An interview about the history and future of SmacoGlas with the founder

Fabio: Hello Janine, thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us about SmacoGlas. I've now been able to spend a lot of time with you and SmacoGlas and I'm still amazed at what can be hidden behind a simple glass bowl. That's why I came up with the idea of ​​doing an interview with you. Let's jump right in: How did the idea for SmacoGlas come about?

Janine: Hey Fabio, thanks for the invitation! The idea for SmacoGlas came from my own frustration. I was tired of using plastic containers for my food that quickly broke, became milky, brittle, discolored by the dishwasher, or left unpleasant smells and unpleasant tastes on fresh cold cuts.

Glass containers were all conical, i.e. round in the bottom, and so big that I had to put all the cold cuts in a box. But I still find that extremely unsavory to this day. I like variety on the breakfast table, but I'm afraid of all the repackaging on plates etc. With five people in the household, I regularly play Tetris in the fridge anyway, which is why large glass bowls were out of the question for storage anyway. I just don't have that much space in the fridge. It was a recurring frustration for years, again and again on Fridays after shopping and on weekends while having breakfast.

I wanted to find a space-saving, modular, hygienic and high-quality glass solution that would allow me to keep my cold cuts fresh and safe. This is how the vision of SmacoGlas came about after years of searching.

Fabio: That sounds like an impressive motivation. How did you manage to turn your vision into reality?

Janine: It was definitely not an easy task, but I was determined to realize my vision. It was clear to me that only glass was an option because it lasts forever and can be called sustainable. First, I started designing prototypes and then spent a year researching intensively and looking for manufacturers in Germany and the EU who could technically implement my idea. I wanted to make sure that SmacoGlas was not only functional but also looked aesthetically pleasing. After numerous hours of work, I finally had the prototype in my hands.

Fabio: That sounds like an exciting process. Have you ever thought of giving up?

Janien: Oh yes, more than once. Every evening I lay in bed and I kept thinking of new things that still needed to be done, researched, purchased. Almost every evening I asked myself whether the number was a size too big for me and whether I had the courage to tackle the whole thing. And every night I fell asleep feeling like the idea was too good not to try.

Fabio: What makes SmacoGlas different from other storage solutions on the market?

Janine: SmacoGlas is characterized by its unique features. Our glass containers have a straight bottom and straight side walls. The bowls also have elevations in the base so that the cold cuts can also be ventilated from below. Our glass bowls and glass lids use the tongue and groove principle, which ensures optimal freshness retention and prevents odor and taste transfer. At the same time, you can also stack further on the lid, so the lid is suitable both as a lid and as a separating layer prevent the bottom of the next bowls from becoming greasy. The stackable glass lid allows for space-saving storage, while optimal ventilation ensures food stays fresher for longer. We also attach great importance to sustainability, only use high-quality, natural materials and produce as regionally as possible. We completely exclude Asian imports or similar for all of the products we offer today and in the future.

Fabio: That sounds really impressive. What has been the biggest milestone for SmacoGlas so far?

Janine: A special milestone for SmacoGlas was the recognition and positive response we received from our customers. It's amazing to see how people love and appreciate our products. The best compliment I always hear is that it is the first system that is in continuous use. We are also proud that SmacoGlas is now used in many households around the world. In addition to Germany, we already have customers in Austria, Finland, Denmark and Sweden. This shows us that we are on the right path with our vision.

Fabio: Is there a particular story or experience you would like to share with us?

Janine: Oh yes, there is a story that is particularly close to my heart. Some time ago we received a message from a customer who told us that thanks to SmacoGlas she was finally able to take healthy and varied meals to work. Previously, she had often resorted to unhealthy fast food options. This story reminded me that SmacoGlas is not just a product, but can have a positive impact on people's lives. At a recent exhibition, a woman saw the system for the first time and asked who designed the entire concept. I said, amazed and with some pride: me! She then took my hand and said: "Thank you! Thank you for finding such a nice solution! This saves so much time in everyday life because I no longer have to rearrange and have everything on the table so quickly!"

Fabio: That's really inspiring, Janine. Finally, what are your plans for the future of SmacoGlas?

Janine: We have many exciting plans for the future of SmacoGlas. What I'm most excited about is the next size of the Smaco Box, the M Box, with an internal height of 4.5 cm. We would also like to expand our range and offer even more innovative products that meet the needs of our customers. We also strive to further strengthen our sustainability efforts and make our contribution to environmental protection. In the long term, we want to produce our glass items in-house, which offers us much more flexibility in the process and significant cost savings. We want to make SmacoGlas a well-known brand that stands for quality, sustainability and functionality.

Fabio: Thank you, Janine, for this inspiring conversation about the history and vision of SmacoGlas. I wish you continued success for the future!

Janine: Thank you, Fabio! It was a pleasure to talk about SmacoGlas and share my passion for the product. I'm excited about the future and what it has in store for us.