We Understand the Maple Syrup Industry
Ink360 works with craft maple syrup producers both small and large who have a strong desire to raise their brands above the competition.
Many craft maple producers develop private-label brands that cater to a specific market such as high-end grocery and gift stores, or events. With these limited offerings, private label brands will generally garner a high retail price which in turn allows for more creativity in the packaging budget.
Grades Of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup producers classify their product into different grades based on color, flavor, and the point in the season at which it was harvested. Color and flavor can vary somewhat due to factors like geography, weather conditions, and the specific techniques used by individual producers.
Golden Syrup
The lightest color, purest, and most delicate grade. Golden syrup is usually associated with the first sap flows of the sugaring season.
Amber Syrup
As the season progresses, the syrup darkens and develops a more robust maple flavor. Amber is typical for recipes where you want the maple flavor to shine through but not dominate.
Dark Syrup
The robust flavor is more pronounced than Amber syrup and the subtle flavors found in Golden and Amber are often masked by the maple flavor. Dark amber color and robust flavor where you want a strong maple flavor.
Very Dark Syrup
The darkest of all the grades and made very late in the season. It has a very intense, strong maple flavor. Often used in commercial food production and in recipes where a very strong maple flavor is needed.
Decorating Maple Syrup Bottles
Maple syrup producers typically use specially designed glass bottles to package their syrup, both for aesthetic appeal and to ensure freshness. Common types include the Maple Leaf bottle, larger glass bottles like the 12oz Flask, and the 16oz and 32oz sauce bottles, some of which feature distinct design elements such as a loop handle.
The choice of packaging often depends on volume and the brand’s image.
While we don’t typically screen print this bottle due to the complex nature of the bottle, we often help source this bottle.
The maple leaf bottle is popular for packaging syrup due to its aesthetic appeal and functionality. This option does well to showcase the syrup inside and creates a connection to the source of the product.
Various sizes from about 2oz. to 9oz.
In the context of maple syrup packaging, the glass flask is a popular choice for its functional and aesthetic qualities. Its unique design typically includes a loop handle, making it easy to pour and handle. The glass construction not only provides a clear view of the syrup, but its relatively moderate 12oz size makes it a convenient choice for regular home use by balancing capacity and countertop space.
Typically 12oz. flasks.
The decanter or “sauce bottle” is a practical choice for maple syrup packaging due to its sturdy, high-quality construction that effectively preserves the freshness and flavor of the syrup. They are generally cylindrical in shape, making them easy to handle and pour. They’re a popular choice for maple syrup producers seeking screen-printed bottle decorations.
Typically 16oz. or 32oz. bottles.
Glass gallon jug-style bottles with handles are perfect for selling maple syrup. The large format bottles showcase the beautiful clarity or grade and allow for better visibility of the syrup’s consistency, which are key indicators of quality. They’re typically used by producers who package their syrup in bulk volumes. These jugs, often made from glass which is infinitely recyclable, are designed to be sturdy, easy to handle, and store, often featuring a handle for convenient pouring.
Typically 64 oz. or 124oz.
Decorating Maple Syrup Bottles
Maple syrup producers typically use specially designed glass bottles to package their syrup, both for aesthetic appeal and to ensure freshness. Common types include the Maple Leaf bottle, larger glass bottles like the 12oz Flask, and the 16oz and 32oz sauce bottles, some of which feature distinct design elements such as a loop handle.
The choice of packaging often depends on volume and the brand’s image.
While we don’t typically screen print this bottle due to the complex nature of the bottle, we often help source this bottle.
The maple leaf bottle is popular for packaging syrup due to its aesthetic appeal and functionality. This option does well to showcase the syrup inside and creates a connection to the source of the product.
Various sizes from about 2oz. to 9oz.
In the context of maple syrup packaging, the glass flask is a popular choice for its functional and aesthetic qualities. Its unique design typically includes a loop handle, making it easy to pour and handle. The glass construction not only provides a clear view of the syrup, but its relatively moderate 12oz size makes it a convenient choice for regular home use by balancing capacity and countertop space.
Typically 12oz. flasks.
The decanter or “sauce bottle” is a practical choice for maple syrup packaging due to its sturdy, high-quality construction that effectively preserves the freshness and flavor of the syrup. They are generally cylindrical in shape, making them easy to handle and pour. They’re a popular choice for maple syrup producers seeking screen-printed bottle decorations.
Typically 16oz. or 32oz. bottles.
Glass gallon jug-style bottles with handles are perfect for selling maple syrup. The large format bottles showcase the beautiful clarity or grade and allow for better visibility of the syrup’s consistency, which are key indicators of quality. They’re typically used by producers who package their syrup in bulk volumes. These jugs, often made from glass which is infinitely recyclable, are designed to be sturdy, easy to handle, and store, often featuring a handle for convenient pouring.
Typically 64 oz. or 124oz.
Screen Printed vs. Paper Labels
Silk screening offers several advantages to maple syrup producers, such as extensive bottle coverage for branding, a boundless selection of colors, and designs that are resistant to water and scratches.
Screen Printing Maple Syrup Bottles
- Enhanced longevity – it’s resistant to wrinkles, torn and curled corners, scuffing, scratching, and is both chemical-resistant and waterproof.
- Superior color retention – presents a dazzling array of colors from an expansive and vibrant palette.
- Resistant to fading, staining, tearing, or osmosis-induced peeling.
- No need to switch out for bespoke label shapes or dual-part labels.
- Full 360˚ design canvas – bottle decorating allows for the whole bottle surface to be used, unlike paper labels which are limited by the bottle’s shape and size.
- Fosters creativity – silk screening permits the creation of imaginative designs that aren’t restricted to your bottle’s dimensions. You can also employ a range of silk-screened inks to enhance the color saturation and textural appeal of your designs.
- Boosts efficiency in the bottling line.
- Contributes to environmental conservation by saving trees, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Advantages of UV vs. ACL (Applied Ceramic Labels)
Again, silk screening offers maple syrup producers many benefits compared to applied ceramic labels including brighter, stronger colors, and faster decorating and production times.
Benefits of UV/LED Screen Printing
- Colors are not only brighter and stronger, but also more vibrant.
- Instead of limited PMS options, there are unlimited color possibilities.
- The decorating process is considerably quicker.
- Consistent color and image integrity, unlike color variations that might occur due to different curing conditions.
- Bottles of various types, including those with thinner glass walls, can be used because they don’t need high temperatures (up to 1200˚F) or a lengthy cooling cycle.
- There’s a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint.
- Significant energy savings are also possible.
- It results in a smaller production floor footprint.
