PERRYSBURG, Ohio, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today,
Owens-Illinois, Inc. (NYSE: OI),
the world's largest glass container manufacturer, announced the
launch of Glass Is Life™. This ground breaking marketing campaign
is designed to showcase the unique and unmatched qualities of glass
packaging to build successful food and beverage brands. A
first-ever global initiative, O-I's Glass Is Life campaign also
highlights the inherent love consumers have for glass.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110607/CL15011)
(Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050412/CLTU028LOGO)
"O-I's extensive research shows a strong demand for glass among
consumers, but the marketplace does not adequately reflect this
interest. We aim to influence the food and beverage industry's
packaging decisions by showing the power of glass," said Al
Stroucken, Chairman and CEO of O-I. "As the leading maker of the
purest and most sustainable packaging, O-I is excited to spearhead
a movement that demonstrates the unique attributes of glass
packaging and brings brands back into glass."
Voices for Glass
CEOs, brand managers, environmentalists, designers, parents and
other thought leaders around the world have rallied behind the
campaign to share their passion for glass. These voices for glass
include:
- Sanpellegrino S.p.A. Chairman and CEO Stefano Agostini, who says glass showcases
the quality of the S. Pellegrino brand.
- Monini Olive Oil CEO Zefferino
Monini, who chooses glass because it best preserves the
flavor of the product.
- Environmentalist Celine Cousteau, granddaughter of Jacques
Cousteau, who prefers glass because it is natural, healthy and
sustainable.
- true fruits Co-Founder Nic
Lecloux, who says glass demonstrates the quality and
sophistication of his premium product.
- Bundaberg Brewed Drinks CEO John
McLean, who bottles his drinks in glass so it stands out
on the shelf.
- Agua del Nacimiento CEO Juan Gabriel
Gonzalez, who says glass is the only packaging that
shows the clarity and purity of Colombia's best water.
Consumers Know Glass is Better
Based on years of extensive business and consumer research(1),
O-I has determined that taste, quality, health and sustainability
represent the glass attributes that resonate most strongly with
consumers around the world.
In a global study first commissioned by O-I in November 2008, consumers said that when faced
with the option between glass and other packaging, they will choose
glass first and would like to see more glass packaging options. For
example, in the food category, 91 percent of consumers around the
globe indicated they prefer glass, but only about 10 percent of
foods are packaged in glass. O-I is working closely with customers
around the world to increase the availability of food and beverage
products in glass.
In the U.S., as recently as April
2011, nearly 70 percent of 1,000 Americans surveyed said
that if they could purchase their favorite food or beverage in any
container, they would choose glass. Additionally, 90 percent said
they agree with the statement that glass is the healthiest
packaging available because it does not leach into the product. And
85 percent said food and beverages taste better when packaged in
glass containers.
"It's time to tell the world about the benefits of glass," said
Erasmo Schutzer, vice president and
chief marketing officer for O-I. "The thought leaders featured in
O-I's Glass Is Life campaign are instrumental in helping us launch
a more aggressive marketing strategy. Together we'll show how glass
preserves flavor, maintains health, enhances quality, protects the
environment and builds brands."
Glass Delivers for Top Brands
O-I has been manufacturing iconic glass containers for leading
consumer brands like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Heinz, Anheuser-Busch
InBev, Nestle, Pernod Ricard and SABMiller since 1903. Today, O-I
provides the highest quality glass packaging materials to companies
in more than 80 countries.
This month, O-I's Glass Is Life advertisements will
launch in 12 countries and seven languages. To view videos,
infographics and images, or to join the glass conversation on
Facebook and Twitter, visit www.GlassIsLife.com.
About Owens-Illinois
Owens-Illinois, Inc. (NYSE: OI)
is the world's largest glass container manufacturer and preferred
partner for many of the world's leading food and beverage brands.
With revenues of $6.6 billion in
2010, the company is headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, USA, and employs more than
24,000 people at 80 plants in 21 countries. O-I delivers safe,
effective and sustainable glass packaging solutions to a growing
global marketplace. For more information, visit
www.o-i.com.
(1) Research referenced includes individual surveys conducted
and/or commissioned by O-I between October
2008 and April 2011
SOURCE Owens-Illinois, Inc.