Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/732978
Universal Packaging (866) 549-1323 thinkuniversal.com sales@thinkuniversal.com SPONSORED CONTENT W ith more than 30 years of history in one location producing packages for wine, spirits, and beer, Universal Packaging has developed into a one- stop shop for full package production. "We source bottles, cartons, and closures from multiple manufacturers around the world," explains President & CEO Steve Pelkey. "With a catalog of hundreds of bottle options, the ability to work on custom molds, and our state-of- the-art decorating capabilities, we can take a package from an idea to the finish line and deliver it anywhere." Universal Packaging specializes in ACL (applied ceramic labeling) -- also known as screen printing—a decoration process that replaces a bottle's paper label by applying artwork directly to the bottle using heat to anneal the paint to the glass. Universal Packaging was the first ACL bottle decorator for the North American wine industry. With special equipment in-house, the company can offer a multitude of printing techniques directly onto bottles. "We can print 360-degrees around the bottle, on the neck, apply precious metal paints, frost, partial coatings and windows. We can mimic metals such as pewter decorations or medallions on a bottle," says Nicole Kaseberg, Director of Sales & Marketing. Since screen printing eliminates the need for hand labeling, bottles arrive at the winery ready to clean and fill, saving cost and time on the bottling line. Applied ceramic labeling, unlike other screen printing methods, resists scuffing on the bottling line or in transit, and withstands ice buckets, refrigeration, condensation and freezing. High-fired ceramic paints used by Universal Packaging are BPA-free. "We often provide paper to ACL conversion on bottles and consider ourselves innovators in this process," reports Amy Haselman, Art Department Supervisor & Innovation Team Leader. "Our art department can seamlessly convert a winery's traditional paper label to a screen printed work of art." The design team and pre-press department at Universal boast a combined 25+ years of experience. They have also worked on a number of spirits packages and note how the vibrancy of ACL on wine bottles can mimic what makes spirits bottles 'jump off the shelf' and grab consumer attention. From start to finish In addition to bottles, screen printing and cartons, Universal Packaging supplies Vinoseal closures, the attractive glass alternative to corks or screw caps. Recently, Universal designed an inexpen- sive line of Vinoseal-compatible wine bottles to accompany the closures. Universal also has numerous European bottle molds finished to fit Vinoseals. The variety of Vinoseal—in colors, cut, shapes, wood and other trims—tops off the vibrant appeal of decorated packages. The winery makes a bottle choice, uploads art and works with the Universal team until a final approved design is achieved. Production times is just 4 to 6 weeks for finished bottles to arrive at the winery. Universal's experienced logistics staff make shipping a simple task. "Wineries have been amazed at the possibilities we can offer," says Kas- eberg. "Whether they want a traditional, elegant look, or something edgier and more modern to appeal to new markets, our experience and capabilities make it easy to produce from start to finish." Producing an Appealing Package from Start to Finish Design: Amanda Rockwell, Precept Wine Photo Credit: Dean Cebuliak, Digital Dean Studio Pre-press: Alysha Meunier, Universal Packaging