To mark the 125th anniversary of the City of Lausanne’s Water Service, an original project was created around an object that is as familiar as it is essential: the water carafe. The idea? To create a simple, practical and durable object that can tell a story while naturally finding its place on our tables.
With their understated, timeless design, the carafes quickly emerged as the ideal medium for celebrating water and its importance in our everyday lives.
But the project goes far beyond the object itself: all proceeds from sales will be donated to the solidarity partnership between Lausanne and Nouakchott, Mauritania, which has been working since 2009 to improve access to drinking water and sanitation.
Screen Printing Brings the Illustrations to Life
To decorate the carafes, screen printing was chosen for its elegant and durable finish. This technique allows the illustrations created by artist Louiza to truly become part of the object, transforming each carafe into a creation in its own right.
Her graphic universe plays with water, local expressions and Lausanne’s identity, with playful references such as “L’eau-sannoise” and “un partenariat s’eau-lidaire”. More than simply promotional branding, the printing plays an integral role in the carafe’s identity: an object chosen not only for its practical purpose, but also for its aesthetics and the story it tells.
From the Classroom to Lausanne’s Tables
Among the illustrations is a character that already has a story of its own: the water droplet. It was not created specifically for the carafes, as it had already featured in awareness-raising activities for children aged 5 to 8 in Lausanne classrooms.
Designed to introduce younger children to the topic of water in a fun and accessible way, the droplet is now leaving the classroom to continue its journey with the wider public. A natural continuation for a project whose very purpose is to bring people together around water.
The Lausanne Carafes are available for sale to the general public, including through partner retailers. All information about the project can be found here.
From raising awareness to supporting solidarity and showcasing local creativity, this small carafe ultimately has many stories to tell.
FAQ – Custom Water Carafes
Can a water carafe be customised with a logo?
Yes. Univerre offers various direct-to-glass printing solutions that can incorporate a logo, message, illustration or other graphic elements. The aim is to transform an everyday carafe into a unique object that reflects the visual identity of your company, establishment or project.
What printing techniques are available for customising a carafe?
Two main techniques can be used: screen printing and digital printing. Screen printing is particularly suitable for medium and large production runs and offers excellent durability. Digital printing provides greater flexibility for smaller quantities and more complex graphic designs.
What is the difference between screen printing and digital printing?
Screen printing can be used to print up to six colours and provides a durable finish, with the option of creating designs covering up to 360° and incorporating certain premium effects. Digital printing, meanwhile, can reproduce more complex visuals, including photographs and gradients, and offers a high degree of creative flexibility.
Can you print all the way around a carafe?
Yes. Depending on the shape of the carafe and the printing technique selected, customisation of up to 360° is possible. This makes it possible to create a design that goes beyond simply placing a logo on one side and instead makes full use of the glass as a graphic surface.
Can multiple colours be printed on a glass carafe?
Yes. With screen printing, it is possible to use up to six colours. Premium effects, including gold or silver, can also be considered to give the carafe a more distinctive appearance.
Can an illustration or complex design be printed?
Yes. For designs featuring numerous details, photographs or gradients, digital printing offers extensive customisation possibilities. Depending on the project, special effects such as raised or mirror effects may also be possible.
Are the prints on the carafes dishwasher-safe?
Screen printing on glass is dishwasher-safe and offers excellent durability over time. For digitally printed designs, hand washing is recommended.
Is there a minimum order quantity for custom carafes?
This depends on the model, decoration and printing technique selected. Screen printing may require a minimum order quantity, while digital printing offers greater flexibility for smaller production runs. The Univerre team can recommend the solution best suited to the required quantity and budget.
Can Univerre assist us with creating the design?
Yes. Support can cover various stages of the project, including model selection, printing technique, positioning of logos or illustrations, colours, finishes and packaging. The aim is to find a solution that meets both the technical requirements and the brand’s identity.
Why choose a custom carafe for your company or establishment?
Because a custom carafe does much more than simply display a logo. Used every day on a table, in a meeting room, restaurant or hotel, or at an event, it can become a genuine brand identity and communication tool. Customising the glass makes it possible to create an object that is functional, visually appealing and designed to last.
