‘Just Pink was an exacting project for STO,’ said Mark Devonald Smith, Group Sales Director of Perfumery and Personal Care. ‘The required bottle shape was an inverse taper combined with a heavy base. The glass distribution thus presented us with a challenge. In the blow moulding process, the glass has to be “pinched” in against its natural flow, not an easy procedure. In addition, the inner shape needed to descend in a “dew drop” curve; which was another problem as the natural tendency of the molten glass is to climb up the sides of the bottle, rather than remain in position to provide the classically heavy base.”

STO has also printed the Just Pink bottle. A first, ceramic-etched pass produces a lacy pattern for the 75ml size. A second pass in pink provides the name of the fragrance and its brand. Printing again produced a challenge.

The inverse tapered shape seemed to call for the printing to be fan shaped but STO’s expertise enabled the bottle to be printed as if it was a straight-sided cylindrical container, enabling greater speed and lower costs.

STO has supplied both the pump and collar from EMSA, together with the solid surlyn cap from Politech, which complements and balances the shape of the bottle.

Mark said, ‘At STO we are very proud of the way we have met the challenges set by the Just Pink bottle and provided a “one-stop-shop” for Next.’

The Just Pink fragrance is fresh and green with soft fruit and floral notes.

Full details of all STO bottles are available both on the website: www.stoelzle.com, or via e-mail: sales.uk@stoelzle.com Telephone: 44 (0) 01977 607 124 Fax: 44(0) 1997 670 320