If you are in need of packaging materials for your products, you have a lot of options to choose from, including bubble wrap, corrugated pads, and void fill. However, EPS, or Expanded Polystyrene, is arguably one of the most popular packing options on the market. By better understanding the benefits of EPS, you can decide if this material is the right option for your business and packaging needs.

Versatile

EPS can be created in a variety of sizes and shapes, and it can be cut to suit the needs of any application. This versatility makes EPS a good option to use with other materials, and it is produced in a variety of densities.

Thermal Efficiency

EPS has superior thermal efficiency in comparison to other packaging options, and this makes it a great choice for products that will be sensitive to changes in temperature. Products that are packaged in containers with EPS can be kept for long periods of time in temperatures below or above ideal conditions. Examples include medical products, seafood, and fresh produce.

Durable

EPS is one of the most durable of the packaging foams, and this makes it a reliable and effective way to package items that are in need of protection. EPS offers a cellular structure that adds to its stability, and it can stand up with age.

Easily Branded

EPS is known for being easily branded, and this surface can be printed upon without difficulty. Additionally, labels can be affixed to it, which can help with marketing and to increase a company’s brand recognition.

Lightweight

EPS is a very lightweight material, and a majority of it is composed of air. This makes it a great option for packaging because it doesn’t add bulk or weight to the total package. This can ultimately reduce costs of transportation, energy consumption, and fuel. When this consumption decreases, lower global warming can be the end result.

Moisture Resistant

EPS doesn’t easily absorb water because it is a material made of closed cells. Therefore, damp conditions will not result in the loss of strength as might happen with corrugated pads. Due to its moisture resistant properties, it is able to maintain high levels of hygiene, and even when it is exposed to water for long periods of time, EPS will continue to maintain its structure, size, physical appearance, and shape, and it will only slightly effect its thermal efficiency.

[12/30/2013]

People or businesses needing to ensure their most delicate items arrive at their final destination without damage, often choose shipping tubes as their packaging solution. These tubes are great for mailing artwork, blueprints, and designs, as they don’t require the item to be folded or to have creases. By rolling up the item and placing it into the tube, even the most oddly shaped of items can easily be packaged and shipped across the country.

Things to Consider when Selecting Your Shipping Tubes

When choosing a mailing tube, it is important to consider some key aspects. First, ensure that your shipping tube is developed from a sustainable material, such as plastic or cardboard. In some cases, plastic will be the better option because it can protect the item from water damage, but these packages may be more expensive than a cardboard option. Additionally, heavy duty cardboard mailing tubes can also offer high levels of durability and protection.

Finding a tube that is the appropriate size is also vital when selecting a mailing tube. Most importantly, the diameter of the tube should be considered, as you will need to roll your item tighter than the width of the tube. Some tubes in which you can adjust the length may be available.

If you are a business owner, you may want to consider branding your mailing tube so that your business name or logo is displayed during transport. This can help to increase your company’s brand recognition while providing clients and potential customers with a positive first impression of your business. Tubes can be colored, plain, or even clear, but it is important to remember that a clear tube will make your items visible to the world.

Using a Mailing Tube

Mailing tubes are mandatory if you and your business do a significant amount of shipping and mailing. These packaging solutions are designed for shipping large paper items, and they typically have removable plastic caps on each end so that inserting and taking out items is an easier process. Others have ends that simply fold in on themselves before snapping shut to seal.

When using a mailing tube, it is important to ensure that your item isn’t bent or crinkled when pushing down to form the fold or to secure the plastic cap. You should also be sure that you don’t leave too much extra space, as this could cause your document to slide back and forth continuously. Instead, determine how much space your document will take up, and then purchase a shipping tube of that size.

[12/26/2013]

As the holiday season approaches, you may need to ship and package items to send to your loved ones. While this is often a daunting task, there are a variety of tips that you can follow to improve the process.

Properly Display Address Labels

It is important that when you are shipping items over the holiday season that your address labels are filled out and placed properly. Make sure addresses only appear on one side of your package and don’t contain additional punctuation. It is also best if your addresses are written parallel to your package’s longest edge.

Use Two Boxes for Fragile Items

In order to avoid potential damages this holiday season, box the most breakable items twice. Place them into a regular sized box, and then use resilient packaging materials to secure that box into a larger box.

Protect Shipping Materials in Wet Weather

If you need to ship an item during wet weather, be sure to protect the shipping materials. Place clear packaging tape over the shipping address and your return address. Be sure to avoid covering up any barcodes that may need to be scanned during transport.

Reinforce Packaging

Use reinforced, paper, brown, or clear packing tape in order to tape the seams and openings of boxes. Never use twine, string, cord, or basic tape in order to reinforce your boxes for shipping.

Ship Perishables Monday-Wednesday

This will ensure that they don’t get stuck in very cold or hot temperatures for several days over the weekend, which could happen if shipping is done on Thursday or Friday. It is also important to send them for next-day delivery.

Get Insurance

If you will be shipping valuable items, investing in low-cost insurance for your packages is a good idea. You may also want to consider photographing your items and keeping receipts as proof of your shipment.

Monitor the Weight of Your Packages

By simply reducing the weight of your packages by a couple of ounces, you can save a significant amount of money on your shipping costs. Likewise, adding even a small item to your package can have you paying a higher rate, as your item may jump up to a heavier weight class.

Use an Extra Address Label

It is recommended that you include an extra shipping label inside of your packages. In the event that the original becomes unreadable or detaches from your package, this will help your shipping provider to get the package to its original destination or back to you.

[12/23/2013]

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]