Cardboard Dividers – Protection for Your Products

When it comes to shipping your products to your customers, it is important to take precautions to ensure that they arrive without damage. One way to do this is to use cardboard dividers. By investing in these packaging solutions, you can ship multiple items safely in the same package instead of mailing out several small and individually packaged products. By using cardboard box dividers wisely, you can protect your investment and can work to minimize your shipping costs.

Corrugated Box Partitions

Corrugated box partitions are the perfect solution for shipping breakable items, such as glass bottles, china, coffee mugs, trinkets, and other valuables. Without dividers, if you were to package these items loosely within a large box, they would likely come in contact with one another. This could result in damage to your entire shipment, but securing the items with partitions can keep the items separated and will reduce the likelihood of damage. It is also important to note that corrugated partitions can reduce the cost of the overall unit since they are easy to reuse.

Chipboard Partitions

Chipboard partitions are another great way to protect your items during transport, as these panels consist of small particles that are arranged by size and layer. They can be customized to fit your particular products, so the use of chipboard partitions can be a cost-savings alternative to choosing a corrugated option. They increase stability and allow for higher stocking per unit, and they still work to protect your products from being damaged while shipping.

Fiber Partitions

In some cases, a lighter version to a cardboard divider may be a better option. These packaging solutions will fill the same role as a cardboard divider and can help to protect your items, but the lighter weight will help to decrease your shipping costs. Fiber partitions are usually more compatible with automatic packaging equipment, so this can also result in cost and time savings. Also, since fiber partitions are thinner, you may be able to purchase a smaller box to send off your shipment.

Cardboard dividers make it possible to ship an entire case of products rather than sending out small boxes separately. By investing in cardboard dividers, you will save on your shipping materials, transportation costs, and overall cost of the unit. If you are in need of assistance in choosing the cardboard dividers that will best protect your product, contact us at Instabox today for assistance.

[3/18/2014]

Packing Tape: Understanding the Three Major Varieties

If you are looking for the right tape to package up your boxes or shipping containers, it is important to know what options are available to you. By better understanding the three major varieties of packing tape, you can make an informed decision about which will be best for your packaging needs.

Acrylic

Acrylic tapes are the most common type of packaging tape used, and this is because this variety is inexpensive and has a high level of clarity. This tape won’t turn yellow as it ages, and it can be used in sunny conditions or in other extreme temperatures. However, this type of tape is difficult to use unless you have a dispenser, and it is hard to release from the tape roll.

Hot Melt

Hot melt packing tape was originally developed during WWII when there was a shortage of natural rubber. Created from synthetic rubber, this tape is known for its quick tack. This means that as soon as you place it onto a box, it will immediately attach to the surface, which is different from acrylic tape. It releases from the roll easily, so it is a good option even if you are not in possession of a tape dispenser. Hot melt tape is most commonly used for a production line using automated machinery.

Rubber Tape

Rubber tape is often used because of its strong adhesive properties. Created from the sap found in rubber trees, this tape is known for being very sticky, and it can be used for the toughest of surfaces. That’s why it is recommended for dirty and dusty work environments, as it is a reliable adhesive solution for even the most unfavorable of conditions.

The major drawback of rubber tape is that it is expensive, and it is the most expensive of the main strapping tape options that are available on the market. It is also only recommended for short-term use, as it can begin to deteriorate after only a couple of years, and it also has poor stability against ultra-violet rays. It may also not be the best solution for businesses to use on their product shipments because it begins to yellow almost immediately, and this can give the impression that your product is old or that your shipping facilities are not well-kept.

There are several packaging tape options out there from which you can choose. If you are having difficulty with choosing the type that is right for you, contact us at Instabox today.

[3/14/2014]

Folding Cardboard Boxes – Packaging of Your Favorite Products

Folding cardboard boxes are used to package a variety of products, and although you may not notice, they are all around you. These packaging solutions are extremely common due to their lightweight properties and durability, and many manufacturers choose them because they can be easily customized for promotional purposes. A review of some of our favorite products that can be found in folding boxes is outlined below.

Cereal in Folding Cardboard Boxes

Cereal companies often use folding packaging in order to create their cereal boxes. These lightweight boxes are able to secure the product effectively, but they can also be customized for marketing purposes. It is easy to embellish attractive graphics, text, and cartoons onto these boxes to make them stand apart from the competition. This customization can help to make a sale with potential customers when there are hundreds of boxes lining the store shelves.

Folding Cardboard Boxes for Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages commonly use folding cardboard boxes in order to package their products. This packaging option can be used on items ranging from a case of beer to a pack of malt beverages. The fact that they can hold 24 aluminum cans or 12 glass bottles of liquid says a lot about their durability.

Medications Packaged in Folding Cardboard Boxes

Many medications are found in plastic containers, but to avoid tampering, they are also placed in cardboard boxes. Not only do these packages give consumers confidence that the product has not been touched, but they also make it easier for retailers to stack the items on the shelves and to create visually appealing displays.

Candy in Folding Cardboard Boxes

Everyone loves receiving a box of candy for a special occasion, but you may not notice that the sweets that you are eating are actually packaged in a folding box. These boxes are easy to dress up with holiday graphics and company logos, and they also do a great job of keeping the candy well-organized and undamaged.

Toys for the Kids in Folding Cardboard Boxes

Most children’s toys are also found in folding cardboard boxes. In some cases, the box may simply serve as a method of getting the toy to the customer, and in other cases, it may be a way to keep parts of the toys in one place so that they don’t get lost. Other families may choose to save a box for more expensive toys, and you may see collectible dolls or figurines that remain in the box in order to protect their value.

[3/10/2014]

Small Shipping Boxes: How to Save Money on Sending Goods this Easter

With the Easter holiday approaching, you may be intending to use small shipping boxes to send gifts to friends and family. If you don’t plan for this activity appropriately, this can lead to expensive shipping costs. Fortunately, by following a few simple tips, you can save money on shipping Easter gifts this holiday season.

Look for Online Discounts on Small Shipping Boxes

Major shipping companies tend to offer more flexible pricing than the post office, so it is important to look online to compare shipping prices. Look for shipping deals and coupon codes, or search for ways to save money on the product that you intend to ship online. Also, consider whether your credit card offers discounts to vendors that are Easter-friendly, such as candy shops or florists, as getting a discount at one of these locations can help to decrease your overall costs.

Don’t Send Perishables

As tempting as it might be to ship Easter candy and other treats to loved ones, it is important to remember that sending perishables will result in higher shipping costs. This is because you’ll need to spend more money to ensure that they are shipped properly. Since packages are required to sit out in a variety of elements, including hot and cold weather, you’ll likely need to choose a faster shipping method to make sure that they arrive in a timely manner. By choosing other gifts, you can avoid this hassle and added cost.

Purchase Your Own Boxes

In many cases, choosing to buy your own small or large shipping boxes ahead of time may be a better deal than getting one at the time of shipment. If you have the opportunity, get your own box and packaging accessories ahead of time. This will give you the chance to save money on your supply costs before you even ship your item.

Reuse Small Shipping Boxes

If you have purchased your own boxes in the past and they seem to still be in good shape, consider packaging your items in them again. Use packing tape and other supplies to ensure that your items are packaged securely, and choose lightweight fillers that will hold your item in place without adding extra bulk to your overall item.

At Instabox, we can help you with your holiday packaging needs. If you are looking for a packaging solution that can reduce your overall shipping costs, contact us today for assistance.

[3/6/2014]

Chipboard Boxes, Chipboard Books, and Other Chipboard Applications

Chipboard is a very common and useful material, and it is sometimes referred to as paperboard. This eco-friendly, man-made packaging option is created from recycled paper, and several pieces are glued together so that they form one large piece of material. A strong adhesive is then applied to make the material feel smooth while maintaining its durability. Chipboard containers are extremely useful, and this material can also serve a variety of other purposes.

Chipboard Books

Chipboard is an ideal material for creating the covers for books and journals. This is because the material is tough enough to protect the pages while also being customizable to display texts and graphics. Chipboard is also relatively light, so it can give a book added protection without increasing the weight of the item.

Packing

Chipboard boxes make great packing solutions for a variety of items. These boxes help to ensure that items stay in place and make it to their final destination in pristine condition. Chipboard boxes are remarkably stable despite being lightweight, and the low weight also helps to keep shipping costs down. These packing solutions can also be customized to include a printed copy of your logo or business name.

Activities and Games

Another common use of chipboard is for the construction of play items for kids. Board games like Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Monopoly are commonly constructed from this material, and playhouses and dollhouses may also use chipboard. In addition to being lightweight, toys made from this material are safe for kids, and children are able to move them with ease.

Chipboard Food Packaging

Thin layers of chipboard may be used to package some of your favorite foods and other items purchased from the grocery store. For example, many cereal companies take advantage of chipboard in order to create their boxes. These boxes are sturdy enough to hold in the product, and they can also be designed to include attractive logos and pictures to grab the attention of potential customers.

Home Décor

Thick cuts of chipboard can be used to create a variety of home décor pieces, including countertops, closets, and cabinet doors. This option is considerably cheaper than wood, marble, or stone. Chipboard is often selected because it is easy to use, and this versatility makes it simple to cut and design. When used to create countertops, it provides homeowners with a secure and safe surface for using metal and class, and its soft qualities can also prevent breakage.

[3/3/2014]

Cardboard Displays and a Successful Trade Show

As a small business owner, you may participate in a variety of trade shows as part of your promotional efforts, but preparing for these events can be both frustrating and scary. You may be wondering what to take for your trade show cardboard displays and what the best method for presenting your information might be. Fortunately, by following a few simple tips, you can experience a successful event.

Find Out the Event Details

Before the show begins, find out the specific details about it. Contact the organizers to determine the type of visitors who usually attend the show, and get an idea of the layout of the space. It is also important to determine the size of your display table and whether there are electrical outlets. You should also ask if there is extra space for your company sign and any display boxes that you might be bringing.

Plan Ahead for an Effective Use of Cardboard Displays

After you know the details of the event, you can begin to plan what items you will take and how you can best show off your business. Many business owners recommend bringing a tablecloth for your space, and it is important to choose one that will represent your color scheme and image while complementing your display. Consider some other helpful tips, as well:

Use levels to arrange your display table, and ensure that larger items are in the back.
If possible, use a standing presentation board that includes pictures of how potential clients might benefit from your service.
Ensure that your company logo and name are displayed prominently.

Offer Incentives

The more traffic you get to your display, the better it will be for your business. Therefore, it is important to make sure you have a variety of giveaways to hand out, such as pens, magnets, brochures, and business cards. Use display boxes efficiently to keep these items organized. Offering food is another great way to draw people over to your area, and while they are helping themselves to your snacks, you can tell them about your business and services.

Some businesses offer a prize or drawing to make their booth stand out from the crowd. Have guests fill out a ticket and drop it into a bowl and then draw for a prize that complements your business. In addition to bringing traffic to your display, you will also have access to this contact information so that you can follow up with prospective clients or customers at a later date.

[2/27/2014]

Unique Ideas for Reusing Your Cardboard Shipping Tubes

If you received an item in the mail that was sent in a mailing tube, you may be wondering what you can do to recycle the container. While reusing it when you have another paper item to send out may be an option, there are a variety of other unique ideas for how you can reuse shipping tubes.

Make Your Own Fire Starters

Instead of spending your money on chemically-treated fireplace blocks, consider recycling your cardboard tubes to make your own fire starters. Smaller cardboard tubes might be a better option for this activity than thick mailing tubes, and they can be made by stuffing old newspaper into one end. Then, place small twigs and dried leaves in the other end. To use this item, place it under your fuel wood and then light the end with the newspaper.

Create a Bird Feeder

If you enjoy watching wild birds, you can use an old cardboard tube to make a custom bird feeder. Make a hole in one of the ends and attach a string to it so that you can hang it from a tree branch. Then, coat the outside portion with peanut butter and roll it in bird seed before hanging.

Organize Your Christmas Lights

Instead of rolling up your Christmas lights and then fighting to untangle them next year, use your left over shipping tubes to keep them organized. Roll the lights up and then place them in a tube, and you will have less of a hassle next year.

Store Knitting Supplies

People who knit or crochet know how annoying it can be to deal with strings that have become interlaced and knotted. Fortunately, by using paper tubes wisely, you can store these strings so that they are always ready-to-use. Simply wrap the strings around the tube and then secure the end in a slit that you cut at the base. You can also store your knitting needles in your extra cardboard tubes, and this can help you to keep the organized and secure.

Create a Boot Tree

If you find it annoying to line up your long boots in your closet only to have them flop over, reusing cardboard tubes may be a great option for you. By cutting the tubes to the necessary length and sticking them into the boots, you can help your boots to stand up straight and to retain their shape until you need to wear them again.

[2/24/2014]

The Many Perks of Edge and Corner Protectors

Corner protectors are often used in packaging, but they have a variety of other characteristics and uses that make them beneficial for each stage of the shipping process. Not only do edge protectors allow you to safeguard the item that you are packing, but they also have other benefits. Edge and corner protectors offer a variety of advantages, making them a top packaging option.

Damage Prevention

Cardboard edge and corner protectors are extremely helpful in preventing damage when your materials are handled. The unique design of these items makes this possible, as they consist of corrugated layers that are folded multiple times to form right angles. This triple protection provides a vital role in minimizing the possibility of damage when items are being handled.

Stacking Strength

Edge protectors have immense stacking strength, and this allows them to be useful in both transport and storage. They allow for vertical strength so that multi-level stacking is an option in warehouses. This can help you to take better advantage of your space, and it can ultimately help you to save money.

Environmentally Friendly

The use of cardboard box partitions and edge and corner protectors create raw material reduction, as they will only protect the edges that are most easily damaged. This requires less material than more excessive solutions that are needed to protect or wrap an entire product. Additionally, many edge protectors are made out of recyclable materials, and this can further reduce the negative impact that these packaging solutions have on the environment.

Vertical Protection

Edge protectors can help to stabilize pallets in a warehouse facility, and this vertical protection is essential during warehousing and transport. The strength of each package can also be improved when boxes are reinforced internally with the use of edge and corner protectors.

Varied Uses

Edge protectors can be used to protect a variety of items during packaging and transport. They are great for fragile items like artwork and mirrors, but they can also be used to protect the corners of furniture items to minimize chips and scratches. They can also be customized in order to meet the needs of items of varied sizes.

If you are in need of customizable edge and corner protectors to keep your products safe during transport, contact us at Instabox. We can help you to find the items you need to ensure your goods reach their final destination, intact.

[2/20/2014]

Filament Tape – Packing Supply Spotlight

Filament tape, sometimes called strapping tape or paper gummed tape, is a tape that is sensitive to pressure. It can be used for a variety of packaging functions, including reinforcing packages, closing boxes, and bundling items. This tape was invented by Cyrus W. Bemmels in 1946, while he was working as a scientist for Johnson and Johnson. There are several varieties, and some can even have up to 600 pounds of strength per inch, while others have different adhesive grades.

Filament Tape Uses and Applications

Filament tape is the option that is most commonly used to close corrugated boxes, including:

Five panel folders
Full overlap boxes
Full telescope boxes

Boxes that are extremely heavy or constructed poorly may also benefit from the use of filament tape. It can be applied with a stationary dispenser manually, but a handheld dispenser is used more commonly. The use of these tools can help to place the tape on a box more efficiently, and it also helps with cutting and rubbing it down. In larger business operations, automated machinery can also be used for tape application, as this type of equipment can apply it in high speed lines.

Packaging Supplies Related to Filament Tape

In addition to filament tape, there are a variety of other options for securing packages.

Polypropylene Strapping Tape. Polypropylene strapping tapes are known for having a strong backing with a rubber adhesive system. They are most commonly used for the purpose of palletizing cartons, and when used correctly, the tape should shrink around the box in order to hold them in tightly. This type of tape will allow for shifting of a load without snapping, and it was the foundation to stretch film, which is now used for pallet wrapping.
Stretch Film. Stretch film originated from filament tape, and it is clear and does not have an adhesive. Typically, this film is used to wrap pallets containing cartons in order to hold them together tightly. It consists of resin, and the cost will fluctuate.
Other Banding Materials. Banding materials are used for bundling and packing, and they can be applied to a variety of different objects. There are also machines available that can control tension in order to ensure that items are secure.

If you need help choosing a filament tape or another packaging accessory, please contact our experienced professionals at Instabox for assistance.

[2/17/2014]

Having a Cardboard Suggestion Box at Work: The Pros and Cons

As a business owner, you likely understand that keeping your employee morale high is important in order to protect your human capital investment. This leads many businesses to utilize a cardboard suggestion box in order to allow workers to submit input. While there are several benefits to using one of these items in your business, there are also some setbacks. By better understanding the pros and cards of having a cardboard suggestion box at work, you can decide if it is a good option for your business and employees.

Cardboard Suggestion Box for New Ideas

Providing your employees with a ballot box which they can use to submit suggestions is a great way to obtain new ideas. These ideas can really improve your business, as your employees are an important source of information. Providing an outlet for employees to submit their ideas anonymously may make them brave enough to submit their suggestions, and this input could help your business to change for the better.

Employee Nonsense

One of the greatest disadvantages of having a cardboard suggestion box is that you will likely receive some false complaints or input from employees, especially from workers who don’t value or respect your leadership. Discriminating or harassing complaints and false accusations may also be submitted, and this can lead to losing good employees due to defamatory comments.

Happy Staff

Adding a cardboard suggestion box to your workplace can help with morale among your staff, as they will feel more valued. By providing your staff with a way to share their opinions, you will show them that you appreciate their ideas and that you are listening to them. If you take the comments that you receive seriously and act on some of the suggestions that you receive, you can significantly improve the morale of your workforce.

Cardboard Suggestion Box to Indicate Productivity Issues

The way in which your employees utilize your suggestion box could lead to a decrease in productivity, especially if they are using their time to create wasteful insights. Even if an employee has a good suggestion, if he or she spends an excessive amount of time thinking about what to put into the box, it may lead to problems with productivity. In order to avoid this potential setback, it is important to establish rules regarding when your suggestion box can be used.

Use Cardboard Suggestion Box to Save Money

Some companies that use a suggestion box have stated that it has resulted in cost savings. The suggestions that you receive from your employees may give you the opportunity to make changes that can keep spending down.

[2/13/2014]