Smurfit Kappa has harnessed its experience in eCommerce and sustainability to help a prestigious vineyard in the UK tap into the flourishing online wine space.

The Kingscote Estate and Vineyard in West Sussex, which sells a range of fine wines through its 'The Wine Caverns' sub-brand, needed a sustainable packaging solution to drive online sales and reflect the premium nature of its brand.

Smurfit Kappa utilised the eCommerce insights, knowledge and data that sit behind its eBottle portfolio as the starting point for the collaboration. The portfolio has a range of single bottle, multi-bottle and bag-in-box solutions designed to protect fragile liquid products throughout all stages of the supply chain.

An exquisitely designed and entirely paper-based packaging solution, based on the protected gift pack in the eBottle portfolio, allows customers to recycle or reuse the box once opened - a key concern for The Wine Caverns' clientele. The corrugate is both sturdy and protective and retains a 'natural' feel which pays homage to the rural origins of the product.

What's more, the new packaging offers maximum flexibility by being customisable and easily adapted to accommodate multiple and varying bottle sizes. It can also be printed both on the interior and exterior, showcasing The Wine Caverns' strong brand and creating a delightful unboxing experience for their customers.

Emma Clark, Marketing Manager for The Wine Caverns, commented: "What a process! Our bottles are now housed safely in boxes which deliver on both the functional and experience side and we couldn't be happier. Smurfit Kappa was the perfect partner to steer us through the process, advising and supporting us throughout every step of the way."

Eddie Fellows, CEO of Smurfit Kappa UK & Ireland, added: "Online wine sales rocketed during the pandemic and a lot of vintners have continued to maintain healthy online sales driven by the continuation of events like virtual tastings. The recent sunny weather in the UK has increased the demand for wine, particularly lighter varieties such as rosé and sparkling and The Wine Caverns is fully equipped to capitalise on this trend with fit-for-purpose, sustainable packaging.

"Working with the Kingscote Estate to provide them with the perfect sustainable eCommerce solution was an enjoyable and rewarding experience for our talented and creative team."