Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/591609
November 2015 WINES&VINES 89 PACKAGING and consumer-direct, LaHonta said. More than a simple vineyard- management company, Agajanian, which has offices in Napa and Madera, Calif., also recently com- pleted a private-label project for a regional grocery chain in Central California. Screen treatments Monvera Glass Décor of Rich- mond, Calif., is a staple among wine designers, and it continues to expand decorating capabilities, most recently with the addition of ultraviolet (UV) printing. The technique relies on special inks incorporating photo initiators that spur a chain reaction when ex- posed to UV light to form a solid, dry continuous ink, yielding bright, vivid colors and deep rich blacks. Although popular in Eu- rope for some time, "Lately, it's begun to make inroads in the U.S. markets," according to Monvera. The UV inks bring additional design options to premium décor: True four-color process for half- tones, gradients and photographs; full-wrap, shoulder, neck and even lip-printing on the bottle; chemi- cally engineered, wider color spectrum and shimmery, mirror- like reflective metallics that allow you to "see your face in the reflec- tion of the label." Specific UV inks contain pho- tochromic elements that can darken when exposed to direct sunlight. "Wine brands might ex- plore this capability where dark- ening the label might provide design and/or protective enhance- ments, e.g.: Chardonnay that cools itself during an outside pic- nic." Thermochromic UV inks can turn colors when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, revealing a different image or word when chilled to a certain level. Cured using UV lamps, the inks produce the lowest possible car- bon footprint. Sun Chemical is a major pro- ducer of UV inks. Heather Bucholz explained: "No difference exists between UV and LED: LED is UV light. UV inks are cured when ex- posed to specific wavelengths of UV light. The differences between mercury vapor/mercury halide lamps and LED lamps are in their range of spectral distribution, heat generation, energy consumption, light geometry, space require- ments and cost. LED units can be more specific with their wave- length, generate little or no heat, have smaller profile and are claimed to have 10 times the working life. In addition, LED does not produce ozone; mercury lamps do." The initial cost for LED lamps is significantly higher, and they have limitations in regard to ef- fectiveness vs. distance from sub- strate. "In the past few years, LED curing has been gaining accep- tance in the glass-decorating mar- ket. Although heat generated by the mercury lamp is not an issue for glass, some find its other ad- vantages worthwhile." Sun Chemical also produces organic thermal inks, which cure at around 350˚ F for 30 to 60 min- utes, while thermally cured inor- ganic inks cure at temperatures around 1,200° F for one to two hours. Decorative foil adhesives can be applied inline or offline, with either UV or thermally cured ink. The adhesive is screen printed onto the glass and foil is applied. The foil will only transfer to the foil adhesive and not the printed graphics. Topping tips In his keynote address at the Aug. 19 Wines & Vines Packaging Con- ference, Joe Wagner discussed the evolution of his Belle Glos bottles. The extravagant "capsule" of scar- let dipped wax requires a tear tab for easy opening. Eventually, the Wagner family developed a pro- prietary tear tab, but previously it Providing leading wine makers with stainless steel barrels of high quality, durability, and design. phone: 773.735.0700 • toll free: 800.441.8780 www.skolnikwine.com • email: sales@skolnik.com KEY POINTS This collection of items about new products and equipment in wine packaging may inspire some improvements. Items range from types of paper and ink to bottle printing, closures, plastic kegs and wine pouches to bottle bags.