Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/853816
36 WINES&VINES August 2017 PACKAGING Cork Supply quality controls are integrated throughout cork harvest and production. VINC is available in several different granule sizes, with more prod- ucts in development. The com- pany also developed its own automated cork-screening sys- tem known as DS100+. From plastic to plants Based in Zebulon, N.C., Noma- corc is undeniably the dominant supplier of synthetic wine stop- pers in North America. Malcolm Thompson serves as chief innova- tion officer and president of the Americas at parent company Vin- ventions. Nomacorc's Green Line stoppers are being upgraded to a new category of closures called PlantCorcs, made from sustain- ably harvested sugar canes, Thompson reported. The upgrade comes in re- sponse to U.S. market trends, in- cluding product premiumization across all price points, in- creasing interest in sustainable prod- ucts from businesses and consumers, and a "driving need by w i n e r i e s f o r i m - proved wine quality consistency and ex- tended wine aging," Thompson said. He claimed the Green Line offers improved oxygen- management be- havior and aging performance. They are certified with a zero carbon foot- print and are fully recyclable. The Clas- sic Green is available in 37 mm and 43 mm lengths; Smart Green in 37 mm and 42 mm; the new Reserva in 44 mm, 49 mm and 52 mm. Zest, a sparkling wine stopper in- troduced in Europe last year and set to debut in North America, is 46 mm long. Growth is driven by both new and existing customers adopting Green Line and switching from natural/agglomerated stoppers, Thompson said, citing an appear- ance that takes its cues from na- ture. With 80% of Nomacorc customers now using Green Line products, the company hopes to transition all its customers to Green Line by the end of 2018, Thompson said. In North America, the vast ma- jority of customers want branded closures, as opposed to Europe, where generic branding is more common. Green Line offers mul- tiple print colors and end-brand- ing options. Vinventions also has branched out into micro-agglomer- a t e c l o s u r e s b y launching SÜBR, which is guaranteed TCA taint-free, in Europe. The com- pany is prepared for a major rollout in the United States by the end of 2017. It also plans innova- tions in screwcaps and top-quality nat- ural cork. Over the top Most wineries do cover their natural corks and synthetic stoppers with cap- s u l e s — o r w a x s e a l s — o f s o m e type. Like the clo- One Tree. Many Leaves... Michael Weyna Tonnellerie de Mercurey USA, Inc m.weyna@tonnellerie-de-mercurey.com 707.246.1708 www.tonnellerie-de-mercurey.com We are offering Burgundy & Bordeaux barrels from our 2017 California stock reserves in a range of wood selections and toast profiles to cover any late season production needs. Prestige, Selection Nicolas, Pierre, Haute Futaie oak selections and 36 month options, are available. All on hand in American Canyon, CA for direct delivery. Maverick's holographic hot-stamp product appears to change color. KEY POINTS Seeking trends in closures, we found there is no one single trend but an atmosphere of creativity among suppliers and wineries. Natural and technical corks have been rendered almost totally TCA-free. Synthetic stoppers and some capsules have become remarkably green with plant-based materials. Some wineries are adopting shorter capsules or none at all in order to display the wine within.