This article first appeared in the April 2025 issue of ProPack.pro magazine
Packaging plays a crucial role in shaping a product’s identity, particularly in the premium whisky market. Every element, from structural integrity to finishing touches, must ensure functionality while reflecting the premium quality of the product inside.
The collaboration between IVE and Starward Whisky demonstrates how a strong partnership and thoughtful design can create truly distinctive and expertly crafted packaging.
Starward Whisky Distillery is known for pushing boundaries in whisky-making, and its festive release, Panettone in a Bottle, was no exception. Given the sentimental value and premium nature of the release, its packaging needed to be remarkable – designed to feel like unwrapping a luxurious gift while maintaining Starward’s distinctive branding.
Starward envisioned a modern packaging design that opened like a traditional panettone, creating a sense of anticipation, excitement and the ‘wow’ for the gift receiver. It had to be both structurally sound and visually striking, ensuring it aligned seamlessly with the whisky’s refined character and exclusivity.
The challenge was to create a solution that was as special and rare as the product itself – balancing function, aesthetics, and a sense of occasion. To capture this, Starward wanted to go beyond one-sided printing and achieve inside printing on the gift box to create engagement and storytelling.
The design process
The project began with initial discussions between Starward and IVE’s team of packaging specialists. After reviewing a paper mock-up provided by the client, the team quickly transformed the concept into a structural design, producing dieline samples within a day.
Once the structure was confirmed, the final artwork was developed in collaboration with Starward’s design agency, Stranger & Stranger, to ensure the branding was executed perfectly. For the final packaging, a 830um whiteback board was selected, printed via UV offset on a Heidelberg press.
This method ensured crisp, high-quality printing with instant UV curing, bringing out vibrant colours and sharp details. Premium finishes such as gold foiling, embossing, and reactive UV varnish were incorporated to add texture and dimension, enhancing the packaging to reflect the whisky’s premium craftsmanship and distinctive appeal.
Execution and implementation
As with any complex packaging project, several challenges arose throughout production. One of the first obstacles was identifying a board that provided both the necessary strength and high-end finish. Working closely with Ball & Doggett, a material was sourced that met these requirements while maintaining the desired look and feel.
Another key challenge was balancing the use of foiling and UV reactive varnish, two finishes that don’t always work together seamlessly. Foiling adds a rich, metallic finish, while UV reactive varnish creates a raised, glossy texture.
The challenge was making sure these elements worked in harmony, enhancing rather than clashing with each other. This required precise testing and refinements to prevent any imperfections.
As the packaging was produced locally in Melbourne, the Starward team had the opportunity to attend print sessions, allowing for hands-on refinements and real-time problem-solving. This level of collaboration ensured that every detail was fine-tuned before production was finalised.
The completed packaging delivered on both practicality and visual appeal, with a unique opening design that created an engaging unboxing experience. Gold foiling and embossing added a sophisticated touch, while the reactive UV varnish created depth and a dynamic effect.
“The packaging not only looked impressive but also felt luxurious, reinforcing the whisky’s premium status and making it a perfect complement to this limited-edition release,” IVE head of client partnerships – print Chris Terry said.
“The success of this project was a result of the expertise of both teams, with IVE’s deep knowledge of packaging and Starward’s commitment to excellence making for a highly effective collaboration. By producing packaging solutions locally, both companies have been able to collaborate closely, ensuring that Starward’s products receive the level of detail and care they deserve.
“Following this release, Starward Whisky continues to explore new packaging innovations, with several upcoming projects already in development. “The success of Starward Panettone Whisky has set a new benchmark for future limited-edition releases, demonstrating the impact of thoughtful collaboration and technical excellence.”
