UPS and packaging providers innovate on e-commerce drinks distribution

UPS, Sealed Air (SEE), Smurfit Kappa and Macfarlane Packaging have launched a new range of packaging specially designed for shipping individual bottles of spirits and wine in the UK and Ireland.

Alcohol sales in the UK and Ireland have doubled during the pandemic.

Mark Vale, president of UPS UK & Ireland, said: “E-commerce presents a huge opportunity for drinks producers wanting to grow their businesses, as a fifth of alcohol consumers in key export markets are already purchasing their favourite brands online.”

The packaging addresses the challenge of how to safely pack and ship individual bottles that may come in different sizes and shapes.

The packaging tested by UPS, Smurfit Kappa and Sealed Air is distributed by Macfarlane Packaging.

Laurel Granville, marketing director of Macfarlane Packaging, said: “There is a growing demand for bottle packs as there is a need to effectively pack and distribute these products without damage.

“At Macfarlane, we offer our clients the most innovative and environmentally friendly protective packaging options for their businesses and we are proud to work with UPS to offer this pack to e-commerce customers.”

There are four customisable versions of the new one-bottle packs that can accommodate most of the wine and spirits bottles on the market and the packaging is fully recyclable.