Packaging

Stretch Film Offers Savings, Security and Efficiency

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Wrapping pallets and other materials in stretch film can save your company money, cut down on product loss and damage, and improve operational efficiencies. Stretch Film Saves Money Using stretch film is a great way to save money. It can be used to consolidate loads, making them less time intensive than handling loose boxes. This … Read more

These Days, Packaging Tape Is For More Than Just Sealing Boxes

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When most people think about packaging tape, duct tape and other types of tapes, the first thing that typically comes to mind is a convenient and efficient way to cardboard boxes. But innovative artists and other creative people are doing extraordinarily uncommon things with this common item. For example, a team of Viennese and Croatian … Read more

Environmentally Friendly Use for Post-Consumer Barrels

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As gardening season winds down for the year, home gardening enthusiasts already are making their plans for next year’s growing season. One option is a gravity-based irrigation system. Barrels made of fiberglass, wood, earthenware or polyethylene are ideal for building such a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly system for irrigating a home garden — or even … Read more

New Packaging Paper Can Interact with Customers’ Smart Phones

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Like something out of a science fiction movie, a new type of specialized paper used for product packaging now has the ability to interact with customers via their smart phones or tablets. The energized paper, called Powercoat, allows for the seamless integration of printed electronics and printed graphics, according to Jose-Anne d’Auvergne, brand manager for … Read more

Time Running Out on Tax Breaks on Packaging Machinery

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Two tax breaks benefit businessesThe clock is ticking on two new tax breaks that are scheduled to expire at the end of this year that benefit businesses that purchase packaging machinery and other capital equipment.

The tax breaks were extended or enhanced as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 and went into effect on January 2. The revised tax laws allow companies that acquire new packaging equipment and other capital during 2013 the chance to substantially increase the value of their purchases.

With half the year now gone, there are only six months remaining to take advantage of these new tax breaks before they are scheduled to expire.

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Reusable Plastic Containers Can Help the Environment

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Reusable Plastic ContainersUsing Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) instead of corrugated boxes can result in substantial environmental benefits for manufacturers, according to a new study released last month by an industry organization specializing in measuring environmental impact.

RPCs are plastic boxes that can be used over and over again to ship fresh produce, perishables such as seafood, and other products. Franklin Associates — a leading consulting company specializing on life cycle analyses and solid waste management — was commissioned by IFCO, a manufacture or RPCs, to consider the environmental benefits of their use. The report was issued June 18.

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Why You Should Consider Replacing Your Wood Pallets

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benefits of foam palletsWood has been used to make pallets for decades and there are still millions of wood pallets still being used in warehouses and in the supply chain worldwide. Yet if you have ever worked with wood pallets, you know their drawbacks: They are heavy, can splinter and often expose dangerous sharp nails when their boards become loose, among other problems. If you currently are using wood pallets for your materials handling needs, you might want to consider switching to pallets made from 100% recycled post-industrial recycled foam. They offer a number of advantages, including being moisture-proof, lightweight and nest-able to save space.

A Safer, More Affordable Solution

Heavy-duty structural foam pallets, on the other hand, offer a safer and more durable alternative to your pallet needs.  Their polystyrene foam core is coated with a high-impact polystyrene skin that can’t absorb water. They are food safe and universally approved to transport food products. Wood pallets, on the other hand, can pose serious bio-hazard risks because they are susceptible to bacterial and chemical contamination, including E.  coli and other food borne illnesses.

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Is Bubble Wrap Actually Good for the Environment?

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using bubble wrap is good for the environmentEverybody loves bubble wrap. Businesses love the versatility and safety it provides when shipping products through the supply chain. Consumers love it because they know the products they order will arrive intact and undamaged. Even children love to play with bubble wrap, squeezing the tiny air pockets and delighting in the cascade of popping sounds.

But bubble wrap is actually good for the environment for a number of important reasons. First, bubble wrap provides superior cushioning than other forms of packaging, such as corrugated cardboard, recycled newspaper or shredded paper. It is made from polyethylene that is formed into air pockets. This trapped air provides a cushion that prevents damage during the inevitable jostling and impacts that occur during shipping. That means fewer items are damaged to the point where they have to be returned. Shipping items back to where they came from and then shipping replacement products can double or even triple your freight costs for that product- and increases emissions.

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