How East Germany invented 'unbreakable' drinking glasses
In the 1980s, East Germany's Superfest developed durable drinking glasses, but the company went bankrupt post-Berlin Wall. A Berlin startup now aims to revive this technology for sustainable glass products.
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In the 1980s, East Germany's Superfest company developed an innovative line of drinking glasses known for their exceptional durability, designed to last ten times longer than standard glassware. The glasses featured a unique shape that made them easy to stack and handle, and their name translates to "super tight" or "super strong," reflecting their robust construction. Despite their popularity in East German households and bars, the company went bankrupt after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, largely due to the market's reliance on breakable glassware for profit. The technology behind Superfest glasses was based on advanced research that replaced smaller sodium ions with larger potassium ions, enhancing the glass's toughness. Although the original production ceased, there is renewed interest in these glasses as sustainability becomes a priority. A Berlin startup, Soulbottles, is attempting to revive this technology, aiming to create durable and recyclable glass products. Initial tests of their prototypes have shown promising results, with the glasses surviving drops from significant heights. The revival of Superfest glasses highlights a shift towards valuing quality and sustainability in consumer products.
- Superfest glasses were designed to be ten times more durable than regular glassware.
- The company went bankrupt after the fall of the Berlin Wall due to market dynamics favoring breakable products.
- The innovative glass technology involved replacing sodium ions with potassium ions to enhance durability.
- A Berlin startup is working to revive this technology, focusing on creating durable and recyclable glass.
- The renewed interest in Superfest glasses reflects a growing consumer preference for sustainable products.
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Smashing idea: how East Germany invented 'unbreakable' drinking glasses
In the 1980s, East Germany's Superfest created durable glasses that gained popularity but ceased production post-Berlin Wall. A startup is now reviving this technology for sustainable glass products.
3 commentsMaybe it is that plastic has taken over, maybe because it doesn't break. But we're finding out that plastic containers leach stuff - either chemicals or microplastics, so maybe there will be a resurgence for glass.
I like borosilicate glass. I think pyrex sold out and now makes soda lime glass products.
I got some simax glass containers (borosilicate) and they are really nicely made. The glass is optically very clear and super smooth. It can also go in a variety of temperatures.
The temperature differential that borosilicate glass can withstand before fracturing is about 330 °F (180 °C), whereas soda–lime glass can withstand only about a 100 °F (55 °C) change in temperature. This is why typical kitchenware made from traditional soda–lime glass will shatter if a vessel containing boiling water is placed on ice, but Pyrex or other borosilicate laboratory glass will not.
I like to imagine a secret meeting between glass manufacturers plotting how to shut this startup down xD
The name of the original glass is also fantastic, ”Superfest” meaning ”Super party” in my language :D
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Smashing idea: how East Germany invented 'unbreakable' drinking glasses
In the 1980s, East Germany's Superfest created durable glasses that gained popularity but ceased production post-Berlin Wall. A startup is now reviving this technology for sustainable glass products.