Secondary packaging for wines and spirits is evolving, stepping away from traditional paper gift bags and coffrets to embrace fashion accessories that turn drink bottles into luxury statements. High-end brands like Louis XIII, Johnnie Walker, and Veuve Clicquot are collaborating with designers to bring a stylish, functional twist to bottle presentation, catering to consumers who value both aesthetics and utility. Here’s a look at some recent innovations in this trend.

Johnnie Walker (Diageo) tapped into the après-ski vibe with its Blue Label Ice Chalet launch in October 2024, in collaboration with luxury skiwear brand Perfect Moment. This limited-edition whisky blend, created by Master Blender Emma Walker, is presented in a sleek deep blue bottle and includes a custom bottle bag designed by Perfect Moment and produced by GPA Global. The bag, featuring Perfect Moment’s iconic star logo and houndstooth pattern, doubles as a reversible crossbody bag, adding a unique and functional dimension to the whisky experience.

Veuve Clicquot brought a fresh, sporty twist to champagne packaging with the Puffy Bottle Holder launched in summer 2024. Shaped like a miniature down jacket, the bright yellow quilted holder includes front pockets, a drawstring neck, and silver hardware accents. Produced by GPA Global France, this innovative pack combines a 100% recycled polyester exterior with thermal insulation made of felt to keep the champagne cool. The Puffy Bottle Holder can be worn as a shoulder or crossbody bag and even allows pouring without removing the bottle, thanks to a strap embroidered with the brand name.

French organic vodka brand Le Philtre partnered with Franco-American bag designer Delphine Delafon for a capsule collection centered on Le Petit Philtre, a 35cl bottle made from 100% recycled glass. Launching in November 2024, the animal-print bottle holders created by Delafon offer a chic, eco-friendly alternative to single-use packaging. Crafted with luxury-brand surplus materials and sustainable leathers, this collection merges sustainability with high fashion, available for €39.

Lastly, luxury cognac brand Louis XIII continues to explore fashion-forward collaborations with its Louis XIII x LaQuan Smith Collection. Building on its 2022 launch of The Drop—10cl cognac bottles paired with leather pouches—the brand introduced two new accessories in 2024: The Drop Chain Pouch and The Boudoir Gloves. Created with designer LaQuan Smith, the collection includes an engraved chain pouch made of solid silver latticework, evoking vintage flasks and offering a glamorous jewelry-like aesthetic. The pouch can be worn as a necklace, belt, or wristlet, transforming the bottle into a refined fashion piece.

These innovative launches show how secondary packaging for drinks is being transformed, allowing consumers to carry their luxury beverages with a sense of personal style and utility.

WuXi XDC, a premier contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) based in China and special

Paptic Ltd, a rapidly growing company specializing in wood fibre-based packaging, is making a significant move into t

Starting September 10, McDonald’s is introducing the Mini McFlurry to participating U.S.

Pregis® has introduced the Pregis EasyPack® GeoTerra® Auto Dispenser to the North American market, designed to enhanc

Walki Group has completed a significant investment of over €6 million at its Steinfurt plant in Germany, unveiling a

This summer, Paris is captivating the world not only as the host of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, but also for i

Julie Vargas, Vice President and General Manager of Avery Dennison Identification Solutions, has been recognized as o

The LEGO Group is advancing its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of paper-based packaging across it

Like e-commerce, the popularity of meal kits saw a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers increasingly turned to online shopping for ready-to-prepare meals delivered straight to their doorstep. Although the concept of meal delivery isn't new—the modern meal kit trend is a more recent development. Pioneered a little over a decade ago by companies like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron, today's meal kits offer complete meals with pre-portioned ingredients, ready to cook and serve, along with easy-to-follow instructions.

The convenience of home delivery, coupled with the elimination of meal planning and grocery shopping, has made meal kits a hit with millions of households. As a result, the industry continues to experience substantial growth.

As the meal kit industry continues to grow, ensuring that food arrives at consumers' doorsteps fresh and undamaged is more crucial than ever. Insulated packaging has become a vital component in the packing and shipping process, without which companies risk a flood of customer complaints and a significant loss in customer satisfaction.

The Importance of Proper Meal Kit Packaging

Meal kits offer consumers a variety of options, from heat-and-eat pre-cooked items to cook-and-eat kits that include fresh, raw ingredients, spices, sauces, and a recipe. Consumers can choose from online subscription services or kits delivered or picked up from local restaurants and retailers. Regardless of the type of meal kit, one thing remains constant: the need for effective packaging.

Choosing the right materials is essential to ensure both the form and function of the packaging. Corrugated boxes offer exterior protection and provide a secure means of shipping through parcel networks. Fragile ingredients, like eggs, need additional protection, such as paper void fill, bubble bags, or cushioning, to prevent damage from shock and vibration during transit. However, without properly insulated packaging, all other protective measures could be rendered useless, leading to compromised ingredients, financial losses, and a decline in customer loyalty.

Key Considerations for Selecting Insulated Packaging

When it comes to choosing the right insulated packaging for meal kits, several factors need to be considered to ensure the contents remain fresh and safe throughout the delivery process.

1. Contents

Packaging requirements differ significantly between fresh and frozen items due to the perishability of the ingredients. Each type of product must be kept at a specific temperature to maintain its integrity as it moves from the production facility to the final destination. Frozen meals often require more robust insulation and a greater amount of refrigerant. Determining the appropriate temperature to keep the products safe will dictate the level of insulation and refrigerant needed.

2. Transit Times

Transit time is another crucial factor, including the time it takes for consumers to unbox the contents and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Meal kits can spend hours or even days out of refrigeration as they travel from the packaging facility to the consumer’s kitchen. Calculating transit time, including potential delays, and analyzing a courier’s historical transit data can help determine the type of insulated packaging required.

Additionally, many consumers may not be home when the delivery arrives, meaning the meal kit could sit on a doorstep for some time. Understanding how long the meal kit will be in transit, from packaging to delivery, is essential in choosing the right packaging to maintain food quality and safety.

3. Temperature Changes

External temperature is another critical consideration. Meal kits delivered in Maine in December face different challenges than those delivered in Texas in July. Perishable food can harbor bacteria that double in number in as little as 20 minutes. The outdoor temperature influences the shipment's pace and determines the amount of insulation, refrigerant, and packaging needed to maintain the proper temperature during transit.

4. Recyclability

As more consumers prioritize sustainability, companies must consider the recyclability and reusability of their packaging materials. Many customers are incorporating sustainability criteria into their decision-making process when choosing a brand and are even willing to pay more for products with eco-friendly packaging. 74% of consumers would pay a premium for products with sustainable packaging. Reducing the amount of packaging or increasing the recyclability—whether curbside or store drop-off—can be a key factor in attracting and retaining customers.

In the rapidly expanding meal kit industry, the role of insulated packaging is paramount. By carefully considering the contents, transit times, temperature changes, and recyclability, companies can ensure that their meal kits arrive fresh and undamaged, satisfying customers and maintaining their loyalty in a competitive market.

Pregis®, a global leader in protective packaging, mailing, bagging, and flexible packaging solutions, has announced s

Amcor, a global leader in responsible packaging solutions, has expanded its global network of packaging innovation hu

Amcor, a global leader in responsible packaging solutions, has unveiled its Decarbonization Roadmap aimed at reducing

HYBRID Software has announced the release of iC3D Suite version 9.5, a significant update to its cutting-edge packagi

Smurfit Kappa, a global leader in sustainable packaging, has announced its 2023 financial results, highlighting a str

As the packaging industry shifts towards more sustainable solutions, the demand for easy-to-recycle carrier bags has