Our 100% recyclable cornstarch based packaging system is the premier Earth friendly wine shipper. Unlike Expanded Polystyrene (EPS – sometimes know as Styrofoam), our unique product is fully biodegradable, recyclable, compostable and omits no toxic emissions when incinerated. Our product was designed specifically to address the growing concern of environmentally harmful packing products that have engulfed the wine and several other industries.  

Though corn starch based packaging technology has been around for several years, convenience of obtaining EPS cheaply and neglect of the long term impact EPS poses on the environment has kept the focus off of this viable, sustainable solution. As stated by one representative at Robert Mondavi Winery, “EPS represents a huge fire hazard with an equally large potential downside to our insurance.” 

As the negative impact polystyrene has on our environment has become more clearly understood (non-biodegradable, non-recyclable and not able to be incinerated without toxic emissions), the need to pursue Earth friendly packaging solutions for the wine industry to ship their product is paramount to long term success.

The idea of implementing corn starch based wine shippers to the industry, while easily understood, was quite complex in its execution. The formula - and design - had to perform as well, if not better, than polystyrene shippers, which have been the predominant product used by wineries, co-packers and retailers for several years. The end solution also needed to be easy to use as well as provide proper protection (both shock and temperature) during transit.  

During its evolution, The Earth Shipper went through a series of design iterations and testing to ensure the best solution. This included countless land and air shipments as well as other rigorous shipping tests that included drop, static resistance, compression, vibration dampening and label scuffing – all with successful results. To ensure complete compliance and satisfaction with our product, we turned The Earth Shipper into ‘the real world’ and let several Napa Valley wineries, distributors, UPS and FedEx conduct their own evaluations. In each test, The Earth Shipper has successfully risen to the unique and sometimes brutal challenges of today’s shipping and transportation world. After rigorous testing, this new package demonstrated integrity comparable to the existing polystyrene shippers. 

The resulting Earth Shipper is the epitome of convenience: the receiving party can choose their method of disposal -  compost, recycle, landfill (with ZERO negative impact), incinerate with zero toxic  emissions, or simply allow to wash away in your sink or yard. Most importantly, using this product makes a statement to the consumer about getting away from polystyrene and making a commitment to the environment and sustainable business practices. Green Cell is certified as 100% biodegradable in earth and water environments as per ASTM protocols.
Several wineries such as Robert Mondavi, Domaine Chandon and Beaulieu Vineyards have positive outlooks on adoption of sustainable packaging as corn starch based packaging more clearly aligns their finished product with their own Earth friendly priorities and viewpoints.

Made from Green Cell™ biodegradable foam, The Earth Shippers core material is cornstarch-based foam made entirely from U.S. grown, non-GMO cornstarch by KTM Industries in Lansing, Michigan. Delta Packaging Inc., an Atlanta-based packaging distributor and transportation company, has partnered with MacFarlane Group, a multinational fabrication company with facilities in Northern and Southern California, to re-design, fabricate and ship “The Earth Shipper” to companies looking to decrease or completely eliminate their reliance on oil-based products.

Our unique product offers wineries, local vintners and distributors the opportunity to take the lead and demonstrate their environmental focus by reducing dependence on, and support of, petroleum based packaging products. The Earth Shipper offers the end user/customer the comfort of safe arrival of their product while eliminating the disposal problem and environmental impact associated with EPS polystyrene packaging. 

With concerns over flight safety increasing, current airline regulations do not allow liquids (not purchased inside the airport) inside of carry-on luggage, so transporting wine poses a logistical challenge. With The Earth Shipper, wine purveyors can now offer customers an effective solution, which can be safely checked*, thus solving the problem many consumers face in getting their prized wine to their home.
With our product, we believe wineries, vineyards and distributors can continue to demonstrate ingenuity and leadership in sustainable packaging and set the example for others to follow.
For more information on our unique product, please contact Delta Packaging, Inc. at: info@deltapackaging.us,
or at 770-831-0831.

Contact your Delta Packaging representative today to see how we can start integrating the Earth Shipper into your inventory..