Stable despite major challenges
The pandemic means challenging circumstances for the economy and people for the second year. "What is now evident - and we see this as impressive confirmation - is that our many years of effort in the field of innovation are paying off, especially during the crisis," says Birgit Aichinger. In addition, Vöslauer was not only able to maintain its market position as number 1 with a market share of more than 40%, but even to gain it in Austria. "Both in retail and in the catering trade, new customers have placed their trust in us," says Birgit Aichinger happily and attributes this primarily to the fact that when new products are developed, the needs of consumers are once again given priority have taken into account. "Customers want sustainable solutions that fit well into their everyday life and with our products we fulfill this wish."
2021 with new sustainability goals
"The summer of 2021 was therefore all about our new goals, which we have set for 2030 and on which we have been working intensively since then," says Herbert Schlossnikl. The central project is to save a further 28% of CO2 (compared to 2019) by reducing the use of materials, increasing the proportion of reusable materials and using 100% recycled materials. Improvements in transport and mobility as well as in the energy balance also support the goal. "We already demonstrated a pioneering spirit in 2020 and surprised us with innovative packaging solutions, such as the 0.5 l returnable glass bottle for retailers or the keep-it-on closure," explains Birgit Aichinger, adding that the expansion of the returnable area will also take place in 2022 will be a key issue. And because sustainability is a comprehensive concept at Vöslauer, the focus is also on those who make up the family business: the employees. Diversity plays an important role in the Vöslauer team, which is why a detailed diversity project is on the agenda for 2022.
Exciting collaborations and awards
On the Climate Impact Day, Vöslauer dealt intensively internally with the implementation of climate-friendly measures. The KlimaTicket was promoted together with the Ministry of Climate and by signing the klimaaktiv Pakt 2030, the company once again acknowledged itself as a partner for climate protection. The efforts did not go unrewarded in 2021 either, so the family business was awarded the Lower Austrian waste management prize "Skarabäus" and as "Sustainable Designers" by the Business Art magazine. The fact that our initiatives are seen and appreciated is a nice confirmation," says Herbert Schlossnikl. In addition, Vöslauer has been supporting the exciting projects of the Austrian Red Cross and the Unicef.
Next milestone: the modern returnable PET bottle
"In the spring of 2022 we will be bringing the first PET reusable solution back onto the market, which in terms of CO2 Saving will set new standards," explains Herbert Schlossnikl and puts a figure on the concrete contribution to environmental protection: "By switching to reusable PET, we will save around 400 tons of material per year in the future, which corresponds to a CO2 equivalent of 420 tons." Birgit Aichinger adds: "As part of our new goals, we are generally planning to further expand our reusable range and thus once again strengthen our pioneering and pioneering role in deposit and reusable products."
Successful projects
Since April 2021, the bulbous 1 liter bottles made of 100% rePET have been presented in a striking and artistic way. Both in Austria and in Germany, Vöslauer showed its clear position on more climate protection on the distinctive bottles with a message. "Artists were able to artistically stage their thoughts on topics such as recycling and a healthy environment on the labels and thus inspire our consumers," says Birgit Aichinger. The successful project is to be continued in 2022. Another effective detail on the containers is the stay-on cap, which remains connected to the bottle with a small ribbon even after it has been opened and thus counteracts littering.
"Since the beginning of 2021, all bottles in the returnable glass range in retail and in the catering trade have had labels made of recycled material, both on the Austrian and on the German market," explains Herbert Schlossnikl and adds: "We were also able to switch the slides to 50% post-consumer material."
New products
The new Vöslauer Balance Juicy plus category conquered the market with the launch of the Red Fruits plus Echinacea variety. "In August we extended the summer again with a second new variety - sun fruits plus vitamin D - so that our customers are well prepared for the winter months," says Birgit Aichinger. The youngest Vöslauer fans were also amazed at the new bottle designs from Vöslauer Junior. "With the cute new animals and the augmented reality experience on the junior bottles, it's definitely easier for parents to convince the youngest of mineral water as a healthy thirst quencher."
"Our customers in Germany are enthusiastic about our flavors, which is why we have added two new varieties to the range here - clementine and black currant - and are currently represented and successful on the German market with six different flavors. This means that we have the widest range in the category of water with additives without calories, i.e. without sugar and without sweeteners," says Birgit Aichinger happily.
Birgit Aichinger and Herbert Schlossnikl look forward to another year full of sustainable initiatives and innovations. "We are serious when we say that companies have to be part of the solution if we want to leave an intact environment behind for future generations," the managing director duo concluded.
