Packaging

Inspecting Your Pallets Saves Money

by

One of the biggest overhead costs in any material handling operation should not be pallets. This is the easiest type of cost to keep track of and the easiest to control. Here are a few pointers to help cut costs associated with pallets and damage to palletized materials. QC Your Pallets Check your pallets often … Read more

How to Select the Best Corrugated Box for Your Shipping Needs

by

How to Select the Right Corrugated Box for Your Shipping NeedsCorrugated boxes represent the vast majority of the packaging industry in the United States, carrying between 90 and 95% of the nation’s manufactured goods to consumers. Approximately 25 billion corrugated boxes are produced annually, an average of 500 boxes for every family in the US.

Part of their popularity resides in their durability. Corrugated boxes are made from two or more sheets of liner board and one or more fluted sheets of corrugating medium. Nearly all the liner boards are made from kraft, which is a type of paperboard created from virgin softwood lumber. About two-thirds of the corrugating medium is made by through a semi-chemical pulping process of virgin hardwood fibers, with the remaining third made from plant waste and recycled medium, which is used corrugated boxes collected from supermarkets and shopping centers.

Read more

Mobile Poly Strapping Machines Ensure Secure Shipments

by

Mobile Poly Strapping MachineIf your business ships bundled products such as newspapers, pipe, lumber, concrete block and other items, you may want to consider investing in a mobile poly strapping machine. Strapping, also known as bundling or banding, is the process of applying a strap around an item to hold it together tightly during transport. By restricting movement, products can be shipped more safely and with less product damage or loss.

Variable Speeds and Tensions

A mobile poly strapping machine utilizes a polypropylene strap that can automatically be applied to multiple packages — up to 15 per minute in some cases. The straps can be applied at adjustable tensions of 10 to 100 lbs.

The straps themselves are available in various lengths, thicknesses and polymer variations depending on your specific needs. They also can be embossed or imprinted with your company’s logo or branding.

Strapping can be done either horizontally or vertically. Edge protectors are sometimes used to help spread the load at the corners and reduce damage to the load by the tension of the strap.

Read more

Proper Use of a Packaging Tape Gun

by
Image of Packaging Tape Gun
Image of Packaging Tape Gun

It’s always interesting to watch new warehouse employees try to use the portable packaging tape gun.

Once you get the hang of it, this handy tool is the definition of simplicity. But for someone who is unfamiliar with how to load it and use a tape gun, the handled tape dispenser can be the Rubik’s Cube of warehouse equipment.

A packaging tape dispenser is used to seal cardboard boxes so that they are secure for shipment. They use a packaging tape with adhesive on one side only. These tools can be potentially dangerous because they have a sharp cutting blade that is used to cut the tape. Because misuse of this tool can result in a cutting injury, proper training for new employees is essential.

If the paper tape dispenser is not already loaded with tape, you will need to add a new roll of tape to the tool. Simply hold the tape roll in your right hand with the end of the tape on the left and the sticky side facing down. With your left hand pick up the tape gun and push the tap roll onto the large roller.

Read more

Organizing & Keeping Your Materials Safe With Poly Bags

by
Economical Self-Seal Bags
Economic Self-Seal Bags

There are times when cutting corners is economical, and times when cutting corners ultimately thwarts your efficiency. The problem with too many operations these days is that they are not organized enough and a big part of that equation is keeping your inventory in check. How many times have you gone to search for a particular part only to spend 10-20 minutes wandering around the shop for it? Have you ever been a victim of wrongly ordering more of a product because you thought you were out of it, only to find out a week later that several unopened bags of it were already hiding in inventory?

Organization is critical.

An easy step to tracking and cataloging your entire inventory is with poly bags and sealers. Poly bags are sold in self-seal bags or in open bags depending on the purpose you need them for. If you are storing something such as a chemical or component which you need free of dust and moisture, economical self-seal bags is your solution. On the other hand, if you would prefer having a bag to store items like safety glasses, ear plugs, nails, screws, etc., then open top poly bags still provide the same protection yet are easy to grab if you or your staff use them on a daily basis. Organizing your parts and tools into bags will not only increase the lifespan of said items, but also make your day-to-day operations a smoother process.

Read more

Making Your Facility’s Loading Docks Safe For All, Part 2

by
Eco-Max Micron Pallet Wrap
Eco-Max Micron Pallet Wrap.

Last time, we considered the loading docks at your distribution center or warehouse, and how a few simple changes can make a world of difference in personnel safety. Now let’s continue with more tips for improving safety at the docks!

One kind of potential hazard at any loading dock is when a pallet gets damaged or breaks while being moved. A way to reduce the danger associated with a load of materials shifting or falling because of a broken pallet is to create and adopt a system to check pallets. Workers might inspect pallets either before or after a certain number of uses. And if a pallet has a noticeable defect but is already loaded with goods, make sure the workers at the loading dock know to have the products moved to a safe pallet. These steps not only make good sense for employee and bystander safety, but they can reduce incidents of damaged goods and equipment.

Read more

Opportunities and Challenges Seen in 2013 By Packaging Execs

by

Last month the trade organization PMMI released a list of the top 10 trends in the packaging and container industries. The analysis is based on focus groups conducted by PMMI at its trade show PACK EXPO International, which took place at the end of October in Chicago. The report indicates that companies that deal with … Read more

Tighten and Fasten Your Materials Using Strapping Tools

by

  Strapping tools are used to tighten, fasten, and seal objects. Proper strapping can secure the objects from being damaged especially during the shipping process. The most common tools or materials used for strapping are polypropylene and steel. Each tool is designed for a different purpose. A tensioner is also of great help together with … Read more