Bubble Wrap Enthusiasts: There’s An App For That!
Previously on this blog we offered reader the five best ways to pop bubble wrap (To view that blog post CLICK HERE). We wrote it because we’re aware that when you’re shipping something in boxes and packaging, it doesn’t matter what’s inside… it’s all about the bubble wrap!
A development of the Sealed Air Corporation in the last 1950’s when they were trying to create textured wallpaper, bubble wrap is by far one of the most popular packaging and shipping supplies around.
How popular, you ask? So popular that, to quote my friend Steve Jobs, “there’s an app for that!”
That’s right, the majority of Smartphone’s (including the new iPhone) offer a Bubble Wrap App game which actually times to see how many bubbles you can pop in a minute!
THE BEST PART: The bubble Wrap App does one thing actual bubble wrap can’t…. refills the bubbles. Few things are more frustrating than having a long, slender roll of bubble wrap that’s been completely popped-out. With the Bubble Wrap App, you get to pop as long as you want (which likely won’t be that long anyway, as the game does get kinda-sorta-maybe repetitive after awhile).
The only thing more goofy than playing this packaging supply game? Trying to say “bubble wrap app” ten times in a row without choking on your own bottom lip.
Packaging Supplies: Foam Peanuts
Come on. Are there any packaging and shipping supplies more fun than those little foam peanuts?
Ok, yes, maybe bubble wrap. But besides that? I can’t think of anything. They’re like fuzzy pieces of fake-snow!
The truth is, for something so small, simple, and inexpensive, they’re really quite the effective bit of packaging supply technology. Approximately the size of a peanut (hence the phrase packaging peanuts), they’re designed to interlock with each other when compressed, yet move freely when they aren’t.
And besides boxes and packaging, there are tons of other ways to use them. Trying to hit a tiny nail without cracking your fingers? Put the nail through a packaging peanut first, and then grip the ends of it to help hold the nail steady. They’ve kept your packages safe, now they can keep your fingers safe too.
And once you’re done, keep yourself sage by using the extra foam peanuts to “cap” all your sharp-ended tools.
Trying to put glue or paint over a small area, but don’t have a small brush on hand? A single packaging peanut can be a great substitute for a foam brush. I use this all the time with wood glue.
Use them in a flower vase to give your dried flowers a boost. Or stuff them in an old chair to get some extra fluff. No matter what, you’ve got plenty of different options when it comes to using your old packaging peanuts.
Permalink | Tags: boxes and packaging, packaging and shipping supplies, packaging supply | Posted in Packaging Supplies | Comments Off
What Is Shrink Film?
Shrink film (more commonly known as shrink-wrap) is a thin film plastic product. Typically, shrink film is wrapped around a product, and then shrinks over it after being applied with heat (Hence the name). The heating is applied either with a hand-held heat gun, or sometimes a heat tunnel designed for this exact purpose. Once the shrink film is successfully applied, the package can be stored in a refrigerator, in an ice box, or even underwater.
Shrink film can be used for a large assortment of products, such as cartons, pallet loads, boxes, gift basketstextbooks, etc. They come in various lengths and widths, from a series of different manufacturers. Some people identify shrink film with mint-condition collector’s tiems, such as comic books.
As ridiculous as it may sounds, shrink wrap has also been used… quite commonly, I might add… to wrap buildings. Proven to offer more protection than blue tarps, shrink film is often used as a quick-fix for a damaged roof.
Not to mention there is typically a major pricing advantage to using shrink film over ordinary boxes and packaging techniques. Besides it being a cheaper material, shrink film represents a low volume and weight, which can save money on shipping and storage costs.
The video below offers an example of how a hand-held heating gun shrinks the plastic wrap around a fruit basket.
Permalink | Tags: boxes and packaging, shrink film | Posted in Packaging Supplies | Comments Off
Top 6 Tapes
Tape has long been used in boxes and packaging as well as for hundreds of other projects. Here are our 6 favorites.
Electrical tape: this stuff is for electricians because it is great for insulation. It comes in lots of different colors for color-coding.
Shipping tape: is a sticky brown tape that makes sealing boxes and packages easy.
Duct tape: With woven cotton cloth and polyethylene backing this tape has long been one of the strongest tapes out there. It makes a waterproof seal and is perfect for projects around the house. Many people even have begun making duct tape clothes and accessories.
Heat Shrink tape: is wrapped around a project and unlike other tapes, doesn’t get sticky until heat is applied. Once the heat picks up and drops, the bond is watertight and can fix cables and prevent corroding pipes.
Gaffer’s Tape: This tape is lightweight and strong, so that it doesn’t leave adhesive after being ripped up. That makes it perfect for holding cables and marking items; it was traditionally used on stage sets.
Scotch: the grade school classic, keeping a roll of Scotch tape around is perfect for posting things up around the house. On walls and on reminders, this clear, lightweight tape is a home necessity.
Permalink | Tags: boxes and packaging, corrugated mailers, packaging and shipping supplies, packaging supply, shipping tape, shrink film | Posted in Packaging Supplies | Comments Off
The 5 Best Ways To Pop Bubble Wrap
When you are shipping something in boxes and packaging, everybody knows that the best box filler is bubble wrap. Here are the six best things to do with this magical substance:
1. The Classic Pop: This is the way they did it in the old days – grabbing the plastic in between your fingers and squeezing. What’s better?
2. The Wrap Pop: This one is not for neophytes. Wrap the wrap around your hand, and with one stealth move – babam! Pop them all!
3. The Walk Pop: Take a long sheet of bubble wrap and walk all along it! When the popping slows down, pick it up for inspection and pop each and every last one.
4. The Digi-Pop: Ah, the wonders of technology.
5. The Carpet Pop: Roll that bad boy up like a scroll or a carpet and twist it like you’re James Brown! When you’re done, unroll and repeat with a different section.
And for the trivia mongers out there, bubble wrap was developed in 1957 when the Sealed Air Corporation attempted to create textured wallpaper. I guess you could have jumped into the bubble wrap wall and stay unscathed, but eventually you’d want a fresh sheet of bubbles! Good thing it turned into boxes and packaging wrap for corrugated mailers.
Permalink | Tags: boxes and packaging, corrugated mailers, packaging and shipping supplies, packaging supply, shipping tape, shrink film | Posted in Packaging Supplies | Comments Off
Packs and Boxes of All Kinds, With a Little Rhyme
Boxes and packaging can be expensive, especially if you’re doing a lot of shipping. Sometimes the shipping and handling charges are less than the corrugated mailers you’re sending the product in. As a result, you may want to start thinking about buying from a packaging supply company.
Buying packaging and shipping supplies in bulk is a really great way to save money. If you run a poster store, you may ship hundreds of posters a month! Why not spend mere pennies per tube when buying in bulk? EPackagingUSA.com has some of the lowest prices on the internet.
These tubes don’t bust open during shipment, they’re high quality reusable recyclable and will look great in any mailbox. The world of packaging supply has so much to offer, it’s only a matter of finding out where the best most reliable tubes come from, and I’ve just given you a heckuva lead.
This is a rap about packaging:
Boxes and packs, some are so whack, so here’s a company that helps you pack fast. Their stuff is so cheap, it makes me wanna weep, with happiness, joy, there’s no better way to save a buck and deploy some goods to far reaching places, wanna see all the happy faces that receive my product with no regrets – Epackaging USA is the best I’ve seen yet.
Permalink | Tags: boxes and packaging, corrugated mailers, packaging and shipping supplies, packaging supply, shipping tape, shrink film | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
Mom’s Package
When I have something important to send to a friend or family member, I know that there’s a certain way to ship it to ensure that it gets there safely. Most recently, I had to ship a crystal bowl that I bought for my mother’s 80th birthday. She’s been a collector of crystal for a while now, and has a gorgeous collection that I’ll probably inherit one day. She has Swarovski bowls and vases, cups and plates, and a large chandelier that hangs from her ceiling.
I didn’t feel comfortable just insuring her package, because I knew that if there were so much as a chip on one of the bowl’s sides, Mother wouldn’t much appreciate it. So first I wrapped the bowl in shrink film. Shrink film helps the bowl stay safe when it is surrounded by Styrofoam peanuts. Then it went in a big box labeled “fragile” on all sides. Then with some staples and shipping tape, it was ready to be sent.
When Mother received it, she must have been delighted. She called me, and I could hear the emotion gushing from her voice. I knew it was a gorgeous bowl, but she actually said it was her new favorite. Nothing like making Mom proud.
Permalink | Tags: boxes and packaging, corrugated mailers, packaging and shipping supplies, packaging supply, shipping tape, shrink film | Posted in Packaging Supplies | No Comments
Types of Corrugated Mailers
Corrugated mailers are super-strong yet lightweight boxes so they help you save on postage costs. Mailers can be folded together in seconds, are crush resistant, and no glue, tape or staples are needed. Their edges are designed to eliminate paper cuts, and they can be stored flat to save space. Corrugated mailers are perfect for shipping small or fragile items. Here’s a quick overview of some corrugated boxes and packaging options.
Literature mailers – These mailers have side flaps and outside tuck closure to protect your most important documents.
Corrugated carrying cases – Got something to promote? These corrugated carry cases come with a plastic handle, making them perfect kits for sales promotions.
Garment mailers – These sturdy one-piece cartons are perfect for shipping bulky apparel like coats and jackets.
Audio/video mailers – Got an audio gift to send someone? These mailers are specially designed to safely ship CDs, DVDs, video tapes, cassette tapes.
Ballet boxes – Need to collect votes, raffle tickets or suggestions? These white corrugated ballet boxes will get the job done.
Square mailing tubes – These corrugated mailers are perfect for shipping posters. Because they’re square, they won’t roll around, so they’re easier to pack and ship than round tubes.
For these and more corrugated mailers, visit EPackaging USA today.
Permalink | Tags: boxes and packaging, corrugated mailers, packaging and shipping supplies, packaging supply, shipping tape, shrink film | Posted in Packaging Supplies | No Comments
The Wonderful World of Shipping Tape
The world of shipping tape can be a bit confusing. To help you choose the right tape to seal your box or package, here’s a quick guide to some of the varieties that are available from your packaging supply company.
Carton Sealing Tape is one the strongest and most aggressive types of tapes; it quickly grips to a box and minimizes the need for rubbing down. It tolerates hot and damp conditions well.
Water Activated Tape is designed for fast and permanent adhesion and highlights any evidence of tampering.
Label Protection Tape is clear and wide, specially designed to securely attach and protect shipping labels from the elements.
Stretchable Tape is ideal for bundling up and securing large loads and pallets without distorting the shape of the boxes.
Filament Tape is a super-strong shipping tape that will rise to almost any sealing or reinforcing challenge; it’s perfect for closing odd-shaped materials or packages or for binding pallets.
Masking Tape has a variety of applications and is useful for everything from sealing boxes to hiding electrical cables.
Flatback Tape is a high-visibility and strong masking tape that can be used to mask or mark surfaces.
Permalink | Tags: boxes and packaging, corrugated mailers, packaging and shipping supplies, packaging supply, shipping tape, shrink film | Posted in Packaging Supplies | No Comments
Boxes and Packaging for Computers
If you need to pack and ship your computer but you’ve lost the original boxes and packaging, don’t despair. Here are a few tips to help you transport your computer, printer and accessories safely.
Purchase a heavy corrugated cardboard box from a packaging supply company. Special computer packing boxes and printer’s boxes are available. Check to make sure that the weight capacity of the box (usually printed on the underside of the box) exceeds the weight of your computer and accessories.
Wrap the computer in bubble wrap and use shipping tape to seal all the sides. Wrap other accessories, including the mouse and keyboard, separately. Fill the box with extra bubble wrap, as well as polystyrene loose fill, crumpled newspaper, tissues and wrappers, and other cushioning material.
Shake the box to check that the computer can’t move inside the box. Seal the entire box, including all corners and edges, with strong shipping tape such as pressure-sensitive tape, water-activated tape or other flexible and strong tape.
If you are mailing the box, mark the box with a delivery and return address, and also include a shipping label with your telephone contact details inside the box. Finally, mark the box FRAGILE. You’re all set!
Permalink | Tags: boxes and packaging, corrugated mailers, packaging and shipping supplies, packaging supply, shipping tape, shrink film | Posted in Packaging Supplies | No Comments
