Innovation in glass packaging was recognised at the Institute of Packaging's Starpack Awards, which was recently held alongside the Total exhibition, held in Birmingham. Sponsored by Rockware, the "Fresh Thinking Award" for innovation in Glass Packaging was presented to Scottish Courage for its Premier Cru bottle. The major challenge for the packaging was the desire to have a predominantly blue bottle - even though blue glass could not provide sufficient UV light barrier properties and a sleeve would mask the 1664 branded embossing. A new robust epoxy coating was tested that was able to withstand the rigours of filling and maintain an intact coating. The correct colour and finish of blue was carefully developed and matched with a self-adhesive film label to create a premium pack. Rockware's "Rob Roy" glass whisky bottles and labels, won a Gold Award for its embossing.
