Since 1977, Edwanex has stood as a beacon of craftsmanship in glass manufacturing, blending tradition with technological innovation. We sat down with CEO Daniel Wąsikowski to explore the company's legacy, its approach to sustainable design, and what makes Edwanex a standout partner in the premium packaging sector.
Your company has been operating since 1977. Can you share a bit about how Edwanex started and evolved over the years?
Edwanex is very much a family story. My father, Edward Wąsikowski, began his career as a glass technologist in 1966. In 1977, he took a leap of faith and established his own business. From modest beginnings, we gradually expanded our production capabilities. Over the decades, Edwanex Glassworks has grown from a domestic manufacturer into an international player, especially recognized in the spirits industry for our expertise in complex shapes and decorative glass techniques.
Today, Edwanex is more than a glassworks — we see ourselves as a design house. What differentiates us is our ability to treat glass as a medium for expression, not just a material. We thrive on challenges, often taking on projects that others might find too complex or even unfeasible.
Sustainability seems to be a core value at Edwanex. Can you elaborate on your approach to environmentally responsible production?
Absolutely. Sustainability is embedded in our entire production chain. We use only environmentally safe raw materials that are fully recyclable and preserve ecological balance. Any byproducts or flawed pieces are re-melted, effectively reincorporated into our production process. Additionally, we harness solar energy and employ cutting-edge technologies to reduce emissions.
Our in-house recycling of glass into cullet is another key factor — it significantly reduces both raw material use and energy consumption. We're proud to say that eco-consciousness isn't a side project; it's fundamental to how we operate.
Let's talk about the sand — often overlooked, yet crucial in glassmaking. Why is it so important, and what makes Edwanex's choice unique?
Sand is the cornerstone of our craft, making up about 75% of the glass composition. Its quality directly influences the color and durability of the glass. The presence of iron oxides, for example, can tint the glass, which is undesirable in premium packaging.
Since 1977, we've sourced our quartz sand exclusively from Quarzwerke Poland in Osiecznica. The sand from this region is exceptional — high in quartz, low in impurities, and almost snow-white. It's not only ideal in chemical composition but also visually stunning, reminiscent of sand from the Maldives.
Could you walk us through the production process of a bespoke glass bottle, such as one for a premium spirits brand?
Certainly. The entire process typically spans about six months and includes:
We produce batches starting at 2,000 units, with bottle sizes ranging from 50 ml to 4.5 liters. Our decoration capabilities include everything from spray painting to etching and sand-blasting. We've also pioneered our own technology for producing glass stoppers — an elegant alternative to traditional corks and caps.
And now, a more personal question: Of all the bottles Edwanex has produced, which one are you the most proud of?
This is a very difficult question. Each of our projects has been an exciting adventure. I am proud of all of our bottles. They have required a lot of work and creativity due to technological challenges, complicated shapes or the limitations of the glass.
The best example is our latest creation, the Belvedere 10 bottle designed by Stranger&Stranger. It seemed impossible to make, so we reached the heights of glass craftsmanship. The Belvedere team spent a long time looking for a manufacturer willing to create such a demanding glass packaging before they started working with us.
Belvedere 10 is very tall, yet slender. It is not easy to achieve such an effect while maintaining the functionality of a glass packaging. In addition, the shape of the bottle consists of 360 triangles and 1,540 edges. This bottle is a proof that we can realize a truly amazing vision despite the technological challenges that glass poses.
