NORCROSS, GA (May 20, 2008) – Unisource Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading distributors of paper, packaging and facility supplies in North America, is introducing the first fully compostable, clam-shell wine shipper trays to help vintners and purveyors of wine meet their green needs.
 
The wine shipper trays, made from recycled newsprint, recycled corrugated paperboard and water, meet or exceed all packaging toxic limitation standards, such as the state of California's Toxics in Packaging Prevention Act and the European Union's Directive 94/62/EC.  The introduction of the new wine trays is one more step Unisource has taken to include Sustainability as a core strategy and goal.
 
WTN Services, a major winery and wine retail supply chain logistics and fulfillment services provider, has adopted the new clam-shell packaging and says that it has benefited the company operationally, as well as enhancing its environmental commitment.
 
"Along with the more earth-friendly material, the Unisource clam-shell design provides a higher degree of efficiency for our floor operations, making a key contribution to our Lean and Green Initiative in servicing our clients," said Chris Edwards, Vice President and General Manager of WTN Services.
 
The clam-shell packaging units come in one-, two- and three-bottle sizes and are designed for 750 ml bottles.
 
"These new wine trays provide optimal bottle protection through the use of high-quality materials and design innovation," said Rod Levitt, Director of Unisource's wine packaging sales in Santa Rosa, CA.  "The use of recycled materials in the new trays is in keeping with Unisource's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility."
 
In addition to being environmentally friendly, the clam shell packaging offers cost benefits.  The innovative design curbs warehouse space and freight costs; reduces time and labor costs by easing de-nesting; and protects buyers from major price fluctuations because manufacturing costs are not linked to gas, oil or resin prices.

"The new packaging design and materials improve your bottom line by protecting you from price fluctuations and save as much as 75 percent in warehouse space and freight costs," said Levitt.
 
For more information on Unisource products, please visit www.unisourcelink.com, or contact Unisource at 1-800-unisource.