) and sealed with Vinolok Deco.

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Check out how the latest Vinolok collection, called Edge, has been adopted worldwide. It is our most successful innovation.

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Compatible bottles

Vinolok closures require special bottleneck tolerances and in order to ensure a good fit and functionality between the bottle and the glass closure, we have established a close cooperation with most glass manufacturers worldwide.

It is thanks to this effort that we have created an online catalogue of compatible models to assist you with the bottle choice. Compatibility is guaranteed by the glass producer: bottleneck tolerances are checked at 3 and 6 mm, which is an essential condition to be compatible with Vinolok.

Several options are available from simple standard wine bottles to decorated spirit bottles with unique shape and design. Our diameter ranges from 17.5 mm up to 23 mm and is well covered in this catalogue, with the majority of the bottles having an inner diameter of 18.5 and 21.5 mm.

We love to inspire our partners with the best closure-bottle match; therefore, we have dedicated a page to inspiration with some great examples of how closures can further enhance the packaging design.

2010–2014 During this period, there was no need for catalogue because the only bottle supplier was Wiegand Glass with special 18.2 mm bottles.

2015–2016 The first catalogue was created in the form of an offline PDF catalogue, showing only compatible bottles with 18.5 bottleneck. A major update included 21.5 mm bottles, totalling over 150 bottles.

2017–2020 The first version of the online catalogue was developed. It included basic search and filter functions, and the option to download technical sheets. Total number of compatible bottles grew to 450.

2021 Relaunch of the online catalogue with new content, functions, and design. The new catalogue offers all functionality of the previous catalogue, but with more refined search and filter functions, and even an option to compare bottles. It also has a mobile-friendly version.

Total number of compatible bottles grew to over 600 and new bottles are being added on a regular basis.

Now you can find a list of bottles compatible with Vinolok closures online! Vinolok works with all major bottle producers to ensure availability of a wide range of bottles that work with the glass closure. vinolokbottles.com

Edina Kiss Technical Project Manager

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Vinolok bottles

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New bottles for Vinolok

BRG CONICA INVERSA

MORITZ

ALASKA

by Vetreria Etrusca Capacity: 750 ml

by Covim Capacity: 700, 750 & 1000 ml

by Steklarna Hrastnik Capacity: 750 ml

HIGHLANDS

PIRATE

ALEXANDER

BORDOLESE ARNO

by Verallia Capacity: 700 & 750 ml

by Saverglass Capacity: 700 & 750 ml

by Sklárny Moravia Capacity: 700 ml

by Vetri Speciali Capacity: 375 ml

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vinolokbottles.com

ORIGIN LINES

NATURAL

CARATO

by Vetroelite Capacity: 700 ml

by Estal Packaging Capacity: 700 ml

by Vetroelite Capacity: 750 ml

DUCHESSA

AUDREY

SULTANE

MODISH SUPREME

by Covim Capacity: 700 ml

by Berlin Packaging | Bruni Glass Capacity: 1500 & 750 ml

by Steklarna Hrastnik Capacity: 700 ml

by Berlin Packaging | Bruni Glass Capacity: 700 ml

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New bottles for Vinolok

A new Vinolok bottle collection by Vetreria Etrusca The bottle finish plays an important part in the overall packaging presentation and has become a differentiation tool. Vinolok and its distributor Amorim Cork Italia are proud to work with the bottle manufacturer Vetreria Etrusca who is now extending the existing portfolio of bottles compatible with the Vinolok glass closure.

Vetreria Etrusca collection for Vinolok

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We are particularly proud of this new collaboration with two leading companies in the high-end market.

We share the same values and constantly invest in innovation, while respecting the environment.

BRG Prestige Leggera, 750 ml

Roberto Bartolozzi, CEO of Vetreria Etrusca

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The collaboration with Vetreria Etrusca is the start of high-quality packaging, on a global level, enriched by the added value of sustainability. An essential value today, which passes the details and maximum expression of transparency through to our customers.

BRG Conica Inversa, 750 ml

Carlos Veloso dos Santos, CEO of Amorim Cork Italia

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ERA, 500 ml

Imperiale Supreme, 500 ml

BRD Decò Etrusca, 750 ml

Philippe, 700 ml

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New bottles for Vinolok

Berlin Packaging | Bruni Glass launched the Sublime collection to meet the growing demand for elegant packaging suitable for ultra-premium spirits.

The Sublime collection was designed at the Berlin Packaging | Bruni Glass Innovation Centre in Milan, Italy, with the goal to demonstrate the design, functionality and versatility that packaging can provide for top-end spirits. Together with Vinolok glass closures, we wanted to inspire the finest products that deserve to be stored in premium and uniquely shaped bottles.

Berlin Packaging | Bruni Glass for Vinolok

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Tera, 750 ml Soubrette, 700 ml

Arya, 700 ml

Modish Supreme, 700 ml

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Printing

Embossing

Design Coloured sealing ring

Jewellery stone

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Inner metal coating

Metal sticker

Chesscut rhinestone

Rhinestone cut

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Colour coating

Matt effect

Metal coating

Customisation makes your brand memorable.

Create a closure as unique as your brand with Vinolok Design Options.

Options Inner colour coating

Zamac tumbler

Vinolok Terra Vinolok Terra adds a little twist to minimalist bottles.

The terrace cuts inside the closure represent the stairs to heaven. The design possibilities highlight the inner shape even more.

The Terra closure works great with minimal art bottles such as the Oslo by Saverglass (pictured).

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