Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Where can members source reliable packaging suppliers for spirits bottles, boxes, and branded materials?
Members recommend several established packaging suppliers. For outer boxes and cartons: Playford Packaging (contact Sharon Haddock at Sales@playfordpackaging.co.uk) and Box and Seal Ltd (Gareth Crockatt, 01793 855855, Gareth@boxandseal.co.uk) are noted as quick and reasonably priced; DS Smith is cheaper long-term but slower with approvals. Saxon Packaging (www.saxonpackaging.co.uk) is used for 4-pack retail boxes and branded multipacks, though some members explore alternatives. For gift bags and branded paper carriers: Stevenage Packaging (https://www.stevenagepackaging.co.uk, contact Adam) offers bespoke light brown bags quickly at reasonable cost. Rocaba Packaging (rocabapackaging.co.uk) supplies Italian brown paper bags with twisted handles from 24p each for orders of 300+, reportedly strong enough for 70cl bottles (2.4kg). Members emphasise checking samples first, as quality can vary. For urgent 6-bottle carton needs, members also recommend checking availability directly with suppliers rather than waiting for standard lead times.
What mushroom-based packaging suppliers are available as sustainable alternatives to traditional cardboard?
Members have identified mycelium (mushroom-based) packaging as a viable sustainable cardboard replacement, though cost is a consideration. **Specific suppliers and contacts:** - **Magical Mushroom** — paul@magicalmushroom.com — offers mycelium packaging, though members noted it is expensive. - **Seedlip's supplier** — A contact used by Seedlip for a biodegradable pack was flagged as excellent; members expressed interest in connecting through the recommender for details. **Caveats:** Mycelium packaging comes at a premium price point, so cost will be a significant factor in adoption decisions.
What protective packaging solutions should we use to reduce bottle breakages during shipping?
Members recommend using robust pulp-insert and Flexi-Hex sleeve solutions as the most effective approach to prevent breakages during courier transit. Key options: - **WBC pulp-safe boxes** — Members report these are "almost indestructible" even with rough handling by major couriers (UPS, DHL, DPD, APC, DX). The pulp-safe insert design with dividers provides reliable protection for spirits bottles. - **Flexi-Hex boxes with pinch-top design** — Described as "pretty damn bomb proof." The traditional pinch-top version is preferred by members over newer pop-up variants, which some felt matched the cheaper Kite quality. - **Kite boxes + Flexi-Hex sleeve combo** — A budget-friendly option. Kite is substantially cheaper than Forms Plus for a basic solution, though quality is characterized as "cheap and cheerful." - **Forms Plus + official Flexi-Hex pop-up box and sleeve combo** — More convenient but pricier. Members note Forms Plus will negotiate on price if you request a quote by email (they knocked £25 off one order), though it still may not undercut Kite. **Caveats:** Courier performance varies; members emphasize that choosing "bullet proof packaging" combined with a competitive courier rate card and adequate insurance is more reliable than expecting consistent service from any single courier operator. The newer Flexi-Hex pop-up boxes don't match the quality of the original pinch-top design.
Where can you source black ROPP aluminium caps in specific sizes (e.g. 18mm x 12mm for 5cl bottles)?
Members recommend checking several UK suppliers who hold stock or can source specialist bottle caps: - **Croxsons** — suggested as a starting point for ROPP aluminium caps - **Pattesons** — mentioned as a potential supplier who may be able to help - **Rawlings** — noted as sometimes holding stock of these sizes One member successfully sourced 20k units urgently, suggesting these suppliers can handle larger orders and specific dimensions. For urgent requirements, contacting multiple suppliers simultaneously is recommended as stock availability varies.