Intertape Polymer Group Embraces Sustainability with a Series of Focused Efforts Designed for a More Sustainable Future

- IPG has engaged William McDonough, co-author of Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, as an advisor on sustainable design for its packaging and protective solutions -

MONTREAL, QUEBEC and SARASOTA, FLORIDA - February 28, 2020 - Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (TSX:ITP) (“IPG” or the “Company”) today announced a series of measures that demonstrate its continuing commitment to creating a more sustainable future by enhancing its product offering, operations and supply-chain management. As part of this comprehensive approach to sustainability, the Company has engaged William McDonough as a strategic advisor for the Company’s sustainability strategy. This is in addition to implementing other measures to position the Company as a leading provider of sustainable packaging and protective solutions.

Sustainability Highlights:

✔ Collaborating with William McDonough of McDonough Innovation on strategic advising for the design, manufacture and delivery of packaging and protective solutions grounded in the Cradle to Cradle Design™ framework

✔ Achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Bronze level for water-activated tape ("WAT")

✔ Launched the Curby™ product line, a new proprietary, curbside recyclable range of solutions

✔ Passed the Western Michigan University Old Corrugated Cardboard ("OCC") Equivalency ("WMU OCC-E") testing protocol to certify the recyclability of IPG non-reinforced WAT

✔ Published the Company’s first annual Sustainability Report in 2019 - https://bit.ly/2v4jUmx

✔ Signed the United Nations Global Compact (the "Compact") agreeing to adopt the ten principals governing Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption; as a result, IPG expects all of its suppliers to support the Compact's Principals

“Consumers, retailers and distributors are increasingly in search of solutions that offer sustainable benefits. As an essential part of our customers’ supply-chains, IPG is taking a leading role in offering sustainable alternatives. To underscore our approach toward sustainability, we have evolved our corporate strategy to include sustainability as one of our four primary pillars,” said Greg Yull, President and CEO of IPG. “Our sustainable product choices include innovation with recyclable material and products that allow for resource efficiency through reduced waste. As examples, achieving the first Cradle to Cradle Certification™ for WAT and the Western Michigan University OCC Equivalency certification for our non-reinforced WAT, in each case provide our e-commerce customers evidence that these products are made for a circular economy. Our diverse product bundle aligns with our customers’ goals of less waste and more recyclability, product protection and convenient disposal, and is ultimately designed to delight customers and provide them a sustainable packaging alternative.”

William McDonough

William McDonough, IPG’s advisor on sustainable packaging, is a globally recognized leader in sustainable development. McDonough is trained as an architect, yet his interests and influence range widely, and he works at scales from the global to the molecular. McDonough is the architect of many recognized flagships of sustainable design, including the Ford Rouge truck plant in Michigan and NASA’s Sustainability Base, one of the most innovative facilities in the U.S. federal portfolio. He was the Inaugural Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Meta-Council on the Circular Economy (2014-2016) and currently serves on the Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-economy. In 2019, Fortune Magazine named him as one of the 50 World’s Greatest Leaders.

“Bill is the recognized thought leader in sustainable design. In addition to being the co-founder of the Cradle to Cradle philosophy of doing 'more good' instead of just 'less bad', his commitment to continuous improvement is one that we not only share but are delivering on at IPG,” said Greg Yull. “With Bill’s consultation we are establishing a clear path to a structured sustainability strategy and process that we intend to incorporate throughout the Company. As we embrace sustainability as one of our core strategic pillars, Bill’s insight and network will be invaluable in helping us with product design and strengthening our customer relationships and visibility as a leader in sustainable products and operations.”

“IPG is stating its positive intentions to not only reduce packaging waste in the environment but also re-imagine how we package and/or protect everything,” said McDonough. “As part of its journey going beyond being less bad, toward being more good, IPG has already achieved Cradle to Cradle Certification on its first product as an early step in its ambitious and holistic continuous improvement plan. IPG’s intention is to set the industry standard for designing packaging and protective solutions that meet meaningful sustainability objectives by utilizing the Cradle to Cradle Design framework.”

Cradle to Cradle Certified™

The Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program is a globally recognized protocol for product designers, manufacturers and brands as a pathway for making products with a positive impact on people and the planet. To receive certification, products are assessed for environmental and social performance across five critical sustainability categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness. A product is assigned an achievement level for each category and the product’s lowest category achievement also represents its overall certification level.

Curby™ Family of Products

The Curby family of products is produced with sustainably sourced materials designed to securely ship customer products and ultimately end up as curbside recyclable materials. These products include the Company's non-reinforced WAT, paper void fill, Hexcel paper cushioning and Chill-R cold chain insulation.

IPG has also entered into an exclusive agreement with HexcelPack LLC to produce and sell a new, recyclable, curbside recyclable protective mailer made from paper, called the Curby Mailer, powered by HexcelPack™. It will be lightweight and strong, made exclusively from Forest Stewardship Council or Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification certified paper, and manufactured in the U.S.A. The paper in the Curby Mailer has been qualified by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s How2Recycle Program as "Widely Recyclable."

Certified Recyclable Non-Reinforced Water-Activated Paper Tape

IPG's non-reinforced WAT is the first certified recyclable carton sealing tape having passed WMU's OCC-E testing protocol. The WMU OCC-E testing protocol was developed based on modelingguidelines from the Fibre Box Association (FBA). FBA members represent approximately 95% of the corrugators in the United States. The protocol was developed using untreated OCC as the control, which is a valuable and sought after source of secondary fibers.

Inaugural Sustainability Report

IPG published its first annual Sustainability Report, titled “Deepening our commitment to sustainability in packaging and protective solutions” in June 2019. In accordance with IPG’s strategy to incorporate Global Reporting Initiative ("GRI") standards into sustainability reporting, IPG is planning to expand its disclosure of GRI referenced sustainability metrics in its 2019 report, which will be published mid year in 2020.

Read the full report

About Intertape Polymer Group Inc

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is a recognized leader in the development, manufacture and sale of a variety of paper and film based pressure-sensitive and water-activated tapes, polyethylene and specialized polyolefin films, protective packaging, engineered coated products and packaging machinery for industrial and retail use. Headquartered in Montreal, Québec and Sarasota, Florida, the Company employs approximately 3,700 employees with operations in 31 locations, including 22 manufacturing facilities in North America, four in Asia and one in Europe.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which are made in reliance upon the protections provided by such legislation for forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the impact of William McDonough's input into our product design and the strengthening of our customer base, and the timing of the publication of the Company's 2019 sustainability report, may constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections made by the Company's management. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements, by their nature, involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements are also subject to assumptions and the Company can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to have been correct and actual outcomes and results may, and often do, differ from what is expressed, implied or projected in such forward-looking statements, and such differences may be material. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. For additional information regarding important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and other risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements, you are encouraged to read "Item 3 Key Information - Risk Factors", "Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects (Management's Discussion & Analysis)" and statements located elsewhere in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the other statements and factors contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of these forward-looking statements speaks only as of the date of this Sustainability Report. The Company will not update these statements unless applicable securities laws require it to do so.

For more information about IPG, visit www.itape.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ross Marshall Investor Relations
(T) (416) 526-1563
(E) ross.marshall@loderockadvisors.com

IPG Water-Activated Paper Tape is Now Certified Recyclable!

In support of our sustainability efforts, IPG is proud to announce our line of Water-Activated Paper Tapes (unreinforced) has been certified recyclable. Our WAT paper tape has passed Western Michigan University OCC Equivalency (WMU OCC-E) testing protocol making it the first certified recyclable carton sealing tape!

The OCC-E test protocol was developed modeling guidelines from the Fibre Box Association (FBA). FBA members represent about 95% of the corrugators in the United States. The protocol was developed using untreated OCC (Old Corrugated Cardboard) as the control. OCC is a valuable and sought after source of secondary fibers.

Contamination rates are a major impediment to recycling programs in the US and reducing contamination in our recycling streams is important to successful recycling. IPG’s customers can now use a certified recyclable tape on their cartons which will help reduce contamination in the recycling stream.

IPG's line of curbside recyclable packaging products

Ahead of the Curb

E-commerce shipping volumes are rapidly increasing and consumers have become ever more aware of their environmental impact. In response to this trend, IPG has developed a line of curbside-friendly products, called Curby™, to promote a circular economy and help answer these E-commerce growth challenges.

With the certification of our Water-Activated Paper Tape, IPG is pleased to supplement our Curby line of products that now includes water-activated paper tape, paper void fill, cold chain solutions and fragile wrap.

What is WAT?

Water-activated tape (aka gummed tape, Kraft paper tape) is a carton sealing tape that bonds instantly to both virgin and recycled fiber surfaces of a box or carton and therefore, generates an immediate seal resulting in a tamper evident package - the seal welds the tape to the box. WAT is offered in both fiberglass reinforced and unreinforced plain paper, of which IPG's Unreinforced WAT is now certified "Recyclable" by Western Michigan University's OCC testing Protocols. IPG produces many styles available in standard prints or customized prints to display your corporate message. They all have one common feature, uncompromising quality.

Features and Benefits of IPG’s Unreinforced Water-Activated Paper Tape:

WAT – Water-Activated Tape

✔ Certified recyclable
✔ Contains at least 50% recycled fibers
✔ Custom-printable (while maintaining recyclability)
✔ Tamper evident
✔ Ideal for light to medium weight or standard size cartons shipped in unitized loads or full pallets
✔ Handy for deli and butcher wrap sealing, inner carton sealing, and more

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Cardboard for Shipping

Whether you are starting a business or adding a new offering to your product line, it is important to consider how you will package items for shipping. In particular, the type of carton you use is crucial. Many businesses choose cardboard boxes, but are they right for your needs?

 Before you make a purchase, it is important to consider the pros and cons of cardboard shipping cartons from many perspectives. In the article below, we cover some of the key characteristics of these containers and the benefits and drawbacks of going with cardboard.

Durability

Shipping cartons need to survive the rigors of whatever shipping channels you use. How does cardboard measure up?

Pros:

• ✔ Cardboard—specifically, corrugated cardboard—has excellent strength.
• ✔ Cardboard has a good strength-to-weight ratio.
• ✔ Corrugated cardboard cartons do a great job of protecting their contents from damage in the shipping stream.
• ✔ Cardboard cartons can be reused by recipients.

Cons:

• ✘ Not for extremely heavy items. If the wrong carton size or insufficient padding is used, cardboard shipping cartons may not be effective with weighty items.
• ✘ May deform under pressure. Despite its strength, cardboard can be crushed, dented, or otherwise damaged under some conditions.
• ✘ Not weatherproof. Cardboard cannot withstand certain weather conditions like rain or snow.

Cost

Is cardboard cost-effective? This is an important consideration.

Pros:

• ✔ Easy storage. Cardboard shipping cartons can be stored flat and built as needed. This can reduce your delivery costs.
• ✔ Sustainable resource. Cardboard is made from a renewable material, which minimizes the environmental cost.
• ✔ Cardboard containers can be recycled, giving them a “second life.” This can take some of the sting out of it when a carton is damaged during packing and a new one must be used.

Cons:

• ✘ Recurring need. Unlike returnable/reusable cartons such as hard plastic shipping containers, the need for new cardboard boxes is ongoing.

Buying in Bulk

Purchasing large quantities of cardboard cartons can be helpful.

Pros:

• ✔ Cost savings. Buying cardboard containers in bulk can save your company money.
• ✔ Extended storage. As long as cartons are protected from water, they can be stored for long periods of time.

Cons:

• ✘ Upfront investment. Buying in bulk means paying more upfront to enjoy the long-term benefit.
• ✘ Storage space. To get the advantage of purchasing large quantities of cardboard cartons, you must have the space to store them.

Sealing Solutions

How will you seal your shipping cartons? You should research your options before you make a purchase.

Pros:

• ✔ Many alternatives. Cardboard containers can be sealed in many ways, including staples, glue, and tape.
• ✔ Water-Activated Tape’s superior seal. Water-activated tape (WAT) creates a strong, secure seal with cardboard cartons that is ideal for e-commerce. For that reason, many businesses every year make the switch to water-activated tape.

Cons:

• ✘ Devices needed. Typically, some type of device is needed to seal cardboard cartons. That may be a tape gun or a water-activated tape dispenser.

Careful Consideration Regarding Cardboard Pays Off

Ultimately, spending some time considering the advantages and disadvantages of using cardboard shipping cartons pays off. You get the type of container that is ideal for your needs and can move ahead with your shipping operations confident you have chosen wisely.

Better Packages and IPG, together, work to provide you the Gold Standard in Secure, Efficient and Reliable carton closure. For more information about the range of Water Activated Tapes available to you from our parent company IPG, please visit us at www.itape.com or contact your local representative for demonstrations and trials of our complete packaging solutions.

If you have questions about our Better Packages dispenser products and how they can help you improve your shipping operations, we’re here to help. Please contact us at your convenience.

Is your shipping tape providing optimal ROI?  We can help you make that determination.

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

What to Look for in a Water-Activated Tape Dispenser

There is plenty of scientific evidence and real-life experience in shipping departments proving that water-activated tape is an excellent choice for fast, efficient, and effective sealing of cartons. 

Also called gummed tape, kraft paper tape, and brown paper tape,  water-activated tape (WAT) produces a strong, secure, one-strip seal. When you’ve decided on water-activated tape, your next consideration is which type of WAT dispenser to use.  

For many shipping departments, nothing less than Better Packages water-activated tape dispensers will do. They are durably engineered, user friendly, and reliable. But which model is right for your business? This blog post will help you decide.

 

Picking Your Water-Activated Tape Dispenser: Manual vs. Electric

The first decision to make in choosing between Better Packages water-activated tape dispensers is whether you want a manual or electric model. A number of factors affect this choice, including:

• ✔ Efficiency. An electric model enables shipping teams to work faster.
• ✔ Options. An electric model has more functionality than a manual.  
• ✔ Maintenance. A manual model is simpler and therefore requires less maintenance.
• ✔ Electricity at the packaging station. Obviously, there must be a power source in your packaging station in order for you to use an electric water-activated tape dispenser.

Once you’ve considered these attributes, you can start to look into the features of manual or electric tape dispensers as appropriate.

Manual Water-Activated Tape Dispensers — The Better Pack 333 Series

If you decide to go with manual tape dispensers, your decision is somewhat easier. We offer two manual models: 333 Plus and 333 Plus w/Top Heater. Some of the characteristics of the 333 Series include:

• ✔ 15 preset tape lengths measured in inches on a dial
• ✔ Top heater warms the water that coats the tape, making the adhesive stickier (Note: While the action for dispensing tape is manual, the top heater model does require electricity to heat the water.)
• ✔ Great for sealing between 1 and 100 cartons per day/per 8-hour shift
• ✔ 333 Plus is ideal for workstations without access to electricity
• ✔ The portability of the 333 Plus works well when there is a need to move the tape dispenser between locations

Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispensers — The Better Pack 555e Series

The Better Pack 555e Series has many features and functions that help shipping departments work efficiently and effectively, including:

• ✔ Available in 7 models with varying keypad increments, measurement types, and voltages to suit country-specific needs and requirements
• ✔ Better Pack 555eS and Better Pack 555eSA are calibrated in inches with 115V (US) versions
• ✔ Better Pack 555eSA has highest level of automation available from the Better Pack dispenser family including automatic tape dispensing mode and microprocessor-based control system that can be interfaced with PCs, printers, shipping systems, and foot pedals 
• ✔ Unique safety features:
• ‣ Thermal cutoff prevents motor from overheating after extensive use
• ‣ Safety interlock switch disables cutting blade when front cover is open
• ‣ Materials like flame-retardant plastic, steel side frames, high grade solenoid link, and zinc-plated stainless-steel parts
• ✔ Ideal for applications like:
• ‣ High-volume, fast-paced shipping environment
• ‣ Packing and sealing more than 100 cartons per day/per 8-hour shift

Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispensers — The Better Pack 755e Series

The 755e Series offers excellent functionality and flexibility, including:

• ✔ Better Pack 755eS Series and Better Pack 755eSA Series both have a low profile for workspaces with limited height and accommodate 4” wide tape (other dispensers use up to 3” wide tape)
• ✔ 755e series does dispense tape at a slower rate than 555e— 32”/second compared to 555e 45”/second 
• ✔ 755eS series has a smooth-touch, easy-to-use, color-coded keypad with 20 preset tape lengths
• ✔ Better Pack 755eSA has tremendous operational flexibility, including several operating modes like 1-2-2 (for the H-Pattern), random length button, and delay control, all of which allow operator to adapt to variable carton sealing needs with simple turn of a dial
• ✔ Both models are ideal for:
• ‣ High-volume, fast paced shipping
• ‣ Random carton packing of heavy and bulky items
• ‣ Limited workspace height (dispenser has a low profile)
• ‣ Cartons being packed and sealed that require 4” wide tape

Options for Every Shipping Environment

No matter what you ship and how often you ship it, there is a Better Packages water-activated tape dispenser for you. We’ve only highlighted some of the top-selling models here. The full list of manual and electric dispensers can be found on our website.

Tape Options

Better Packages and IPG, together, work to provide you the Gold Standard in Secure, Efficient and Reliable carton closure. For more information about the range of Water Activated Tapes available to you from our parent company IPG, please visit us at www.itape.com or contact your local representative for demonstrations and trials of our complete packaging solutions.

Have questions about our products and how they can help you improve your shipping operations? 

Please contact us at your convenience.

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

How to Make Your Shipping Process Highly Efficient

The holidays are here, and with consumer confidence high, experts believe e-commerce companies can expect to be busy. In fact, it is estimated that 60 percent of shoppers will spend more than 50 percent of their holiday dollars online. That’s great news for businesses, but if you oversee the department packaging and shipping those orders, it's sure to be a challenging season.

One of the keys to success when shipping volumes soar is efficiency. Even small improvements in your shipping processes can make a big difference around the holidays. Plus, what is often overlooked is the fact that the shoppers you impress with your quick turnaround time now, are more likely to be customers again in the future. Use the tips below to ensure you and your team are working at peak efficiency.

 

Tip #1: Choose durable cartons and good cushioning.

It is never a good idea for e-commerce companies to use flimsy shipping cartons, and that is especially true around the holidays when shippers are under tremendous stress and potentially not handling packages especially carefully. Corrugated cartons hold up well, provide excellent protection for your products, and help prevent the need to send replacements for damaged goods.  

It is also important to choose the right carton size: too small and you increase the risk of items being crushed; too big and items may shift around and break. (Not to mention the added shipping costs associated with using an oversized carton.) After choosing the right box, you want to be sure to use the appropriate amount of a good cushioning material. Newspaper and similar materials will flatten during shipping and provide less protection. Bottom line: a “Fragile” sticker on the carton is not going to protect your product. You have to be sure the package is well-prepared for a bumpy ride!

Tip #2: Get the right shipping tape to ensure cartons are properly sealed.

Water-activated tape (WAT) produces a strong, tamper-evident, single-strip seal. It is easy to apply and creates a permanent bond with the carton surface. When buying tape and other supplies, it is a good idea to buy in bulk. Doing so can help ensure you don’t run out of critical items and may also save you some money.

Using the right shipping materials also sends a positive message about your organization and companies that purchase your products for their clients. Those companies want their holiday business gifts to arrive safely and in professional packaging.

Tip #3: Review your shipping processes from a safety perspective.

Accidents or injuries in your shipping department may be more likely during the holiday rush. Reviewing your processes with that fact in mind can help you protect your shipping team and ensure that product is not damaged during packaging and handling. Water-activated tape helps here as well, since your shipping crew won’t be using tape guns with their sharp blades and high potential for repetitive stress injuries.

One way to keep your team from having to hurry to keep up with rising volumes is to pre-pack common items. If you do, be sure to write a description of the contents and the package weight on the carton surface so you don’t have to pause to make that determination. 

Tip #4: Take steps to deter “press and grab” thefts and the time spent dealing with them. 

Thieves know that packages shipped during the holiday season often have valuable contents. A common practice is to press down on the top of a package until the low-quality shipping tape releases, pull out an item, and allow the carton flaps to spring back into place so that the theft goes undetected initially. 

The deep bond with the carton material created by gummed tape prevents the packaging from opening in this way, making it difficult for thieves to get what they are after. As a result, you spend less time dealing with missing items and preparing replacement shipments.  

Keep Up With the Holiday Rush!

By streamlining your e-commerce shipping processes and using the right packaging materials, you and your team can be highly efficient this holiday season. 

Check out our free guide to determine what type of packaging tape is best for your needs. 

Plus, we’re always happy to answer your questions. Contact us at your convenience.

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

Helpful Tips for Ordering Packaging Supplies in Bulk

If you are tasked with ensuring that your packaging and shipping operations run smoothly and without interruption, it is critical that you keep your team supplied with the materials they need to be productive. It is also important that you do what you can to control shipping-related costs. Buying shipping supplies in bulk can help you achieve both your operational and financial goals.

This approach to purchasing also allows you to cut back on the number of “to do” items on your list. Instead of having to purchase more materials weekly or monthly, you might only have to do so quarterly or every six months.

 

When and Why You Should Look into Buying Shipping Supplies in Bulk

When should you research bulk packaging and shipping supplies? 

Really any time is a good time to do some comparison shopping. Whether you choose to buy supplies at that time or not, you will have the information you need to make an informed decision. 

Being proactive tends to be better than feeling pressured to make a quick choice between purchasing a short-term supply or buying in bulk. Faster decisions may be required in certain situations, such as:

• ✔ Your existing stock is running low. If you wait until there is an urgent need to replenish your supplies, you are likely to make the smaller purchase that you are familiar with. That quantity will keep your shipping operations going, but you will miss out on the benefits of buying in bulk.
  
• ✔ You become unhappy with your existing supplier. If your relationship with your existing provider sours because they raise their prices an unreasonable amount, they start providing subpar service, or some other reason, you may find yourself eager to switch to a new supplier.
  
• ✔ You start shipping new products. If your company introduces new products to its line and they will require different shipping materials, it is very helpful to know your options for accommodating this change in your shipping procedures.
  
• ✔ Your company is looking to reduce costs. Knowing what your bulk purchasing options are can be key if your company launches a cost-control initiative and looks to you for what your contribution to the effort will be. 

Shipping Supplies You Can Buy in Bulk

There are many types of packaging and shipping supplies that you can buy in large quantities. Four of the items that can deliver the biggest benefit are:

• ✔ Shipping cartons. Outside of what you pay to carriers, the cost of shipping cartons is probably one of your biggest shipping-related expenses. Getting a discounted rate for buying boxes in bulk can produce significant savings.
  
• ✔ Cushioning material. If the items you ship are breakable, you never want to skimp on cushioning like air pillows or paper void fill. Having a good supply can prevent situations where a shipping team member tries to use “just enough” material in each carton in order to make a dwindling supply last a little longer.
  
• ✔ Water-activated tape (WAT). The great thing about water-activated tape (also called gummed tape) is that it comes in rolls that don’t take up much room in storage. Consequently, you can purchase a supply that will last for many months and not struggle with where to store it.
  
• ✔ Water-activated tape dispensers. Especially if you are making the transition to WAT, buying multiple dispensers to ensure you can accommodate any planned growth in shipping volume, or just temporary surges, is a good idea.

Why Tape May Be Your Most Important Packaging Supply

From cartons to packing peanuts, all the supplies you use are important. Perhaps most important of all, however, is your carton sealing tape. 

WAT delivers a wide range of benefits that you do not get from other types of tape. For example, its strong, one-strip seal makes shipping operations more efficient. The seal is also very weather-resistant, which helps to protect your shipped items. Plus, WAT provides enhanced theft prevention and security by discouraging “press and grab” thefts.  

If you are wondering if your company is using the right type of tape, this resource can help. You can also get a complimentary roll of WAT if you are interested in checking it out. 

Plus, we’re always happy to answer your questions. Contact us at your convenience.

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

How to Use Gummed Tape Most Effectively for Shipping

Gummed paper tape, also called water-activated tape or WAT, provides many advantages over other types of tape, including faster application, a professional one-strip seal, enhanced security, and branding opportunity. If you’ve made the switch to gummed tape, there are best practices that can help you maximize the value of your investment.

Ensure Proper Station Setup

The first step in getting the most from your gummed paper tape is ensuring that your shipping station is equipped and arranged for optimal efficiency, productivity, and safety. 

If you’ve selected electric water-activated tape dispensers, you’ll need a power source. Proper lighting is also important so that team members can observe the condition of cartons in general and after sealing. 

You’ll also want to ensure your shipping station has enough space for efficient handling of packages. An advantage of sealing packages with WAT is that it doesn’t require the amount of repositioning needed to get the proper angle with a tape gun. So, if your company is short on shipping space, gummed tape can help you use it effectively.

Provide Effective Training for Your Shipping Team

Water-activated tape and water-activated tape dispensers are easy to use. However, providing initial training for your shipping team can ensure that they make the transition from hand-held tape guns to WAT efficiently and reach a high level of productivity quickly. 

It’s also a good idea to develop an approved process for getting new employees up to speed and using your preferred shipping processes. This may be more effective than having another employee provide their perspective on the shipping process, as you don’t want any non-standard techniques they may have developed to be taught to new team members.

Ensure Necessary Tools and Supplies are Available

In order to maximize both the productivity of your shipping team and the safety and comfort of team members, it’s important that you provide them with the right tools. 

This starts with selecting the right water-activated tape dispenser for your needs. For example, are you shipping several cartons per day or perhaps dozens or hundreds of cartons? This will affect whether a manual or electric dispenser is best for your operation.

What other tools and supplies does your shipping team need? 

Do you have enough gummed tape on hand? Are there plenty of shipping labels at the station? Do your team members have relief mats to stand on and are supplies stored in a way that minimizes awkward reaching? 

There are many ways to streamline operations and protect your employees.

Use the Right Cartons

Water-activated tape works well with a variety of carton types. However, there are differences between options like standard cardboard and corrugated cardboard when it comes to protecting the contents of a shipping carton. 

Choosing the right type for your requirements is important. In instances where damage prevention is critical, corrugated cardboard sealed with WAT is an approach that delivers many benefits. 

For some items, you might also have the option of using padded mailers. There may be advantages to doing so, but you should carefully compare padded mailers and shipping cartons before you make that decision.  

Getting Big Returns from a Small Investment

In the context of your overall operations, making the switch to gummed paper tape requires a relatively small investment, and it’s one that delivers a significant return. Then, if you take the time to update your packing and shipping processes and set your team up for success, you can greatly amplify those benefits!

Wondering if water-activated tape and water-activated tape dispensers are right for your organization? 

Get a free copy of A Guide For Tape Dispensing Performance Solutions and a complimentary roll of WAT to help inform your decision making.

We’re also happy to answer your questions. Contact us at your convenience.

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]