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Manufacturer Highlight: Ranpak Paper Cushioning Systems

Deciding on the best void fill solution for your application can sometimes feel like a shot in the dark. But, knowing how each packaging equipment services solution works to protect your product can be a big benefit to the decision-making process. There are positives for paper, bubble, foam, and air pillows, but today’s post is all about paper void fill in the form of Ranpak cushioning.

Ranpak has been around for 46 years and is the leading manufacturer and innovator of kraft paper cushioning and void fill. Their machines have been perfected over the years and their cushioned pads can be found protecting anything from auto parts to cold food in smaller one-pack-line set-ups to variable items found in major e-commerce retailers operating across the world. The versatility is endless, and here are the reasons why.

Renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable

Ranpak’s goal when they first opened in 1972 was to create the first environmentally responsible packaging material to effectively protect products during shipment. Ranpak is made from virgin and recycled kraft paper which gives it extra strength when it comes to packaging your materials and makes it 100% recyclable. Other cushioning paper that is made with higher percentages of recycled content tends to flatten and tear easier due to weaker fiber structure. Paper with higher rates of recycled content also have an increase in rejection at the recycling center due to higher rates of contamination within the product. Ranpak uses clean, unaltered processes so the paper will biodegrade in the correct environment in as little as three months. The paper also ships in flat, compact bundles so it uses less freight space to get from point A to point B versus other forms of cushioning.

Low thermal conductivity for temperature sensitive products

The thermal conductivity of paper is very low. That means it won’t transfer temperatures easily; keeping cold products cold and hot products hot while shipping. This is an important factor for the rapidly growing business of grocery shipments and food box subscriptions. Creating a dependable thermal barrier is essential when shipping other products which could be impacted by extreme outside temperatures like pharmaceuticals, electronics, cosmetic products, and more. Ranpak has done extensive research on which of their options is best for temperature-sensitive products. And, based on the application, they can show real data about how your product will perform in the elements.

Paper absorbs shock versus transferring it to your product

The versatility of paper is really never ending. Paper cushioning has a high energy absorption rate which means less of that energy is transferred to your product if dropped while in transit. The proprietary paper folding techniques Ranpak has developed in its cushioning line of options have proven to be very successful across a range of items from ceramics and crystal to auto parts and light bulbs. The higher the shock absorption of the cushioning, the safer your product is while being jumbled around.

Automation to increase productivity

Ranpak Automation utilizes three primary components in adaptable configurations to customize a solution based on your needs. AccuFill® provides detailed void information using state of the art sensors to ensure the appropriate amount of paper is dispensed to fill the void without waste. The Autofill® converter eliminates hands on operation allowing for continuous filling of voids. The AutoTaper® provides the fastest auto taping solution in the industry. This allows companies to increase productivity and better plan and budget for material usage. It also frees up workers for other parts of production.

Key Takeaways

  • Renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable
  • Effective cushioning for heavy or light products with multiple pad configurations for ultimate versatility
  • Variety of packing techniques with the same pad for customers shipping a variety of packages
  • Unused packaging stores flat, saving on transportation and custom warehousing space
  • Consumer-friendly packaging when shipping temperature-sensitive products
  • Full automation available for advanced packaging lines

Whenever you are on the search for a new vendor-managed inventory solution in your packaging line always ask your packaging expert what sets the products apart and how it will positively impact your packaging process and your end-user’s experience.  If you aren’t using Ranpak yet, we encourage you to give us a call to schedule a free demo or free trial.

During the demo and/or trial we will show you best practices when wrapping your products based on industry standards and allow you to try the equipment to see what you do and don’t like. We’re confident there will be more that you do like by the end!

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Thermal Transfer vs Direct Thermal Labels

A common question we are asked is, “what is the difference between thermal transfer and direct thermal transfer label printing?” Well, it’s all in the name to start, but there are a lot of considerations a company should review before making the decision on which system to go with.

What’s in a name?

Thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials. But, when it comes to direct thermal printing no ribbon is used. Instead, the image is printed directly onto the material.

How do they work?

In thermal transfer printing, a thermal printhead applies heat to a ribbon, which melts ink onto the material to form the image. The ink is absorbed so that the image becomes part of the media. This technique provides image quality and durability that is unmatched by other on-demand printing technologies. Direct thermal printing uses chemically treated, heat-sensitive media that blackens when it passes under the thermal printhead. Direct thermal printers have no ink, toner, or ribbon.

Why choose one over the other?

Direct thermal printers are less expensive overall versus thermal transfer printers, but DT media is more sensitive to light, heat and abrasion, which reduces the life of the printed material.  If you are printing labels for products that will be outside for extended periods of time or will have a long shelf life it is best to use thermal transfer labels.  Thermal label printers are ideal for barcode printing because they produce accurate, high-quality images with excellent edge definition. Thermal printers are engineered to print within tight tolerances and to produce the exact bar widths that successful barcode printing and scanning require. Each technology can produce one- and two-dimensional barcode symbologies, graphics and text at the same print resolutions and speeds.

Their simple design makes direct thermal printers durable and easy to use. Because there is no ribbon, direct thermal printers cost less to operate than inkjet, laser, impact, and thermal transfer printers. Most mobile printers use direct thermal technology. For companies that move product quickly in and out of their warehouse, don’t require lifetime identification, or don’t store the products outside, direct thermal printing might be a great option.

Thermal transfer printers can accept a wider variety of media than direct thermal models, including paper, polyester, and polypropylene materials. Thermal transfer printers can create extremely durable wristbands, asset tags, and certification labels, in addition to common labels, tags, and tickets. The specific label material and ribbon must be carefully matched to ensure print performance and durability.

By selecting the right media-ribbon combination, as well as specialty adhesives, users can create archival-quality labels to withstand temperature extremes, ultraviolet exposure, chemicals, sterilization, and more. Typical thermal transfer applications include: product identification; circuit board tracking; permanent identification; sample and file tracking; asset tagging; inventory identification; certification labels such as UL/CSA; laboratory specimens; cold storage and freezers; and outdoor applications.

Other considerations:

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What’s in the Bag: Poly Bag Materials, Differences, Types, and More

We believe in the importance of empowering customers to feel more comfortable in conversations about the products being used in production lines. Pricing and recommendations are heavily based on meeting the spec of the job, but if everything about the product is confusing that can make it hard to understand why certain materials are being recommended over others. Not to mention understanding why one material might not work over another even if they seem similar. We offer stock and custom bags and can have most stock to you within 2-3 days. Custom printing, specialty gusseted options, UVI or anti-stat, and many more options are available. The following is a quick but detailed breakdown of the most common characteristics of poly bags available in the marketplace.

Understanding the Differences Between Bag Materials

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE – also simply known as “poly”)

This is probably the most common type of bag.  An example of LDPE bags would be your standard sandwich bags you buy at the grocery store.  It is flexible and tough, but is breakable, and comes in a variety of thicknesses and sizes.  Most LDPE bags are USDA and FDA approved for food storage.  Polyethylene is translucent and prohibits a greater amount of light from penetrating, subsequently making it the preferred choice for archival storage of printed materials.  It has a low static charge, meaning that it will attract less dirt, dust or other foreign elements than other materials.

Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

Similar in appearance and feel to LDPE, LLDPE is a stronger variant of a polyethylene bag.  It has more puncture resistance and resilience than LDPE, is very flexible and stretchy, offers better resistance to heat and cold, all while not needing to be as thick as a comparable strength LDPE bag.  It is not as easy to process as LDPE and can therefore be more expensive, has a lower gloss, and a narrower range for heat sealing.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is most commonly seen in retail bags like you get at the grocery or drug store, or in trash can liners.  It has very little clarity and is thinner and very “crinkly” compared to LDPE (standard poly) which is smoother and has very good clarity.  The advantage of HDPE is its high strength to density ratio – meaning that it can be very strong while still being very thin.  It has less flexibility than LDPE and can withstand higher temperatures for short periods.

Polypropylene (polypro or LDPP)

This is most common for food products and for presentation quality.  It is a high clarity bag that provides a protective barrier against moisture and vapors, which helps delay evaporation and dehydration to preserve freshness and taste of food products.  It is fully transparent.  They are ideal for food storage, clean room, electronics, and other applications.  It is stiffer and more “crinkly” than LDPE and has a slightly rougher surface.  It is not flexible or tear/puncture resistant.  All polypro bags meet FDA and USDA specifications.

Polyethylene Polypropylene
Clarity Good (decreasing with thickness) Excellent
Translucent (prohibits more light) Transparent
FDA/USDA Approved Yes Yes
Heat Sealable Yes Yes
Flexible Yes No
Puncture Resistance Good (depending upon thickness) Fair
Food Storage Good Excellent
Stock Thicknesses 1 mil – 6mil .8mil – 3mil (1.5mil standard)
Archival Storage Excellent Good
Surface Texture Smooth Rough (relatively)
Static Charge Low Higher
Chemical Resistance Good Excellent
Melting Point Low High

Finding the right bag for your application

Now that you know what the bags are made of, now it’s time for our best recommendations based off your needs. As an industrial packaging supplier, we always recommend lending your supplier some samples of what you currently use, requesting samples of your own for testing, and explaining your application to your packaging specialist to guarantee the correct bag is being used.

Strength and resistance to tear/puncture LLDPE, LDPE
Clarity and presentation PolyPro
Flexibility and toughness LDPE or LLDPE
Strength and affordability HDPE
Food storage (long term) PolyPro
Food storage (short term) LDPE or PolyPro
Can/Bin liners HDPE or LDPE
Retail merchandise bags HDPE or LDPE
Affordability, effectiveness, and diversity of applications LDPE
FDA/USDA approval LDPE or PolyPro
Archival storage of printed materials LDPE
Heat sealing LDPE & LLDPE are ideal and most common. Others are dependent upon the machine and bag thickness

The thickness (mil) of bags makes a difference

Similar to other packaging products like stretch film or tape, the thickness of your bag highly determines its effectiveness (and price). Mil thickness generally ranges from 1 mil to 6 mil and what you use is determined by what is going into the bag, how it is being shipped, and the weight of the object. Depending on if or how you are sealing the bag the thickness can also change. Heavier, pointier objects are going to need a thicker bag to help with puncture resistance whereas an object without sharp corners will not. If heat sealing the bag a certain thickness might be in order to guarantee a proper case sealer.

Sealing Bags

Heat Sealing

Heat sealers offer a secure seal for polyethylene and polypropylene bags up to 6mil thick and up to 24” wide.  Many heat sealers come with a warranty program, require no warm-up period, and use electricity only when the sealing bar is down.  Options include hand sealers, manual foot-operated sealers, and automatic case sealers, with or without trimmers.  Each heat sealer creates a seal that is both water-tight and air-tight.  Using a heat sealer creates a permanent seal that cannot be reused.

Learn more about our cold seal packaging machine as well.

Reclosable/Zip Top Bags

Reclosable zip-top bags are lay flat or bottom-gusseted and range in thickness from 1mil to 6mil.  Most zip top bags are FDA approved and offered in polyethylene or polypropylene.  There are generally three types of zip top reclosable bags:

  • Standard Single-Track Reclosable Zip Tops
    These offer a standard single zipper closure, similar to retail zip top sandwich bags
  • Double-Track Reclosable Zip Tops
    These bags offer a double-zip closure that assures an extra-secure seal
  • Slider Top Reclosable Zip Tops
    Slider top bags are ideal for bags that need to be accessed repeatedly.  They are easy to use and access, even with gloved hands.  The slider assures as much as possible that the seal is complete and secure.

Lip and Tape Closures

This is a lip and tape closure bag example

A lip and tape closure is similar to an envelope closure where there is a lip that extends over the opening of the bag and which has a tape strip that, when folded down to the bag, creates a seal.  Lip and tape closures can be permanent or reusable.

Draw String Closure

Double-pull drawstring bags open easily and provide a secure closure as well as a convenient means of hanging the bag.  They can be reused multiple times.  They are ideal for content that needs to be accessed repeatedly and easily and in a way that will eliminate fall-out possibility.

Ties and Tape

Common options include vinyl and paper twist ties as well as nylon cable ties, self-locking adjustable plastic ties, and bag sealing tape.  Each of these offers an easy and affordable means of sealing any type of bag.  Of these, only the nylon cable ties and the bag sealing tape are not reusable.

Bags and Tubing best suited for sensitive electrical components

Metallic Static Shielding Bags

Best for static sensitive components that are handled outside of an Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA).  These form an effective Faraday Cage around the contents (a Faraday Cage is when the bag is slightly conductive and forms a shield around the contents to protect any discharges from being deposited on to the protected device during the handling process).  These bags should not be creased or used if there are any tears or punctures as it can reduce the integrity of the shield/Faraday Cage.  The effectiveness of the bag can also deteriorate with use, so when in doubt, it is best to use new bags. Make sure your static shielding bags meet certain electrical and physical requirements like ANSI/ESD S541, EIA 625 and ANSI/ESD S20.20 program compliant, and/or tested per MIL-STD3010 4046 and ANSI/ESD STM11.11.

Black Conductive Bags

These bags should only be used in an Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA) and while the handler is grounded.  It is possible that contents could be damaged by contact with an electrostatic discharge (ESD – an uncontrolled surge of static between objects with different voltage).
Check to see if black conductive bags meet the requirements of MIL-P-82646 Rev B

Pink Anti-Static (PAS) Bags

PAS bags are the only acceptable poly bag in an electrostatic protected area and offer no effective protection against a contact electrostatic discharge.  They are best used for non-static sensitive components, such as nuts and bolts.  Standard poly bags may generate and hold static charges greater than 10,000v, making the PAS bags a highly practical option.  PAS bags are also amine-free.  The effectiveness of anti-static bags can deteriorate over time, so when in doubt, it is best to use new bags.
Ask if PAS bags meet the static decay requirements of MIL-PRF-81705E, Type II and EIA-541 and/or bags ags 4mil and thicker are engineered to provide a surface resistivity less than 1×1012 ohms/sq.

Looking for more information for application-specific options? Contact Colony Packaging! We work with customers on many bag-specific projects from lining gaylords for better containment to kitting for faster shipping. We will work side-by-side on making sure the bag being recommended works for your project and budget. Browse some of our most popular options here!

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Industrial Branding: Is it the right move for you?

In our business we find a lot of customers shipping to stores or working off margins that seem to not allow for that “premium” thrill that is so common with the very trendy #unboxing experiences seen across social media the last few years. While celebrating the holidays this year you may have taken notice to some pretty cool packaging that sparked your interest and got you thinking, “Can we do this too?” 2018 is in full force and blogs everywhere are outlining the trendiest retail packaging predictions.  As an industrial packaging company, we couldn’t help but pass along some easy ways to team up with your marketing department to take your industrial packaging to the next level and get you remembered by your customer in unexpected ways.

But first, you might be asking yourself, “Why all the attention on industrial packaging branding?” In a poll by Sealed Air, a leading void fill expert in the world, 66 percent of customers believe the packaging of their shipment reflects how much a brand cares about them. Another 68 percent say that they are more conscious of packaging today than five years ago. When you walk into a store the displays have been specially crafted to make customers more intrigued to explore.  Customers now expect the same feeling when they open your package at home on the couch – smartphone in hand ready to post a photo with your company’s stated hashtag.  That’s where exciting packaging merges functionality and marketing.  To form this partnership between an industrial packaging wholesaler and your purchasing, quality control, and marketing departments here are top options that work in the industrial market.

BRANDED TAPE: WATER-ACTIVATED AND PRESSURE SENSITIVE

Printed water-activated tape has been popular for a long time but more consumers have become hyper-aware of its bold statement potential since companies like Amazon and Home Depot have dived headfirst into the industrial branding waters.  Depending on the application you might find pressure sensitive tape to be more favorable in your pack line set-up, but both options give your customers that extra kick of excitement.  Your logo and colors give a bold statement. Plus, it also adds a tamper-evident quality to your package. Not to mention all the hands that your package passes through from your warehouse to the front step now seeing your brand over and over again.

PRINTED BOXES

There are two great options here with unlimited designs.  For the customers that want a bold statement on the outside of the box consider block-out print or interesting patterns to make your package pop.  Or, for the customer that needs to be a bit conspicuous, consider printing for the inside of the box for when the customer opens up their package.  It’s the extra “wow” factor you want your customers to remember.  Considering how many individuals reuse boxes for home storage it’s a great way to keep your brand front and center.  This is also a great opportunity to say “thanks” by slipping a message on the inside flap for only your customer to see.  It’s the personalized touch that sticks with a customer.

 

 

PRINTED PACKING LIST ENVELOPES

Depending on what you pack and who you ship to it might not make sense to use fully printed boxes, but if your products don’t have branded labels a custom printed packing list envelope can help remind your customer where their product came from when they are getting low.  Rarely do people tear off the full envelope to a box – generally just cutting it open to grab the paper out and leaving the envelope behind stuck to the box.  A branded packing list envelope can give re-order instructions like a web address or phone number with your name and logo prominently displayed.

PRINTED BAGS

Many consumers reuse bags many times over and it’s a great opportunity for industrial companies to take this opportunity to put their logo on it – keeping your brand top of mind.

 

 

 

 

VOID FILL

Sealed Air is currently changing the game when it comes to customized on-demand bubble wrap.  From bold colors to actual custom shaped bubbles like dog bones and hearts this is the way brands are making a wow-statement.  When it comes to paper packaging Ranpak’s Geami line gives that curated feel with reliable cushioning. Companies can now give customers a “gift-wrapped” feel with their regular industrial packaging.

 

 

 

PRINTED SHRINK FILM or STRETCH FILM

Very different products but similar branding opportunities.  First, how is your product being shipped?  If on an open truck bed this is the perfect time to talk to marketing about getting printed stretch film for everyone to see.  You have branded trucks so why wouldn’t you brand your products when they aren’t in the truck?  As for shrink film – it is one more layer of blank canvas ad-space that can give your brand that extra boost in the consumer’s eyes.

 

This was a quick run-down of our most popularly branded packaging materials with endless possibilities. Contact Colony Packaging if you are looking to give your customers one more reason to come back next time they order consider their experience while opening your package at their front step.

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The Season of Oktoberfests: Marking and Coding More Than Beer Bottles

Event coordinators around the world have it made for the month of October.  Between Oktoberfest events (cheers to you, Reading Leiderkranz – the best in all the US lands), Fall Festivals, our own local Yorktoberfest and all the pumpkin spice someone can take it is a busy time of year for everyone, including breweries.

Central PA’s local micro-breweries have been popping up left and right to add to the already hoppy landscape with big-time brewers like Yuengling, Tröegs, and Victory.  It’s exciting to witness and gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our complete line of package conversion to marking and coding equipment and inks with local service and support.  Whether it is a small date code or printing-on-demand we have options that can fit in-line with operating packaging lines or hand-held devices for on-the-go shops.  Here are some of our favorite options available now for all customers utilizing marking and coding technologies:

Digital Design’s EV4

One of our most cost-effective and popular options is the Evolution 1 and Digital Design is now upping their game with the release of the EV4.  The EV2 and 3 both brought some great features for the right candidate but the EV4 is truly making waves.  The new printhead allows for up to 1” of fully formed print including barcodes and graphics – something that could only happen by stitching multiple printheads together in the past.  Control the 110 foot per minute print with the 4.3” color touchscreen controller for applications including date code, barcodes, logos, and more.  Ask us about demoing this unit!

Matthew’s Marking eSolarMark Fiber Laser Coding System

This system was designed to provide high quality, permanent marks onto aluminum cans for the craft brew industry (and beverage industry as a whole). Breweries, much like food manufacturers, are looking for ways to eliminate ink chemicals, reduce mess, improve mark appearance, and reduce the cost per mark. With vector-quality marking and the elimination of solvent and ink consumables into the waste stream the eSolarMark Fiber Laser Coding System etches the surface of the substrate to deliver your message.

Digital Design’s Evolution Handheld

We understand not everyone has an in-line conveyor system, that’s where Digital Design’s Evolution Handheld really comes in handy.  While working with Digital Design’s other leading printhead models, this hand-held is perfect for the company that needs flexibility in movement without compromising the quality of marking. The EVHH is perfect for the company not running conveyor systems but still needs reliable coding.  A few great example applications include customers using large gaylords, building supply manufacturers, oversized cumbersome skids, super sacks, security codes on wrapped pallets, and customers looking to replace hand stenciling.

Matthew’s Marking MPERIA Controller

This is the controller that every operation needs that has multiple packaging lines with multiple coding configurations set up.  The MPERIA manages multiple print technologies including high resolution piezo ink jet, high resolution thermal ink jet, laser and drop on demand valve ink jet – all from a single interface. One thing we see a lot of in the industry is companies that have added on different technologies throughout the years which can be really time consuming to maintain.  Matthews recognized that as well and made this controller to bridge the gap. Not only can you link Matthew’s software together into one controller but the MPERIA amps up your control by allowing you to hook into other competitor software systems as well.  That means you no longer have to go to each and every station to reset codes – now do it wirelessly and with much more ease and speed.

The above is a run-down of some of the most common and convenient options we see our customers needing.  Each pack line is different and we understand that, that’s why we know meeting with you and seeing your operation first hand can help us recommend the best product for your immediate needs and future goals.  Many of our systems are as easy as plug-and-play and we stock several options on our floor for immediate delivery. Give us a call or contact your Sales Representative today for more information!

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All About Strapping

Using strapping in your packaging line can help reinforce packages in different ways.  In today’s post we are going to outline the most common uses, benefits, and drawbacks of different strapping materials to help you determine the best packaging equipment services for you.

There are four different strapping mediums: steel, polyester (PET), polypropylene (polypro), and cording.

Steel Strapping

Steel strapping is the strongest of all the strapping materials.  It is recommended where high strength is necessary, low elongation (stretch) is important, and where the product may be sharp or hot.  Steel strapping is sealed using mechanical seals and notch (sealless) type joints.  It is still the preferred alternative in many industries.
Advantages –  High strength, low elongation
Disadvantages – Relatively expensive, sharp edges, difficult to recycle
Applications – Sharp or hot products, steel, rail car, heavy construction

Polypropylene Strapping

Polypropylene strapping is the most commonly used and least expensive of all strapping materials.  It is light, easy to apply, and easy to recycle.  Its primary characteristics are high elongation (stretch) and elongation recovery.  It has, however, a low retained tension.  Polypropylene strapping is available in hand grade and machine grade, and can be sealed with buckles, seals, heat seals, or friction welds.  Worth noting, machine grade strapping can be used with manual tools, but hand grade strapping should not be used in a machine application.  Polypropylene is used in all automatic strapping machines and almost all stand-alone arch strapping machines.
Advantages – Most cost effective, lightweight, easy to apply, easy to recycle, high elongation, high elongation recover
Disadvantages – Low retained tension, potential to split
Applications – Light duty palletizing, unitizing, carton closing, bundling

Polyester

Polyester (or PET) is the most rigid of the strapping options.  It has significantly less elongation than polypropylene and retains tension over a longer period of time.  Polyester strap is nick resistant and is sealed with seals, heat, or friction welds.

Since polyester strapping offers the highest strength and greatest retained tension of all the plastic strapping, it is often used on heavy duty loads that need high initial tension along with high retained tension during handling and storage.  Additionally, competitive pricing and performance characteristics have motivated many steel strapping uses to switch to polyester.  Polyester strapping is available in both machine grade and hand grade and is easy to dispose of and recycle.
Advantages – Most rigid, long tension retention, high strength, nick resistant, easy to recycle
Disadvantages – Less elongation than polypropylene
Applications – Empty cans and bottles, lumber, heavy/rigid pallet loads, steel replacement
Cord Strapping

Cord strapping is available in both polyester and rayon, and comes in two basic forms – uniline and cross woven.  Cord is used only in manual applications and is sealed using buckles, seals, or is tied.  Polyester cord offers excellent resistance to moisture and is frequently used in outdoor applications.  Heavy duty polyester cord is frequently replacing steel in lumber applications.
Advantages – Can be manual applied with no tools, moisture resistant
Disadvantages – Poor elongation, difficult to recycle
Applications – Steel replacement, agricultural, boating

The chart below illustrates the advantages of each type of strapping and compares the relative performance of each.  It also indicates what types of applications will work with that material.  Definitions of these characteristics can be found below.

Is strapping the right product for you? Contact your sales representative for best options for your application and for more information regarding the machines tools, and industrial packaging services we have available.

Learn more about other features by working with us, like vendor-managed inventory.

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Five Questions to Ask Before Buying Packaging Equipment

If you have learned one thing in the packaging business thus far in your career it is probably that you can’t always go off of price.  There are a lot of decisions that go into why one product works over the other and that innovative advances can’t always be seen by looking at the product.  We understand this and know the same is true for purchasing equipment.  So, how do you make your decision after you have compared basic features and prices?  Here are five questions to ask your supplier that shouldn’t be overlooked during the packaging equipment services decision process:

How safe is this machine?

Equipment manufacturers have safety ratings and they are important to pay attention to.  Has the manufacturer faced any lawsuits in regards to their machinery?  It is your right to know how safe a piece of equipment is that is going into your building, and many manufacturers can provide white papers on safety tests.

What is the maintenance like on this machine?

Machines break – they do, they are machines.  If anyone is telling you they don’t then it is time to walk away.  Wear and tear is just another part of the process, but not all manufacturers are created equal when it comes to spare parts availability and cost.  Similarly, not all warranties cover what you need covered.  Do your packaging equipment services provide maintenance or do you need to pay for hotel stays on top of a service call?  Your equipment is a big investment, and we want to make sure you are getting good use out of it for the life of the machine.  As an industrial packaging supplier, we guarantee the brands we represent and are confident they are the best options in the market.  Plus, our industrial packaging services cover what we sell.  Our brands are built to last with regular care and maintenance – can the same be said for the brand you are considering?

What’s involved with training in regards to this machine?

Does your machine have easy-to-follow features or does it provide an option to “lock out” unwanted tinkering operators?  How easy is it to train someone on the machine and how easy is it to make adjustments?  Don’t under-estimate company morale when it comes to ease of use and frustration-free (or, limited frustration) equipment operation.

Are any other customers using this machine and how long have they had it?

If no other customers are using it or if they used it for only a short while then your next question should be, “Why?”  It could be that you have a very particular and rare application, or it could be that the piece of machinery you are looking at isn’t the best option.  Your supplier usually can’t name names but they should be able to tell you other applications they have dealt with that have used the piece of machinery you are considering.

Lastly, are there any hidden fees regarding installation, training, maintenance, or product use?

Don’t get stuck in a situation where the upfront costs seemed fantastic and then once the purchase is made other costs start seeping into other project budgets.  As technology changes it isn’t uncommon for more equipment manufacturers to install RFID readers to only accept certain products for instance.  Or, you don’t want to get stuck paying an exorbitant service bill because your supplier doesn’t have their own service technicians.  Ask your supplier what your options are in these areas to guarantee you are making the best decision short-term and long-term.

Do you think these questions would be helpful during your equipment buying and vendor-managed inventory decisions?  What other issues have you come across that changed your decision before purchase or you wish you would have known before you signed the dotted line?  Tell Colony Packaging & Machine in the comments below.

Check out other top products like the cold seal packaging machine.

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  • New & Used Equipment

    Our equipment options run the gamut – from new options to used options we have the equipment our customers are looking to fit the budget they need.

  • Rentals and Lease-to-Own

    We work with our customers on an individualized basis to offer rental programs that suit their needs.  Sometimes buying new equipment for a short term project isn\’t in the budget, but we can help keep you efficient with a large array of commonly used equipment to get you going.  Ready to buy but want to pay as you go?  We offer lease-to-own options for qualified customers on our large variety of machines.

  • In-House Equipment Service

    Our in-house Service Technicians are factory trained and work on the equipment we sell and equipment we don\’t. Our service capabilities include emergency repair services, planned maintenance programs, and a spare parts program.  We also include installation and training in most of our equipment quotes to help get your equipment up and going quickly and effectively.

  • Trusted Vendor Relationships

    The equipment manufacturers we represent have been hand-picked and evaluated by our team to guarantee quality, efficiency, and reliable support.  Many of the vendors we work with are the top in their industry including 3M, Sealed Air, Ranpak, Shanklin, Combi, Strapack, Orion, Wexxar-Bel, BetterPack, and many others.

  • Proven Success

    We guarantee our equipment because our customers see it working in their warehouses every single day.  We can provide anonymous case studies that showcase cost savings and functionality.

Our equipment options run the gamut – from new options to used options we have the equipment our customers are looking to fit the budget they need.

We work with our customers on an individualized basis to offer rental programs that suit their needs.  Sometimes buying new equipment for a short term project isn\’t in the budget, but we can help keep you efficient with a large array of commonly used equipment to get you going.  Ready to buy but want to pay as you go?  We offer lease-to-own options for qualified customers on our large variety of machines.

Our in-house Service Technicians are factory trained and work on the equipment we sell and equipment we don\’t. Our service capabilities include emergency repair services, planned maintenance programs, and a spare parts program.  We also include installation and training in most of our equipment quotes to help get your equipment up and going quickly and effectively.

The equipment manufacturers we represent have been hand-picked and evaluated by our team to guarantee quality, efficiency, and reliable support.  Many of the vendors we work with are the top in their industry including 3M, Sealed Air, Ranpak, Shanklin, Combi, Strapack, Orion, Wexxar-Bel, BetterPack, and many others.

We guarantee our equipment because our customers see it working in their warehouses every single day.  We can provide anonymous case studies that showcase cost savings and functionality.

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Feeling Green Yet? How Thinking Sustainably Can Up Your Packaging Game

Amazon.com has already revolutionized the way companies and customers think about e-commerce sales. Now, similar to Walmart, they are making waves in regards to how companies and customers are thinking about packaging and bringing that conversation out of the warehouse and to the forefront of a customer’s mind.

Recently an article was published on how Amazon is suggesting packaging tips to its resellers to reduce packaging while still maintaining the integrity of the package while in transit.  If top packaging suppliers follow their tips they are promised better promotion across the site – something any company can benefit from.  The leading verbiage in Amazon’s effort – to eliminate “wrap rage,” but the spill-over effect is evident.

Amazon’s initiative matched with hot phrases like “thinking green” and being sustainably-minded make it a great time for your company to start getting on board no matter your means of commerce.  That concept can seem tricky when you are in the business of shipping your products across the country or world, but when we break it down it’s easy for any company to feel like they are in better control of their green-paved future.

Review Your Current Packaging

Taking a nod from an earlier post regarding right-sizing your carton we always suggest reviewing your actual packaging and deciding if it is performing to your company and customer’s standards.  Reducing the volume of material that goes into your packaging might mean a totally different packaging configuration.  But, can it reduce shipping costs? Can it reduce waste in the landfill?  Can it improve damage rates or maintain low ones? Think responsible minimalism meets practicality.

List Your Packaging Goals

What are your company’s objectives when it comes to reducing overall costs or material usage in the next five years?  Have you listed goals concerning packaging material, vendor-managed inventory, custom warehousing, how you get your packaging, and how you package up what you ship?  Additionally, have you asked yourself what ROI you are looking for when it comes to considering a change in the packaging line to reduce labor hours?

Example: Check out this suspension packaging (A) from Sealed Air – their Korrvu line can reduce void fill use while maintaining or even increasing packaging protection performance. Notably Ranpak (B) offers fully recyclable options with its virgin kraft paper cushioning systems, and Paragon now offers thinner, stronger stretch film (C) – reducing material usage which lowers a company’s waste output.

Re-evaluating your packaging line for energy efficiency and material use.

Sometimes when our industrial packaging company talks to customers, they get stuck on only looking at reducing or changing up their commodity items – like tape or stretch film.  But in reality a big part of reducing material waste and cost is by investing in better-running equipment (like a cold seal packaging machine) or maintaining the equipment already on the floor.  For example, we often come across equipment that hasn’t been serviced for years. This lack of service leaves equipment running poorly and reducing efficiency which in turn leads to wasted materials and money wasted.

Example: Stretcher bars on stretch wrappers when not serviced can start tearing film and inefficiently delivering film to the pallet – wasting time on re-wrapping a pallet which in turn also leads to wasted material.

Understand where your materials are coming from.

Working with vendors that are close-by helps decrease fuel emissions when considering how far that material had to go to get to you.  The less your product had to travel means a decrease in your company’s carbon footprint.  Similarly, if you have space to order in larger quantities that can also help reduce fuel emissions by reducing the amount of trips it takes to get material on your floor.

What packaging-minded tips do you have when it comes to reducing your company’s carbon footprint while increasing efficiency?  Our industrial packaging supplies company at Colony wants to hear about them – leave a comment below to share your thoughts.

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One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Save Money by Right-Sizing your Packages

 

A couple of years ago, UPS made the announcement they would be switching over to using DIM weight while considering the billable weight for shipping rates and other shipping carriers followed suit.  This change had a delayed impact on a lot of companies as they had or were in the process of negotiating shipping terms for set periods of time.  But, many of those contracts are now expiring and more and more companies are asking us:  How does Colony Packaging & Machine get our shipping rates down?

[pullquote]“Billable Rate: Billable weight is the weight used to calculate the shipping rate. For domestic and international services, the billable weight will be the greater of the dimensional weight compared to the actual weight.”[/pullquote]

There are a few ways we go about looking at lowering shipping rates while guaranteeing the integrity of the package.

Find out how prevalent the problem is.

Many times we find there are at least three people involved in determining if shipping charges have gone up and whether or not their bottom line is being negatively impacted:

  1. The person creating the shipping label and seeing the price – this could also be the person negotiating with the shipping company on shipping terms.
  2. The person sourcing the packaging materials and creating the least amount of inventoried items on the floor.
  3. The person paying the shipping bills each month. This person could be noticing the charges creeping up.

Getting in contact with each of these people can help a company save on shipping.

Right-size your shipping carton.

If you’ve determined your shipping charges have indeed gone up and/or you noticed many times there are items shipping in over-sized boxes it is time to right-size your package.  Categorize your items by what type of box they ship in first – single wall or double wall – and then by size.  If there are items that are close in shape and size that can use the same box then do that, but if you have a large array of products then it might be time to up your box inventory.  For some customers, having multiple sized cartons on their floor can sound cumbersome, but saving an extra 10-20% in shipping costs makes it worth it.  This is even truer when carton minimums are as low as 10 or 25 boxes when shopping with Colony.

How’s your cushioning?

Our rule of thumb for our customers is to create no less than a 2” barrier of padding around a breakable object (or more depending on the weight).  But, depending on your cushioning preference there might be room to reduce the weight or overall size of the package.  For instance, clothing has often come in boxes, but many customers have realized that bagging clothing has reduced shipping costs dramatically – we offer individual bags and even bagging systems for customers.  Likewise, books and other flat – non-breakable items might ship more cost-effectively in a five-panel folder or a mailer.  Exploring alternative cushioning and/or the actual packaging the product is going in can make a big difference.

These were three easy ways you can help your company save on the backend of your business.  Again – determine if rates have gone up or if changing up your box inventory can positively impact your shipping rates, right-size with proper box sizes so small objects aren’t being shipped in oversized containers, and last make sure your cushioning preference is matching your packaging needs.

Our sales professionals have the expertise to help you maximize your savings when it comes to finding the best packaging equipment services and vendor-managed inventory for your products.  Fill out the form for more information!

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Welcoming Ryan Wentz Aboard

Colony is excited to announce Ryan Wentz as a new member of the sales force team.  Ryan came to Colony recently after six years as a Territory Manager for Ranpak – one of Colony’s leading vendors in void fill solutions.

The transition from Ranpak to Colony was an easy one for Ryan. “I had always been welcome with access to employees and the warehouse. It already felt like a family,” he said.

Ryan is most excited about being able to continue to help customers problem solve.  He says, “It’s about going in and meeting someone, finding the pain vein, and working together to solve problems.”

Ryan grew up in Abbottstown and is a New Oxford alum.  He currently spends his free time enjoying the outdoors either running, biking, or kayaking with his wife and two children.  When he isn’t on the trails you can find him coaching wrestling, baseball, or flag football for youth programs in Central York.

Please join us in welcoming Ryan to the Colony Packaging & Machine team! Ready to work with Ryan for custom warehousing, packaging equipment services, and more? Fill out the form below.

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