Manual Vs. Electric Tape Dispenser: Which Is Better?

We are frequently asked which water-activated tape dispenser is better - electric or manual. And there’s really only one answer - it depends.  

“Better” can mean a lot of different things to different businesses - better price point, better efficiency in application, better for traveling around the warehouse with...the list goes on. 

In this post, we attempt to cover the key details and considerations that may make either a manual or electric dispenser the better choice for your business. 

You’ve likely already decided that water-activated tape (also known as gummed paper tape) is the right fit for your business needs. 

Now it’s time to get familiar with the features that are available on various dispensers so that you can choose the one that works best for your application.

Manual Tape Dispensers 

A manual water-activated tape (WAT) dispenser is a non-electric machine that assists the packer’s manual process of wetting the tape and cutting the desired length. 

There are several varieties of manual dispensers from which to choose.

The most basic model requires the packer to pull the tape over a wet brush and then manually tear the tape by pulling it against the blade housed within the machine.

Other manual gummed paper tape dispensers, such as the one pictured here, called the Better Pack 333 Plus, go a bit further with assisting the packer.

These more advanced machines have an adjustable numbered scale (available in inches and centimeters) and a lever that the packer pulls to have the tape wet and cut to length by the machine. With this, the user simply sets the desired length of tape and pulls the lever to get the indicated measurements quickly and nearly effortlessly. Dispensers are available with or without electricity, depending upon operational needs. 

Pros

• ✔ Lower cost than electric WAT dispensers
• ✔ Do not require electricity to function 
• ✔ Great for packing stations without electricity
• ✔ Great for packing stations that require mobility for the machine
• ✔ Increase efficiency for the packing and shipping process
• ✔ Great for low to mid volume packaging stations
• ✔ Require little to no operator training

Cons

• ✘ Does require minimal manual effort by the packer in order to operate

To learn more about the benefits of manual water-activated tape dispensers, check out this blog post. 

Electric Tape Dispensers

An electric water-activated tape dispenser is a powered machine that wets and cuts the tape to a desired length, removing manual effort for the packer. 

Electric tape dispensers come in a variety of configurations and different features and benefits.

They are easy to use and have keypads that indicate that length of tape for packers to choose from. To dispense the tape, the packer simply presses a button and the tape dispenses immediately.

The best machines are durable, safe and perform efficiently in demanding or harsh working environments, such as the Better Pack 555 shown above. Differentiating features among machines depend on whether it is certified or built to the specifications of a certification company like Underwriters’ Laboratory, the tape’s speed of being dispensed, the length and the width of the tape that the machine can accommodate and the number of length buttons on the keypad.

Pros:

• ✔ Extremely efficient for packing and shipping stations
• ✔ Great for high-volume, fast-paced packaging environments
• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Customizable
• ✔ Require very little operator training
• ✔ Reduces employee risk

Cons:

• ✘ More expensive than manual WAT dispensers
• ✘ Requires electricity in order to operate

To learn more about the benefits of electric water-activated tape dispenser, check out our highlight of the Better Pack 755e or this blog post.

Factors To Help You Decide 

Variables to consider when making a decision between purchasing a manual versus electric water-activated tape dispenser include:

• ✔ The number of cartons you are sealing per day. A rule of thumb is if you are packing more than 50 to 75 cartons per day (or if you see your business growing past that packing level in the near term), you will want the ease and productivity that an electric WAT dispenser offers.
• ✔ Do you have electricity near the pack station? If you don’t, a manual is the right choice.

All in all, if you have a high volume carton shipping department with access to electricity, an electric tape dispenser is the way to go. The extra expense will be well worth it with the efficiency and safety improvements you will see in your packing and shipping station. 

To help you decide which dispenser is right for you, click below and we’ll provide you with dispenser recommendations based upon your situation.

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

Protective Packaging Guide

How Do I Know If I Need Protective Packaging?

If you have a product that is fragile or has a surface that needs to be protected during transit, then protective packaging may be the answer. It can help ensure that products remain damage-free and quality is kept uncompromised during the shipping and transporting process.

Protective packaging can also be useful when shipping a product in an oversized box. It can fill the void between the product and the box. This is especially useful when shipping heavier items that could get damaged with too much shifting around during the shipping processes.

Some companies use protective packaging to create a unique unboxing and brand-centric experience for their consumers. Presentation is a very important part of the un-packaging process in the minds of consumers. Some protective packaging solutions serve a dual purpose of functionality and visual appeal. This can help create brand loyalty and return customers.

Protective packaging offers the flexibility needed to protect any shape, size, or strength of products. It comes in a range of different types so you can find right protection for your products and shipping needs.

What Kind of Protection Do I Need?

VOID FILL
Void fill is a term that can refer to any cushioning, paper, or protection added to a package. Specifically, it fills an empty space inside a package and, in doing so, restricts movement of the product(s) which prevents damage.

BLOCKING & BRACING
The purpose of protective packaging that blocks and braces is to prevent products from shifting, sliding, or moving and protect the product(s) and the vulnerable corners and edges of the secondary package (carton) from damage. In order to block and brace effectively, all empty space should be filled as well.

CUSHIONING
This is normally something that is wrapped around more fragile objects to prevent damage during transit. Cushioning can prevent scratches or scuffs on products.

SURFACE PROTECTION
Often the protective packaging solutions that provide cushioning, also provide surface protection. This protective packaging keeps the products from getting scratched, scuffed, or the exterior surface of the product from being damaged.

Types of Protective Packaging

Paper void fill & cushioning

PAPER
Paper is normally used as to cushion products, but is versatile. Paper can also be used to block and brace and as a void fill solution. Paper is normally crumpled, either by hand or machine, which provides void fill and cushioning solutions. Some machines apply stitching to the paper to provide stronger block and brace protection as well as cushioning.

BUBBLE SOLUTIONS
There are a variety of bubble solutions. There are, of course, the standard and anti-static bubble that come in rolls and pouches. Bubble also comes in cohesive and adhesive forms as well. The cohesive bubble bonds to itself and not the product, while the adhesive bubble bonds directly to the product. Bubble solutions are used for cushioning and surface protection.

Bubble-on-demand systems

INFLATABLE CUSHIONING SYSTEMS (Bubble and Pillow)
Inflatable air solutions, including air pillows and bubble films, are one of the most common protective packaging solutions today. They are stored un-inflated and flat, but can quickly be inflated with the use of a machine. Air pillows can provide void fill, blocking and bracing, or cushioning to products. They can also help keep the weight of a package down, which is important for shipping. Bubble film is meant more for cushioning products. Like other bubble products, it is often wrapped around individual products or it can be placed on the bottom, top, and sides of a carton to protect multiple/larger items.

SURFACE PROTECTION
Often the protective packaging solutions that provide cushioning, also provide surface protection. This protective packaging keeps the product from getting scratched, scuffed, or the exterior surface of the product from being damaged.

HexcelWrap fragile wrap

FRAGILE WRAP
Fragile wrap is a paper-based cushioning material. This material is wrapped around products to reduce damage. It can assist businesses in using less packaging material for fragile products and is curbside recyclable. Fragile wrap is used on products like glassware, ceramics, cosmetics, electronics, and more.

FOAM
Foam protective packaging solutions are normally used on more expensive products to provide surface protection. You will see foam on products such as furniture, appliances, and more. Foam can come in sheets or pouches and in a variety of colors. It can also be cohesive or adhesive. Cohesive foam forms a bond to itself and not the product, while adhesive foam sticks to the product. Foam products can also be laminated with a film to provide added strength. This is known as lamifoam.

Polyair Mailers

MAILERS
Mailers can be made of paper or plastic. They are durable, lightweight, customizable, and are available in a wide range of sizes. Mailers normally contain bubble to protect products from damage during shipping. These are best for smaller products and can help decrease shipping costs compared to cartons.

ANTI-CORROSION
There is a wide variety of protective packaging that offers
anti-corrosion VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) protection. Some of these forms include poly and foam bags and films, paper, powders, and emitters. These solutions offer protection against corrosion and eliminate the use of oils rust removal, industrial degreasers, sandblasting, and more. It is important to one’s health and the environment that you choose a VCI that doesn’t include sodium nitrite. These solutions can be used in a large range of industries – automotive, heavy equipment, aerospace, electronics, precision metal, and more.



[This post republished from the Polyair Blog]

Heavy Packages? Paper Packing Tape Has the Strength You Need

The shipping stream can be a very unforgiving environment. Every package faces a variety of forces in transit. If your company ships heavy items, those forces are amplified, which can increase the likelihood that a carton seal will fail.

To protect your items, you could use dozens of strips of plastic tape to keep the shipping carton flaps closed. Unfortunately, taking that approach decreases packing efficiency and increases costs. A better strategy is to use paper packing tape. If you aren’t familiar with this type of tape, you’ll want to learn more!

What is Paper Packing Tape?

Also known as water-activated tape (WAT), gummed tape, reinforced gummed tape (when fiberglass is embedded), or Kraft paper tape, paper packing tape is made of paper with a starch-based adhesive on the back. When the adhesive is activated with water and placed on a carton, it penetrates the surface, creating a strong, permanent bond.

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Want to know more about the benefits of water-activated packaging tape? Check out this guide:

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This unique sealing solution provides a number of benefits, including:

• ✔ Single-strip sealing. While it may take multiple strips of plastic pressure-sensitive tape (PST) to ensure that a package remains sealed until it reaches its destination, only one strip of paper packing tape is required in most instances. 
• ✔ Eco-friendliness. Made primarily of paper and starch, WAT has much less of an environmental impact than petroleum-based PST.
• ✔ Efficient application. Paper packing tape is prepped and cut using a water-activated tape dispenser and applied by hand. This is much easier than manipulating a shipping carton so that it can be accessed using a handheld tape gun. In fact, an independent research study found that carton sealing productivity is 21% higher using WAT and a dispenser versus PST and a hand-held tape gun.
• ✔ Branding opportunities. Paper packing tape can be printed with your logo or other branding. Then, every carton you ship serves as a moving “billboard,” generating greater brand awareness  as individuals see the package throughout transit.

Why is Paper Packing Tape Stronger than Plastic Tape?

Generally speaking, plastic is stronger than paper. So why is it that water-activated paper tape is stronger than plastic tape?

The key is the bond mentioned above. Plastic tape does its best to grip the top layer of the carton surface. But, if that surface is dirty, damp, or otherwise resistant to being gripped, the seal won’t be very effective. 

The adhesive on paper packing tape goes deeper, causing the paper to fuse with the carton. Which means that the paper tape gets its tremendous strength and durability, to a large extent, from the boxes it’s sealing! 

How much weight can WAT handle? That will vary based on the type of shipping carton, the grade of tape and void fill used, atmospheric conditions, and other factors. Check out our 7 Tips for Packing and Shipping Heavy Items for more detail.

However, according to independent testing, WAT creates a seal that is over 350% stronger than PST. In other words, it’s safe to say that WAT is a sealing solution that is hard to beat.

When is Paper Packing Tape Not the Right Fit?

Because of its variety of positive characteristics, there aren’t many situations where paper packing tape isn’t a good option. However, you might choose PST and a hand-held tape gun when mobility is a priority. While a manual WAT dispenser can certainly be taken “on the road,” it is better suited for use in a shipping department’s packing station.

When Strength Matters...

When the strength of a carton’s seal matters, you should consider paper packing tape. Learn more about why paper tape is the best choice for your business. And if you have questions about our water-activated tape, water-activated tape dispensers, and other products, contact us today!

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Check out our new guide below to ensure that your business is using the proper shipping and packaging tape for your needs. 

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

Key Differences Between Shipping And Moving Tape

You may be thinking that all tape is made the same as long as it's sticky enough to keep the corrugated carton shut. Although carton sealing tape's main purpose is to adhere to and seal the carton, there are actually several differences between shipping and moving tape. These differences are important to understand, so you can choose the carton sealing tape that will work best for your packaging and shipping application.

Moving Tape 

When packing for storage or a big move, be sure to reach for moving tape. You want to seal your cartons with a tape that is:

• ✔ tamper evident
• ✔ easy to remove from the carton
• ✔ able to withstand hot and dusty environments

These qualities will ensure that even when moved to several sites, your belongings will be safe yet easily accessible when needed. Some tapes can’t withstand the elements during the moving process and may lose adhesion and result in ruined or damaged belongings. So choose carefully! An effective moving tape should keep your cartons closed until they arrive at your destination.

Shipping Tape 

Shipping tape needs to have all the qualities of moving tape and more. It needs to be:

• ✔ tamper evident
• ✔ able to withstand hot and dusty environments
• ✔ able to withstand the rigors of transportation and the shipping process
• ✔ easy to apply, especially for companies with a high shipping volume
• ✔ branded and professional looking throughout the entire delivery process

When customers purchase items for home or business delivery, they expect those products to arrive at their door with the carton intact and looking professional. The shipping tape must provide a secure bond with a tamper-evident seal. You want a tape that is challenging to remove from the carton, which helps prevent theft. When researching the most effective shipping tape, companies need to consider their application and decide what attributes are most important.

Our Recommendation: 
Water-Activated Tape 

To make the decision process easy and to ensure that you have a fail-proof solution, we recommend using water-activated tape, or WAT, for your moving and shipping needs. This type of tape is an ideal choice for both moving and shipping purposes.

Also known as paper tape or gummed tape, WAT is made primarily of white or natural color Kraft paper tape and starch-based adhesive. It is available as plain paper tape or it can be purchased with reinforced fiberglass fibers.

When the tape’s adhesive is activated with water, it penetrates the carton material and the tape forms a permanent bond with the corrugated carton.

Non-reinforced water-activated tape provides a strong, tamper evident seal. However, it is easy to remove, making this perfect for moving situations.

Reinforced water-activated tape has the same characteristics as the non-reinforced Kraft paper tape, but the fiberglass reinforcement makes it extremely strong and appropriate for the rigors of shipping. Reinforced water-activated is ideal for shipping heavy and bulky items, when extra carton strength is often needed.

For shipping, pre-printed gummed paper tape can be used to display a business logo or branded message, enhancing the customer delight and professionalism of the shipment.

Grab a Sample! 

Want to see for yourself how water activated tape can work for your moving or shipping needs? Request a free sample of our carton-sealing tape below.

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

Mongolian Yurts and the Innovative Use of House Wrap

What is a Yurt?

A yurt (also called a ger) is a type of circular lattice-walled tent. It can be a permanent or temporary structure for living, working, and playing. Yurts have been the primary dwelling for people of Central Asia, especially Mongolian nomads, for thousands of years.

The Mongolian people created yurts to fit all of their belongings. Their yurts could be assembled or disassembled in a couple of hours and only took a few animals to carry the entire family home. These yurts were wind resistant and easy to heat due to their circular shape. This was an important feature when living in a cold, dry climate with no trees to hold back the wind. Today, more than half of Mongolians live in [yurts], including about 61% in the capital of Ulaanbaatar and 90% of the rural population.

Having a Traditional Mongolian Yurt Outside of Mongolia

Yurt in Swiss Alps - by Groovy Yurts with NovaWrap House Wrap

As yurts have grown in popularity outside of Mongolia, they needed to be adapted and modernized. One company known around the world for their traditional Mongolian yurts is Groovy Yurts, based in Alexandria, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2003, Groovy Yurts creates beautiful handmade structures using unique construction materials that help the yurts naturally breathe.

One of these materials is IPG's NovaWrap™ Aspire™ House Wrap. Although a material not traditionally found in yurts, Aspire house wrap provides moisture-resistance, breathability, and wind protection for the traditional elements of the yurt, such as wool and wood. For thousands of years, the Mongolians fine-tuned their yurts for their climate. Groovy Yurts' innovations allow their yurts to last as long as possible in many different climates around the world.

Yurt in North Dakota, USA - by Groovy Yurts with NovaWrap House Wrap

Yurt in Iceland - by Groovy Yurts with NovaWrap House Wrap

What Are the Components of a Traditional Yurt?

Toono: Also known as the crown, is the central part of the roof. It is a ring where the rafters are attached. The crown was traditionally left open to allow air to circulate and to allow a chimney. The pattern of the toono can be specific to a family and was passed down through generations. (photo courtesy Groovy Yurts)

Lattice Sections: Also known as Khana. Traditionally made of willow, birch, or poplar, but now often made of Douglas Fir or other wood local to the construction. Today, the lattice is often one continuous, collapsible piece. (photo courtesy Groovy Yurts)

Straight wooden rafters (huns): Traditionally held in place by a tension band of cloth or rope. Traditional Mongolian yurts often have horse-hair ropes to hold the rafters in place. (photo courtesy Groovy Yurts)

Columns (bagana): These sometimes support the heavy crown. According to legend, the two center columns are male and female, equal size, facing one another, holding up the toono. (photo courtesy Groovy Yurts)

Covers: Traditionally made of wool from the tribe’s animals, but more recently also made out of cotton or other materials. (photo courtesy Groovy Yurts)

Heavy wood door: Traditionally seen as a status symbol and placed to the South. The door usually has the traditional 'endless knot' design. (photo courtesy Groovy Yurts)

Sacred Symbols Throughout 

(photos courtesy Groovy Yurts)

How to Ship Bicycles: Keep These Tips in Mind

Summer has arrived and the weather is right for a bike ride. Consequently, bicycle retailers are seeing an increase in orders. That’s the good news. However, shipping bicycles poses some unique challenges.

For example, bikes are fairly expensive and easy to steal, which makes them a favorite target of thieves. They are also oddly shaped and subject to damage. These factors and others make it important that they be properly packaged. Unfortunately, as the number of orders that retailers are handling climbs, it is not uncommon for packers to start taking shortcuts.

And, the challenges are magnified for businesses that are new to shipping bikes. They want to do it right, but like all companies, want to save money where they can.

Safety & Security: What’s at Stake When Shipping Bicycles and Bike Parts?

It is important for businesses to carefully consider how they ship bicycles and bike parts. Why? There are a number of reasons. One is that many bike components — wheel spokes, shift mechanisms, etc. — are subject to damage in transit. Another, as noted above, is that bikes are attractive to thieves, and those in poorly sealed packages that make it easy for criminals to “tear and go” are even more so.

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Want to know more about the benefits of water-activated packaging tape? Check out this guide:

Get Your Copy Now

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Also, if damage or theft occurs, a company can lose more than just the cost of the bicycle. Unhappy customers may be quick to share their displeasure through social media, which can do long-term damage to a business’s reputation.  

3 Ways to Protect Your Bike Shipments

Here are three proven tactics for helping ensure that the bicycles you ship reach their destination safely and damage-free:

1. Use a strong shipping carton and proper padding. Corrugated cardboard containers work well for most shipments. Inside, ample bubble wrap or an eco-friendly alternative can ensure the bike doesn’t shift during shipping.
2. Use the right packing tape. Water-activated tape (WAT) creates an extremely strong seal, is effective with just one strip, and shows signs of tampering, which makes thieves think twice. Plus, WAT can be branded, which makes for a better overall buyer experience. Like Amazon’s logo tape, it can create a powerful sense of anticipation and excitement in the recipient.
3. Understand your options with shipping insurance. By one estimate, 30 percent of Americans say they have experienced package theft, and it is reasonable to expect that number to grow as the trend toward online shopping continues. Consequently, every business should look into shipping insurance. Other smart strategies include taking advantage of package tracking options and requiring a signature upon delivery.

The True Cost of Shipping a Bike

While it may cost a little more to ship a bicycle the right way, the cost of failing to do so can be much higher. You can help control the “right way” cost by making it fast and efficient for packers to prepare a bike for shipment. For example, if you use WAT, you should be sure that you are using the right dispenser for your needs. (Use our flowchart to help with your decision.) You should also take steps to maximize packing station safety and efficiency.

Finding the right carrier for your shipments is crucial as well. Bulk shipping through a major carrier may be the best option in some cases, while working with a niche carrier may make more sense in others.

Once You Get Rolling with Your Bike Shipping Practices...

The great thing about the time and effort you put into updating your bicycle shipping practices is that those processes will continue to pay dividends for years to come. Interested in learning more about water-activated tape, water-activated tape dispensers, and other products to meet your shipping needs? Contact us today!

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Check out our new guide below to ensure that your business is using the proper shipping and packaging tape for your needs. 

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

2 Key Questions to Consider When Deciding Between Pressure-Sensitive And Water-Activated Packaging Tape

WAT = 1 strip of tape (top & bottom). PST = Multiple strips of tape (top & bottom)

Many companies are making the switch from plastic, pressure-sensitive tape (PST) to water-activated packaging tape (WAT) to obtain a more reliable carton sealing solution. These companies realize that in order to keep the contents of their packages secure, they need a carton seal that can withstand the rigors of the shipping process. This article will discuss how you can gain the upper hand in the shipping game by discussing, in a Q&A format, the reasons why plastic packaging tape falls short in comparison to water-activated tape.

Q: Which Packaging Tape Will Visibly Show If My Package Was Breached?

A:  Water-activated paper tape is tamper-evident. It creates a permanent bond with the corrugated carton, and, as a result, it is readily apparent if anyone tries to remove or break the tape. This makes your products more secure throughout the shipping voyage. Conversely, the inherent "pressure-sensitive" characteristic of PST makes it easy to remove or to gain access to the carton by pushing down on it, without leaving a trace of entry. This clearly makes theft a possible shipping problem.

Q: Our Company Wants to Increase Productivity. Which Packaging Tape Should We Use?

A: Plastic, pressure-sensitive tape (PST) is typically used with a hand-held tape gun. Water-activated packaging tape needs to be used with a water-activated tape dispenser. Dispensers, available in both electric and non-electric varieties, wet and cut the tape, often to a pre-programmed length of the operator’s choosing.

On the plus side, because hand-held tape guns are inexpensive, businesses often have several throughout their facility, making it productive for packers to seal cartons “on-the-fly”. However, you need to look at a few other factors to obtain a more complete view of hand-held tape gun productivity.

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Want to know more about the benefits of water-activated packaging tape? Check out this guide:

Get Your Copy Now

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In an effort to ensure secure carton closure using plastic tape, packers often use 2-3 strips of tape on the carton, diminishing productivity. Another productivity-sapping factor is the challenge of the plastic tape tearing and the hard-to-find starting point of the tape roll. Tape is not only wasted, but the packer has to invest precious time into finding the starting point of the tape, rather than sealing cartons.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the tape guns become heavy and awkward to use in higher volume situations, fatiguing and slowing down the packer. Sometimes this can lead to repetitive motion injury. If a worker develops a repetitive motion injury, the business risks productivity issues, such as worker leave of absence or hiring and training new employees That’s a hefty amount of productivity risk to take on due to a seemingly simple choice of packaging tape!

In contrast, water-activated packaging tape has many positive productivity characteristics. This type of carton sealing tape is dispensed easily and quickly from the water-activated tape dispenser. Only one strip of tape is needed to securely close any side of the carton, enhancing productivity. There is no physical stress that results from using the dispenser, so workers tire less and are able to be more productive than when using a hand-held tape gun for pressure-sensitive tape application.

A downside to consider when choosing WAT for your packages may sound silly but does have the potential for efficiency issues. Water-activated tape can be sticky due to the glue getting on the packer’s hands. Luckily, this can be quickly overcome with a simple solution that can be taught when training employees. Overcome sticky challenges by grabbing the dispensed tape on the sides, laying it on the carton and firmly pressing down to create the tape’s bond.

Bolstering the case for water-activated tape is a recent study that compared carton sealing productivity over an 8-hour work day using water-activated tape versus plastic, pressure sensitive tape. The study demonstrated that carton-sealing productivity is 21% higher using a water-activated tape dispenser and WAT versus a hand-held tape gun with PST. Click here to see the full results of the test. 

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Check out the guide below to see if you're losing money on shipping tape and what the best solutions are to help you save some of that money. 

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]