UPS launches specialist spirits packaging range

Global logistics firm UPS has increased its offering to the drinks industry with the launch of a specialist spirits packaging range.

The company said the range was in response to a shift from in-shop to online purchases among consumers and businesses, as well as the global prominence of the UK and Ireland in gin and whisky exports.

Research shows that spirits producers suffer a greater frequency of damage to their products during shipping, but bespoke packaging solutions are often cost-prohibitive for smaller producers - of which there are a growing number in the UK and Ireland.

UPS' dedicated spirits packaging solutions were launched in partnership with Macfarlane Packaging and have been developed with industry expertise from Smurfit Kappa and SealedAir.

With an outer box made of high-quality cardboard, the bottle is suspended in transparent film, meaning it can go straight onto the bar shelf for display or be sent as a gift to family and friends. The range of four size options has been developed to accommodate the vast majority of bottle shapes and the inserts can be customised.

The packaging solutions will initially only be available in the UK and Ireland and can be purchased online via Macfarlane Packaging or via the producer's Macfarlane account manager. Instructions to put the packaging together are available in an online video.

30 November 2008 - Bethany Whymark