First impressions are crucial. Our brains are hardwired to quickly assess and make judgements based on appearances, influencing our permanent perceptions of a product’s quality, desirability and value. Consumer research reveals that 70% of shoppers make purchasing decisions based primarily on packaging. This means that design elements, such as the color of a glass beverage bottle, can play a decisive role in a product’s success or failure in the market.

The psychological power of color in packaging 

Color is a silent yet powerful communicator. Research indicates that 75% of quick judgements about consumer products are influenced by color. Color evokes memories and emotions, shaping our perceptions and influencing purchasing decisions. For example, a black wine bottle signals luxury and sophistication, while a cobalt blue bottle conveys calm sophistication. On crowded shelves, the color of the glass can help tell a brand’s story and set it apart from the competition.

Forehearth color concentrates add essential value 

In traditional color production processes, color is added in the furnace, limiting a batch to a single color. While effective for large batches, this process restricts the ability to incorporate more colors in smaller quantities and can result in excess inventory of a single-color product.

Forehearth colorant technology is incorporated after firing in the furnace and provides immense benefits to glass manufacturing, including:

• Reduced energy consumption: Firing uses lower temperatures than the furnace, saving energy by requiring less gas and time. Furnace color transitions can take up to 96 hours, while the forehearth process completes in as low as 10 hours
• Faster production: Shorter firing times in the forehearth speed up production by over 90%. Transitioning from clear (flint) to color can take two to four hours, that same process can take up to 24 hours in the furnace
• Wide range of color possibilities:  Batch production enables more color options and specialty shades
• Less waste: Minimizes excess inventory by reducing the need for large quantities of stock
• Lower shipping costs: Forehearth color implementation eliminates the need for an on-site furnace, allowing production closer to customers
• Streamlined process: Eliminates the need to change the furnace for every new color and introduces color without stopping the main production line
• Increased flexibility: Allows small-batch production of several colors simultaneously
• Financial gains: Expands customer base by supporting batches of all sizes

Forehearth firing for function and fashion

Glass manufacturers use forehearth color concentrates to change functional attributes of their products. Forehearth colors and frits can promote the longevity and durability of a product by preserving its usability, freshness, taste and smell. This factor helps fine wine and fortified beer age over time without spoiling.

Take the green and amber colors used in wine bottles, for example. These darker shades are frequently used to provide high ultraviolet (UV) protection for the internal liquid contents by shielding it from sun exposure and fluorescent light. In contrast, clear glass will expose liquid contents to most UV rays. Too much UV exposure can result in photochemical reactions that can cause unpleasant aromas, rotting flavors, color fading and reduced shelf life.

The enduring strength of forehearth color

Forehearth color concentrates and frits are fundamental in coloring glass products across industry segments, including tableware, beverage container, specialty container (perfume), architectural and artware. Forehearth color is permanently embedded into the glass during manufacturing, making it an inherent part of the piece and contributing to its lasting qualities such as:

• Durability: Since it is not a surface coating, it won’t chip or peel to reveal an undesired underlying color
• Consistency: The color and piece will maintain its appearance and integrity over time despite varying environmental conditions
• Longevity: Forehearth color does not degrade and fade, offering visual appeal throughout a product’s lifespan and beyond
• Recyclability: Glass is 100% recyclable and can be reused in countless applications without losing its quality

Create an unforgettable presence with our glass solutions

Making a bold entrance in the marketplace helps invite customers to try your product. Effective design and functionality—powered by forehearth color concentrates—is essential to propel your business forward and create an impression that complements the excellence within each bottle.

To learn more about our comprehensive glass coloring products, meet us in Booth B55, Hall 12 at Glasstec on October 22 or contact us to learn more what forehearth colorant technology can do for you.