The Utility of a Packing Tape

In the world of packing materials, the quality of the tape is often overlooked, but it is necessary to have a good quality packing tape that will provide added protection to the box. They are mostly made from polypropylene and polyethylene fabric, films or reinforced films. They are available in varying thicknesses and sizes and can be used safely for all mailing and shipping purposes. Bundle items with them, use them for sealing boxes or have them reinforce sealed boxes.

Packing Tape

Packing tape can be used for packing any kind of box or product. When used for boxes, they give added strength to the box, but they can also be used alone for packing together items such as books. You can buy the cheap, more economical tape which can be used to pack light to medium weight items. They can stick to any kind of surface and they can also be easily removed. The economical kind is only reasonably resistant to wear and tear. The more expensive kind of tape is more durable which has a hot melt adhesive that does not easily peel or crack. These kinds of tapes are preferred as they are resistant to water and all kinds of harsh weather. There are more kinds of packing tapes and accessories to choose from such as the following –

  • Handheld dispensers for easy and safe use
  • Color coded tapes for easy identification
  • Box sealing tapes
  • Hold down attachments for taping
  • High performance sealing tapes
  • Bag sealers

Strapping Tape

Strapping tape will come with a durable polypropylene backing and rubber resin glue. The tape holds securely to the package as it shrinks around the item or box when secured, the tight tape does not break and allows a little movement, which makes it more resilient. You can use it for corrugated cardboard or even a paperboard box. Use them for heavy loads without having to worry about it breaking while in transit.

Packing and strapping tapes are not necessary, but when used, you will find that they are extremely useful. Strapping tape is used when you need something that can withstand a lot of pressure, twisting and turning and will not break easily. You can even use kraft paper packing tape for light weight packages, which blend in with the color of the boxes and even though they are made of paper, are still strong enough to hold the flaps of a box together.

[6/23/2014]

The Focus is back on Folding Packaging Boxes

Folding packaging boxes are mainly used to pack lightweight products and they come in a variety of styles, folding techniques and shapes. They are perfect for beating the competition by creating unique designs which will boost sales and improve brand identity. They can be used for packing products or can be used as display props with dividers and a flat bottom surface. As looks are everything when it comes to packaging boxes, the final product can be an attractive shiny surface or a sophisticated matte finish.

Easy to Use

The various folds make the handling easy while packing and when they come along with self-sealers there is nothing to match them in terms of effectiveness. These folding corrugated boxes can be used in offices and factories where a lot of products have to be shipped in a short period of time. You can create a custom designed box which will compliment your product, especially when it is engineered to suit the customer’s specifications.

Versatility

The custom made folds make it very easy for the boxes to be assembled and you can get various uniquely shaped boxes with no effort at all. You can get boxes with hinged lids for secure closing, which is good for packing clothes or fabric by using folding packaging boxes. You can also get clear, crisp images right on your boxes, with custom digital printing. Nowadays you can get up to 7 color printing done on the boxes, give you a wide variety of combinations.

Advantages

 

  • They are cost effective since the main material used is cardboard, even if it has to be die cut.
  • Reusable and recyclable, so you can do your bit for the environment.
  • There is literally no limit to the folding techniques and designs that can be created.
  • Window patching is also available to show off your products.
  • It also offers protection from handling and keeps the inside of the boxes dust free when closed and sealed completely.

Folding corrugated boxes are ideal for packing items like confectionery goods, dairy products, meats, fruits, vegetables and just about anything else you can think of. Even though these boxes are made from cardboard and mainly used for holding light weight products, they offer a lot of durability. They are also environmentally friendly, making them the best solution, hands down. Making your product stand out is the goal and when you choose folding boxes, you are setting yourself and your product up for success.

[6/19/2014]

Getting the Right Shipping Box

There is not much of a difference between boxes used for moving and boxes used for shipping, however, when you need boxes for shipping, it is better to know about those tiny differences. Boxes used for moving generally are used cardboard boxes which have been reused several times. Shipping boxes on the other hand, are built for durability as they have to endure long and sometimes, hard journeys without damaging their contents.

Types of Shipping Boxes

Shipping boxes come in all shapes and sizes and they are all strong enough to hold many heavy objects.

  • Boxes with dividers – they are used when shipping fragile and breakable objects which should not bump into each other. They can also be used to separate the smaller objects from the bigger ones put into one single shipping box.
  • Mailing boxes – they also fall into the shipping category and you can get them with self-sealing tapes. For better durability, they come with long double folds which will not open accidentally.
  • Printed boxes – these are good for businesses since the boxes can be custom printed with the company logo and contact details.

Tips for Easy Shipping

  • Try not to use, used shipping boxes as they have already lost a lot in their durability and might not provide the support that you require for your items. They might have previous labels on them, which have to be removed before they are used, otherwise it could cause various delivery issues once the package has left your care.
  • Use the appropriate packaging materials to make sure the contents are not damaged. For example, if the items are fragile, it might be a good idea to use bubble wrap.
  • Check the bottom flap of the box for a stamp certifying the strength of the box. Generally, a shipping box might have undergone an “Edge Crush Test” or a “Bursting Test”. In case there is no such stamp, ask the customer service personnel to help you select the correct type of shipping box. They are sure to know the difference and can guide you.
  • The boxes might have handles pre-cut into it, but it will be wise to strengthen them by using tape.

The general rule is that you can get shipping boxes in any shape and size. The box can be small enough to hold a pen or large enough to hold a refrigerator. Most of the time, boxes for shipping do not cost much since they are mass produced, come in regular shapes and sizes, and economical materials are used in their production, making them more cost effective.

[6/16/2014]

Fiber Dividers Taking on a New Dimension

Fiber dividers are an essential part of packing, especially when you want to utilize space and protect the items during transit. With the advancements in technology, it is now easy to get the dividers in whatever dimensions that you need, in no time flat. You can vary the thickness of the partitions to suit its contents.

Why use Fiber Dividers

The main use of fiber dividers is that they make many cells within the box to hold the articles for shipment. Cardboard strips are cut into the correct length and height and then slotted so that they interlock each other. By doing so, they are able to do the following, which happens to be advantageous for the products such as –

  • They allow the products to lie next to each other without touching, minimizing scratches and damage.
  • They absorb excess moisture in the air and container.
  • They also cushion the products so that they do not break.

Custom made Partitions

You can get custom made fiber partitions to meet customer demands such as –

  • V-notches
  • Corner cuts
  • Orientation notches
  • Various other configurations

The notches will lock the partitions in place and will keep them from moving and as a result, disturbing the packed items. They also come with rounded corners, which will reduce friction between the wall of the box and the partition. V-notches can be either in the top or bottom depending upon packaging requirements. The edges also come with adhesive coating to prevent further movement of the partitions after they are placed inside the box.

Advantages of Using Fiber Partitions

One of the reasons that people prefer using fiber partitions are because they are almost completely dust free. They are also thinner than corrugated cardboard partitions and use less space. As they are thinner, they can be cut more precisely than corrugated ones. As the partitions are thinner, it further reduces the overall size of the box and thus makes the packaging more economical, saving around 75% of the traveling space.

When you want high quality packaging solutions that are also cost-effective, the fiber dividers are the obvious choice. Interior protective materials cannot be avoided, especially when you want fragile, breakable objects to arrive at the destination in one piece and in good condition. That is why it is so important that shippers invest in partitions and dividers, even if they increase the price of the packaging as they preserve the value of the packed goods.

[6/12/2014]

Box Inserts – The Safety Net for all of your Products

From start to finish, the product that you are trying to market must have all the necessary elements that will make it a success, and a custom box with all space necessary to hold the product is just as essential. That is why box inserts are so important when you want to pack items such as bottles and other fragile items.

When to go for Inserts

Inserts are not for all products and it is advisable to use them only when necessary, since they can add to the overall cost of the product. It is best to use inserts when –

  • The product is fragile and susceptible to breakages
  • When there are extreme travelling conditions or when the journey is over great distances
  • When there are extra spaces which might cause the contents to spill or break
  • When any items have to be packed compactly in one box

Box Inserts

You can get box inserts of the following types –

  • Cardboard – they are used to form partitions for bulk packing of products in one box.
  • Corrugated – these inserts are thicker than cardboard ones and offer added strength to the packaging. However, their one disadvantage is that they reduce the space inside the box because of their thickness.
  • Chipboard inserts –
    • Chipboard platform inserts – while they can be used to partition the box, its main purpose lies in raising the bottom of the box to form a platform for the product.
    • Die cut chipboard inserts – they are an inexpensive way of packing products in the cavities securely.

Although there are standard inserts available, when it comes to inserts for boxes the greatest advantages come those that are custom made.

Foam Inserts

Foam inserts will give a custom fit for the product that you want to ship. Die cut foam inserts are also available in various colors which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the product.

Inserts, like foam inserts, are generally used to ensure safe packaging and peace of mind for the customer. Other types of inserts are vacuum formed plastic, peachboard and vinyl, which can be used depending upon the needs of the product. Vacuum formed inserts are a great way to pack your products and they are visually pleasing as well. However, the most important thing to remember is whether they are suitable for your products and not simply select them because they popular or visually stimulating.

[6/9/2014]

Box Dividers for Packing Solutions

Box dividers offer a lot of packing solutions and are commonly used when there are two or more items to be packed in a single box. They are not space fillers, but rather, they are space savers. There are many types of dividers available on the market and if none of them are suitable for your needs, you can custom order some to meet your specific needs. The main idea is to keep the packed items from moving and therefore, prevent them from breaking.

Uses of Box Dividers

  • Box dividers are used to maximize and creatively use space. You can pack tiny objects next to one another increase the number of items you can safely pack into one box. Just dumping objects into a box is far from aesthetically pleasing.
  • They offer extra protection when packing delicate and breakable objects such as glasses and bottles. They will keep the packed objects from bumping into each other cause them to crack or break. Packing peanuts can fill spaces, but it is the divider that will prevent the contents from moving or shifting.
  • The compartments also enable neat packaging and better sorting of the products within. You can get whatever size you need and there are many slot designs to choose from.
  • You do not have to individually pack the items, which can save on packaging materials cost. They also save time and effort needed to pack numerous.

Types of Dividers

  • Fiber partitions –when protection is the priority, then go in for fiber partitions which can be made to precise measurements that will allow your products can fit neatly into the box, much like a jigsaw puzzle. They are thin and take up less space, which makes them ideal for packing large quantities.
  • Corrugated dividers – although they take up more space, they are often used because they are strong and can hold heavier objects. Corrugated box partitions can be cut into any shape easily and they cost less to manufacture.
  • Chipboard partitions – they also take up less space and they are even cheaper to produce than corrugated dividers and have similar functionality.

Box partitions can be easily manufactured and you can get die cut partitions to match your exact requirements. Corrugated partitions come virtually dust free and will not come with uneven edges. Some companies also make embossed numbers on the partitions to enable better sorting. Dividers and partitions are used in almost every industry and they are produced economically to suit all kinds of budgets.

[6/6/2014]

The Advantages of Using Large Shipping Boxes

Packing becomes an art, especially when you have to pack unusual shaped or extremely big items. If the items do not fit neatly into a conventional box, then you are going to have to consider the best way to pack these items. They must not only fit into the boxes available, but they must also be packed securely enough to arrive in one piece. Sometimes when the package has to arrive in another part of the world, they have to be packed securely enough to handle days of travelling and rough handling as well. You never know just how carefully your large shipping boxes will be handled and you can take it for granted, even if you label it as “fragile” it can get dropped.

Using boxes wisely

There is no real formula as to how you should pack unusual items, but if they are big and heavy, try packing them with large shipping boxes. When the boxes are large enough, they can handle just about any kind of shape and will also prevent unnecessary movement. You can fill in the empty spaces by putting in Styrofoam peanuts or foam-in-place into the box, which will not only keep them secure but also prevent them from breaking. Make sure you use the right insert material for the job. Sometimes, specific insert materials can become a liability rather than a benefit, especially when used for regular shapes. So research your products and the types of packaging that they require or ask the opinion of packaging experts.

When to use small boxes

You can put small shipping boxes inside larger ones when you want to ship various items together. Also, you can use small boxes when you want to ship a lot of small things and use dividers when you are packing a variety of products. This way your customer is easily able to sort them and your products will be protected from damage that may be caused additional products within the box.

Packing is only the first step

The materials have to be durable and strong enough to protect the contents. Whether you use small shipping boxes or large ones, it does not matter as long as you seal them securely using tape and wrapping materials. That does not mean that the size does not matter, but when you do not seal them properly, all your efforts will be wasted.

[6/2/2014]

The Varied Uses of Mailing Tubes

You can use just about any kind of box for mailing, but when mailing delicate items like papers and posters, mailing tubes can get the job done without getting the paper crushed, torn or wrinkled. You can use a large envelope to mail documents and papers, but they might get bent in the process. Tubes can be used to mail a lot more than just paper documents or posters however. They are good for mailing cosmetics or small objects, but make sure that they do not break during the journey. You can use foam or packing peanuts to fill the spaces and help protect the contents.

How to Use Mailing Tubes

Although it might sound simple enough, there are a few precautions that one must take while using mailing tubes. Make sure that the document will fit in easily and that it does not get crushed when you put it inside the tube. You must be able to close the tube easily and secure the cap with tape to ensure protection. The label on the tube must be in the center and take it to the post office to have it weighed for postage.

Tubes with a Difference

You can get the tubes in bright, bold colors and can also get them custom printed if it would suit your needs better than a standard tube. They will not only add color, but also character to the packaging and you will be able to easily identify your package. When you want to use tubes for mailing your business letters, brochures or documents, it will be necessary that they also carry your company name and logo, which is when custom printing becomes important.

Choosing your Mailing Tube

The tubes come in all kinds of materials and varieties, so you must know how to choose the right kind of tube for your requirements. The tubes are cost effective and it is only after they are packed and sealed, that the actual cost will come into play if the package becomes heavy. Choose tubes with twist and pull caps so that it will not get removed by accident. When the contents have to travel globally or cross-country, make sure that the girth is thick enough to manage rough handling.

Tubes for mailing are durable but it will be helpful to give the mailing company details about the tube, such as the contents of the tube so they can take any additional precautions with your package that might be needed.

[5/27/2014]

Why use Corrugated Dividers?

When you have to pack a lot of products into one box, it is vital to have dividers to guarantee safe packaging and delivery. Dividers are small inserts which help you to separate the various products that have to be packed in one box and it will keep the contents from getting damaged while in transit. Corrugated dividers are the most commonly used, as they offer an extra layer of protection to the contents. They do not cost much and make the cardboard box more durable. In fact, they are the most voted for type of dividers when it comes to packing tall or long products.

There are also cardboard dividers which will be more compact while packing, which is why they are often used for packing small boxes. They can be used to separate small things like nails, game pieces and accessories. They can be easily bent and modified to fit any kind of space and you can also make the dividers intersect each other. However, if you want to pack breakables or food items, it is best to go for corrugated ones even though they take up more space, they offer better protection than plain cardboard inserts.

Based on your requirements, you can get any type of divider you need and they can also be custom made in any color, size or shape. In fact, they add a professional touch to your products and customers will appreciate the efforts that you took to maintain safe delivery. Making them in unique shapes will also add to their charm and can be part of your brand identity.

You can also use cardboard dividers for personal since they quickly help you save space. You can use them to separate and store your belongings. You can even insert a divider into your office drawer, kitchen cabinet or dresser. With a little imagination, you can take the use of dividers to a whole new level. They not only help you keep things protected, but they also help you keep your office or home tidy.

For more types of corrugated dividers you can check out Instabox.ca where you can get what you want at a very reasonable price. You can even select to have your dividers made out of all eco-friendly materials and so you can use as few or as many as you want as you want without worrying about damaging the environment.

[5/22/2014]

The Varied Uses of Cardboard Displays

When you have a lot of things to be displayed and making shelves are too expensive, then the obvious solution is to invest in cardboard displays. They are easy to make, can be ordered in bulk and yet, turn out to be inexpensive. You can use them to stack and display products like magazines, DVDs, books, toys and everything under the sun. It is the ideal way to display small items like key chains, novelty items and trinkets. Rather than piling them up, stack them neatly in a display stand where people can easily pick them up while shopping will increase sales of those products. They also do not have to be in boring colors but can be made in any color and with a design. They can be kept outside as an advertisement with images or models of products displayed.

Use them at home too

Use paperboard displays at home to clear up clutter, especially in the children’s room. You can get them done in attractive colors and sizes to make the children want to use them. They can be used in the living room to stack magazines and newspapers. As they are inexpensive, you can decorate your house with different kinds of displays and throw them out when you get bored with them. Cardboard displays can be ordered with any design, picture or logo. Children will love to get one made with their favorite cartoon character and you can dispose of them when the children grow up.

Easy to store and easy to use

When you no longer need to use them, just fold them and store them away. Paperboard displays are equally easy to set up as well and they can be kept anywhere. They are not heavy and can be maintained easily. They can be used as a center piece of display anything you like or they can help kept things safe and out of the way. Since they are so easy to manufacture, they can be shipped over to your destination in a relatively short period of time.

Going Green

Instabox makes cardboard displays 100% eco-friendly so that it will never be a hazard to the environment. They can be re-used and when you no longer want or need them, they can be recycled. However, if you do not want to recycle them, they will naturally decompose and become a part of the soil with no harm to the environment. The decomposition time is also relatively less when compared to other materials. However, plastics and metal will never decompose and when you make display boards out of them, then they become an environmental hazard.

[5/19/2014]