BEHIND THE LABEL BEHIND THE LABEL


“Diageo emphasizes the importance of aligning supplier agility with real-time consumer insights to drive operational efficiency and meet evolving market demands.”
Nik
Jhangiani, Interim CEO Diageo
Every day, Diageo celebrates life, everywhere, for everyone—bringing people together through iconic brands and unforgettable experiences. Your commitment to being the best performing, most trusted, and most respected consumer products company is evident in your strategic pillars: brand leadership, operational excellence, and sustainability from grain to glass.
At MCC, we’re inspired by your ambition and excited about the opportunity to partner with you on this journey. Our proven track record, local expertise, and agile structure—aligned with Diageo’s strategic priorities—position us uniquely to support your goals. We are excited to participate in and collaborate with your Altruistiq platform implementation and Joint Business Planning program to deliver the best results for Diageo.
As we take you Behind the Label and share the MCC story, remember this: a great label does more than inform. It connects emotionally, champions sustainability, and amplifies innovation. It’s a reflection of the values that define Diageo—inclusivity, responsibility, and progress.
Together, we can shape the future of consumer engagement—through packaging that not only protects and promotes but also inspires and elevates. We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping Diageo lead the way in a world where culture, technology, and purpose converge.
Gavin McCue
Global Key Account Director
Business Partnership for over 20 years
MCC supplies over 3.4 billion labels to Diageo per annum
Working together we deliver labels valued over $31M
MCC supplies Diageo in all continents and sectors
2,529 Anfield football stadiums enough to cover MCC supplies Diageo globally with 17,370,214 m2 of material DID YOU KNOW?
Core Brands
Providing Diageo with the most efficient UK supply chain.
• Switch manufacturing from Cwmbran, Wales, to Clydebank, Scotland.
• Clydebank is an approved Diageo factory and currently supplies Diageo.
• Carbon reduction: 106 metric tons
• Cost savings: £121,000, including:
• £84,000 in reduced transportation
• £37,000 in artwork and FOC label savings
• Reduced distance: 112,952 km
The amount of carbon that our solution saved is equivalent to:
Taking around 53 roundtrip flights between New York City and London.
“Switching manufacturing to one plant simplified the overall process. Providing a single point of contact for customer service, label engineering and technical streamlined the supply chain, enabling joint forecasting, quicker reporting, more consistent packaging, reduced shipments, and less goods inwards.”
Dave Crombie, Account Manager, Sales
The Captain Morgan team reached out to MCC for help redesigning their label. The intent was to remove visual complexity to make the brand look more carefree and accessible. Financial and environmental sustainability were key objectives in the project.
MCC’s Mason Team presented a version that used gold ink with a PCR substrate to replace the previous foil. Balancing color, metallic/opaque and glossy/matte elements, and embossing effects, achieves a premium new look and feel for Captain Morgan.
The solution not only saves 37,000 pounds of waste each year but also reduces costs, making it a win across sustainability and cost for both Diageo and MCC.
“With over two decades of commitment to our company, Heidi Cook has been a cornerstone of our technical team in NA. Heidi and her team developed a gold ink formulation that replaces foil to offer environmental benefits, and which is used as a benchmark within Diageo. Her work exemplifies the perfect blend of innovative thinking and experience.”
Juliana Farah, NA Key Account Manager
Heidi Cook, Technical Manager
Introduction
Optimizing material solution to provide cost and emissions savings and contingency.
Switch from UPM Raflabright RP30X PGBW135 to Avery HGWine FSC S2030 PET30.
• All Diageo plants involved validated application at standard speed for all cartouche sizes.
• New material was approved in the third quarter of 2024 with the first production order in the fourth quarter of the same year.
• Cost savings: €76,000
Introduction
MCC’s solution reduced CO2 from liner raw materials by 49%.
Glassine to PET reduction:
• Energy: 17%
• Water: 50%
• Transport: 25%
• Application stops: 25%
“Optimizing the liner offers two important advantages. Transitioning from two-layer glassine and PET to singlelayer PET, which can be collected and addressed in the recycling steam, improves the liner’s recyclability. It also reduces weight for the same label quantity, delivering a freight advantage.”
Paul Simi, Senior Account Executive
Diageo + MCC: Partnering in Ambition
The Crown Royal redesign was launched in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed production until early 2024. The project included new label templates to accommodate a refreshed bottle as well as a new cigar-band-style neck label. These improvements required coordination across multiple MCC sites and introduced complexity around adhesives, roll formations, and more. Concerted efforts were needed to ensure success after the five-year disruption.
To manage the onboarding of the largest Crown Royal project across two different technologies—pressure-sensitive and cut-and-stack—MCC simultaneously relocated and merged facilities. Prior to implementation, we conducted scale-up and disaster checks, trained the new team on Diageo’s ways of working, onboarded all new artwork for the brand, introduced new ink formulations, secured customer approvals, and supported start-ups on the labelers, addressing quality concerns along the way.
This process combined the best knowledge and practices of the original plants to deliver an impressive new design that continues to evolve with new flavors.
“Seeing the Crown Royal redesign project evolve from early ideation to full-scale production—especially while navigating a facility move—was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Collaborating with Diageo and our internal teams to bring new innovations to life has been a career highlight.”
Juliana Farah, NA Key Account Manager
The Mexican government requires a stamp on products to facilitate tax payment and demonstrate to customers that the product is legal. Previously, government-printed physical tax stamps were applied as separate labels, which complicated printing logistics. Limited government printing resources often left producers without stamps during peak seasons. The stamps were also vulnerable to counterfeiting, compromising product authenticity.
MCC developed a new approach that integrates tax stamp elements into traditional labels with a single application. Instead of relying on government-supplied physical stamps, we receive variable data directly from the government database and print QR codes and alphanumeric numbers using specialized tracking technology. Our solution includes comprehensive reporting systems that document all variable printed data, meeting both customer and governmental requirements.
This innovation positioned MCC among only a few certified printers capable of handling Mexico’s complex tax stamp requirements. The integrated solution eliminated supply chain disruptions while creating a premium label category.
“Some projects now see back labels with tax stamps commanding higher prices than traditional front labels as a result of streamlined look, and foreign brands that require Mexican tax compliance have become new market opportunities.”
Ruben Cervantes, Sales Representative
Introduction
• Trial to support recycling and new sustainability regulation
• Collaboration through the full value chain and key stakeholders to ensure success
• MCC Diageo technical project team led by MCC Field Application Director EMEA, Chris Cotter
“Great training day with MCC label, focusing on various materials for label application. Premier Labellers highlighted that trials for challenging applications are crucial to product development. Collaborating with Label suppliers is crucial to achieving optimal results in the evolving landscape of recyclability and sustainability.”
Tracie White, CEO, Premier Labellers
Introduction
Opportunity:
MCC vertically integrated material can provide optimum performance, cost savings, carbon reduction and circular recycling of liner
OptiCoat options include:
• recycLABELTM – 1 way glass recycling
• ThermoWashTM – Reuse returnable glass
• MCC is market leader in high speed PSL and there is benefits for Diageo including:
• Carbon reduction
• Cost savings
• Stable pricing
• Transparent price mechanism
• Sustainable material – 30% PCR (Includes a wash off adhesive which yields a higher cullet return)
A vertically-integrated, fully customizable coating solution for Pressure Sensitive materials used to provide optimal outcomes for both the customer and MCC.
• Vastly improved Product Carbon Footprint
• Down-gauged materials
• Spent PET liner circularity
• APR approved (NA)
• EPBP / RecyClass approved (EU)
RESILIENCY OF SUPPLY
• Eliminate stock-outs through integrated demand planning
• Capacity prioritized for Diageo lead times
• Avoid unexpected price increases due to external supply chain volatility
• Input costs linked to indices for price change transparency/hedging
• Allocated production capacity for Diageo
• Potential cost savings from vertical integration
• Maximize Diageo OEE
• Tailored to Diageo container types, dimensions and shapes
Sao Paulo Brazil
• Holistic evaluation of Diageo lines to minimize downtime
• Ensure lowest total applied cost for PSL at Diageo “factory gate out”
OptiCoat™ is a team of materials experts, trained to evaluate existing solutions and provide custom specifications to meet Diageo goals.
Our proprietary EnviroMetal™ inks create customizable metallic effects with brilliant reflectance that rivals traditional foil while offering a more sustainable solution.
As an alternative to metallic foil, EnviroMetal offers superior quality and appeal with enhanced sustainability. The process reduces waste over metallic substrates and foils while delivering exceptional decorative capabilities and label durability.
• Reduces waste over traditional metallic substrates and foils
• Brilliant reflectance and customizable sheen
• Full palette of metallic colors
• Flexible applications across pressure sensitive, roll fed, and cut & stack
Introduction
As an alternative to foil, NOVA™ ink offers a cost-competitive option with an eye toward sustainability. The process creates less material and waste than use of foil while providing the ultimate in decorative capabilities.
• Reduces waste and uses less material than traditional foil application
• High lustre and shine
• Cost-effective
Connecting customers and products through RFID & other Smart Labeling technologies.
Helping brands build consumer connections & enhance business performance.
Product verification & supply chain efficiencies
• Use for tracking, anti-counterfeiting, inventory management and more
• Access to data to improve productivity, operational efficiency and reduce labor costs
Increase consumer engagement & gain valuable business insights
• Brands connect with their customers through loyalty programs, rewards or coupons
• Software provides brand owners with valuable data on consumer preferences
Provide brand protection & security
• Use for anticounterfeiting or product authentication, ensuring brand integrity
• Provide product protection throughout chain of custody in the supply chain
Increase product freshness & enhance business performance
• Gain visibility into supply chain, inventory levels, and shipping information in real-time
• Access to data to improve productivity, operational efficiency and reduce labor costs
Technology
Smart packaging and digital technology offer interactive experiences, product transparency, and personalized storytelling that deepen brand connection and enhance enjoyment.
Premiumization is about delivering refined, sensory-driven experiences that celebrate heritage, craftsmanship, and exclusivity—inviting our customers and enthusiasts into a world where every bottle tells a story.
Diageo champions life’s most memorable moments by blending iconic celebrations with bringing people together to toast meaningful moments with style, culture and connection through our labels.
Introduction
Block the light, not your sustainability goals.
Functional shrink sleeve label that safeguards your light-sensitive products and is additive to the clear PET bottle recycling stream.
Enable recyclability where it wasn’t possible before.
• Move from opaque/HDPE bottles to clear PET bottles
• Label separates from the container and ink separates from the label without issues
Protect flavor, nutrition, and efficacy of light-sensitive liquids.
• Unique ink coating effectively blocks UV light up to a relative threshold
• Customize coverage levels to safeguard the quality of your product
Enhance the quality of your labels.
• Visibly brighter, more vibrant labels as proprietary light-blocking eliminates greying seen with other technologies
• Maintain existing full-speed production without loss of quality or accuracy
Where luxury meets performance and sustainability.
Same premium look of direct decoration with more flexibility.
• No visible label edge lines, wrinkling, darting, nor peeling
• Applies to complex container shapes to expand coverage
Optimize your production and inventory levels.
• Meets high production speed expectations with accuracy and quality
• Reduces inventory of pre-printed containers with just-in-time application
Make significant strides toward your sustainability goals.
• INKpression eliminates the need for facestock material altogether
• LCAs suggest GHG savings (30-80%) depending on the decoration technology replaced
Over
50%
Capital Expenditure in New Assets to support Diageo drive for improved embellishments and superiority.
Geographical optimization to ensure business continuity in all regions.
EMEA
High Embellished, wide format presses designed to deliver the quality expectations for Diageo
AMERICAS
High Embellished, narrow web PSL market oriented, sheetfed and web presses for C&S and SSL
APAC
High Embellished, market focused presses, splicers and die cutters delivering additional colors and new embellishments
Investment in Solar power
Introduction
Let’s develop the answers together.
Diageo’s strategic relationship with MCC includes partnership for new solutions.
Understand goals, technical requirements, & sustainability targets. Discovery
Collaborate on label concepts, create mockups, & leverage Rapid Prototyping Center.
Test prototypes, refine based on feedback, & optimize performance.
Test at scale and in real-world conditions & finalize the solution.
Roll out the solution & establish a feedback loop for future enhancements.
MCC was founded in 1916, initially as the Franklin Development Company, later becoming Multi-Color Corporation.
While our name and industry have evolved over the years, MCC has consistently been a pioneer of label printing. Most notably, we developed in-mold labeling in the 1970s — a solution still widely used today.
Together with companies we’ve joined forces with, we’ve created premium labels for the world’s most iconic brands.
Today, MCC is proud to be the largest premium label provider and one of the most award-winning label printers.
$3.5B in revenue
Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, USA
12,275 global employees
100+ plants
25+ countries and 6 continents
OCTOBER 2017
MCC acquires Constantia Labels to leverage their European operational footprint and assets.
JULY 2019
A merge with WS Packaging allows MCC to present an even more comprehensive suite of label solutions.
JULY 2021
MCC is acquired by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, a private investment firm with a 40-year track record in strengthening and growing industrial enterprises.
OCTOBER 2021
MCC enhances its presence in Australia and New Zealand by acquiring Hexagon Label Group.
NOVEMBER 2021
Since its inception in 1916, MCC has continuously added new print technologies and innovations that have augmented our ability to serve customers.
In recent years, we have exponentially grown our global footprint and capabilities through strategic mergers and acquisitions.
MCC merges with the Fort Dearborn Company to offer a diverse portfolio of technologies, geographic markets, and customers.
OCTOBER 2022
The acquisition of Flexcoat Autoadesivos S.A. expands MCC’s label and lamination offerings in South America.
DECEMBER 2021
MCC bolsters its footprint in Europe and Thailand by acquiring seven facilities from Skanem Group.
DECEMBER 2022
MCC acquires LUX Global Label to grow our home and personal care, and pharmaceutical markets.
APRIL 2023
Acquiring Korsini out of Turkey strengthens MCC’s presence in the In-Mold Label (IML) market.
OCTOBER 2024
MCC acquires Starport Technologies, a leading provider of smart label and RFID solutions, strengthening MCC’s RFID capabilities.
OCTOBER 2023
MCC acquires Greecebased Karydakis to complement its IML porfolio in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
DECEMBER 2024
MCC acquires Mexico-based Eximpro, a premier manufacturer and print of shrink sleeve labels.
Felix Angst Chief Commercial Officer, Americas
Nieuwenhuyse SVP / Global IML
Tatiana Berardinelli Chief Human Resources Officer
Nitin Chadda Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer
Garrett Gabel Chief Financial Officer
Rmaile President & Chief Executive Officer
MCC is led by an experienced, multi-disciplinary team with decades of collective experience in the label industry.
Linn Harson Chief Legal Officer
Ben Krajcir SVP, Business Transformation and Corporate
Angelo Marchesin Chief Operations Officer, Americas
Eighteen MCC plants supplying to Diageo today.
With 100+ facilities in 90+ countries, MCC’s international presence ensures business continuity, supply chain security, and the ability to qualify a project at multiple plants.
At MCC, care is at the heart of everything we do.
Our True Colors are how we bring that care to life.
Following through on our promises
Holding self and others to high standards
Taking initiative to get things done
Owning mistakes, using them as a learning opportunity
Thinking and acting like an owner
Relentlessly focusing on achievement
Bringing a sense of urgency and responsiveness to work
Prioritizing effectively
Making data-driven decisions
Persevering despite challenges
Meeting and exceeding customers’ needs
Putting the customer at the center of decision-making
Seeking stakeholder engagement and input
Being attentive to new opportunities
Adjusting to changing requirements
Continuously striving for new and better
Challenging the status quo
Demonstrating curiosity
Discovering and pursuing new opportunities
Creating a safe environment for both success and failure
Collaborating and having each other’s backs
Behaving ethically
Communicating in a timely and appropriate manner
Showing respectful courage—kindness, respect, and humility
Promoting an inclusive environment for all
With over 12,000 employees worldwide, the MCC team delivers a wide range of skills and experiences, from manufacturing, procurement, and technical services to marketing and information technology.
Through our people, programs, and investments, we are committed to ensuring our associates feel valued, are equipped with the skills and support to do their best work, feel a personal connection to their colleagues and our company, and embrace our mission of continuous improvement.
Not only does MCC serve diverse market segments, but our team offers specialized experience and expertise within each industry.
MCC offers an array of label solutions with distinct features and benefits.
Versatile materials, shapes, sizes
Cost-effective for high volumes
Intense graphic capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and high-speed application rates
360° coverage for maximum branding and unique container contours
Achieve a ‘no-label’ look with 100% sustainable lables
Decorate molded plastic containers
Maximize shelf impact
With our complete range of print technologies, MCC can help you achieve all packaging goals and support any product launch. We can also accommodate quantities ranging from small promotional runs to large-volume production of flagship products.
Compatible with many label upgrades
High quality and economical choice for long runs
Incredible versatility and excellent quality
Near-perfect registration and exciting personalization opportunities
Specializes in tactile and high-opacity ink on a variety of substrates
Explore decorative capabilities to set your label apart
Add functionality and value, such as extended content, smart tops, and more
We make it easy to improve the appearance or function of your label with a wide selection of enhancements.
Incorporate interactive labels to drive consumer engagement
Include unique graphics or variable data printing
Offer interactive technology and track-and-trace capabilities
Reduce material usage and improve recyclability (PET and glass)
Stand out on shelf with premiumization.
So much more than just a label.
Your brand is unique. So are your consumers.
We offer custom solutions to help you comply with regulations such as PPWR and EPR.
Scented Inks & Other Embellishments
Solutions that improve recyclability, including functional enhancements such as light-blocking
A global spec for pressure sensitive material combinations including face stock, liner, and adhesive that enables full recyclability of packaging
A range of gravure inks with customizable sheen, patterns, colors & effects A pressure sensitive label that creates a label-less look
Include premium elements on the label to enhance your appeal with consumers and differentiate your product on shelf
We applaud you for your realistic yet forward-focused sustainability goals.
MCC is the first label converter in the world to have its greenhouse gas emissions targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative -- +24% YoY increase in renewable energy in 2023.
Whatever the packaging container, The CARE Collection™ offers a suitable sustainable label solution to reduce the impact of the full packaging and eliminate (plastic) waste.
Through our own Labeled with Care mission, MCC is committed to joining you on your journey to create a better, brighter future.
MCC is committed to ensure sustainable and deforestationfree sourcing for the products we offer.
With 13,000 employees globally, we aim to provide environments for good health, well-being, education and equality, with an emphasis on ‘safety first’. click to learn more
How do we create the “most sustainable” label for a brand?
Let’s Explore.
Where do you want to market your product?
Location matters when it comes to regulations, recycling, and supply chain security.
What matters to you overall? Is it improving recyclability? Reusability? Overall carbon footprint reduction? 1 2 3 4
Your label will need to be compatible with the container, and certain combinations are more recyclable than others, for example.
Whether you stick with your existing technology (i.e. pressure sensitive) or you’re considering a switch, it’s important to understand the implications here.
What are your sustainability goals?
Pressure sensitive “wash off” labels for returnable bottles.
ThermoWASH™
Wash-away PSL allows glass bottles to be reused
We offer unique material choices that reduce the environmental impact of packaging.
Facilitating a more inclusive society through innovative labels.
DuraSculpt™
Tactile labels to help the blind and visually impaired
Labels that enhance the recyclability of the product packaging.
The CARE Collection™ is our family of sustainable label solutions. Our comprehensive and growing product line offers various substrate options for every type of container, and can assist with an array of sustainable goals.
LinerlessLABEL™
Eliminates release liners and maximizes label roll efficiency
enviroLABEL™
Face stock laminated onto a recyclable liner of choice for an overall reduction in packaging footprint
recycLABEL™
Shrink Sleeve
Compatible with the local PET recycling system
recycLABEL™
Stretch Sleeve
Compatible with the local PET recycling system
reseaLABEL™
Resealable label solution for HDPE pouches
recycLABEL™ PSL
Complete removal from the PET bottle with no contamination of the flakes
recycLABEL™
Roll Fed
Globally recognized label construction
Proprietary IML technology facilitating the mechanical recycling of the packaging, enabling high-purity recycled polypropylene
SealPPeel™
Polypropylene die-cut lidding as an alternative to aluminium lidding, making the packaging fully recyclable
Commitment to Diageo and understanding the requirements of your value chain
Key Account Management locally and globally dedicated to Diageo
Global sourcing and qualification of (new) materials, including OptiCoat™ Expertise and understanding in what sustainability can be in practice, in all markets
100+ plants around the world
• Capability to serve Diageo brands consistantly throughout the world
• Commitment to develop and grow with Diageo
Global and regional innovation excellence to support Diageo
• Global Key Account Director to drive relationship with Diageo in all regions
• Network of Key Account Managers working for Diageo in every market building stronger relationships
• Cross functional team to support Diageo, including industry leading Sustainability and Innovation Teams always targeting the perfect solution for Diageo
• W & S Sector Leadership
• Vertical Integration team focusing on maximizing OEE and value, including price change transparency for Diageo
• Committed Application Experts collaborating with industry leaders to ensure successful qualification of awarded volumes
Partnering with MCC means access to a range of services that go above and beyond industry standards to optimize your label, and the process.
We take it a step further with in-depth efforts like goal mapping.
We provide specialized expertise in material sourcing, testing, and qualifying that truly moves the needle.
Leverage our graphics optimization and rapid prototyping capabilities.
Take advantage of better supply chain security and vendor managed inventory.
Our expert pre-press production team ensures every label we produce meets the highest standards.
Get hands-on technical field support as well as open invitations for strategy and training sessions at our facilities.
Here are some areas where we go above and beyond.
Our Demand Planning Team is dedicated to optimizing inventory levels, production schedules, and resource allocation to meet your needs efficiently.
Rapid prototyping is an imaging and converting technology that produces packaging prototypes and small-scale sales samples, providing customers with a good indication of how design elements of a concept will appear prior to production.
A technically trained team that links decorating options with your design objectives during the pre-press/pre-production process.
VMI is a vendor managed inventory model that incorporates both customer and supplier information about inventory levels and product forecasts to create order recommendations.
An enterprise integration platform that directly connects MCC systems with customer’s systems to streamline processes and strengthen relationships.
We engineer and design label application systems to handle your most demanding label challenges and maximize your productivity.
Our Technical Service Team leverages application expertise on various equipment and label types to support your overall packaging process.
A range of MCC-produced content, events, and initiatives designed to share insights around sustainability, label innovations, general capabilities, label production training, and other topics of interest for our customers.
“It is easy to say we manufacture labels, but it’s truly much more than that. It’s empowering consumer decisions and igniting their emotional connections to their most beloved Diageo brands. Billions of connections on any given day. Take anywhere in the world, at any time, consumers are buying labeled brands. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be a preferred global strategic solution provider helping Diageo be the front-runner while deeply connecting your brands with your current and future consumers.”
Hassan Rmaile, CEO