Graphic Packaging Adds Strength to Winery Product

The Z-flute(R) packaging combines light weight with exceptional compression strength.

01/02/06 MARIETTA, Ga. -- Fine wine has numerous distinguishing characteristics, but one that's often overlooked is a good container -- so that's exactly what Graphic Packaging International (GPI) has delivered for Tefft Cellars Winery, located in the Yakima Valley near Outlook, Washington.

"Our Z-flute(R) packaging combines light weight with exceptional compression strength, making it ideal to withstand the rigors of shipping, in- store stacking, and consumer usage," explained Ed Schindler, Graphic Packaging's Product Marketing Manager. "These features have enabled us to solve a 'bulge' problem which Tefft Cellars experienced with the corrugated material previously used for its wine-in-a-box product."

The "Z" stands for "zero" because the Graphic Packaging product, unlike traditional corrugated paperboard, has no flutes between the two exterior walls.

"Zero usually means nothing, but with Z-flute it means everything - the comparable strength of corrugated, the vibrant graphics of paperboard, and the optimal runability of folding carton, all at a price performance relationship that's more attractive than any of these other options," added Schindler.

According to Graphic Packaging, Z-flute is especially suited for retail packaging when manufacturers want to move from basic brown or white corrugated materials to a more sophisticated look, while maintaining maximum strength.

Tefft Cellars is a family-owned boutique winery which produces premium wines in both bottles and corrugated containers. For the "wine-in-a-box" product, wine is first placed in a flexible interior bag, then hand-packed into the exterior Z-flute package.

Two of the winery's varieties -- Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay -- are currently part of a market trial of the Z-flute packaging in conjunction with a major mass merchandiser.