Packaging – Page 5 – Bahrns.com Blog

Environmentally Friendly Use for Post-Consumer Barrels

November 14, 2023September 4, 2013 by Dan M

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

40 Years Later, the Barcode Is Working Harder Than Ever

August 22, 2013 by Dan M

It may be hard to believe but the simple Universal Product Cost found on nearly every consumer product has been in use since the mid-1960s. But today it is used for more than simply providing a products price. Omni-channel describes how the barcode is now used to provide information to both consumers and manufacturers as products … Read more

New Packaging Paper Can Interact with Customers’ Smart Phones

August 20, 2013 by Dan M

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

November 14, 2023July 19, 2013 by Dan M

The 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.

Reusable Plastic Containers Can Help the Environment

November 14, 2023July 12, 2013 by Dan M

Using 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.

Is Bubble Wrap Actually Good for the Environment?

November 14, 2023June 17, 2013 by Dan M

Everybody 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.

How to Select the Best Corrugated Box for Your Shipping Needs

November 14, 2023June 12, 2013 by Dan M

Corrugated 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.

Mobile Poly Strapping Machines Ensure Secure Shipments

November 14, 2023June 10, 2013 by Dan M

If 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.

Proper Use of a Packaging Tape Gun

November 14, 2023April 5, 2013 by Dan M

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.

How do you find an accurate scale?

November 14, 2023March 21, 2013 by Dan M

If you have the belief that every scale is the same, you are virtually saying the same thing as every automobile is the exact same or every smartphone is identical. The old expression you get what you pay for applies to anything, warehouse scales included. Therefore, making the decision to cut corners by paying less for a scale is often a grave mistake. Why? It is important to keep in mind that any successful warehouse must have control over the entire process of production and delivery, start to finish. But what happens when you take every necessary precaution, control every single step of the production process efficiently only to get to the point where you weigh and ship your product, and do so inaccurately.

The margin of error with scales is minute. An inaccurate scale will produce minor inaccurate readings yet over the course of weighing a few thousand products every day/week/month you are all of the sudden looking at one major loss of potential income. Consequently, every wise warehouse owner/manager understands that one of the major factors to running a smooth and profitable operation is dependent on the scale(s) which you use.