Different Kinds of Strapping for Different Uses

Strapping is widely used for securing bundles, loads, and products for safe and efficient shipment. But the term strapping actually encompasses a lot of different types including poly strapping, woven cord strapping, and even steel strapping. The type of strapping you need will depend on the type of load you are shipping. For example, bundles … Read more

There Is More than One Kind of Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is one of the most widely used packaging products on docks, in warehouses, at manufacturing facilities, and other places where products and packages are prepared for shipment. Plastic film is convenient for holding boxes and products together on a pallet, or preventing them from shifting or becoming damaged as they make their way … Read more

Polybag Pouches Gaining in Popularity

It appears that more e-commerce and omni-channel retailers are turning to plastic pouches, also known as polybags, for shipping non-fragile products. Reports say that this is occurring because the bags cost less per unit to ship. Distribution centers and warehouses appear to favor the lighter weight of the bags and less use of storage space … Read more

New Technology Provides Alternative to Labels and Ink-Based Marking

The materials handling industry is going through a revolution of technology. It seems like every month there is new equipment introduced that uses new technology to make warehouse operations more and more efficient. One of the latest technology innovations that is affecting packaging is Laser Reactive Marking (LRM) Systems. The technology does away with the … Read more

How to Securely Assemble a Cardboard Box for Shipping

When shipping small- or medium-sized items, often the best option is one of the simplest: A traditional cardboard box. Cardboard boxes come in a variety of sizes and strengths, from inexpensive, single-use shipping boxes to custom-made, reinforced cardboard boxes designed for repeated shipping uses. Yet, when it comes down to is, most cardboard boxes are … Read more

Wood, Cardboard, or Plastic: Which Makes the ‘Greenest’ Pallet?

Many companies today are looking to up their “green cred” among consumers by touting environmentally friendly policies and practices. Going “green” is not only good for business — many customers today will opt for businesses that they perceive to have the smallest carbon footprint — but it’s also good for the planet. The material handling … Read more

Paperboard Packaging Lighter, Cheaper and Faster than Wood

Protecting products when they are shipped is essential to any manufacturer’s success. But using wood, metal and other heavy, bulky shipping materials adds to the product’s weight, takes longer to prepare, and can sometimes lead to more goods damaged during shipment. That’s the lesson learned by Tuscan Iron Entries, a Tennessee manufacturer of high-quality iron … Read more

Demand for Protective Packaging in U.S. to Grow 5% a Year Through 2019

According to a study by the Freedonia Group, demand for the use of protective packaging will increase at a rate of about 5 percent a year through 2019. The rise in demand is due to a rise in sales over the Internet and the use of more environmentally friendly materials including air pillows, paper fill, … Read more

Organic Farmer Switches to Plastic Totes to Save Money, Planet

When an organic farm in northern California recently made the switch from wax-coated cardboard boxes to reusable plastic totes, the goal was to try to reduce its carbon footprint in order to help the environment. But the operators of Full Belly Farm ended up saving more than $14,000 per year in packaging costs. Now that’s … Read more

New Solutions for Package Labeling and Packing Slips

A Pennsylvania company has created a faster, easier and more reliable way to print labels directly onto packages automatically to help companies better service their e-commerce customers. FOX IV Technologies, based in Export, Pennsylvania, recently introduced its new TwinPrint and Apply label printer and applicator that takes the manual labor out of labeling packages and … Read more