Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/74662
M a N a G e M e N t Certification Systems, for its patented Vintner's Choice wine shippers. Gant, introduced as "more partner than supplier," said bluntly that while his com- pany can provide wineries with any current shipping option, "I would recommend pulp." Though bulkier than corrugated inserts (a serious consideration for the smallest winer- ies), Weiss said that all-corrugated shippers are heavier, weighing down the bottom line and the carbon footprint by as much as two pounds per shipment. Corrugated manufac- turers also have imposed "three major price increases this year," Weiss said. Although aware of recycled EPS ship- pers, Gant commented on the relative shortage of recycling centers for the material compared with paper products. He cited potential variables in Styrofoam and stressed the need for strong manu- facturer quality assurance to ensure con- sistency, adding that EPS can be brittle. "When we do ship in Styrofoam, UPS will ship it back to us, but not for free," Weiss added. According to Weiss, EPS does not perform especially well in drop tests. "I've had more carrier complaints of broken Western Pulp Products Co. uses a minimum of 99% post-consumer recycled paper. bottles with Styrofoam. It appears there are some shortcuts taken in manufactur- ing, so it breaks apart." Bottles are transparent. But what about your glass supplier? Are they are informed, do they understand and take care of your needs? With a rich knowledge base and excellent customer service, Global Package can increase your bottle shelf presence, improve your brand visibility, and upscale your brand level so you can let the results pour in. Custom Shapes Specialty factory specific bottles Available new shapes and sizes Exclusive distributor of Sil-Cork™ Pewter labels and other high-end customization Ask for a quote Corrugated qualities The thermal properties touted by EPS fans can be a mixed blessing. While the mate- rial does provide protection from sudden heat spikes, it also retains heat longer in the container: Once the temperature goes up, it tends to stay up. For shipments en route to hot climates, this can liter- ally cook a case of wine in the back of a delivery van. "We did some research," said Sean Brosnihan, guest services manager at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Healds- burg, Calif. "Our winemaker Rob Davis wanted to change (shippers) for some time. We did some research and found that while Styrofoam would insulate, it also retains heat." Jordan, a long-time Alexander Valley landmark producing some 90,000 cases annually of high-end Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, sells about 8% of its wines direct to consumer, either at its chateau-like, by-appointment-only tasting room or via online orders, according to Lisa Mattson, communications director. When evaluating shippers, "First and foremost, you want to protect the wine. Pulp is good for the environment, but it changes temperature more quickly" than Styrofoam, Brosnihan observed. Packag- ing broker Denise "Dee" Mulligan, owner of Deepack Inc. of Santa Rosa, Calif., has been working with Jordan for some 20 years, Brosnihan said. "She knows that Styrofoam is not eco-friendly." Mulligan suggested a switch to updated QSEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #1801 76 Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2011 corrugated EcoShippers with corrugated divider inserts. "She gave a couple of GP10525TC