How do you package a variety of large, 22-ounce beer bottles in a functional yet stylish way? xpedx, along with Craft Brew Alliance – one of the largest craft brewers in the U.S. – worked together to create an innovative packaging solution for their Widmer Brothers brand of craft beer.

This project was especially challenging because each package weighed nearly ten pounds, so the redesign had strict requirements – it had to be aesthetically pleasing, easy to carry and open, and also durable enough to survive the entire length of the supply chain. It also had to showcase several beer varieties in one package.

“Craft beer drinkers are going after larger bottles so they don’t have to commit to an entire six-pack that has just one variety,” says Aaron Burget, assistant brand manager, Widmer Brothers. 

Although complex in nature, xpedx packaging design experts created what appeared to be a very simple solution. Their innovative idea was to expose the bottles inside the package by cutting out the corners of the box, which showcased the product. Even though the corners were eliminated, the structural integrity of the package remained. 

 

The redesign also allowed Widmer Brothers to switch out beer varieties without using multiple boxes or packaging graphics. By decreasing the amount of packaging used, pallet capacity was increased by 40% – which lowered shipping costs. 

 

“Our main goal was to create a package that reveals the bottle labels inside so that we didn’t have to change the graphics on the box with each new offering. The box also needed to allow us to quickly switch out the beer varieties inside. xpedx’s design met these goals for us,” Burget states.

xpedx took this package redesign one step further by assisting in assembly, kitting and fulfillment.  This gave the customer more time to do what they do best – brew unique craft beer. From packaging design, materials, workflow, automation and logistics, xpedx is Packaging Expertise®.

 

For more information, call 888 xpedx-PK, email packaging@xpedx.com or visit packaging.xpedx.coHow do you package a variety of large, 22-ounce beer bottles in a functional yet stylish way? xpedx, along with Craft Brew Alliance – one of the largest craft brewers in the U.S. – worked together to create an innovative packaging solution for their Widmer Brothers brand of craft beer.

This project was especially challenging because each package weighed nearly ten pounds, so the redesign had strict requirements – it had to be aesthetically pleasing, easy to carry and open, and also durable enough to survive the entire length of the supply chain. It also had to showcase several beer varieties in one package.

“Craft beer drinkers are going after larger bottles so they don’t have to commit to an entire six-pack that has just one variety,” says Aaron Burget, assistant brand manager, Widmer Brothers. 

Although complex in nature, xpedx packaging design experts created what appeared to be a very simple solution. Their innovative idea was to expose the bottles inside the package by cutting out the corners of the box, which showcased the product. Even though the corners were eliminated, the structural integrity of the package remained. 

 

The redesign also allowed Widmer Brothers to switch out beer varieties without using multiple boxes or packaging graphics. By decreasing the amount of packaging used, pallet capacity was increased by 40% – which lowered shipping costs. 

 

“Our main goal was to create a package that reveals the bottle labels inside so that we didn’t have to change the graphics on the box with each new offering. The box also needed to allow us to quickly switch out the beer varieties inside. xpedx’s design met these goals for us,” Burget states.

xpedx took this package redesign one step further by assisting in assembly, kitting and fulfillment.  This gave the customer more time to do what they do best – brew unique craft beer. From packaging design, materials, workflow, automation and logistics, xpedx is Packaging Expertise®.

 

For more information, call 888 xpedx-PK, email packaging@xpedx.com or visit packaging.xpedx.com.