Design days at Steklarna Hrastnik

Innovation and collaboration are key for meeting the demands of the modern client

Tradition, creativity, and art have always been words that describe Steklarna Hrastnik best. They have now been enhanced with the character of Ljubljana, where 15 designers and creatives from seven major European design companies – participants in the Design Days organised by Steklarna Hrastnik and the Spanish company Estal – had the opportunity to enjoy the local gastronomy, culture, and rich architectural heritage. The image of Ljubljana was altered forever by Jože Plečnik, a renowned pioneer of modern 20th century architecture, who made his mark on a grand scale just as Antoni Gaudí did in Barcelona.

This made an excellent starting point for a tour of Steklarna Hrastnik and its first-rate production facility, as well as for the organisation of a creative workshop. The workshop provided a unique platform for an exchange of views and opinions on the present and the future of the glass industry, the freedom of expression that designers have, and other topics. Designers and creatives see a wealth of potential in sustainable production, focusing on smaller batches, personalised bottles, and exceptionally clear glass. The participants all agreed that good packaging is the result of collaboration between designers, creatives, and glassmakers. Nothing but mutual understanding and pushing the limits can contribute to innovation in the functionality, design, and message of glass to satisfy the demands and expectations of new generations – generations that don’t swear by loyalty but believe in sustainable development, moderation, and drinking responsibly. The task we share is creating products that meet the expectations of our clients and end users. A difficult challenge? It certainly is, but we look forward to it!