If you are moving, you may be using folding boxes in order to pack up your items and transport them to your new home. While these boxes can make the process of moving easier, many people make the mistake of taping them improperly when using them for this purpose. This can result in the damage of your personal items and breakables, so it is important that you know how to properly secure your moving boxes with tape before loading up your items.

Tips for Taping Moving Boxes

The first step in properly taping a moving box is to select the right tape. Masking or Scotch tape should be avoided, and instead, you should invest in a variety that is designed specifically for packaging. It will be easier to manage if it is in a tape dispenser, and by choosing a high-quality and strong tape, you can ultimately use less on each of your boxes.

When preparing your folding cardboard boxes for a move, it is important to never simply overlap the opposite flaps at the bottom. This will not make your container secure, and it is likely that the bottom will fall out once you load it with heavy items. Additionally, many moving companies may refuse to move your boxes if they aren’t packaged correctly, and you may be charged if they have to repack them for you.

To start taping, begin by folding the smaller flaps on the bottom of your box, and then follow by folding in the large flaps. Turn your box, and then start taping. Many professional movers will use an “H” taping method where the middle of the letter is placed over the middle seam on the box. That middle piece of tape should be put down first, and then another strip should be placed along both sides where the flaps have been folded in.

If your load is going to be especially heavy, an “X” taping method may be preferred. With this way of taping, after the “H” method has been completed, you will tape from each diagonal corner so that the tape resembles the letter “X.” This will help to reinforce the bottom of the box.

Once you have finished taping the box, it is important to check the tape. It should lie flat against the cardboard and adhere tightly to the box. Once you have flipped the box over and have loaded up your contents, you should secure the top portion of the box with the same “H” pattern that you have already demonstrated.

[12/16/2013]

A variety of businesses have been turning to folding cartons for their packaging needs, as their environmentally friendly properties and their ability to be used for product branding make them extremely attractive options. In recent years, many different brand and business owners have begun to look for new and nontraditional shapes for their packaging. These unique shapes can help with differentiation on the store shelf, and they can help to draw a customer’s attention to the product and away from the competition. Some of the most unique shapes that are being found on the market today are outlined below.

Triangular Sleeves

While most frozen pizzas are found in a square carton, some brands are taking this a step further by adding an additional paperboard sleeve the shape of a triangle inside of the carton. When cooking single slices, the consumer can then put a piece of pizza in the sleeve and directly into the microwave. These sleeves include susceptor materials that can enhance the crisping of the pizza.

Octagon

The octagon shape is commonly being used to package cakes, pies, and other baked goods. The angled corners include indentations that reinforce the structural strength of the box, and when they are stacked, these cartons feature a greater stability than conventional boxes. The octagon shape can also stabilize the item within the package, and this can reduce the likelihood of damage when the product is being distributed.

Curves

Paperboard packages that are shapely and curvy are becoming popular for skin-care products, and these canisters can be used for a variety of beauty products. Liquid products may be secured within a plastic closure, but the paperboard can feature a printed film with brand information and graphics. This can help the brand to get their message out to potential customers while packaging their product in a unique and eye catching way.

Paperboard Forming

The use of paperboard forming can make a variety of custom and geometric shapes, such as octagons, hearts, and wedges. This technique is also being used to place the logo of the brand onto the paperboard container. When used for the packaging of food, the paperboard can include polyester that is appropriate for food contact, and this can make the box serve a dual purpose, as it can also act as a tray for cooking.

If you are looking for other unique shapes and packaging ideas for your products, contact your folding carton manufacturer. Together you can come up with an idea that will protect your product while appealing to potential customers.

[12/12/2013]

Die cutting is a special process that is used to make a variety of the same shaped item, usually from materials like fabric, metal, plastic, wood, or cardboard. The shapes that are used in the die cut process are typically referred to as “blanks,” and this is because they need to be decorated or finished before being sold. When it comes to packaging, custom printed die cut boxes are extremely popular because they can include your brand’s logo on them, and a large number of the boxes can be generated at the same time.

Using Die Cutting to Create Boxes

You may be wondering how the boxes are cut, and the trick is to use a blade that is sharp and of a specific shape before it is mounted onto a backing. Then, the cardboard or material we will be using for our wholesale die cut boxes is set on a flat surface, and the die is then pressed into it for cutting. In some cases one die might cut into a material, or the die might be fitted to cut through a variety of layers, which would create a stack full of blanks.

Developing the right die is a challenging task, but it is one we take seriously in order to produce the best die cut boxes. In order to ensure that the amount of waste we create is minimized, the die needs to be cut so that it maximizes efficiency. In some cases, multiple die may be fitted onto one mount together in order to make the process more efficient, and left over materials can be reworked into other areas.

Advantages of Die Cutting

In addition to minimizing waste, there are several advantages of die cutting. This process can create uniform sizes for all products and can be used for large and small scale items. It also ensures that a straight line will be formed, and it can cut through both hard and soft substrates.

Die cutting is a perfect way to create boxes because it is effective in creating flat objects. In addition to boxes, paper products, keys, and flat pieces of plastic that can snap together also utilize the die cut process. Depending on the size of the project, dies will also vary in size, but the larger dies can be dangerous to work with. While safety is important with all manufacturing activities, it is especially vital to follow safety precautions when working with die cutting.

[12/5/2013]

Whether you are packing your small shipping boxes in order to send items or if you are simply using them to pack up your home during a move, it is likely to be a stressful endeavor. Most people don’t enjoy packing, but fortunately, you can make this task less of a burden by following some simple tips.

Get Organized

The best practice for an efficient packing job is to get organized. If you are packing for a move, create a list for each room in your house and outline the items that you will need to pack in each room. As you fill up and seal your boxes, number them and then place that number next to the corresponding items on your list. By keeping detailed notes during the packing process, unpacking will be much easier when you arrive at your new home.

Arrange Boxes by Size

When packing with both small and large shipping boxes, it is important to line up the bottoms by size. The smallest box should include small and light items, while the largest boxes should include the heaviest items. Also, be sure to never leave excessive empty space in the top portion of a box, as this can result in a crushed box once they are loaded onto the moving truck.

Label Boxes Clearly

It is important to make sure that each of your boxes is labeled clearly so that you know where it belongs in your new home. Detailed labeling can be beneficial in simplifying the unpacking process, but it is most helpful if you are specific with the information you include in the label. Instead of labeling a box as “decorations”, try a more detailed explanation like “outdoor Christmas lights.”

Don’t Take it All

When you are packing up your stuff to move, you will be presented with a great opportunity to determine what things you no longer want or need. When packing, divide your things into three main categories: things to trash, things to donate, and things to keep. Try to be honest when evaluating your items, and if you haven’t used or worn an item in over a year, this is a good indication that you can get rid of it. This will help you to lighten your load, and you will then have less to need to pack into your shipping or moving boxes.

[12/2/2013]

If you own a business, you likely spend countless hours trying to come up with ways to best highlight your products, especially if you have a retail store or location. Depending on the product you are trying to sell, a counter display can be a great way to feature it, and something that is attractive and eye-catching can draw attention to the item while increasing your brand recognition. Some tips for creating an impressive counter display are outlined below.

Avoid Needless Distractions

When it comes to developing and effective counter display with a display box, it is important to avoid distracting customers with numerous items. Remember that when it comes to showing off your products, less is more, and be sure to make the use of your counter space as effective as possible. Don’t crowd your space with a lot of items, and instead, concentrate on drawing the attention of your customers to a few items that are well chosen to target your most common demographic.

Choose Materials Wisely

When creating a display for your counter, make sure that you are choosing the materials that you use wisely. A display box that features the product’s logo and information about it is a good option, especially if they are colorfully-designed in order to grab the customer’s attention. If you have a sample product that you can display you should do so, and if the item is too large, featuring a model, picture, or brochure may be a good option.

Make it Interactive

By making your counter display interactive you will engage your customers, and this will give you a better chance of making a sale. Allow customers to test out your product or to view a demonstration, or start a contest that your customers can sign up for. For example, if you are selling jewelry items, have a mirror present for customers to take a look at what they are wearing.

Include Your Contact Information

Make sure that your contact information is prominently displayed on your counter display. It can be featured either hanging behind the display or at the bottom. Ensure that your web address, phone number, or other contact information is clearly visible, as this can help potential customers to find you and your products after they leave your store. This information can also encourage repeat customers if someone who buys your product is happy with their purchase.

[11/28/2013]

Folding cartons are a great packaging solution for a variety of businesses, and they are becoming increasingly common. By learning more about them, you can determine if they are right for your business.

Folding Cartons Can Assist with Marketing and Branding

Folding cartons are a great way to deliver a brand to a consumer, and through this process, they can also reflect the brand attributes and marketing strategy. A folding carton can facilitate product marketing at every stage by communicating the value of the brand while promoting and advertising it.

Folding Cartons Can Help with Communication

Folding cartons play an important role in attracting the attention of potential customers. This can be done through the use of glossy finishes, graphics, and other effects that help a brand to stand out. Coordinating a folding carton with other media promotions, such as TV and newspaper ads, can also help to communicate a company’s message.

A Folding Carton Can Protect Your Brand

Folding cartons play an important role in brand protection by ensuring that products get to the customer in good condition. They offer convenience features for opening and reclosing the package, and they also provide the customer with safety information as to how it pertains to the product. Tamper evident features may also be included to provide confidence in the brand and additional security.

Folding Cartons Can Help the Supply Chain Process

A printed, folding carton is easy to transport, as they are usually packed flat and are then erected when they get to the factory of the brand owner. This makes them simple for bulk packaging and distribution. Cartons are merchandised easily at retail stores and can provide for a simple ready packaging solution.

Folding Carton Marketing Comes Close to Other Media

Folding carton packaging closely compares to TV in popularity when it comes to brand promotion, and it is a great packaging option to stimulate repeat customers. Many brands use folding cartons to capitalize on this advantage.

New Developments in Folding Cartons Can Help Brands

As technology continues to advance, more innovative folding carton applications are being created, and this can give brands greater choice in the functional and graphical design of their cartons. Examples of new developments include microwavable meals that can be heated within the package or a carton multipack for beer that can be used like an ice bucket as the beer is being consumed.

[11/25/2013]

Each day, thousands of shipping boxes arrive on doorsteps across the country. In many cases, they are thrown away after their contents are removed, and many people don’t recycle them. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways you can reuse folding packaging, one being to create a covered box that can provide you with ample ways to reorganize your home and belongings.

Use Folding Boxes to Create a Covered Box

No matter what your folding boxes held in their past lives, adding a simple fabric covering can transform them from trash to a treasure. Ensure that any dirt, dust, and labels are removed, and then measure and cut your fabric to the appropriate size. While doing this, bear in mind that the fewer number of cuts that you make, the better it will look. Then, place the fabric onto the box by gluing one side at a time.

Using Your Covered Boxes

After you have created your covered boxes from your old shipping boxes, you can use them for long-term organizational solutions:

• Plastic bags: Use you covered box to store your extra plastic bags after you have unpacked your groceries
• Holiday decorations: Store your seasonal items such as ornaments, lights, and other decor in a covered box. This is especially helpful if storage space is limited in your home, as they can serve as both décor and an organizational combined into one.
• Chargers and electrical cords: Try to reduce the clutter in your living room or free up some space on your desk by placing any power cords or chargers into a box. If you want to avoid knots and tangles, consider pacing each individual charger into an empty toilet paper roll, and then place the rolls vertically into the box.
• Wrapping paper supplies: If you have a taller box that you want to recycle, consider converting it into a wrapping paper supply station.
• Important paperwork: If you don’t have enough room for a filing cabinet or other organizational system, consider making a folder system out of a covered box. Use this to file tax documents, bills, receipts, and other important papers.
• Mail: Use your box to sort your incoming and outgoing correspondence, forms, and mail. Covering multiple boxes can also provide you a greater organizational system.
• Junk drawer clutter: Use your covered boxes to de-clutter your junk drawer so that you can always see where your items are.

[11/21/2013]

With the holiday season approaching, many of us will begin collecting boxes for shippingin order to send out holiday treats and other food gifts. Whether you’re sending a box across the country or just a short distance, it is important that you properly package its contents in order to ensure that the contents make it to their final destination without damage. Some tips to help you ship your food gifts safely are outlined below.

Tips to use Small Shipping Boxes to mail your Food Gifts

• Ensure that canned and bottled items are sealed tightly and are placed in thick containers. This will help to prevent breakage during transport.
• Never mail foods that are highly perishable, including meats or soft cheeses. Instead, try sending aged, hard cheeses or dry sausages if you are making a meat and cheese package. Baked goods are also a great option, such as fudge, cookies, muffins, breads, flavored nuts, and candies.
• Use tins to package cake items, and separate items with parchment or waxed paper. You can also utilize disposable foil pans in order to bake and wrap loaf breads and pound cakes, and then seal them with plastic wrap. Fill unused space within your shipping box with crumpled paper so that the items do not move or shift while being transported.
• Make sure that your food items are sealed within airtight wrapping prior to placing them in your gift container and small shipping boxes for transport. Moist foods should always be wrapped separately from other foods, as this can help to preserve their texture.
• Put your heaviest items at the bottom of your shipping box during packaging, and ensure that there is enough space between all of your items. Give the box a shake in order to ensure that there is no extra space remaining.
• Use Styrofoam, bubble wrap, or rolled up newspaper to properly protect any glass items that you might be shipping.
• If you are shipping fragile oil bottles or vinegar, ensure that they are sealed tightly, and also place them in a zip-sealed bag. However, leave the bag full of air in order to provide the item with extra cushioning.
• Always choose the fastest possible shipping method when mailing food items.

Choose a waterproof marker in order to write out your return labels and shipping address, and make sure that you print the destination in clear, legible print. Never rely on glued labels to remain in place.

[11/14/2013]

As a business, you rely on your product packaging to get your items to their intended destination safely and without damage. This usually requires you to cater the packaging items that you choose to meet the needs of what you’re shipping. For example, packing peanuts are a great option for electronics since they can reduce electrical charges that may occur during transport. In order to come up with the best shipping strategy possible, it is important that you consider all available packaging options.

Types of Product Packaging that help protect your Shipment

Kraft Paper

As an eco-friendly packaging option, Kraft paper is a great selection for filling in voids. A variety of styles and sizes exist, and materials can be 100% recycled. This packaging option is usually sold in a precut sheet, and it can roll easily when installed into a paper cutter.

Loose Fill

Loose fill is sometimes referred to as packing peanuts, and it is a great option for shock absorption and impact resistance. Recycled and virgin options are also available, and anti-static varieties are the kind that can limit static charges. If you have a variety of shipping needs in which loose fill could be useful, a gravity dispenser could make using this option extremely convenient.

Foam Fillers

Foam fillers are available in wraps and in pieces to protect edges and corners. They work to protect packages by utilizing tiny air pockets that can cushion items against impact when they are being handled. Air foam sheets can be found in a variety of sizes, and both pouches and pre-cut sheets can be used for added convenience. Foam edges and corners work to protect boxes found inside boxes, and they cradle the items tightly within the outer packaging.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is possibly one of the most loved and well known of the packaging solutions, and it is a great way to protect against damage in the event that an irregularly shaped item results in open spaces within a shipping box. It is usually the first insulation layer found closest to the contents of your package, and it allows your items to be secured. This material can be found in rolls, sheets, or pouches, and bubble wrap with larger bubbles can work to provide especially heavy duty protection. Adhesive bubble wrap is another option, and this comes with a sticky surface that will stick to the contents of your package for protection without leaving behind a residue.

[11/11/2013]