Individual beverage crates combining design, functionality, and sustainability

Beverage crates have long been more than just transport aids. In a market where brand image, ergonomics, and sustainability are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, even seemingly simple packaging solutions are coming into focus. This is precisely where Delbrouck comes in with its individually developed crates for the beverage industry.

Tailor-made solutions for breweries and non-alcoholic beverages

At its locations in Menden in the Sauerland region and in Föritztal in Thuringia, the company produces beverage crates that are specifically tailored to the requirements of individual brands. The company works for a wide range of customers – from traditional breweries to manufacturers of non-alcoholic beverages. The decisive factor is not so much series production as joint development: shape, surface, carrying comfort, and brand impact are defined together with the customers. This close cooperation explains why the crates do not appear interchangeable. Each design is tailored to its specific purpose, whether for retail, catering, or direct contact with the end customer. In an increasingly saturated beverage market, the crate thus becomes part of brand communication.

Materiality and ergonomics as design factors

A central feature of many solutions is the conscious consideration of surfaces and haptics. The example of a crate developed for Rhodius shows how strongly details can influence the overall impression. A brushed stainless steel look combined with a sturdy, body-hugging center handle not only changes the appearance, but also the feel when carrying. The crate lies closer to the body, can be moved in a more controlled manner, and conveys quality. Surface technology also plays a key role in other models. For Schweppes, for example, structured in-mold labels were used. The pyramid structure used here is deliberately irregular—no two surfaces are alike. The result is a visual depth that clearly sets it apart from standardized reusable crates and strengthens the brand's recognition value.

Own tools and creative freedom

An essential component of this individuality lies in the company's own tool expertise. With its own tools, Delbrouck is able to implement new designs independently and respond flexibly to customer requests. This applies not only to external shapes, but also to functional aspects such as handle design, stackability, and material thicknesses. This independence allows the company to implement design concepts that go beyond standard market norms. At the same time, industrial suitability for everyday use is maintained—a crucial point in the beverage industry, where crates are exposed to high loads on a daily basis.

Sustainability based on the material

In addition to design and function, the issue of sustainability is increasingly becoming a focus. This is not about symbolic measures, but about concrete material decisions. For many years, the company has been relying on crates made from 100 percent recycled material. Recycled waste materials, such as from returned crates, are processed and reintroduced into the production cycle. This approach follows the principle of closed material cycles and significantly reduces the need for new plastic. For customers, this means a solution that meets ecological requirements without compromising on stability or service life. This aspect is becoming increasingly important, especially in the reusable segment, which is already designed for long usage cycles.

Design features at a glance

The placement boxes developed combine several requirements that are increasingly becoming standard in the market:

• Individual shape and surface design for clear brand identity
• Ergonomic carrying handles for improved handling in everyday use
• Use of structured in-mold labels for visual depth
• Proprietary tools for high flexibility in development
• Production from 100 percent recycled materials to support closed loops

Between brand staging and industrial reality

Beverage crates operate in a field of tension: they must be robust, stackable, and logistically efficient, but at the same time function as a visible component of the brand image. The examples shown here make it clear that these requirements are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary: through targeted material selection, well-thought-out ergonomics, and individual design, functional industrial goods can be transformed into brand ambassadors. For Delbrouck, this is precisely the approach. The focus is not on the crate as a mass-produced product, but on the tailor-made solution for a specific purpose. In a market that is increasingly differentiated by details, the beverage crate is also becoming part of this development – quietly but effectively.