Guest Post by Amy Haselman, Creative Director at Universal Packaging.
Everlasting. Constant. Durable. However you want to say it, in wine packaging, durability is essential. For instance, when was the last time anyone heard a winemaker exclaim “I’m sure happy my bottle labels are buckling, tearing or crooked”? My bet’s on never. Ever. In a better scenario, if the wine bottles showed up at the winery already labelled (no hand applying necessary), able to withstand any contact with wine or other liquids (eliminating tearing and buckling) and stunning to look at, I wonder what the exclamation would be then. My guess is sheer joy – and then calm. “Ahhh, it’s taken care of.” Universal Packaging, the Vernon, B.C. based, family-owned screen printer (oh, they don’t stop at screen printing but more on that later) can work with you on creating a durable label and glass bottle package.
Durability
The company itself is durable, since 1985 they’ve been printing award winning (seriously, major award-winning) bottles for BC wineries, big and small. They boast a team of 75+ skilled decorators, artists, and packaging professionals, all recruited from the local area. They have used the last 36 years to hone their talents to consistently deliver high quality, artisanal glass packaging that has the benefit of being recyclable and reusable. A win, win, win, for anyone looking for differentiated packaging. Glass is gentler on the environment than its plastic counterpart, reusing the printed glass has a smaller environmental footprint while also being a lasting piece of art and the options for the actual label itself are endless.
Applied Ceramic Labelling
Universal specializes in a screen-printing process (known in the industry as ACL, Applied Ceramic Labelling) that uses ceramic paint to screen print the label design onto the bottle and then bond it to the glass surface by curing it in a large, very hot, kiln. This creates the most durable label available, and without the restrictions of paper or other label substrates, the entire surface of the bottle can be printed. Endless creative visions can be realized such as seamlessly printing 360 degrees around the bottle, neck, or shoulder, printing a design in real 24-carat gold paint, or even coating the whole bottle in a rainbow of colours.
Graphic Design
They are also experts in the design that meets the vision. They have a team of graphic designers with a combined 40 years at the company (another “durability” they can brag about), who are eager to work with you or your design house on creating the label of your dreams. Whether adapting existing art to the ACL process or coming up with a fresh new look, the design team is ready to help. Universal Packaging will also partner with wineries on developing their own custom glass. Guided by experts through the whole process, Universal will take it from design to delivery to your (winery’s) door.
To experience the joy of partnering with experts in design and durable packaging, reach out to info@thinkuniversal.com or for packaging inspiration, visit their website gallery at thinkuniversal.com.