Packaging Supplies
Browse articles written by our packaging experts
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May 28, 2019
As the name suggests, Surface Protection Tapes are designed specially to avoid scratches, radiations, abrasions, dirt or any other contamination on critical surfaces. These adhesive tapes are made from thin film layers that are bonded together in order to create a barrier between the surface and external intruders including liquid stains. It also protects it from almost anything that demands under-construction protection. These are also called Carpet Protection Tapes and are constructed to be scratch-resistant to effectively reduce penetration of harmful rays through the material.
While buying the Surface Protection Tapes, it is important to consider certain conditions for its effective results.
- Is the surface smooth or rough?
Rough surfaces demand thicker adhesives and require more film due to its uneven surface area.
- Is the surface coated or painted?
If the surface is coated some chemical reactions may happen on application of the adhesive tape.
- Is the area dry and clean?
Any kind of dirt present on the surface can adversely affect the tape's performance.
- Will there be exposure to high temperatures?
Various types of adhesives have different temperature-resistance. Acrylic adhesives can stand up to 350°F, Silicone stands up to 500°F while rubber adhesives cannot handle temperatures more than 150°F.
- What is the surface made from?
Different surfaces such as glass, wood, plastic, metal, stone, or ceramic will need different adhesives to perform effectively.
- Will the tape be used for outdoor applications?
Sun's rays and UV radiations hamper the effectiveness of the adhesives greatly. The films can turn yellow and brittle during the course of time as they are exposed to direct sunlight.
- For how long will the film be adhere to the surface?
In case it is a long-term project, one may need additional substances to ensure strong adherence to the surface.
The Carpet/Surface Protection Tapes work great when applied correctly only after understanding the surface requirements. However, users have faced challenges while working with the tapes and during their removal.
The most common problems are listed below.
- Poor surface adhesion - This may happen due to contaminated floors, use of incorrect adhesive film or non-stretching of the film to its capacity.
- De-bonding - In case, the film has separated from the adhesive it will leave some residue on the surface. It can be removed by using a clean cloth with some amount of acetate or ethanol.
- Inability to remove the film - Certain over pressure-sensitive adhesives are difficult to remove and one must ensure to have bought the carpet protection tapes from a trusted manufacturer.
Our Carpet/Surface Protection Tapes offer high performance and effectiveness in protecting the floors and other surfaces from getting stained or damaged. PackagingSuppliesByMail.com has a complete range of Packing Tapes that can be used for individual specific purposes.
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May 20, 2019
Lab coats are plain, they are boxy and they look monotonous - but they are necessary and extremely functional. They have those large pockets on the front which are made to equip sharp medical instruments like stethoscopes, paper, pens, ophthalmoscope, etc. The personal protective equipment apart from its functionality provides protection too.
The white lab coats symbolize the medical profession in a way and save you from laboratory stains and injuries. Therefore, let us understand more beneficial reasons for wearing a lab coat:
PROTECTIVE BARRIER - A lab coat creates a substantial barrier between your clothing and the laboratory environment that is flooded with chemicals, sharp objects, and other hazardous substances.
SAVES FROM CROSS-CONTAMINATION - Medical environments carry a high risk of foreign elements such as infectious bacteria, germs, and bodily fluids. Thus, lab coats prevent direct exposure to these harmful substances.
CHEMICAL-RESISTANT MATERIAL - A good quality lab coat is made from polycotton material that ideally consists of 35% polyester and 65% cotton. The material is semi fire-retardant, and highly resistant to chemicals.
SPILLAGE & SPLASHES PROTECTION - A lab coat featured with an elastic cuff helps in keeping your sleeves safe from potential dangerous splashes.
EASY TO PUT ON & OFF - Lab coats can be quickly put on and removed in case of emergencies. In case a fire occurs, it can easily be pulled off keeping you at a safe distance from the flames.
SAFE FOR CLOTHES - As an obvious benefit, lab coats safeguard your regular clothing from dust, dirt and other laboratory contaminants.
Industry specialists suggest a few DO's and DON'T's while using lab coats.
Do's
- Wear a lab coat always when working in the laboratory as a protocol.
- Select an appropriately sized lab coat.
- Choose a lab coat that suffices your specific requirements - they may be disposable or reusable. Disposable ones are highly recommended when dealing with hazardous materials.
- Use a coat that covers the knees and one that has full-length sleeves for the arms.
- Ensure your lab coats are completely buttoned up to cover your full body and allow quick removal at the time of emergency.
Don'ts
- Wear a disposable lab coat for more than eight hours due to contamination risk.
- Use lab coats made from synthetic fibers in case there is a potential risk of fires.
- Keep the buttons of your lab coat open.
- Roll-up the sleeves of your lab coat.
- Wear the lab coats outside of the laboratory to maintain the required hygiene.
Buy a white lab coat of your choice from PackagingSuppliesByMail.com
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May 13, 2019
Wearing protective gear is a must in the medical field for obvious reasons. Medical professionals need to be well-protected from pathogens and other contaminants that may cause allergies and infections as they are mostly exposed to bodily fluids and harmful chemicals. An important type of protective gear is the disposable medical glove that provides protection to the hands against harmful substances including medical equipment, blood borne pathogens and hazardous chemicals.
There are two major types of medical gloves available - surgical gloves and exam gloves. Each of the glove types is meant to serve a specific purpose while both aim at protecting the wearers' hands from cross-contamination.
Surgical Gloves - These gloves are usually worn by surgeons and other supporting staff who come in direct contact with sharp tools, blood, infections and substances that could possibly cause extreme health conditions. Most of the healthcare professionals choose nitrile gloves over other types of medical gloves available on the market due to their high-puncture resistance and durability.
Exam Gloves - Healthcare professionals who work as caregivers such as physicians also need to wear gloves that protect themselves from cross-contamination during general examination and procedures. The medical exam gloves are available in latex, vinyl and nitrile with a varied thickness to choose from. For the exam gloves, it is not mandatory to look for the highest quality or thickest material.
Let us understand the characteristics of latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves.
- Available in powdered and powder-free varieties
- Amazing fit
- Great sensitivity to touch
- Extremely flexible
- Moderate protection
- Can cause skin allergies and irritation
- Made from PVC
- Cost-effective
- Comfortable fit and soft texture
- Free from latex
- Sensitive to touch
- Adequate protection
- Not much durable
- Free from protein and latex
- Highly resistant to chemicals
- Puncture-resistant
- Do not cause allergy
- Extremely durable
- High protection
Powdered and Powder-free Medical Gloves
Latex gloves were once the only preferred choice for medical professionals. They often feature a powder coating on the surface to make putting them on and off quick and easy. However, after prolonged use the powder was observed to have caused skin irritation. It also caused respiratory problems if the wearer accidentally inhaled the powder. So, for those who have an allergy to the powder, powder-free gloves entered the market that are as durable and protective as their powdered counterparts.
Allergies to latex are common due to which healthcare practitioners avoid buying latex medical gloves. For those who do not have an allergy towards latex may develop them after frequent use. Thus, to eliminate the risk of allergens, powder-free nitrile gloves or vinyl gloves can be used as they offer a firm grip and soft feel while also being durable enough and preventing cross-contamination.
Why are Nitrile Gloves so popular?
Nitrile works soft on the skin even when worn for extended periods and glides in comfortably. The material provides improved tactility and the soft texture of these gloves enhances the grip while also reducing the surface friction considerably. Nitrile gloves are a great replacement to the latex gloves as they are very cost-effective and provide more dexterity and durability. Nitrile is also more resistant to chemicals and reduces sweat and skin irritation to a great extent. Moreover, nitrile gloves are environment-friendly as the cost of disposal of these gloves is significantly less when compared to the latex counterparts.
To conclude, it is important to select a medical glove type that suits to your specific requirements and offer the level of protection required for particular tasks. Browse for a large variety of medical gloves and other safety gloves at https://www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com/industrial-gloves
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April 15, 2019
What is a Pre-Stretch Wrap?
It is a type of stretch wrap that has been stretched nearest to its breaking point before being wound into rolls. It is pre-stretched to nearly 90% at the factory, which also results in them having thinner gauges than other traditional films. This manufacturing technique gives the material an ability to save on time and money while protecting loads.
Since we have been using stretch wraps prominently for quite a long time, let us understand how the pre-stretched variety can benefit your facility more. Here are certain benefits that pre-stretch wraps extend.
MORE FILM CONTROL
It is somehow difficult to get a uniform and consistent stretch which results in unpredictable performance or even load failures at times. With pre-stretched wraps, you will have a more reliable, controllable and predictive stretch wrapping performance.
EASIER TO APPLY
Your employees will find it easier to apply the pre-stretched variety of stretch wraps as they will have to simply walk forward without needing to apply force in pulling the film. Less physical strength means improved productivity. A roll of pre-stretch wrap weighs nearly 2/3 times lighter than the traditional films and thus is easier to manage.
Even though the application is done by a stretch wrapping machine, it will consume less electrical energy due to the low-tension settings required.
ELIMINATES NECK DOWN ISSUES
Sometimes, the stretch wrap narrows down when it is wrapped around the load or pallet. This leads to using an increased amount of stretch wrap required. The pre-stretched wrap makes efficient use of the film by eliminating the neck down the hassle.
DIFFICULT TO DAMAGE
Approximately 25% of the traditional stretch wrap rolls are trashed due to damaged edges caused by drops. The pre-stretched wraps have rolled edges which make them virtually indestructible.
CONSUMES LESS ENERGY
Workers are exposed to less fatigue and physical injuries when handling the comparatively lightweight pre-stretched wraps while it requires less amount of energy to pull the film to its maximum capacity.
DOES MORE WITH LESS
With regular gauged stretch wraps, users usually fail to achieve the maximum stretch of the film as it requires an exorbitant amount of effort to pull it when applying force by hand, thus the stretch film remains under-utilized, resulting in using more film. The pre-stretched wraps are readily available with their maximum stretch capacities, which mean they can be easily used without worrying to have used more energy or material.
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March 29, 2019
Cleanliness and hygiene go hand in hand when we discuss about healthcare and food industries. Neither workers nor visitors can afford to contaminate the area. Also, compromising workers' health by not providing efficient personal protection equipment is not what any of the companies would think of. To ensure a healthy work environment for workers and to safeguard their interests, the most common protective measure is using personal protection equipment (PPE) such as disposable shoe covers and disposable bouffant caps. These are convenient and inexpensive ways to guarantee workers' protection while also keeping the workplace uncontaminated.
Disposable Shoe Covers
We often miss what goes at the end, and this is the reason we have mentioned the bottom first. Being covered from head to toe is important; hence shoe covers are necessary PPE that provides a barrier between outside foreign matter and the sterile work environment. Easy to put on and off, these offer a snug fit around the shoes. Moreover, they feature low skid bottoms to prevent users from slipping on smooth surfaces. Usually, you may find disposable shoe covers made from polypropylene and polyethylene.
The polypropylene shoe covers are made with heavy-weight, spun bond polypropylene fabric that is highly breathable and promotes filtering of particulates in critical environments. The other variety, polyethylene disposable shoe covers are specifically designed for protection against liquids and are an ideal choice for adverse conditions or wet environments.
Disposable Beard Covers
Another safety accessory that is usually overlooked is the beard cover. Workers who have facial hair can accidentally contaminate the work area, especially those employed in food processing plants, restaurants, manufacturing industries, and hospitals.
The polypropylene beard covers are soft, breathable, and a cost-effective solution to reducing product contamination from stray hairs.
Disposable Hair Nets
Disposable hair nets are commonly worn by workers to avoid hair strands from getting into products and displaying an unhygienic environment. Many varieties are made from mesh, resultantly they provide less protection and hence, these should not be worn in highly sterile environments.
Disposable Bouffant Caps
Bouffant caps are excellent personal protective equipment for covering hair that is designed to be worn in highly sterile environments. These provide a complete sanitary protection against contamination caused by hair. The disposable bouffant caps made from spun bound polypropylene feature comfortable elastic fit and are a popular choice for protective apparel that requires particulate protection. These bouffant caps are extremely lightweight and economical and thus are commonly worn by workers employed in medical research, pharmaceutical industry, janitorial, dental, and food services.
"Prevention is always better than cure" - the phrase stands so true when you talk about environmental and occupational hazards. Wearing personal protective equipment is not just a necessity, it is mandatory in certain industries that are aware of hazards caused by product contamination and care about their employees' health.
Do you really care for the safety of your employees? If yes, it is time to take a small step by providing them with the necessary disposable safety supplies and ensuring that they use those while at work.
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March 18, 2019
What is Heat Stress?
When an individual is exposed to extreme heat or works in a high-temperature environment, he is prone to heat stress that can lead to occupational injuries or illnesses. Workers involved in outdoor jobs or jobs that emit a lot of heat such as bakeries, farming, mining, fire-fighting, and others, are majorly affected by heat stress.
Occupational hazards due to heat stress
Heat stress can result in serious injuries like heat stroke, heat rashes, heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries caused by dizziness, fogged-up safety glasses or sweaty palms. Employees can also get burns if they accidentally encounter hot metallic surfaces.
Apart from the physical injuries enlisted above, it has also been proved by many research studies that heat stress causes workers to commit mental errors when the temperature rises above 95°F. A NASA study reveals that if the temperature is 95°F or above for an extended period of time, people usually make 60 mistakes per hour, without even realizing it. The mental fatigue is caused due to a disturbance in the human body’s natural, primary cooling system. At temperatures above 90-95°F, the human body loses its natural tendency to release internal energy which results in overheating and dehydration of the body. This consequently causes physical discomfort and fatigue along with diminished cognitive thinking skills which thereby hampers workers’ productivity at their jobs.
How to prevent heat stress injuries?
Train workers: Training is an important part of industrial workers as it prepares their minds to recognize and understand their job environment. It also helps them spot and treats heat stress injuries at the earliest to prevent further damage.
Equip heat stress relief products: Safeguarding workers' interests by ensuring proper medical aid at workplace is an important factor in motivating them. Equip essential medical supplies including Heat Stress Relief Products and Burn Care Products to provide immediate first aid in case of an emergency.
Provide plenty of water: Keep water in convenient locations to prevent workers from dehydration during work.
Schedule short, frequent breaks: Plan your work schedule so that every worker gets a sufficient amount of break-in air-conditioned or shaded areas. You can also equip Instant Cold Packs in the break area to soothe the workers' heat stress.
We cannot avoid heat; however, we can take preventive measures to control its effect. Certain environments require high temperatures and manual labor must be there to accomplish tasks. We can care for the employees and protect them from hazards by having optimum safety supplies and first aid medical kits. There are a variety of medical supplies, safety gear and industrial supplies, you can visit the online store and build your cart now!
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March 11, 2019
Disposable protective clothing is an imperative safety essential in controlled environments such as laboratories, clean rooms, etc. that demand extreme hygiene or can cause worker injuries.
Selecting between disposable and re-usable protective clothing depends not just on cost but on a variety of other factors.
COST
An important benefit of disposable safety supplies including the clothing is affordability. However, it is necessary to weigh the overall lifecycle costs to make a decision. It includes energy, environmental and transportation costs. Re-usable clothing costs more due to the high cost of laundering and sterilization process. It is also known to gradually diminish the comfort and its ability to protect from contamination.
SAFETY & HEALTH
Health and safety is another important consideration when weighing the benefits of disposable and re-usable protective clothing. Employee health must be a primary concern when bacteriological and hazardous risks are involved. This applies to both the employee's health as well as safeguarding products from contamination which may in turn affect the health of end-users. Studies revealed that the protective barrier of clothing diminishes with each cycle. Therefore, it should be inspected physically and tested for repellency.
ENVIRONMENT
Disposable protective clothing such as disposable coveralls, disposable oversleeves, bouffant caps, beard covers, etc. emits less energy and CO2 as compared to re-usable protective clothing. In addition, many other environmental factors such as significant water costs, energy costs, water and detergent required, re-packaging, etc. must be considered.
COMFORT
The re-usable protective clothing is considered better than the disposable ones as the latter did not offer much comfort. However, modern disposable safety wear are made from breathable materials and are lightweight enough. Also, some of the laundered materials are reported to retain moisture which might hamper the protective nature of the reusable garment.
It is important to mention that the appearance and comfort of the reusable clothing suffer after repeated decontamination cycles.
VERSATILITY
The cost of disposable workwear provides better flexibility in the case where a high amount of change around of workers is witnessed. These are easy to store and dispose while do not require any maintenance.
When it comes to choosing between the two, often disposable protective clothing is more preferred due to a number of factors on analyzing the complete life cycle cost. Disposable garments are much affordable and versatile determining the use of these safety essentials in almost every industry where employees need to wear protective clothing and where there are several visitors.
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March 07, 2019
Sound, sound, sound!!! There is sound everywhere and at times it becomes a noise which can prove to be dangerous to the human ear if it is exposed for long to noise that surpasses the normal hearing ability. Some noises can even lead to complete hearing loss or tinnitus. In work environments, it is not possible to reduce your noise exposure or to limit the time of the exposure. So, hearing protection is the only wise option. But there are so many styles, sizes, and materials available on the market and it becomes difficult to choose the right one.
Here are a few tips to choose Hearing Protection that suffices your specific requirements.
Understand how much noise reduction is needed
The basic necessity of wearing a hearing aid is to protect your ears from being exposed to a noise that exceeds the safety level. An average noise exposure level is 85 decibels and most industrial noises create less than 95 decibels of noise. However, if your work environment produces louder noise, you require certain hearing equipment that makes just the right amount of sound audible to you. Also, you must ensure not to be overprotective with the hearing aids as then you may not be able to listen to your co-workers and the PPE would prove to be counter-productive. Aim for just the right amount of sound reduction i.e. up to 75 to 85 dBA.
You might notice Noise Reduction Rating on your hearing protector's packaging that indicates the amount of noise blocked during the testing process in a laboratory. You can carry out a fit-test at your workplace to check the workability of the hearing protector. You can check by counting out loud by cupping and un-cupping your hands over the ears. In both the cases, you must be able to hear the same level of sound.
In case your work environment produces a noise greater than 100dBA, you must wear double hearing protection - earmuffs over earplugs.
Consider your work requirements and job tasks
Analyze your workplace characteristics before selecting a hearing protection. For example, you may have to wear other PPE (personal protective equipment) such as hat, respirator or eye protection. The hearing aid you choose must not lose its fit when worn along with these safety accessories. Specifically, eye protection can interfere with the earmuff's seal around the ear that can allow sound leaks. Earmuffs can also lose its grip with the hard hats or helmets worn at construction sites.
If the noise at your workplace is intermittent, it is better to use ear muffs than ear plugs as the former are easy to remove/replace.
In case you work with chemicals or your hands often get dirty at work, avoid using foam earplugs. When your movable area is restricted to a small space, wearing ear muffs can be inconvenient.
Keep comfort and convenience as priorities
Once you have sorted out the types of hearing protections that suits your work environment, it is time to check for your comfort level. As it is you who would constantly wear the protective equipment, it must be extremely comfortable and convenient.
Most people prefer earplugs over earmuffs as they are lightweight, convenient to wear/carry and easy to store. However, it is important to select a definite size fit for the earplugs as it may vary individually. You get earplugs at reasonable prices; however, they require frequent replacements while some disposable earplugs can be used only once.
Hearing health is an important aspect at work environments and thus, hearing protections are a must-have in every industrial space where there is exposure to continuous sound or noise levels above 85 decibels. Visit https://www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com/hearing-protection to browse a variety of hearing protections that would safeguard workers' health during work hours.
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February 21, 2019
Poly mailers are essential to the e-commerce industry. These waterproof envelopes are a great alternative to corrugated cardboard boxes. Not to mention, lightweight mailers save sellers tons of money in shipping fees. We’ve answered a few of the most common questions about poly mailers below!
What are poly mailers made from?
Poly mailers are made of polyurethane material. Polyurethane is a versatile, plastic that can be molded into various shapes and sizes. According to the American Chemistry Council, a collection of companies discovering chemical innovations, “Polyurethanes can be found in mattresses, couches, insulation . . . and many other places and applications.”
Poly mailers are durable, white plastic bags that ship products with ease. These envelopes feature a fold over lip and self-sealing adhesive. No extra tape is needed.
All poly mailers resist dirt, dust, & moisture—so purchases stay secure in transit!
What are poly bubble mailers?
Poly bubble mailers add even more security to shipments. These mailers are pre-lined with a ‘bubble wrap’ to absorb shock during transit. This is a great way to secure merchandise and save money. Durable mailing envelopes are lightweight, so companies do not have to pay expensive freight costs.
To check out more mailers, visit our Complete Guide to Mailing Envelopes.
Are poly mailers recyclable?
Yes, poly mailers are recyclable. Simply cut off the label with your name and address on it before recycling. Poly mailers do not need to be broken down further—simply place them in a personal recycling container and go about your day!
Unfortunately, many individuals do not know that polyurethane material is recyclable. Tons of plastics end up in landfills each year—yuck!
Companies and individuals can change this narrative. Businesses can mention frequently recycled product on customers’ receipts. Smaller brands can educate employees about recycling initiatives. Remember, we are all in this together!
Are poly mailers reusable?
Returnable poly mailers are reusable and perfect for first time shoppers. These mailers have two self-seal adhesive strips to return unwanted merchandise.
If items need returned, individuals can simply peel off the second adhesive strip and remail the purchase. To make this process smoother, make sure to verify the return address with a customer service representative.
Other mailers have one permanent adhesive—so they are only sealed once. Poly mailers are great for frequent buyers—while returnable mailing envelopes are ideal for potential exchanges.
Are poly mailers the best shipping mailers for clothes?
Expansion Poly Mailers are excellent for shipping clothes with ease. These mailers have a gusseted bottom for bulkier items. Expandable poly mailers are a cost-efficient way to send books, clothes, or irregular shaped merchandise to customers.
Returnable poly mailers are another great choice. These mailers are perfect for items that are frequently sent back, such as clothes ill-fitting that customers tried on but cannot keep. Shoppers can simply place unwanted apparel within the mailing envelope to return or exchange.
How do you measure a poly mailer bag for shipping?
Whether you are shopping for mailers on our store or elsewhere, it is important to understand how the measurements have been made for the listing. We like to make it very clear what the inside usable dimensions are for our mailer products. The inner dimensions represent the space within the mailer that can be used comfortably to hold an item. Some companies will include the length of the mailer’s lip in their overall measurement. When you order a 5” x 10” mailer from those stores, you will find that you may only be able to fit an item that is 5” x 8.5”. Always try to shop by comparing usable dimensions when possible.
Which size poly mailer should I use?
The size of mailer that you need depends on what you are shipping. Start by measuring the length, width and depth of the item that needs to be shipped. This is going to be the minimum size that you can start to shop for. Remember that mailers are measured flat. If you have an item with a large volume, you might want to consider an Expansion Poly Mailer as these have gusseted bottoms that will expand and provide more room. If you are looking for bubble mailers, add ½” to your measurement because the bubble lining will take up some space.
Always choose a size that is larger than your item’s measured dimensions. With poly mailers you can always seal the lip of the envelope further down to create a tighter seal on the object. You cannot stretch poly mailers to create extra space if you purchased a size too small.
How do you ship poly mailer bags?
Put your valued supplies within the mailer. Make sure all materials fit inside. Peel off the adhesive strip and fold over the sticky tab to seal. Poly mailers can be shipped with any of the main carriers. UPS, FedEx and the US Postal Service will all accept shipments in poly mailer bags.
Direct thermal or transfer labels can be purchased from PackagingSuppliesByMail. Put a shipping label on the outside of the mailer—making sure the label fits flat on one side of the mailer and that there are no folds.
How much does shipping goods in poly mailers cost?
According to the United States Postal Office, a 9” x 12” mailing envelope starts at $7.95 to ship (Priority). A small box costs $8.55—that’s a difference of .60 cents! It might not seem like a lot of money—but consider sellers that ship thousands of items per day. Businesses could be saving millions of dollars per year!
Which is the best choice: Kraft bubble mailers or poly bubble mailers?
Ultimately, business personnel decide the best packaging supplies for their company. Kraft bubble mailers have a natural look that many people enjoy. Kraft envelopes can also be customized further. However, poly bubble mailers are truly moisture resistant. These envelopes could be designed to intrigue customers as well.
For a deeper dive into differences between Kraft bubble mailers and poly bubble mailers—visit our blog post This or That: Kraft Bubble Mailers vs. Poly Bubble Mailers.
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May 28, 2019
As the name suggests, Surface Protection Tapes are designed specially to avoid scratches, radiations, abrasions, dirt or any other contamination on critical surfaces. These adhesive tapes are made from thin film layers that are bonded together in order to create a barrier between the surface and external intruders including liquid stains. It also protects it from almost anything that demands under-construction protection. These are also called Carpet Protection Tapes and are constructed to be scratch-resistant to effectively reduce penetration of harmful rays through the material.
While buying the Surface Protection Tapes, it is important to consider certain conditions for its effective results.
- Is the surface smooth or rough?
Rough surfaces demand thicker adhesives and require more film due to its uneven surface area.
- Is the surface coated or painted?
If the surface is coated some chemical reactions may happen on application of the adhesive tape.
- Is the area dry and clean?
Any kind of dirt present on the surface can adversely affect the tape's performance.
- Will there be exposure to high temperatures?
Various types of adhesives have different temperature-resistance. Acrylic adhesives can stand up to 350°F, Silicone stands up to 500°F while rubber adhesives cannot handle temperatures more than 150°F.
- What is the surface made from?
Different surfaces such as glass, wood, plastic, metal, stone, or ceramic will need different adhesives to perform effectively.
- Will the tape be used for outdoor applications?
Sun's rays and UV radiations hamper the effectiveness of the adhesives greatly. The films can turn yellow and brittle during the course of time as they are exposed to direct sunlight.
- For how long will the film be adhere to the surface?
In case it is a long-term project, one may need additional substances to ensure strong adherence to the surface.
The Carpet/Surface Protection Tapes work great when applied correctly only after understanding the surface requirements. However, users have faced challenges while working with the tapes and during their removal.
The most common problems are listed below.
- Poor surface adhesion - This may happen due to contaminated floors, use of incorrect adhesive film or non-stretching of the film to its capacity.
- De-bonding - In case, the film has separated from the adhesive it will leave some residue on the surface. It can be removed by using a clean cloth with some amount of acetate or ethanol.
- Inability to remove the film - Certain over pressure-sensitive adhesives are difficult to remove and one must ensure to have bought the carpet protection tapes from a trusted manufacturer.
Our Carpet/Surface Protection Tapes offer high performance and effectiveness in protecting the floors and other surfaces from getting stained or damaged. PackagingSuppliesByMail.com has a complete range of Packing Tapes that can be used for individual specific purposes.
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May 20, 2019
Lab coats are plain, they are boxy and they look monotonous - but they are necessary and extremely functional. They have those large pockets on the front which are made to equip sharp medical instruments like stethoscopes, paper, pens, ophthalmoscope, etc. The personal protective equipment apart from its functionality provides protection too.
The white lab coats symbolize the medical profession in a way and save you from laboratory stains and injuries. Therefore, let us understand more beneficial reasons for wearing a lab coat:
PROTECTIVE BARRIER - A lab coat creates a substantial barrier between your clothing and the laboratory environment that is flooded with chemicals, sharp objects, and other hazardous substances.
SAVES FROM CROSS-CONTAMINATION - Medical environments carry a high risk of foreign elements such as infectious bacteria, germs, and bodily fluids. Thus, lab coats prevent direct exposure to these harmful substances.
CHEMICAL-RESISTANT MATERIAL - A good quality lab coat is made from polycotton material that ideally consists of 35% polyester and 65% cotton. The material is semi fire-retardant, and highly resistant to chemicals.
SPILLAGE & SPLASHES PROTECTION - A lab coat featured with an elastic cuff helps in keeping your sleeves safe from potential dangerous splashes.
EASY TO PUT ON & OFF - Lab coats can be quickly put on and removed in case of emergencies. In case a fire occurs, it can easily be pulled off keeping you at a safe distance from the flames.
SAFE FOR CLOTHES - As an obvious benefit, lab coats safeguard your regular clothing from dust, dirt and other laboratory contaminants.
Industry specialists suggest a few DO's and DON'T's while using lab coats.
Do's
- Wear a lab coat always when working in the laboratory as a protocol.
- Select an appropriately sized lab coat.
- Choose a lab coat that suffices your specific requirements - they may be disposable or reusable. Disposable ones are highly recommended when dealing with hazardous materials.
- Use a coat that covers the knees and one that has full-length sleeves for the arms.
- Ensure your lab coats are completely buttoned up to cover your full body and allow quick removal at the time of emergency.
Don'ts
- Wear a disposable lab coat for more than eight hours due to contamination risk.
- Use lab coats made from synthetic fibers in case there is a potential risk of fires.
- Keep the buttons of your lab coat open.
- Roll-up the sleeves of your lab coat.
- Wear the lab coats outside of the laboratory to maintain the required hygiene.
Buy a white lab coat of your choice from PackagingSuppliesByMail.com
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May 13, 2019
Wearing protective gear is a must in the medical field for obvious reasons. Medical professionals need to be well-protected from pathogens and other contaminants that may cause allergies and infections as they are mostly exposed to bodily fluids and harmful chemicals. An important type of protective gear is the disposable medical glove that provides protection to the hands against harmful substances including medical equipment, blood borne pathogens and hazardous chemicals.
There are two major types of medical gloves available - surgical gloves and exam gloves. Each of the glove types is meant to serve a specific purpose while both aim at protecting the wearers' hands from cross-contamination.
Surgical Gloves - These gloves are usually worn by surgeons and other supporting staff who come in direct contact with sharp tools, blood, infections and substances that could possibly cause extreme health conditions. Most of the healthcare professionals choose nitrile gloves over other types of medical gloves available on the market due to their high-puncture resistance and durability.
Exam Gloves - Healthcare professionals who work as caregivers such as physicians also need to wear gloves that protect themselves from cross-contamination during general examination and procedures. The medical exam gloves are available in latex, vinyl and nitrile with a varied thickness to choose from. For the exam gloves, it is not mandatory to look for the highest quality or thickest material.
Let us understand the characteristics of latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves.
- Available in powdered and powder-free varieties
- Amazing fit
- Great sensitivity to touch
- Extremely flexible
- Moderate protection
- Can cause skin allergies and irritation
- Made from PVC
- Cost-effective
- Comfortable fit and soft texture
- Free from latex
- Sensitive to touch
- Adequate protection
- Not much durable
- Free from protein and latex
- Highly resistant to chemicals
- Puncture-resistant
- Do not cause allergy
- Extremely durable
- High protection
Powdered and Powder-free Medical Gloves
Latex gloves were once the only preferred choice for medical professionals. They often feature a powder coating on the surface to make putting them on and off quick and easy. However, after prolonged use the powder was observed to have caused skin irritation. It also caused respiratory problems if the wearer accidentally inhaled the powder. So, for those who have an allergy to the powder, powder-free gloves entered the market that are as durable and protective as their powdered counterparts.
Allergies to latex are common due to which healthcare practitioners avoid buying latex medical gloves. For those who do not have an allergy towards latex may develop them after frequent use. Thus, to eliminate the risk of allergens, powder-free nitrile gloves or vinyl gloves can be used as they offer a firm grip and soft feel while also being durable enough and preventing cross-contamination.
Why are Nitrile Gloves so popular?
Nitrile works soft on the skin even when worn for extended periods and glides in comfortably. The material provides improved tactility and the soft texture of these gloves enhances the grip while also reducing the surface friction considerably. Nitrile gloves are a great replacement to the latex gloves as they are very cost-effective and provide more dexterity and durability. Nitrile is also more resistant to chemicals and reduces sweat and skin irritation to a great extent. Moreover, nitrile gloves are environment-friendly as the cost of disposal of these gloves is significantly less when compared to the latex counterparts.
To conclude, it is important to select a medical glove type that suits to your specific requirements and offer the level of protection required for particular tasks. Browse for a large variety of medical gloves and other safety gloves at https://www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com/industrial-gloves
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April 15, 2019
What is a Pre-Stretch Wrap?
It is a type of stretch wrap that has been stretched nearest to its breaking point before being wound into rolls. It is pre-stretched to nearly 90% at the factory, which also results in them having thinner gauges than other traditional films. This manufacturing technique gives the material an ability to save on time and money while protecting loads.
Since we have been using stretch wraps prominently for quite a long time, let us understand how the pre-stretched variety can benefit your facility more. Here are certain benefits that pre-stretch wraps extend.
MORE FILM CONTROL
It is somehow difficult to get a uniform and consistent stretch which results in unpredictable performance or even load failures at times. With pre-stretched wraps, you will have a more reliable, controllable and predictive stretch wrapping performance.
EASIER TO APPLY
Your employees will find it easier to apply the pre-stretched variety of stretch wraps as they will have to simply walk forward without needing to apply force in pulling the film. Less physical strength means improved productivity. A roll of pre-stretch wrap weighs nearly 2/3 times lighter than the traditional films and thus is easier to manage.
Even though the application is done by a stretch wrapping machine, it will consume less electrical energy due to the low-tension settings required.
ELIMINATES NECK DOWN ISSUES
Sometimes, the stretch wrap narrows down when it is wrapped around the load or pallet. This leads to using an increased amount of stretch wrap required. The pre-stretched wrap makes efficient use of the film by eliminating the neck down the hassle.
DIFFICULT TO DAMAGE
Approximately 25% of the traditional stretch wrap rolls are trashed due to damaged edges caused by drops. The pre-stretched wraps have rolled edges which make them virtually indestructible.
CONSUMES LESS ENERGY
Workers are exposed to less fatigue and physical injuries when handling the comparatively lightweight pre-stretched wraps while it requires less amount of energy to pull the film to its maximum capacity.
DOES MORE WITH LESS
With regular gauged stretch wraps, users usually fail to achieve the maximum stretch of the film as it requires an exorbitant amount of effort to pull it when applying force by hand, thus the stretch film remains under-utilized, resulting in using more film. The pre-stretched wraps are readily available with their maximum stretch capacities, which mean they can be easily used without worrying to have used more energy or material.
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March 29, 2019
Cleanliness and hygiene go hand in hand when we discuss about healthcare and food industries. Neither workers nor visitors can afford to contaminate the area. Also, compromising workers' health by not providing efficient personal protection equipment is not what any of the companies would think of. To ensure a healthy work environment for workers and to safeguard their interests, the most common protective measure is using personal protection equipment (PPE) such as disposable shoe covers and disposable bouffant caps. These are convenient and inexpensive ways to guarantee workers' protection while also keeping the workplace uncontaminated.
Disposable Shoe Covers
We often miss what goes at the end, and this is the reason we have mentioned the bottom first. Being covered from head to toe is important; hence shoe covers are necessary PPE that provides a barrier between outside foreign matter and the sterile work environment. Easy to put on and off, these offer a snug fit around the shoes. Moreover, they feature low skid bottoms to prevent users from slipping on smooth surfaces. Usually, you may find disposable shoe covers made from polypropylene and polyethylene.
The polypropylene shoe covers are made with heavy-weight, spun bond polypropylene fabric that is highly breathable and promotes filtering of particulates in critical environments. The other variety, polyethylene disposable shoe covers are specifically designed for protection against liquids and are an ideal choice for adverse conditions or wet environments.
Disposable Beard Covers
Another safety accessory that is usually overlooked is the beard cover. Workers who have facial hair can accidentally contaminate the work area, especially those employed in food processing plants, restaurants, manufacturing industries, and hospitals.
The polypropylene beard covers are soft, breathable, and a cost-effective solution to reducing product contamination from stray hairs.
Disposable Hair Nets
Disposable hair nets are commonly worn by workers to avoid hair strands from getting into products and displaying an unhygienic environment. Many varieties are made from mesh, resultantly they provide less protection and hence, these should not be worn in highly sterile environments.
Disposable Bouffant Caps
Bouffant caps are excellent personal protective equipment for covering hair that is designed to be worn in highly sterile environments. These provide a complete sanitary protection against contamination caused by hair. The disposable bouffant caps made from spun bound polypropylene feature comfortable elastic fit and are a popular choice for protective apparel that requires particulate protection. These bouffant caps are extremely lightweight and economical and thus are commonly worn by workers employed in medical research, pharmaceutical industry, janitorial, dental, and food services.
"Prevention is always better than cure" - the phrase stands so true when you talk about environmental and occupational hazards. Wearing personal protective equipment is not just a necessity, it is mandatory in certain industries that are aware of hazards caused by product contamination and care about their employees' health.
Do you really care for the safety of your employees? If yes, it is time to take a small step by providing them with the necessary disposable safety supplies and ensuring that they use those while at work.
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March 18, 2019
What is Heat Stress?
When an individual is exposed to extreme heat or works in a high-temperature environment, he is prone to heat stress that can lead to occupational injuries or illnesses. Workers involved in outdoor jobs or jobs that emit a lot of heat such as bakeries, farming, mining, fire-fighting, and others, are majorly affected by heat stress.
Occupational hazards due to heat stress
Heat stress can result in serious injuries like heat stroke, heat rashes, heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries caused by dizziness, fogged-up safety glasses or sweaty palms. Employees can also get burns if they accidentally encounter hot metallic surfaces.
Apart from the physical injuries enlisted above, it has also been proved by many research studies that heat stress causes workers to commit mental errors when the temperature rises above 95°F. A NASA study reveals that if the temperature is 95°F or above for an extended period of time, people usually make 60 mistakes per hour, without even realizing it. The mental fatigue is caused due to a disturbance in the human body’s natural, primary cooling system. At temperatures above 90-95°F, the human body loses its natural tendency to release internal energy which results in overheating and dehydration of the body. This consequently causes physical discomfort and fatigue along with diminished cognitive thinking skills which thereby hampers workers’ productivity at their jobs.
How to prevent heat stress injuries?
Train workers: Training is an important part of industrial workers as it prepares their minds to recognize and understand their job environment. It also helps them spot and treats heat stress injuries at the earliest to prevent further damage.
Equip heat stress relief products: Safeguarding workers' interests by ensuring proper medical aid at workplace is an important factor in motivating them. Equip essential medical supplies including Heat Stress Relief Products and Burn Care Products to provide immediate first aid in case of an emergency.
Provide plenty of water: Keep water in convenient locations to prevent workers from dehydration during work.
Schedule short, frequent breaks: Plan your work schedule so that every worker gets a sufficient amount of break-in air-conditioned or shaded areas. You can also equip Instant Cold Packs in the break area to soothe the workers' heat stress.
We cannot avoid heat; however, we can take preventive measures to control its effect. Certain environments require high temperatures and manual labor must be there to accomplish tasks. We can care for the employees and protect them from hazards by having optimum safety supplies and first aid medical kits. There are a variety of medical supplies, safety gear and industrial supplies, you can visit the online store and build your cart now!
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March 11, 2019
Disposable protective clothing is an imperative safety essential in controlled environments such as laboratories, clean rooms, etc. that demand extreme hygiene or can cause worker injuries.
Selecting between disposable and re-usable protective clothing depends not just on cost but on a variety of other factors.
COST
An important benefit of disposable safety supplies including the clothing is affordability. However, it is necessary to weigh the overall lifecycle costs to make a decision. It includes energy, environmental and transportation costs. Re-usable clothing costs more due to the high cost of laundering and sterilization process. It is also known to gradually diminish the comfort and its ability to protect from contamination.
SAFETY & HEALTH
Health and safety is another important consideration when weighing the benefits of disposable and re-usable protective clothing. Employee health must be a primary concern when bacteriological and hazardous risks are involved. This applies to both the employee's health as well as safeguarding products from contamination which may in turn affect the health of end-users. Studies revealed that the protective barrier of clothing diminishes with each cycle. Therefore, it should be inspected physically and tested for repellency.
ENVIRONMENT
Disposable protective clothing such as disposable coveralls, disposable oversleeves, bouffant caps, beard covers, etc. emits less energy and CO2 as compared to re-usable protective clothing. In addition, many other environmental factors such as significant water costs, energy costs, water and detergent required, re-packaging, etc. must be considered.
COMFORT
The re-usable protective clothing is considered better than the disposable ones as the latter did not offer much comfort. However, modern disposable safety wear are made from breathable materials and are lightweight enough. Also, some of the laundered materials are reported to retain moisture which might hamper the protective nature of the reusable garment.
It is important to mention that the appearance and comfort of the reusable clothing suffer after repeated decontamination cycles.
VERSATILITY
The cost of disposable workwear provides better flexibility in the case where a high amount of change around of workers is witnessed. These are easy to store and dispose while do not require any maintenance.
When it comes to choosing between the two, often disposable protective clothing is more preferred due to a number of factors on analyzing the complete life cycle cost. Disposable garments are much affordable and versatile determining the use of these safety essentials in almost every industry where employees need to wear protective clothing and where there are several visitors.
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March 07, 2019
Sound, sound, sound!!! There is sound everywhere and at times it becomes a noise which can prove to be dangerous to the human ear if it is exposed for long to noise that surpasses the normal hearing ability. Some noises can even lead to complete hearing loss or tinnitus. In work environments, it is not possible to reduce your noise exposure or to limit the time of the exposure. So, hearing protection is the only wise option. But there are so many styles, sizes, and materials available on the market and it becomes difficult to choose the right one.
Here are a few tips to choose Hearing Protection that suffices your specific requirements.
Understand how much noise reduction is needed
The basic necessity of wearing a hearing aid is to protect your ears from being exposed to a noise that exceeds the safety level. An average noise exposure level is 85 decibels and most industrial noises create less than 95 decibels of noise. However, if your work environment produces louder noise, you require certain hearing equipment that makes just the right amount of sound audible to you. Also, you must ensure not to be overprotective with the hearing aids as then you may not be able to listen to your co-workers and the PPE would prove to be counter-productive. Aim for just the right amount of sound reduction i.e. up to 75 to 85 dBA.
You might notice Noise Reduction Rating on your hearing protector's packaging that indicates the amount of noise blocked during the testing process in a laboratory. You can carry out a fit-test at your workplace to check the workability of the hearing protector. You can check by counting out loud by cupping and un-cupping your hands over the ears. In both the cases, you must be able to hear the same level of sound.
In case your work environment produces a noise greater than 100dBA, you must wear double hearing protection - earmuffs over earplugs.
Consider your work requirements and job tasks
Analyze your workplace characteristics before selecting a hearing protection. For example, you may have to wear other PPE (personal protective equipment) such as hat, respirator or eye protection. The hearing aid you choose must not lose its fit when worn along with these safety accessories. Specifically, eye protection can interfere with the earmuff's seal around the ear that can allow sound leaks. Earmuffs can also lose its grip with the hard hats or helmets worn at construction sites.
If the noise at your workplace is intermittent, it is better to use ear muffs than ear plugs as the former are easy to remove/replace.
In case you work with chemicals or your hands often get dirty at work, avoid using foam earplugs. When your movable area is restricted to a small space, wearing ear muffs can be inconvenient.
Keep comfort and convenience as priorities
Once you have sorted out the types of hearing protections that suits your work environment, it is time to check for your comfort level. As it is you who would constantly wear the protective equipment, it must be extremely comfortable and convenient.
Most people prefer earplugs over earmuffs as they are lightweight, convenient to wear/carry and easy to store. However, it is important to select a definite size fit for the earplugs as it may vary individually. You get earplugs at reasonable prices; however, they require frequent replacements while some disposable earplugs can be used only once.
Hearing health is an important aspect at work environments and thus, hearing protections are a must-have in every industrial space where there is exposure to continuous sound or noise levels above 85 decibels. Visit https://www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com/hearing-protection to browse a variety of hearing protections that would safeguard workers' health during work hours.
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February 21, 2019
Poly mailers are essential to the e-commerce industry. These waterproof envelopes are a great alternative to corrugated cardboard boxes. Not to mention, lightweight mailers save sellers tons of money in shipping fees. We’ve answered a few of the most common questions about poly mailers below!
What are poly mailers made from?
Poly mailers are made of polyurethane material. Polyurethane is a versatile, plastic that can be molded into various shapes and sizes. According to the American Chemistry Council, a collection of companies discovering chemical innovations, “Polyurethanes can be found in mattresses, couches, insulation . . . and many other places and applications.”
Poly mailers are durable, white plastic bags that ship products with ease. These envelopes feature a fold over lip and self-sealing adhesive. No extra tape is needed.
All poly mailers resist dirt, dust, & moisture—so purchases stay secure in transit!
What are poly bubble mailers?
Poly bubble mailers add even more security to shipments. These mailers are pre-lined with a ‘bubble wrap’ to absorb shock during transit. This is a great way to secure merchandise and save money. Durable mailing envelopes are lightweight, so companies do not have to pay expensive freight costs.
To check out more mailers, visit our Complete Guide to Mailing Envelopes.
Are poly mailers recyclable?
Yes, poly mailers are recyclable. Simply cut off the label with your name and address on it before recycling. Poly mailers do not need to be broken down further—simply place them in a personal recycling container and go about your day!
Unfortunately, many individuals do not know that polyurethane material is recyclable. Tons of plastics end up in landfills each year—yuck!
Companies and individuals can change this narrative. Businesses can mention frequently recycled product on customers’ receipts. Smaller brands can educate employees about recycling initiatives. Remember, we are all in this together!
Are poly mailers reusable?
Returnable poly mailers are reusable and perfect for first time shoppers. These mailers have two self-seal adhesive strips to return unwanted merchandise.
If items need returned, individuals can simply peel off the second adhesive strip and remail the purchase. To make this process smoother, make sure to verify the return address with a customer service representative.
Other mailers have one permanent adhesive—so they are only sealed once. Poly mailers are great for frequent buyers—while returnable mailing envelopes are ideal for potential exchanges.
Are poly mailers the best shipping mailers for clothes?
Expansion Poly Mailers are excellent for shipping clothes with ease. These mailers have a gusseted bottom for bulkier items. Expandable poly mailers are a cost-efficient way to send books, clothes, or irregular shaped merchandise to customers.
Returnable poly mailers are another great choice. These mailers are perfect for items that are frequently sent back, such as clothes ill-fitting that customers tried on but cannot keep. Shoppers can simply place unwanted apparel within the mailing envelope to return or exchange.
How do you measure a poly mailer bag for shipping?
Whether you are shopping for mailers on our store or elsewhere, it is important to understand how the measurements have been made for the listing. We like to make it very clear what the inside usable dimensions are for our mailer products. The inner dimensions represent the space within the mailer that can be used comfortably to hold an item. Some companies will include the length of the mailer’s lip in their overall measurement. When you order a 5” x 10” mailer from those stores, you will find that you may only be able to fit an item that is 5” x 8.5”. Always try to shop by comparing usable dimensions when possible.
Which size poly mailer should I use?
The size of mailer that you need depends on what you are shipping. Start by measuring the length, width and depth of the item that needs to be shipped. This is going to be the minimum size that you can start to shop for. Remember that mailers are measured flat. If you have an item with a large volume, you might want to consider an Expansion Poly Mailer as these have gusseted bottoms that will expand and provide more room. If you are looking for bubble mailers, add ½” to your measurement because the bubble lining will take up some space.
Always choose a size that is larger than your item’s measured dimensions. With poly mailers you can always seal the lip of the envelope further down to create a tighter seal on the object. You cannot stretch poly mailers to create extra space if you purchased a size too small.
How do you ship poly mailer bags?
Put your valued supplies within the mailer. Make sure all materials fit inside. Peel off the adhesive strip and fold over the sticky tab to seal. Poly mailers can be shipped with any of the main carriers. UPS, FedEx and the US Postal Service will all accept shipments in poly mailer bags.
Direct thermal or transfer labels can be purchased from PackagingSuppliesByMail. Put a shipping label on the outside of the mailer—making sure the label fits flat on one side of the mailer and that there are no folds.
How much does shipping goods in poly mailers cost?
According to the United States Postal Office, a 9” x 12” mailing envelope starts at $7.95 to ship (Priority). A small box costs $8.55—that’s a difference of .60 cents! It might not seem like a lot of money—but consider sellers that ship thousands of items per day. Businesses could be saving millions of dollars per year!
Which is the best choice: Kraft bubble mailers or poly bubble mailers?
Ultimately, business personnel decide the best packaging supplies for their company. Kraft bubble mailers have a natural look that many people enjoy. Kraft envelopes can also be customized further. However, poly bubble mailers are truly moisture resistant. These envelopes could be designed to intrigue customers as well.
For a deeper dive into differences between Kraft bubble mailers and poly bubble mailers—visit our blog post This or That: Kraft Bubble Mailers vs. Poly Bubble Mailers.
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May 28, 2019
As the name suggests, Surface Protection Tapes are designed specially to avoid scratches, radiations, abrasions, dirt or any other contamination on critical surfaces. These adhesive tapes are made from thin film layers that are bonded together in order to create a barrier between the surface and external intruders including liquid stains. It also protects it from almost anything that demands under-construction protection. These are also called Carpet Protection Tapes and are constructed to be scratch-resistant to effectively reduce penetration of harmful rays through the material.
While buying the Surface Protection Tapes, it is important to consider certain conditions for its effective results.
- Is the surface smooth or rough?
Rough surfaces demand thicker adhesives and require more film due to its uneven surface area.
- Is the surface coated or painted?
If the surface is coated some chemical reactions may happen on application of the adhesive tape.
- Is the area dry and clean?
Any kind of dirt present on the surface can adversely affect the tape's performance.
- Will there be exposure to high temperatures?
Various types of adhesives have different temperature-resistance. Acrylic adhesives can stand up to 350°F, Silicone stands up to 500°F while rubber adhesives cannot handle temperatures more than 150°F.
- What is the surface made from?
Different surfaces such as glass, wood, plastic, metal, stone, or ceramic will need different adhesives to perform effectively.
- Will the tape be used for outdoor applications?
Sun's rays and UV radiations hamper the effectiveness of the adhesives greatly. The films can turn yellow and brittle during the course of time as they are exposed to direct sunlight.
- For how long will the film be adhere to the surface?
In case it is a long-term project, one may need additional substances to ensure strong adherence to the surface.
The Carpet/Surface Protection Tapes work great when applied correctly only after understanding the surface requirements. However, users have faced challenges while working with the tapes and during their removal.
The most common problems are listed below.
- Poor surface adhesion - This may happen due to contaminated floors, use of incorrect adhesive film or non-stretching of the film to its capacity.
- De-bonding - In case, the film has separated from the adhesive it will leave some residue on the surface. It can be removed by using a clean cloth with some amount of acetate or ethanol.
- Inability to remove the film - Certain over pressure-sensitive adhesives are difficult to remove and one must ensure to have bought the carpet protection tapes from a trusted manufacturer.
Our Carpet/Surface Protection Tapes offer high performance and effectiveness in protecting the floors and other surfaces from getting stained or damaged. PackagingSuppliesByMail.com has a complete range of Packing Tapes that can be used for individual specific purposes.
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May 20, 2019
Lab coats are plain, they are boxy and they look monotonous - but they are necessary and extremely functional. They have those large pockets on the front which are made to equip sharp medical instruments like stethoscopes, paper, pens, ophthalmoscope, etc. The personal protective equipment apart from its functionality provides protection too.
The white lab coats symbolize the medical profession in a way and save you from laboratory stains and injuries. Therefore, let us understand more beneficial reasons for wearing a lab coat:
PROTECTIVE BARRIER - A lab coat creates a substantial barrier between your clothing and the laboratory environment that is flooded with chemicals, sharp objects, and other hazardous substances.
SAVES FROM CROSS-CONTAMINATION - Medical environments carry a high risk of foreign elements such as infectious bacteria, germs, and bodily fluids. Thus, lab coats prevent direct exposure to these harmful substances.
CHEMICAL-RESISTANT MATERIAL - A good quality lab coat is made from polycotton material that ideally consists of 35% polyester and 65% cotton. The material is semi fire-retardant, and highly resistant to chemicals.
SPILLAGE & SPLASHES PROTECTION - A lab coat featured with an elastic cuff helps in keeping your sleeves safe from potential dangerous splashes.
EASY TO PUT ON & OFF - Lab coats can be quickly put on and removed in case of emergencies. In case a fire occurs, it can easily be pulled off keeping you at a safe distance from the flames.
SAFE FOR CLOTHES - As an obvious benefit, lab coats safeguard your regular clothing from dust, dirt and other laboratory contaminants.
Industry specialists suggest a few DO's and DON'T's while using lab coats.
Do's
- Wear a lab coat always when working in the laboratory as a protocol.
- Select an appropriately sized lab coat.
- Choose a lab coat that suffices your specific requirements - they may be disposable or reusable. Disposable ones are highly recommended when dealing with hazardous materials.
- Use a coat that covers the knees and one that has full-length sleeves for the arms.
- Ensure your lab coats are completely buttoned up to cover your full body and allow quick removal at the time of emergency.
Don'ts
- Wear a disposable lab coat for more than eight hours due to contamination risk.
- Use lab coats made from synthetic fibers in case there is a potential risk of fires.
- Keep the buttons of your lab coat open.
- Roll-up the sleeves of your lab coat.
- Wear the lab coats outside of the laboratory to maintain the required hygiene.
Buy a white lab coat of your choice from PackagingSuppliesByMail.com
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May 13, 2019
Wearing protective gear is a must in the medical field for obvious reasons. Medical professionals need to be well-protected from pathogens and other contaminants that may cause allergies and infections as they are mostly exposed to bodily fluids and harmful chemicals. An important type of protective gear is the disposable medical glove that provides protection to the hands against harmful substances including medical equipment, blood borne pathogens and hazardous chemicals.
There are two major types of medical gloves available - surgical gloves and exam gloves. Each of the glove types is meant to serve a specific purpose while both aim at protecting the wearers' hands from cross-contamination.
Surgical Gloves - These gloves are usually worn by surgeons and other supporting staff who come in direct contact with sharp tools, blood, infections and substances that could possibly cause extreme health conditions. Most of the healthcare professionals choose nitrile gloves over other types of medical gloves available on the market due to their high-puncture resistance and durability.
Exam Gloves - Healthcare professionals who work as caregivers such as physicians also need to wear gloves that protect themselves from cross-contamination during general examination and procedures. The medical exam gloves are available in latex, vinyl and nitrile with a varied thickness to choose from. For the exam gloves, it is not mandatory to look for the highest quality or thickest material.
Let us understand the characteristics of latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves.
- Available in powdered and powder-free varieties
- Amazing fit
- Great sensitivity to touch
- Extremely flexible
- Moderate protection
- Can cause skin allergies and irritation
- Made from PVC
- Cost-effective
- Comfortable fit and soft texture
- Free from latex
- Sensitive to touch
- Adequate protection
- Not much durable
- Free from protein and latex
- Highly resistant to chemicals
- Puncture-resistant
- Do not cause allergy
- Extremely durable
- High protection
Powdered and Powder-free Medical Gloves
Latex gloves were once the only preferred choice for medical professionals. They often feature a powder coating on the surface to make putting them on and off quick and easy. However, after prolonged use the powder was observed to have caused skin irritation. It also caused respiratory problems if the wearer accidentally inhaled the powder. So, for those who have an allergy to the powder, powder-free gloves entered the market that are as durable and protective as their powdered counterparts.
Allergies to latex are common due to which healthcare practitioners avoid buying latex medical gloves. For those who do not have an allergy towards latex may develop them after frequent use. Thus, to eliminate the risk of allergens, powder-free nitrile gloves or vinyl gloves can be used as they offer a firm grip and soft feel while also being durable enough and preventing cross-contamination.
Why are Nitrile Gloves so popular?
Nitrile works soft on the skin even when worn for extended periods and glides in comfortably. The material provides improved tactility and the soft texture of these gloves enhances the grip while also reducing the surface friction considerably. Nitrile gloves are a great replacement to the latex gloves as they are very cost-effective and provide more dexterity and durability. Nitrile is also more resistant to chemicals and reduces sweat and skin irritation to a great extent. Moreover, nitrile gloves are environment-friendly as the cost of disposal of these gloves is significantly less when compared to the latex counterparts.
To conclude, it is important to select a medical glove type that suits to your specific requirements and offer the level of protection required for particular tasks. Browse for a large variety of medical gloves and other safety gloves at https://www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com/industrial-gloves
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April 15, 2019
What is a Pre-Stretch Wrap?
It is a type of stretch wrap that has been stretched nearest to its breaking point before being wound into rolls. It is pre-stretched to nearly 90% at the factory, which also results in them having thinner gauges than other traditional films. This manufacturing technique gives the material an ability to save on time and money while protecting loads.
Since we have been using stretch wraps prominently for quite a long time, let us understand how the pre-stretched variety can benefit your facility more. Here are certain benefits that pre-stretch wraps extend.
MORE FILM CONTROL
It is somehow difficult to get a uniform and consistent stretch which results in unpredictable performance or even load failures at times. With pre-stretched wraps, you will have a more reliable, controllable and predictive stretch wrapping performance.
EASIER TO APPLY
Your employees will find it easier to apply the pre-stretched variety of stretch wraps as they will have to simply walk forward without needing to apply force in pulling the film. Less physical strength means improved productivity. A roll of pre-stretch wrap weighs nearly 2/3 times lighter than the traditional films and thus is easier to manage.
Even though the application is done by a stretch wrapping machine, it will consume less electrical energy due to the low-tension settings required.
ELIMINATES NECK DOWN ISSUES
Sometimes, the stretch wrap narrows down when it is wrapped around the load or pallet. This leads to using an increased amount of stretch wrap required. The pre-stretched wrap makes efficient use of the film by eliminating the neck down the hassle.
DIFFICULT TO DAMAGE
Approximately 25% of the traditional stretch wrap rolls are trashed due to damaged edges caused by drops. The pre-stretched wraps have rolled edges which make them virtually indestructible.
CONSUMES LESS ENERGY
Workers are exposed to less fatigue and physical injuries when handling the comparatively lightweight pre-stretched wraps while it requires less amount of energy to pull the film to its maximum capacity.
DOES MORE WITH LESS
With regular gauged stretch wraps, users usually fail to achieve the maximum stretch of the film as it requires an exorbitant amount of effort to pull it when applying force by hand, thus the stretch film remains under-utilized, resulting in using more film. The pre-stretched wraps are readily available with their maximum stretch capacities, which mean they can be easily used without worrying to have used more energy or material.
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March 29, 2019
Cleanliness and hygiene go hand in hand when we discuss about healthcare and food industries. Neither workers nor visitors can afford to contaminate the area. Also, compromising workers' health by not providing efficient personal protection equipment is not what any of the companies would think of. To ensure a healthy work environment for workers and to safeguard their interests, the most common protective measure is using personal protection equipment (PPE) such as disposable shoe covers and disposable bouffant caps. These are convenient and inexpensive ways to guarantee workers' protection while also keeping the workplace uncontaminated.
Disposable Shoe Covers
We often miss what goes at the end, and this is the reason we have mentioned the bottom first. Being covered from head to toe is important; hence shoe covers are necessary PPE that provides a barrier between outside foreign matter and the sterile work environment. Easy to put on and off, these offer a snug fit around the shoes. Moreover, they feature low skid bottoms to prevent users from slipping on smooth surfaces. Usually, you may find disposable shoe covers made from polypropylene and polyethylene.
The polypropylene shoe covers are made with heavy-weight, spun bond polypropylene fabric that is highly breathable and promotes filtering of particulates in critical environments. The other variety, polyethylene disposable shoe covers are specifically designed for protection against liquids and are an ideal choice for adverse conditions or wet environments.
Disposable Beard Covers
Another safety accessory that is usually overlooked is the beard cover. Workers who have facial hair can accidentally contaminate the work area, especially those employed in food processing plants, restaurants, manufacturing industries, and hospitals.
The polypropylene beard covers are soft, breathable, and a cost-effective solution to reducing product contamination from stray hairs.
Disposable Hair Nets
Disposable hair nets are commonly worn by workers to avoid hair strands from getting into products and displaying an unhygienic environment. Many varieties are made from mesh, resultantly they provide less protection and hence, these should not be worn in highly sterile environments.
Disposable Bouffant Caps
Bouffant caps are excellent personal protective equipment for covering hair that is designed to be worn in highly sterile environments. These provide a complete sanitary protection against contamination caused by hair. The disposable bouffant caps made from spun bound polypropylene feature comfortable elastic fit and are a popular choice for protective apparel that requires particulate protection. These bouffant caps are extremely lightweight and economical and thus are commonly worn by workers employed in medical research, pharmaceutical industry, janitorial, dental, and food services.
"Prevention is always better than cure" - the phrase stands so true when you talk about environmental and occupational hazards. Wearing personal protective equipment is not just a necessity, it is mandatory in certain industries that are aware of hazards caused by product contamination and care about their employees' health.
Do you really care for the safety of your employees? If yes, it is time to take a small step by providing them with the necessary disposable safety supplies and ensuring that they use those while at work.
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March 18, 2019
What is Heat Stress?
When an individual is exposed to extreme heat or works in a high-temperature environment, he is prone to heat stress that can lead to occupational injuries or illnesses. Workers involved in outdoor jobs or jobs that emit a lot of heat such as bakeries, farming, mining, fire-fighting, and others, are majorly affected by heat stress.
Occupational hazards due to heat stress
Heat stress can result in serious injuries like heat stroke, heat rashes, heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries caused by dizziness, fogged-up safety glasses or sweaty palms. Employees can also get burns if they accidentally encounter hot metallic surfaces.
Apart from the physical injuries enlisted above, it has also been proved by many research studies that heat stress causes workers to commit mental errors when the temperature rises above 95°F. A NASA study reveals that if the temperature is 95°F or above for an extended period of time, people usually make 60 mistakes per hour, without even realizing it. The mental fatigue is caused due to a disturbance in the human body’s natural, primary cooling system. At temperatures above 90-95°F, the human body loses its natural tendency to release internal energy which results in overheating and dehydration of the body. This consequently causes physical discomfort and fatigue along with diminished cognitive thinking skills which thereby hampers workers’ productivity at their jobs.
How to prevent heat stress injuries?
Train workers: Training is an important part of industrial workers as it prepares their minds to recognize and understand their job environment. It also helps them spot and treats heat stress injuries at the earliest to prevent further damage.
Equip heat stress relief products: Safeguarding workers' interests by ensuring proper medical aid at workplace is an important factor in motivating them. Equip essential medical supplies including Heat Stress Relief Products and Burn Care Products to provide immediate first aid in case of an emergency.
Provide plenty of water: Keep water in convenient locations to prevent workers from dehydration during work.
Schedule short, frequent breaks: Plan your work schedule so that every worker gets a sufficient amount of break-in air-conditioned or shaded areas. You can also equip Instant Cold Packs in the break area to soothe the workers' heat stress.
We cannot avoid heat; however, we can take preventive measures to control its effect. Certain environments require high temperatures and manual labor must be there to accomplish tasks. We can care for the employees and protect them from hazards by having optimum safety supplies and first aid medical kits. There are a variety of medical supplies, safety gear and industrial supplies, you can visit the online store and build your cart now!
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March 11, 2019
Disposable protective clothing is an imperative safety essential in controlled environments such as laboratories, clean rooms, etc. that demand extreme hygiene or can cause worker injuries.
Selecting between disposable and re-usable protective clothing depends not just on cost but on a variety of other factors.
COST
An important benefit of disposable safety supplies including the clothing is affordability. However, it is necessary to weigh the overall lifecycle costs to make a decision. It includes energy, environmental and transportation costs. Re-usable clothing costs more due to the high cost of laundering and sterilization process. It is also known to gradually diminish the comfort and its ability to protect from contamination.
SAFETY & HEALTH
Health and safety is another important consideration when weighing the benefits of disposable and re-usable protective clothing. Employee health must be a primary concern when bacteriological and hazardous risks are involved. This applies to both the employee's health as well as safeguarding products from contamination which may in turn affect the health of end-users. Studies revealed that the protective barrier of clothing diminishes with each cycle. Therefore, it should be inspected physically and tested for repellency.
ENVIRONMENT
Disposable protective clothing such as disposable coveralls, disposable oversleeves, bouffant caps, beard covers, etc. emits less energy and CO2 as compared to re-usable protective clothing. In addition, many other environmental factors such as significant water costs, energy costs, water and detergent required, re-packaging, etc. must be considered.
COMFORT
The re-usable protective clothing is considered better than the disposable ones as the latter did not offer much comfort. However, modern disposable safety wear are made from breathable materials and are lightweight enough. Also, some of the laundered materials are reported to retain moisture which might hamper the protective nature of the reusable garment.
It is important to mention that the appearance and comfort of the reusable clothing suffer after repeated decontamination cycles.
VERSATILITY
The cost of disposable workwear provides better flexibility in the case where a high amount of change around of workers is witnessed. These are easy to store and dispose while do not require any maintenance.
When it comes to choosing between the two, often disposable protective clothing is more preferred due to a number of factors on analyzing the complete life cycle cost. Disposable garments are much affordable and versatile determining the use of these safety essentials in almost every industry where employees need to wear protective clothing and where there are several visitors.
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March 07, 2019
Sound, sound, sound!!! There is sound everywhere and at times it becomes a noise which can prove to be dangerous to the human ear if it is exposed for long to noise that surpasses the normal hearing ability. Some noises can even lead to complete hearing loss or tinnitus. In work environments, it is not possible to reduce your noise exposure or to limit the time of the exposure. So, hearing protection is the only wise option. But there are so many styles, sizes, and materials available on the market and it becomes difficult to choose the right one.
Here are a few tips to choose Hearing Protection that suffices your specific requirements.
Understand how much noise reduction is needed
The basic necessity of wearing a hearing aid is to protect your ears from being exposed to a noise that exceeds the safety level. An average noise exposure level is 85 decibels and most industrial noises create less than 95 decibels of noise. However, if your work environment produces louder noise, you require certain hearing equipment that makes just the right amount of sound audible to you. Also, you must ensure not to be overprotective with the hearing aids as then you may not be able to listen to your co-workers and the PPE would prove to be counter-productive. Aim for just the right amount of sound reduction i.e. up to 75 to 85 dBA.
You might notice Noise Reduction Rating on your hearing protector's packaging that indicates the amount of noise blocked during the testing process in a laboratory. You can carry out a fit-test at your workplace to check the workability of the hearing protector. You can check by counting out loud by cupping and un-cupping your hands over the ears. In both the cases, you must be able to hear the same level of sound.
In case your work environment produces a noise greater than 100dBA, you must wear double hearing protection - earmuffs over earplugs.
Consider your work requirements and job tasks
Analyze your workplace characteristics before selecting a hearing protection. For example, you may have to wear other PPE (personal protective equipment) such as hat, respirator or eye protection. The hearing aid you choose must not lose its fit when worn along with these safety accessories. Specifically, eye protection can interfere with the earmuff's seal around the ear that can allow sound leaks. Earmuffs can also lose its grip with the hard hats or helmets worn at construction sites.
If the noise at your workplace is intermittent, it is better to use ear muffs than ear plugs as the former are easy to remove/replace.
In case you work with chemicals or your hands often get dirty at work, avoid using foam earplugs. When your movable area is restricted to a small space, wearing ear muffs can be inconvenient.
Keep comfort and convenience as priorities
Once you have sorted out the types of hearing protections that suits your work environment, it is time to check for your comfort level. As it is you who would constantly wear the protective equipment, it must be extremely comfortable and convenient.
Most people prefer earplugs over earmuffs as they are lightweight, convenient to wear/carry and easy to store. However, it is important to select a definite size fit for the earplugs as it may vary individually. You get earplugs at reasonable prices; however, they require frequent replacements while some disposable earplugs can be used only once.
Hearing health is an important aspect at work environments and thus, hearing protections are a must-have in every industrial space where there is exposure to continuous sound or noise levels above 85 decibels. Visit https://www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com/hearing-protection to browse a variety of hearing protections that would safeguard workers' health during work hours.
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February 21, 2019
Poly mailers are essential to the e-commerce industry. These waterproof envelopes are a great alternative to corrugated cardboard boxes. Not to mention, lightweight mailers save sellers tons of money in shipping fees. We’ve answered a few of the most common questions about poly mailers below!
What are poly mailers made from?
Poly mailers are made of polyurethane material. Polyurethane is a versatile, plastic that can be molded into various shapes and sizes. According to the American Chemistry Council, a collection of companies discovering chemical innovations, “Polyurethanes can be found in mattresses, couches, insulation . . . and many other places and applications.”
Poly mailers are durable, white plastic bags that ship products with ease. These envelopes feature a fold over lip and self-sealing adhesive. No extra tape is needed.
All poly mailers resist dirt, dust, & moisture—so purchases stay secure in transit!
What are poly bubble mailers?
Poly bubble mailers add even more security to shipments. These mailers are pre-lined with a ‘bubble wrap’ to absorb shock during transit. This is a great way to secure merchandise and save money. Durable mailing envelopes are lightweight, so companies do not have to pay expensive freight costs.
To check out more mailers, visit our Complete Guide to Mailing Envelopes.
Are poly mailers recyclable?
Yes, poly mailers are recyclable. Simply cut off the label with your name and address on it before recycling. Poly mailers do not need to be broken down further—simply place them in a personal recycling container and go about your day!
Unfortunately, many individuals do not know that polyurethane material is recyclable. Tons of plastics end up in landfills each year—yuck!
Companies and individuals can change this narrative. Businesses can mention frequently recycled product on customers’ receipts. Smaller brands can educate employees about recycling initiatives. Remember, we are all in this together!
Are poly mailers reusable?
Returnable poly mailers are reusable and perfect for first time shoppers. These mailers have two self-seal adhesive strips to return unwanted merchandise.
If items need returned, individuals can simply peel off the second adhesive strip and remail the purchase. To make this process smoother, make sure to verify the return address with a customer service representative.
Other mailers have one permanent adhesive—so they are only sealed once. Poly mailers are great for frequent buyers—while returnable mailing envelopes are ideal for potential exchanges.
Are poly mailers the best shipping mailers for clothes?
Expansion Poly Mailers are excellent for shipping clothes with ease. These mailers have a gusseted bottom for bulkier items. Expandable poly mailers are a cost-efficient way to send books, clothes, or irregular shaped merchandise to customers.
Returnable poly mailers are another great choice. These mailers are perfect for items that are frequently sent back, such as clothes ill-fitting that customers tried on but cannot keep. Shoppers can simply place unwanted apparel within the mailing envelope to return or exchange.
How do you measure a poly mailer bag for shipping?
Whether you are shopping for mailers on our store or elsewhere, it is important to understand how the measurements have been made for the listing. We like to make it very clear what the inside usable dimensions are for our mailer products. The inner dimensions represent the space within the mailer that can be used comfortably to hold an item. Some companies will include the length of the mailer’s lip in their overall measurement. When you order a 5” x 10” mailer from those stores, you will find that you may only be able to fit an item that is 5” x 8.5”. Always try to shop by comparing usable dimensions when possible.
Which size poly mailer should I use?
The size of mailer that you need depends on what you are shipping. Start by measuring the length, width and depth of the item that needs to be shipped. This is going to be the minimum size that you can start to shop for. Remember that mailers are measured flat. If you have an item with a large volume, you might want to consider an Expansion Poly Mailer as these have gusseted bottoms that will expand and provide more room. If you are looking for bubble mailers, add ½” to your measurement because the bubble lining will take up some space.
Always choose a size that is larger than your item’s measured dimensions. With poly mailers you can always seal the lip of the envelope further down to create a tighter seal on the object. You cannot stretch poly mailers to create extra space if you purchased a size too small.
How do you ship poly mailer bags?
Put your valued supplies within the mailer. Make sure all materials fit inside. Peel off the adhesive strip and fold over the sticky tab to seal. Poly mailers can be shipped with any of the main carriers. UPS, FedEx and the US Postal Service will all accept shipments in poly mailer bags.
Direct thermal or transfer labels can be purchased from PackagingSuppliesByMail. Put a shipping label on the outside of the mailer—making sure the label fits flat on one side of the mailer and that there are no folds.
How much does shipping goods in poly mailers cost?
According to the United States Postal Office, a 9” x 12” mailing envelope starts at $7.95 to ship (Priority). A small box costs $8.55—that’s a difference of .60 cents! It might not seem like a lot of money—but consider sellers that ship thousands of items per day. Businesses could be saving millions of dollars per year!
Which is the best choice: Kraft bubble mailers or poly bubble mailers?
Ultimately, business personnel decide the best packaging supplies for their company. Kraft bubble mailers have a natural look that many people enjoy. Kraft envelopes can also be customized further. However, poly bubble mailers are truly moisture resistant. These envelopes could be designed to intrigue customers as well.
For a deeper dive into differences between Kraft bubble mailers and poly bubble mailers—visit our blog post This or That: Kraft Bubble Mailers vs. Poly Bubble Mailers.
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