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Ranpak Introduces New FillPak Trident Void Fill Packaging System

It has been awhile since we saw an upgrade to Ranpak’s void fill and cushioning automation lines of equipment and for good reason. But, Ranpak recently saw a gap in its offerings and announced the new FillPak Trident void fill packaging system.

From Ranpak’s website:

Trident is a 100% paper-based protective packaging solution that potentially delivers a 15% or more reduction in paper usage compared to other paper-based machines and can eliminate the use of non-sustainable plastic based package fill products like air cushions. The in-line machine features a patented triangular paper shape and can serve the dual purpose of void fill and blocking & bracing for safe product delivery in shipping. All key benefits to high volume shippers.

Paper Options:

45# Brown Kraft: 1200′ x 15″, 22lbs/bundle

55# Brown Kraft: 1000′ x 15″, 24lbs/bundle

The FillPak Trident is fast! So fast in fact it spits out the patented triangular cushioning pads up to 96″ per second. The quickness and easy re-load makes the Trident a perfect option for 3PL, fulfillment, and distribution centers. Additionally, with a HMI touchscreen and five operation modes, like EDS, batch, and recipe, users can quickly navigate and utilize custom packaging solutions and pre-set modes.

Our industrial packaging supplies company is currently hosting a unit on the floor for demonstrations – contact us today!

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Understanding Packaging Boxes and Corrugated Cartons

Understanding cartons can make or break your product – literally – by the time it gets to your customer’s door.  For instance, recycled corrugate is not created equally, and there are several ways to determine what kind of box you need besides the actual carton type.  Depending on the application companies can save money when it comes to changing the way their box is configured or even manufactured (for custom cartons).  Check out Colony Packaging & Machine’s top 4 points when looking into corrugated boxes.

Strength

The strength of a corrugated box starts with its material. A corrugated sheet consists of two major components – linerboard and medium. Linerboard is the flat paper that covers both sides of the sheet and the medium is the “fluted” or arched paper found between both liners. The flute, when anchored to the linerboards with a starched based adhesive, resists bending and pressure from all directions. When placed vertically on its ends, the flutes form vertical columns, capable of supporting considerable amounts of weight.

SingleWallCorrugated2
Single Wall Corrugated
DoubleWallCorrugated2
Double Wall Corrugated
TripleWallCorrugated
Triple Wall Corrugated

Material

The amount of virgin pulp fibers and the length of those fibers in a corrugated sheet substantially contribute to box strength. For example, the difference between a 200# test box and a 275# test box is that the latter has more pulp fibers in its corrugated linerboard. The 200# test box is rated to hold up to 65 lbs. of  contents while the 275# box can hold up to 95 lbs. A 350# test box is rated to hold up to 120 lbs. of contents.

Flute

Flutes come in five basic heights and shapes – the most common are “B-Flute”(used for die-cut boxes) and “C-Flute” (used for RSCs – regular slotted cartons and the most common of carton types). B-flute is compressed and appears thinner, but don’t be fooled. It is made with more paper to provide stronger side wall protection from blows and punctures during shipping.

C-flute is taller, with more air space, but offers enhanced stacking strength. For excellent graphic reproduction, consider E-flute because of its smooth surface and ability to hold up well during printing.

Flute Comparison

Measurements

Measure a box using the inner dimensions of an assembled box – Length (L) x Width (W) x Depth (D). Looking at an assembled box, the longer of the two sides is considered the length, the shorter of the two sides is the width, and the side perpendicular to the length and width is the depth of the box.

How to measure a box

The “Manufacturer’s Joint” is where the two ends of the side panels meet to form the box. At that point, the panels are fastened together with tape, staples (double or triple wall) or glue (single wall). This description applies to regular slotted shipping cartons (RSCs). The side panel thickness and content weight determine the type of seal used for the manufacturer’s joint.

Right-sizing your package is even easier nowadays with multiple, competitive options for custom and stock sized boxes.  We offer thousands of stock sizes and have relationships with several custom corrugated boxes manufacturers, which can decrease the amount of cartons you need to order – usually minimums start at 15 – 25 per size.  Browse cartons now!

Looking to take your cartons to the next level? Consider custom printing or custom printed tape to give your brand that wow factor when it hits doorsteps. Printing plates and die-cut charges don’t have to break the bank for mid-size and up companies. Not sure if your box usage would meet the minimum? Contact Colony Packaging and ask us. Quotes are free!

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New Partnership: LEIBINGER Continuous Inkjet Systems

We are excited to announce our new partnership with LEIBINGER Coding and Marking Systems. LEIBINGER helps fill the gap in our marking and coding equipment with their state of the art CIJ printer and printhead. If you know anything about CIJ you may have rolled your eyes at the “state-of-the-art” bit in that last sentence. But, we’ve got to tell you, they are seriously changing the game when it comes to their patented printhead.

LEIBINGER is within its third generation of family management and manufacturers all of its equipment from their headquarters in Germany. They are a ISO 9000 : 2015 certified company.

LEIBINGER caught our Service Manager’s eye a few years ago at the PackExpo in Chicago specifically for the maintenance dream their system offers. If you aren’t your company’s maintenance manager grab them now to read about some of these features that are changing the industry standard when it comes to CIJ printing, maintenance, and uptime.

  • “Sealtronic“, the automated nozzle seal in all LEIBINGER industrial inkjet printers, closes the nozzle and gutter airtight. This keeps the ink in the print head from drying out – the industrial inkjet printer is always ready to use. No time-consuming cleaning is required, even after long downtimes. During breaks in production, the gutter and the nozzle form an airtight circuit: No ink can leak out of the circuit and no air can get in. This keeps the ink fluid at all times – just like a sealed paint can – and the industrial inkjet printer is always ready to go.
  • Auto-Cycling – One of the worst parts about printing systems is always the headache dried ink causes in the lines. LEIBINGER’S CIJ has an automatic cycle feature which keeps the ink cycling through the lines once every 24 hours when not in use.
  • The large variety of interfaces allows you to integrate their units at any desired integration level – from simple data connection to complete full integration. And the compact print head with stainless steel housing also adapts seamlessly to your system – in any installation position, even for overhead applications.

We also have an entry-level unit on our floor ready for demo. We are factory-trained and ready to show off LEIBINGER’S full potential within your building.

LEIBINGER rounds out our full marking and coding options. We continue to work with Digital Design for TIJ (thermal inkjet), Matthews Marking and Loveshaw for DOD (drop on demand) and hi res. We also offer integration services through a third party for database-driven set-ups.

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5 Things to Consider When Buying Stretch Film

Understanding the difference between stretch film and shrink film is just the beginning to understanding stretch film’s capabilities in your production line.  Here are some points to discuss with your sales representative when determining the best film for your budget and application.

1. Determine the Load Size

Type A Loads: Uniform in shape. The load size closely matches the pallet size. These are obviously the easiest loads to wrap. Few film puncture points exist. This type of load is often seen at manufacturing locations where the same product is prepared for shipment load-after-load.

Type B Loads: Less uniform than type “A” loads. The stacking pattern may be irregular and /or the load size may not match the pallet size. Several film puncture points exist. More film selection judgement is required, especially at high levels of film stretch and /or high film application tension. Type “B” loads appear at smaller manufacturing locations and distribution warehouse locations. Each pallet contains two or three products palletized for a single destination.

Type C Loads: The worst of all to stretch wrap. No two loads are the same. Their size and shape range are all over the place. Sharp points seem to be everywhere and /or there is a major difference between the load and the pallet size. Film selection is critical. Type “C” loads are assembled at the distribution centers who supply retail store locations (i.e. grocery, drug, pet supply, automotive). Each load may contain dozens of different products.

stretch-film-load-types

2. Determine the Type of Equipment

Just as is true with any industry, the stretch film industry has gone through some huge changes when it comes to innovation in film manufacturing.  Because of these innovations, it is important to make sure your film matches the equipment being used to save on costs.

  • Spiral wrap film should generally be used when the loads vary in configuration.
  • Fully automatic high speed stretch wrappers equipped with pre-stretch usually require a premium grade of stretch film to make sure the equipment is being fully utilized.
  • Economy stretch films can be used for low stretch on conventional equipment.
  • A mid-range stretch film is needed for pre-stretch equipment operating at moderate levels.

For instance, if your piece of equipment can only pre-stretch your film 200% at most, you wouldn’t want to spend the extra amount on film that can stretch 400% because you aren’t benefitting from that added innovation.  Generally, the film that can stretch 400% is a premium film compared to the film that can only stretch 200% and you pay premium dollar for it.  Likewise, if your piece of equipment can pre-stretch your film up to 400% then you want a film that can meet that expectation without breaking – it will save you money per load in the long run.

3. Determine the Type of Product being Unitized

The weight of the pallet load and type of product being wrapped must be considered when selecting film type, gauge and number of wraps.  A significantly heavy pallet load will generally need a heavier gauge film than a very light pallet load.  For instance compare a pallet of cinder blocks and the impact of the weight of the load during the vibration that occurs in transit vs a pallet of pillows.  Although the loads might be the same L x W x H, different films might be necessary to secure the load efficiently at the lowest cost possible.

4. Determine Special Requirements

Some end users will have a need for a special requirement such as a one side cling, UVI or colored film. Reinforced film or vented film is also available. A one side cling is commonly used for bundling or on a pallet load that may shift in transit. Products that are stored outside for long periods of time normally require a UVI (Ultra-Violet Inhibitor) film. Heavy tinted colored films are often used to mask the product being wrapped for security reasons or for color-coding in large warehouses.

5. Determine Shipping Distance

The distance and method of shipment are important considerations. Films being transferred across the country in a flat bed truck or by rail would require a different film than a product shipped a short distance by truck or inter-plant.  Your warehouse set-up might ship both ways and could need two different films.  To help keep inventory on packaging products down it is important to discuss this when testing different films.

Contact Colony Packaging & Machine today to learn more.

 

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Bubble It!

Okay, we may not be starting the bubble wrap jacket craze (yet), but we are still crazy about bubble wrap. Bubble wrap has been getting a bad rep lately from companies talking big about environmentally-conscious packaging. But as an industrial packaging company, we are here to tell you bubble wrap is here to stay for good reason. Made-on-demand options, curbside recyclable features, historical success in packaging valuable products – air filled packaging is a tried and true method of getting your products safely to your customer the first time. Plus, it is easily reusable!

Made on Demand

Our top cushioning vendors like Sealed Air offer great bubble on-demand systems that allow companies to free up space on their floors with rolls of film in many configurations. That film takes up less trucking power also, cutting down on your company’s carbon footprint. Classic bubble wrap, pouches, tubes, pillows and more are all available for on-demand machines.

Curbside Recycling

Not all bubble wrap is recyclable, but we do offer options that are. Most lower grade bubble can be recycled with most other plastics. We offer several grades (strengths) of bubble in different bubble sizes that are curbside recyclable – ask us!

Tried and True

Did you know bubble wrap was actually invented because of a failed textured wallpaper attempt? It’s true! Many years later it is a fantastic option to get your product to your customer safely the first time which cuts down on returns and re-shipments.  Because of its lightweight and durable features it keeps the weight of your packages low while maintaining excellent cushioning.

Color Customization

We now offer custom colored bubble wrap and custom shapes through our made-on-demand options. Dog bones, hearts, stars, and more are all available to help customize your packaging for that perfect unboxing experience! We suggest adding your favorite hashtag to the inside of the box so your consumers know who to tag when they post their favorite packages!

This was just a quick run-down on the benefits of using bubble wrap. For more information on the bubble wrap options available to you contact your Sales Representative!

 

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Now Partnering with H. B. Fuller for Adhesives

We are excited to announce our new partnership with one of the top adhesives companies in the world, H.B. Fuller. We still represent other adhesive manufacturers including Gluefast, 3M, and Technical Adhesives.

Two of H.B. Fuller’s pillars of success are customer-focused innovation and collaborative problem solving. We at Colony always keep the customer as our main focus and aim to deliver solutions to problems, not just products. Because of their expertise in the adhesives market and customer-focused sensibility we are confident our partnership will add another avenue of success for our customers.

Here are just a few areas within the packaging and paper industry H.B. Fuller delivers success stories to:

  • Paper Converting
  • Panel Laminating
  • Case and Carton Sealing
  • Closing and E-Commerce
  • Container Labeling
  • Flexible Package Conversion
  • Handle Reinforcement
  • Packaging Reinforcement and Containment
  • Retail Ready and Easy Opening

From their website:

The History of H.B. Fuller

Our founder, Harvey Benjamin Fuller, had a vision more than a century ago to formulate innovative, convenient and economical adhesives. That spirit still permeates everything we do today as a global leader in adhesive technology.

It all began in 1887 when the company introduced Fuller’s Premium Liquid Fish Glue, which was known to “cement everything” from tin cans for mechanics to barrels for factories. Fueled by the success of his first adhesive, Harvey Fuller formulated more specialized adhesives, including Fuller’s Premium Wet Paste Adhesive used for gluing shoes, hanging wallpaper, mending books, attaching labels and manufacturing boxes. And, we’ve been solutions-minded since our earliest days. Harvey Fuller invented adjustable scaffolding so wet paste adhesive customers could hang wallpaper more safely. Throughout our history, H.B. Fuller has built upon our knowledge to continually innovate. From the first hot pick-up “gum” to being one of the first U.S. companies to specialize in waterproof adhesives, H.B. Fuller has paved the way for adhesives to improve products and lives across the globe. Today, our focus on innovation brings together people, products and processes that answer and solve some of the world’s biggest adhesion challenges.

We are excited to offer our customers this new avenue for competitive pricing and top adhesive products with H.B. Fuller. For more information or to set-up a meeting please give us a call or contact your Sales Representative directly.

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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.