IPGR is dedicated to increase and maintain the competitiveness of glass in the packing industry by research, development programs and a strong cooperation between the members of the association.
Introduction
The focus of IPGR research work is on increasing the competitiveness of glass containers versus alternative choices. Improved competitiveness is achieved through increasing glass strength, precision control of the manufacturing processes and optimising the forming process.
Additionally (and most likely the major topic for the glass industry in general) by working on improving energy efficiency in glass melting and reducing emissions IPGR is also creating a benefit for the container glass industry.
IPGR e.V.
International Partners in Glass Research (IPGR) e.V.
Nerscheider Weg 170
52076 Aachen
Tel.: 0049 241 80 94 986
E-Mail: info[@]ipgr.com
Glass is for many reasons the preferred packaging material compared to alternatives such as metal, plastic and paper. Glass packaging successfully meets the packaging demands of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics through its clarity, inertness, gas tightness and design variety. The product is heat- and humidity-resistant, aseptic, anti-static and environmentally safe.
Glass provides optimal taste and smell protection for the contents, as well as being non-toxic to humans, animals and plants. It is made from abundant natural raw materials and its 100% recyclability is unlimited. Nevertheless, there are two challenges to be considered, namely weight and fragility.
Sometimes, weight can be considered a positive aspect of glass packaging. For example, think of the smooth texture, the reassuring heft and the feel of value when lifting a glass wine bottle.
Fragility demands from us a sense of caution and delicacy – to handle with care.
However, this weight and fragility were the fundamental reasons for four well-known glass container producers and one forming equipment manufacturer to found in 1984 the research and development partnership called International Partners in Glass Research (IPGR). Two still active founding members are Nihon Yamamura Glass from Japan and Emhart Glass, Switzerland, along with Wiegand-Glas, Germany, who joined a year later.