Monday, 8 May 2017

Biodegradable Packing Peanuts

When talking about packing supplies, we can not forget about packing peanuts. I personally do not think these do the best job at keeping the items safe, but that is my opinion. Most of the time, packing peanuts are placed on the bottom of a box roughly an inch in height. After that, the item gets put into the box, where it is then enclosed by more packing peanuts. I don’t think that this is the best packing method because all it really does is prevent an item from shifting around in the box. It does not protect it all that much, but for some reason, they have been used for many years now, and I don’t believe companies are looking to change that. 


It is my opinion that packing peanuts are not the best form of packing material. I say this because the peanuts are small foam bits that help reduce the movement of an item in a box. These peanuts are made from polystyrene fragments. The peanuts do have a unique way of trying to protect the thing that is in the box with them. When compacted down, packing peanuts interlock with one another. When they are not compacted down, they flow unrestricted and can shift around. This is one of the reasons why I say I don’t think they are the best for packing materials. There a chance that whoever packs that item with peanuts may not fill enough, thus allowing for the item to move around freely. 

Some packing peanuts are made from biodegradable materials, which I like. If you have ever received a package with packing peanuts, you will know the mess that they can make. All the small foam bits are all over, and it’s a process to clean up. This is why I say that the biodegradable packing peanuts are a good thing. It can make cleaning up the mess they produce easier because you know they will disintegrate in a while. It also gives you the peace of mind knowing that when you throw them away, then it will not have an impact on the environment. 



The biodegradable packing peanuts came about in the nineties. An environmentally friendly company wanted an alternative way to pack their items safely and have the knowledge that the packing materials they are using are not going to damage the environment. They were a scratch based packing peanut that eventually became a commonplace in the shipping industry. Biodegradable peanuts produce no static build up which is a great thing when it comes to shipping electronics. If there is any static charge build up when the consumer goes to grab that product, there is a chance that the shock will short circuit the electrical components, thus ridding that useless. 



I personally do not think that packing peanuts are the best kind of packing supplies because it does not provide the most protection. The amount of protection an item will have with packing peanuts is entirely dependent on the person who fills the box, and if they are in a lazy mood that day, then they could underfill the boxes that need a lot of this material. This would then result in a broken item. I believe that bubblewrap is one of the best kinds of packing materials, especially when compared to packing peanuts.

My uncle’s company packing process

Growing up, I remember walking around my uncle’s big warehouse building that was converted to a laser tag building shop. They had many different methods and packing supplies when it came to shipping these built props. When a laser tag area is being built, it is done in small sections that can easily fit together in a semi-truck and then be put together at the site to make the big arenas. To safely get these pieces to the site, the workers need to ensure they follow a procedure in order to pack up these large items properly. The way something gets wrapped is entirely dependent on the shape of it and what it is for. 

The walls can be packed together. In order to do this, they are stood up on a wooden pallet. Once that is done, they are taped together, so they are more or less one piece. After this, edge guards are added to the four corners. These are fixed to the walls with more packing tape to ensure a snug fit. After that has been done, bubble wrap is applied around the walls. Not much is needed due to the fact they are wooden for one and because the edge guards are in place, keeping the exposed corners protected. The bubble wrap is primarily used to keep the faces and backs of the walls from getting any sort of chips or damages to them in transit. After the bubble wrap is applied, they use stretch wrap. This is the final step in the packing process. The plastic wrap is used to keep everything together and make it a solid piece. That’s about two to five walls done out of the hundreds.


 

The large foam sculptures have a different packing process but use similar materials. These foam sculptures need to be protected very carefully because they are foam with a hard outer layer. You may think the outer layer is firm enough, but one good hit and a massive project need to be restarted. Depending on the prop will determine the exact way it needs to be wrapped. Most of the giant sculptures will come apart in smaller pieces allowing for more accessible transportation. 

The way these are packed can vary, as I said, but it’s more or less consistent. Most of the time, a piece is put onto a wooden pallet. Once that has been done, if it has hard square edges, then edge guards will be added. If it is less of an organic shape, then lots and lots of bubble wrap is used. Once the bubble wrap is applied, stretch wrap is put around it so the bubble wrap will stay secure and provide a snug fit to the object being shipped. None of these products can be stacked on one another unless it is a box prop that has been thoroughly wrapped. 



As you can see mu uncle’s company uses many different kinds of packaging supplies. I believe they are looking for a better and more efficient way to wrap their products, but this way has been working since two thousand and five. I feel like a lot of companies who also deal in large items like my uncles do something similar when they are packing their things up. 


Sunday, 7 May 2017

Best Bubble Wrap Roll

When talking about packing supplies, there are limitless areas to be explored and discussed. Today we are going to look at three companies that specialize in making bubble wrap rolls and see the pros and cons of each. Bubble wrap as a packing material is one of if not the best kind of material there is. This product provides the best protection for any items wrapped up in it. Most of the time, bubble wrap will come in a roll. This is very beneficial because it will take up less space, and because it is in a roll, there is less of a chance it will be stepped on and pop the bubbles, thus losing its protective properties. 

The first company we are going to look at is a company called EcoBox. This company, like all the others we will discuss, offers a kind of rolled bubble wrap. This company has a unique manufacturing process that allows for them to make their bubble wrap biodegradable. This is an excellent feature for the betterment of the environment. the process for making this kind of bubble wrap does not cut corners. The materials put into it make a high quality bubble wrap. This material is also one of the thicker ones we will talk about today. This bubble wrap can come in a variety of lengths and widths varying on your needs. The downside of this material is that it puts off an odd odor and does not work well with heavy items. 



The second kind of bubble wrap roll we are going to look at is from a company called Sealed Air. This product is one of the more expensive ones we are looking at today, but the high price is justified by the high durability and quality of this material. This bubble wrap is clear in design and allows for you to be able to see through it and look at the product you are wrapping up. Another key feature is that when you buy this one, it will come with a dispensing box for ease of use. 

The final company we are going to take a look at is called Duck. This company provides a very affordable bubble wrap roll made of high quality materials. This bubble wrap is possibly one of the best ones on the list. The rolls can be ordered in a variety of sizes from five feet all the way up to one hundred and seventy five feet. This is one of the few bubble wrap rolls that can be reused so long as the bubble is undamaged. A downside of this roll is that the bubbles can pop relatively easily if put under enough pressure, which may be a turn-off for some people, but the low price of this roll tends to make up for that. 



In my opinion, I believe that the best roll is from Duck has the best products for shipping supplies. I say this because they have high quality bubble wrapping for a low price compared to the others. I do like what EcoBox is trying to do with making a bio-degradable kind of bubble wrap. I think to me. They come in a close second. With how handy the dispensing box that comes with the Sealed Air products, I can not justify paying more for a box to dispense the needed bubble wrap. 


Tuesday, 13 December 2016

The Perks of Discreet Packaging

Discreet forms of packaging is something that’s offered by a lot of retailers, in order to offer customers a chance to have better security, and privacy for their deliveries.  Unmarked boxes are one example, where only the recipient knows what’s in these, and they can be good for keeping things quiet, no matter how fast it goes through your supply chain. 

This is something that also gives companies a chance to list where it’s from, especially if you’re trying to avoid sharing what’s inside. there aren’t any branding or logos on the outside to show who sent this. 

Discreet Packaging for Everyday Items 

There are certain items you might want to get discreetly. Hygienic products, for instance, might be good. These containers conceal what’s inside the parcel, and usually comes in either remailer bag or postal box form. This means that nobody will be able to tell what’s within, or even see this during the process of delivery. 


Consumers also might want to see discreet packaging for other reasons. It’s worth noting that this is something that a small business should provide, or if this type of packaging material fits the requirements of customers. 

Some of these retailers do offer better discreet packaging on items that are given as gifts too, in order to not spoil surprises.   This can be something they buy during checkout and pay a little more to purchase the item. 

Industries that Use Discreet Packaging 

Many brands offer different discreet packaging, but some use this as a standard. 

Here, we’ll go over some of the unique areas where discreet packaging is a necessity. 

First, it’s adult products. Whether it’s for adult toys or lingerie, some customers may prefer to not have any extra attention given to their deliveries. Lovehoney, for instance, uses plain brown containers in order to give customers a little bit of privacy. 

This is good so that nobody else who sees these would know whether or not there’s something like that inside. 



The second option are high-value products. Discreet packaging is used for this, so that there’s no attention drawn to this item. 

For high-value items, there’s always a risk that they may end up at an incorrect address, and an opportunist may keep these items if you’re not careful. 

If you’re not aware of the packaging contents, then you may need to send them back to their return address. 

It also means that if the item is left on the doorstep, then there won’t be any possible attention drawn to them. 

Finally, there are medical products. For industries that contain sensitive information, they’ll want to do this for a few reasons.  Medical documents and medication are usually delivered in plain forms of packaging, not indicating the contents inside. Pharmacy people are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of medical information. Discreet shipping helps with this. 

A lot of pharmacies will offer this discreet and plain packaging as a standard. This allows for the items to be delivered with less chances of possible interception. 

Like with high-value items, there is always a risk of something being stolen when sent via the post, so a package is much safer when there’s discreet shipping. 



Discreet packaging is simple to understand. it avoids using windows, cellophane, and other plastics that are clear.  This is discrete form of packaging made of cardboard, and usually has all of the information that identifies the contents inside  the package as well. 

It’s simple, it’s effective, and it doesn’t require a lot to do this. so don’t be afraid to try it for your next packaging experience as well.


Monday, 8 June 2015

How to Create DIY Boxes for Cupcakes

Are you a fan of cupcakes and want something that’s good for boosting the creation values, giving you an opportunity to sell them?  Well, here are a few ways to create a DIY cupcake box in a simple, quick and dirty manner.

The first thing to do is to define the dimensions internally within the package. 

Once the toppers, muffins, and the design of this are ready for you to go, you can then measure the final different sizes of each product. Doing this yourself is a little different, but you can measure out the cupcakes, giving you a chance to find the exact sizes that will contain all of the sweets, regardless of the variations.

Once that’s there, choose the shape of the boxes that are going to contain them. You can go basic, with different customized designs on this, or if you have specific sizes, or even a type of box, then you’ll be able to put in the dimensions that are internal. you want to also choose the materials that are there, depending on the weight of the cupcakes used once completed. 


The applications online will give you a good, overall feel of the box through using a dieline of the different cupcake carriers, and you can then download this in a vector PDF form. 

Die cut templates are basically cut and fold drawings on the box, essential for creating graphics for projects. 

You can then personalize the PDF that’s there with the artwork you have on your own, entering logos and designs, to give the product the right recognizable and also the attributed pics that are there. you can place different decorative, and informative parts to this, whatever you feel you prefer. 

Create attractive graphics in order to give the added values necessary to the cakes that are there.

Then, once you’ve got the layout there, the main thing to do next is to check for the prototypes. This is something that’s really important, because you want to make sure that you choose the ideal number of boxes necessary for packaging.

The ideal solution is to put out a new product, test the waters, and then place a bigger, larger order for the items that you have on hand. That way, you can test the waters, see what works for you, and then go from there. 



Finally, before you do create custom packaging, another important thing to look at is inspiration. The right inspiration will create a good vibe for the items at hand, especially cup cakes and cupcake packaging

If you’re torn on what to do, because let’s face it, you want the ideal packaging without the problems that come from this, you need to make sure that you do look at the different collections of cupcakes. These different cupcakes for your collection provide a unique means of inspiration, giving you a chance to be inspired in your own way. When you’re able to feel that inspiration, you’ll also be able to, as well, create the designs that you want to do.



If you’re torn on where to go next with the cupcake packaging you’ve got, you’re not alone. Here, we gave you a good means to get started with your packaging. The right packaging will create the ideal experience, and as a cupcake distributor, you want something that people will remember. The right packaging gives that, and so much more, so focus on providing not only unique, fun packaging, but also one that enhances the experience that you wish to have with your packaging needs that are there too.




Thursday, 27 November 2014

Biodegradable Packaging as an Innovative way to Reduce global waste

The global waste problem has only gotten worse in recent years, with packaging being a big reason. Companies are scrambling for solutions. One of them is biodegradable packaging.

This type of packaging breaks down when you put it in the soil, and is the ultimate solution for reduction of global waste.   With more and more eco-friendly packaging options for customers and various businesses, there’s a lot of potential. Here, we’ll go over the elements of biodegradable packaging, and why more companies are choosing this as a solution for their packaging needs. 

Elements of Biodegradable Packaging 

With biodegradable packaging, you’re looking for a more natural type of packaging that breaks down. These tend to be plant-based, whether it’s the outer box, or even the inner lining for the packaging.

With so many great options to choose from, the sky’s the limit on it.



Cornstarch and mushroom are two popular ones. These are manipulated, and then will be manufactured into packaging. When done, it breaks down in the soil, since it is made with plant-based materials. Cellulose also works too, so it can be a viable solution to your packaging needs. 

With biodegradable packaging, you do need to make sure that you get the right certification for this. These include packaging certifications that show these are sustainably sourced. One problem with this type of packaging is that when they’re not sourced properly, it creates problems down the line. It contributes to soil erosion, and other problems.   With the right certifications, your packaging is totally good, and won’t cause further issues due to oversights. 

The other thing to look at is to ensure that it really is biodegradable. With more coming to the market, they want pieces of the pie. This means that the packaging might not be as sustainable as you think. make sure to do your research before you start to begin with biodegradable packaging solutions. 



Why go Biodegradable 

Here’s what’s scary: our landfills are filling up, and our oceans are being polluted. The pollution entraps animals, and leads to the emission of pollutants, contributing to the increase in greenhouse gasses.

With the climate crisis in full swing, companies need to consider other solutions. This includes looking at your packaging, ensuring that you’re able to give something safe and sustainable.

With biodegradable packaging, you’re reducing the rampant plastic pollution and landfill filling of needless items with various biodegradable alternatives that are out there. 

If you do this, you’ll make customers happy too.  more and more customers love that the companies take care of their packaging. Giving these solutions will aid with making it so that you’re able to appeal to a larger customer base than ever before. 

The considerations of Biodegradable [packaging 

There are a few considerations that you need to be mindful of, in order to use biodegradable packaging.

The first are the costs. This packaging costs a lot of money at the beginning, more than some of the beginning businesses are willing to fork over.   Keep this in mind, and make sure you can shoulder those costs. 



The other problem is the durability of the packaging.   It isn’t as durable as other means.  If you can’t get the results that you want from this, consider alternative solutions such as recyclable or reusable packaging.

Finally, scalability.   As you grow your business, you will need to scale it. This can be a challenge if you’re sourcing from c companies that are small. Keep them informed, and see for yourself . Biodegradable packaging is the future, and something worth considering too.


Friday, 27 July 2012

Sustainable Packaging for the Beauty Industry

These days, the beauty industry is all about taking care of the environment. While we are familiar with reduction of testing on animals, it’s now moved into another direction that is familiar for many.

The packaging of their products. The beauty industry does create a marked effect on the environment, but their packaging is something we don’t talk about as much.

Unsustainable packaging has been a problem, especially with the rise of packaging products that you cannot throw away.

That’s why some brands are taking it upon themselves to be sustainable, and to have the packaging work well for those beauty brands. Here, we’ll go over the different types of sustainable packaging beauty products can use, and the end result of this type of packaging.

Materials and Practices for Sustainable Packaging 

In the world of beauty, there are some practices that are worth mentioning. The first is the outer container.

Paper is usually what’s used for the outer packaging. Kraft paper especially has become popular, especially for more natural brands.   In other industries, some of them have started to upcycle and recycle the packaging boxes that are there.    Some even try to use alternatives to plastic packaging, such as glass. These are all valid means. 

Speaking of recycled and biodegradable, both of these are also used in packaging. Some beauty brands have made it so that their bottles are recycled when brought in, and then after you’re done, you get some cashback for bringing it back.

In the world of biodegradable materials, there’s a lot.   Some companies have even started to use biodegradable plastic for each of these, as the material is very easy for you to use.   

Some companies have started to use refillable solutions. A customer buys the bottle, and when they’re done, they can refill it.   if they need to buy a replacement they can. This is a great way to use an item again and reduces the use of single-use plastics. 



Finally, in a lot of sustainable companies, there’s a new rise in edible and washable inks.   Good for the environment, these come right off, without harming the fibers of the packaging. Some beauty brands have started to use this, because it is safer for the cosmetics as well, reducing the chemicals that are present. 

The Benefits and Challenges 

When packaging for the beauty industry, there are some major challenges that come with this, and some different benefits that also follow as well.

One of the biggest benefits is of course, reducing the waste and environmental impact. This is the most obvious, but when cosmetic companies change to this, it does create a surefire impact.

But there are some downsides. One of the biggest challenges is that they struggle with actually pricing out the packaging so you still are in the black.   Aesthetics are another. Some beauty companies benefit from the more natural aesthetics, whereas those that are a little more luxurious do need to be mindful of how they’re going to make their materials sustainable to use. 



Finally, the functionality. Not all customers have the ability or desire to go in and return a bottle when they’re done. Brands need to realize this and provide an optimized solution so that their audience is willing to be sustainable with their packaging. 

Obviously there’s a lot of different ways to grow with this, and a ton of growth in this realm. With that side, if you’re a beauty brand and trying to stand out a bit more, consider going sustainable, and seeing for yourself just what types of packaging you have.


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