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]

Whether you are moving a long distance or simply want to send a fragile item to a loved one as a gift, it is important to properly package breakables in heavy duty shipping boxes. By taking the extra care to make sure that your items are packed correctly, you can rest assured the contents of your package will arrive at their final destination in one piece and without damage.

First, choose a box that most closely matches the size of the item you wish to ship. For example, if you are shipping glassware or china, a box that only holds ten pounds may be your best choice. Large shipping boxes are often a good choice for oddly shaped or bigger items because they prevent unneeded movement among the contents. Then, select packing peanuts or foam cushioning, and put it into the box before you add your wrapped items. Any item that you are shipping should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap or newspaper for protection.

After your items are properly wrapped individually, it is time to place them into your box. When placing them into the box, ensure that wrapped items are protected from each other with foam, packing peanuts, or paper in between each piece. It is also important that objects are placed a minimum of one inch away from the box edge, and when sending items with lids, there should always be a cushioning barrier between the main portion of the item and the lid.

After your items have been properly placed into the shipping box, it is important to ensure that any empty areas within the box are properly filled with packing peanuts, paper, or foam in order to prevent items from shifting or moving around inside of the box during transport. It is important to check for movement, and if any is identified, more stuffing should be added in order to prevent it. If you will be shipping your item with a shipping company like UPS or FedEx, double boxing may be a good option, and it is important to include packing peanuts in the empty spaces between the inner and outer boxes.

The final steps of packaging your fragile items for shipment include taping the lid shut firmly, and ensuring that the word “Fragile” is prominently displayed on the top or side of the box. Check the box for signs of indentation, as a box that can be compressed is an indication that the pressure could potentially damage the contents.

[11/7/2013]

Many companies don’t realize how much wasteful spending happens within their shipping practices, and unfortunately, many of them could have been completely avoided with the right packaging supplies. By identifying the proper packaging supplies for each item that you need to ship, you can reduce the weight and, ultimately, the postage expense associated with your package. Additionally, you can also help to protect your products during transport.

Lightweight Fill

When choosing a packaging material, it is important to consider using lightweight fill. These materials can protect and stabilize products during shipment, and this can significantly reduce your overall costs of shipping. Items like newspaper, packing peanuts, and Kraft paper don’t add much weight to your package but can make a world of difference in terms of protection and stabilization. Air can be used in packaging bags as a way to cushion your products, and some people also utilize foam edge protectors and corners.

The Right Size

It is important that you choose packaging supplies that are the right size for each product, as finding the correct sized box will help you to minimize your risk of damage. This will also reduce waste by eliminating the need for excess fill, so it is important to get rid of the “one size fits all” attitude.

Stay Current on Packaging Supplies Prices

It is important to stay up-to-date on the current prices of your packaging materials in order to keep your costs down. Technology and the shipping industry are constantly evolving, so as new products are added to the market, it is important to determine if there is a cheaper solution than the materials you have used in the past.

Eco-Friendly Options

Many customers are beginning to buy products specifically because they are eco-friendly. Packaging supplies like biodegradable bags, Kraft paper, and honeycomb sheets are all known for being environmentally friendly, but eco-friendly package labelsand packaging tape are also appearing on the market. By offering eco-friendly packaging options, you will be sending a strong message to your customers that you care about the environment, and this can help you get the business of even the most environmentally conscious consumer.

Remember, the decisions you make when it comes to choosing your packaging solutions can ultimately save or cost you money. By using a lightweight fill in a package that is size-appropriate for your product, along with appealing to the eco-friendly market, you can work to establish a good reputation in the business world.

[11/4/2013]

If you are a folding cartons manufacturer, you may be happy to know that growth within this industry is expected to continue. According to a study completed by Smithers Pira, the folding carton industry is growing globally by 5.1% per year, and it is anticipated to reach over $184 billion by 2018. This can be traced back to the 1.3% increase in carton board production, which reached a total of 42.5 million tons in 2012, over half of which originated in the Asia-Pacific sector of the world. This market growth is thought to be driven by an increasing demand for folding cartons to house healthcare items, dry foods, frozen foods, and cigarettes, especially in countries that are experiencing emerging or growing economies.

Anticipated Trends for Folding Cartons Manufacturers

The Study by Smithers Pira indicated that a variety of trends in the folding carton industry will be experienced from 2013-2018. Three new technologies are expected to add value to the market between those years: barrier coating technologies, anti-counterfeit systems, and retail-ready packs. It is anticipated that globally, smaller packs will be desired and an increased demand will be noted for single portions of food products, medications, and personal hygiene products.

• Convenience Foods. Global demand is continuing to increase for convenience foods, and the convenient store industry is increasing the amount of grab-and-go foods they offer that are housed in folding cartons. Additionally, niche markets are beginning to provide lower calorie products in both frozen and dry food areas, so these manufacturers will also have an increased need for folding cartons.

• Health Care. The health care sector makes up around 10% of the demand for folding cartons, and it is expected that this trend will continue to rise. Many medical professionals are calling for a smart pack system to be created by a folding carton manufacturer as a way to monitor the medication of patients.

• Personal Care. A variety of personal care products rely on the use of folding cartons for both storage and marketing. If you walk down the toothpaste aisle at your local grocery store, you will notice rows of neatly lined toothpaste boxes, all of which are cleverly designed to grab your attention to make you choose them over the competition. Eco-friendly personal care options are also gaining popularity, so folding cartons made from recycled or recyclable materials will also be in greater demand in the future years.

[10/31/2013]

You may turn to your packaging company to help you with selecting boxes for your business, as they come in a variety sizes, shapes, and constructed materials. However, mailing envelopes can also be found there, and many people are unaware that there are a variety of options available to the shipper. Some of them are described below.

Envelope Varieties

When scouring packaging companies for the right type of envelope for your product, you may be overwhelmed with the numerous varieties out there. By learning a little more about the options that are available to you, you can make the right decision for your business.

• Tamper-proof: These envelopes incorporate extra security measures in the form of physical features on seals. Once the envelope has been opened, it is impossible to re-close it so that it appears tamper-free.
• Expansion: These envelopes are flexible so that they can be filled with extra documents, and they are often puncture and moisture resistant.
• Padded: Some envelopes include cushioning to provide for added protection, and this can avoid shock during transport. Some may also be made with thermal properties to protect the contents of packages from extremely cold temperatures.
• Extra long: These envelopes can accommodate wallpaper rolls, posters, and art for shipping, and legal documents may also be shipped within them.
• Flat: Flat envelopes can serve as a stiff enclosure for photos and other documents that should not be bent. Some come with self-sealing options so that they can be opened and re-secured easily between viewings.

Envelope Materials

A mailing envelope works to carry flat contents during shipment, and they can be used for documents needing a variety of protection and security levels. Envelopes are usually constructed from the following materials:

• Paper: As the industry standard, paper is one of the least expensive options and it can provide the needed level of protection for many types of printed material.
• Polyolefin: Envelopes made from polyolefin provide additional protection against moisture and water-related damage during shipping. Stronger than paper, it is also available in a clear variety that can highlight the contents of your envelope.
• Tyvek: Tyvek offers a high level of tear and puncture resistance, and it is around ten times stronger than the average paper envelope. It also offers greater moisture protection.
• Nylon: Nylon-reinforced envelopes provide a lightweight alternative to high shipping costs, but they are only a good option if padding is not needed.

[10/28/2013]

Corrugated cartons are virtually everywhere, from supermarkets to gift shops. In fact, most of the boxes in which the products are shipped are also the ones in which they are displayed. Because of the ease and versatility of corrugated material, millions of tons of corrugated cartons are used each year to store and display all kinds of products.

Corrugated Carton Raw Materials

A corrugated carton is constructed from a stiff yet lightweight material made of three layers of Kraft paper, a strong paper made through a refined process of pulping wood chips so that the resulting product resists splitting and tearing.

The primary resource used for corrugated cartons is the pine tree. After the trees are harvested, they are stripped of everything but the trunks, which are the only part of the pines used in the pulp mill. The trees then must go through the Kraft process (invented in 1906) where they are converted to a strong paper product that is processed from a sulfur solution. Finally, a paper machine mixes all the materials and rolls it together to form, dry, and press together rolls of the tough paper.

Once at the plant, the carton requires a few more materials to become a finished product. First, cornstarch paste connects the corrugated material to the lining. Waxes and other materials help the boxes to resist water and contaminants (ideal for produce storage). Finally, creative teams uses several patterns to create a unique outside design that will showcase the product inside and highlight its most important attributes. Whereas older cardboard cartons used to look basically the same, today, designers get to use up to four colors and countless design templates for their boxes. Because the Kraft paper allows for greater efficiency and ease of production, more time can be spent on the creative process, which helps businesses raise their bottom line.

When constructing corrugated materials, manufacturers must take into account four primary guidelines: container board, crushing tests for box edges, styles and shape of boards, and board dimensions. Container board is difficult to produce. The creation of the Kraft paper itself is a complex process, and the chances of failure or damage due to structural deficiencies is common. Testing for strength is another factor that determines the efficacy of the carton. Most cartons will withstand at least a 1000 pound load, but if the design is faulty, this number decreases significantly.

How corrugated cardboard is made

[9/30/2013]

Not all Corrugated Boxes are the same

Corrugated cardboard boxes have been used in the shipping industry since many decades.

However, there is a great variety of cardboard shipping boxes available out there, and not all boxes are best suitable for your needs. There are many factors that need to be considered while deciding for shipping boxes such as size, shape, weight, durability, strength and cost of course.

Exploring the 3 Most Common Types of Cardboard Box Material

The term ‘Cardboard’ is used for a wide range of products, designed for many different applications and different scale of durability. Following are the three main types of cardboard box material:

· Paper – It is thin and light material, which is made by suppressing wet wooden fibers. It is mainly used as a packaging material of small items that don’t weigh much.

· Paperboard – Also known as ‘Cardstock’, Paperboard material is thicker and stronger that paper material. It is used a storage box or containers of varied items like soft drinks, ready-to-eat food product, etc.

· Corrugated Cardboard – It is also called corrugated fiberboard material. It comprises of ridge shaped center cardboard material which is surrounded by flat paperboard lines on its both sides. Corrugated cardboard is used to build heavy duty shipping boxes that are used to store and ship heavier products like auto parts and canned goods.

Heavy Duty Cardboard Boxes for Extra Protection

In order to double protect heavy items such as TVs, computers, machineries, tools, etc. while on the road or during manhandling, heavy duty shipping boxes along with box accessories like foam inserts, pads, trays and dividers are used to package the items.

Heavy duty cardboard shipping boxes offer extra protection and allow shippers to stack products on one another without compromising on safety and security of the products inside. These shipping boxes are easily available off-the-shelf, and you can order them online by making a few clicks.

However, if you want to go further and add one more layer of security as well as strength, you can order custom designed triple wall cardboard shipping boxes. Triple wall boxes are a good alternative of small sized wood crates; they are lighter in weight, more affordable and durable enough to ship heavy industrial products.

Heavy Duty Boxes for Space Optimization

By making use of heavy duty cardboard shipping containers, shippers can consolidate multiple small sized items into one carton. This way, shippers can make the most of the truck size available and also save a considerable amount on transportation of goods. Moreover, with this approach, number of trips can also be reduced, meaning you are not just saving on packaging material, but you are also contributing to green environment by saving fuel used in the transportation of your goods.

So, regardless if you want to buy off-the-shelf small shipping boxes or custom designed triple wall heavy duty boxes, hire the best packaging company in your city.

[9/26/2013]

You spend thousands of dollars marketing your line of business products, so in order to make up for the cost, you decide to forgo customized packaging. After all, the customers are buying your product, not the package, right?

Wrong.

When you market a new product, the package is the first thing that your potential customers see. That package must be easy to access, memorable, and unique. Packaging is also a necessary aspect of consumerism. Without effective and safe packaging supplies, people would not be able to transfer goods from one place to another. Perishable goods would be nearly impossible to transport in warmer climates, and breakable items would not be able to withstand the transportation needed to reach a large customer base.

While packaging is largely dependent on the materials within, there are many choices that a business owner can make to form a cohesive unit between package and product.

Price and Quantity:

When choosing your packaging supplies, it is important to take into consideration the number of products you will be shipping or selling, how delicate the product is, the weight of the product, and the product’s size. Cardboard is an affordable option for packaging and is significantly lighter than other packing materials (plastics, metals, glass and wood). For most any kind of product type, cardboard is a great choice of material, simply because of its versatility and durability.

The primary packaging is not the only monetary aspect to consider. There are also secondary and tertiary aspects of packaging (including shrink-wrap, cases, pallets, cans and carrier packs) that businesses must consider. The total packaging cost includes each level of packaging materials, the storage and transportation costs and the production cost of the packaging operation.

Smart Choices in Product Packaging:

The most important aspect of packaging to remember is that the packaging box must fit the purpose of the product. If the product is perishable, the package must be airtight to guard against contaminants. If the product is made of a breakable material, the package must be strong enough to withstand transportation. Finally, the packaging must showcase the product in the best way possible, highlighting important aspects and keeping logos, names and other key information visible. Smart packaging, which can raise your bottom line and protect your product from damage and decay, is one of the best investments you can make in your business.

Pro Carton – fact file category 2

Paperboard

[9/23/2013]