Gentlebrand launches its SmartWeighting approach, introduced via the MINERA still water bottle

Gentlebrand is introducing its SmartWeighting approach, demonstrated through the MINERA SmartWeighting still water bottle, showing how lightweighting can be achieved without compromising performance, aesthetics or brand positioning in the beverage sector.

SmartWeighting is a design and development approach created by Gentlebrand that focuses on optimising how material is distributed and expressed within a bottle structure, rather than simply reducing material weight. By combining structural engineering with considered design language, the approach enables lighter packaging to maintain both functional reliability and a premium on-shelf presence.

“MINERA SmartWeighting allowed us to demonstrate that reducing weight does not have to mean making compromises,” commented Andrea Rizzardi, Director of Gentlebrand. “SmartWeighting focuses on how material is used, not simply how much, ensuring structural reliability, visual quality and brand positioning are preserved.”

The SmartWeighting approach was developed in response to a common industry challenge. Lightweight bottles are often associated with low‑cost products, making it difficult for beverage producers to pursue lightweighting without affecting perceived quality. SmartWeighting addresses this by carefully balancing weight optimisation with structure and visual design, allowing lighter bottles to retain a refined look and feel.

The MINERA SmartWeighting water project applies these principles to the design of a still water bottle intended to deliver both functional performance and aesthetic distinction. The objective was to achieve an optimal container weight while guaranteeing strength and stability throughout every stage of production, from blowing and filling through to transport and storage.

The MINERA still water bottle was developed by Gentlebrand in collaboration with Competek, an engineering partner specialising in beverage packaging, who supported the technical and industrial development of the project.

In order to meet performance requirements, the bottle design alternates clean, minimalist areas with technical and functional elements that discreetly reinforce the structure. Further optimisation was applied to the neck finish, reducing excess material while improving handling and user experience. Development was supported through collaboration with international partners across the beverage supply chain to ensure industrial compatibility.

The MINERA bottle also reflects the SmartWeighting approach’s material strategy. The packaging is produced using 100% BioPET supplied by UPM Biochemicals, while the label uses UPM Raflatac Vanish™ PCR film. This creates a no‑label look that enhances visual purity and perceived premium quality, while supporting material reduction and recyclability.

For beverage producers, SmartWeighting delivers benefits across the supply chain, including reduced PET usage and improved logistics efficiency, without compromising bottle performance or perceived quality. By integrating visual aesthetics, engineering and material optimisation, SmartWeighting establishes a balanced relationship between responsible material use and brand expression.

Looking ahead, Gentlebrand views its SmartWeighting approach as representative of the direction beverage packaging continues to take, with smarter, more considered solutions that support environmental and economic objectives while remaining aligned with brand identity. In this context, lightness becomes a deliberate design choice rather than a limitation for packaging producers.