Packaging Supplies
Browse articles written by our packaging experts
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January 08, 2024
When you need to stick two surfaces together, it’s hard to beat double-sided tape! This convenient tool features a coating of adhesive on both sides of its backing. Double-sided tape is not only great for household repairs and DIY projects, but it is also used professionally in industries like construction and medicine. In this article, we’ve provided a video and step-by-step instructions on how to use double sided tape.
Portion Off a Section of Tape
First, unroll your tape to your desired length and cut the section of tape with either a pair of scissors or the serrated blade of a tape dispenser.
Stick It to the First Surface
Gently set it in place with some light pressure.
Remove the Secondary Backing
Loosen the secondary backing and peel it away to reveal the second side of adhesive. Just make sure you peel away the secondary backing and not the tape itself!
Adhere Your Two Surfaces Together
Again, all it needs is some gentle, light pressure to work.
It’s Double Time!
And that’s how you use double-sided tape! It’s a simple, yet effective tool for quickly sticking two surfaces together. Loosening the secondary backing can be a tad tricky, especially if you find yourself accidentally loosening the tape itself. But like with anything, if you use it enough, you’ll master it eventually.
While you’re here, be sure to take a look at our wide selection of tape products, including double-sided tapes. All of our tape comes with free shipping, so you can double down on some double-sided tape today.
For further reading on our tape products, check out our Tape Product Guide.
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January 04, 2024
Poly bag tape is a special kind of tape that is specifically made to stick to low-surface-energy materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene bags. The strong rubber adhesive and durable plastic backing keep poly bags sealed and prevent the items held inside from spilling out.
Rather than painstakingly tying and taping the ends of poly bags by hand, you can instead use a poly bag tape dispenser. This simple machine is easy to use and makes the process of sealing poly bags quick and efficient. Follow along to our video and read the steps below on how to properly set up and use your poly bag tape dispenser:
1. Load the Tape
Before you load your dispenser, you want to make sure that your tape is the correct size. Visually check to make sure the tape reel on the back of the dispenser will fit into the tape’s core.
Insert the tape reel into the core of your tape and slot the reel onto the back of the dispenser.
2. Prep the Tape End
Grab the end of your tape and extend it all the way across the top of the dispenser, leaving a few extra inches past the front. You want to ensure the adhesive side of the tape faces toward the ceiling and away from the ground.
3. Seal the Poly Bag
Take your poly bag and twist the end of it. Then, take the twisted end of the bag and push it through the slot near the front of the dispenser. Your bag is now sealed with poly bag tape.
All Sealed Up
And that’s how you use a poly bag tape dispenser! These machines are simple, straightforward, and dependable. Every now and then, you’ll want to inspect the condition of your dispenser and replace the cutting blade near the front. If you regularly work with and sell items sealed in poly bags, this dispenser will be an essential asset to your operations.
While you’re here, be sure to take a look at our selection of dispensers for packing tapes and stretch wrap. All of our equipment and accessories come with free shipping, so you can be a master of the poly bag tape dispenser right away!
For additional information on our accessories, be sure you check out our Equipment & Accessories Product Guide.
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January 03, 2024
Transcription
Donning and doffing is the process of safely putting on and removing disposable gloves. Donning and doffing promote workplace hygiene and prevent contact with harmful substances. Before you don your gloves, first wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Now you may don your gloves, ensuring the gloves are the right fit for the size of your hand and that they lack any cuts, holes, or tears.
By the time you’re done wearing your gloves, they may be covered in a layer of contamination that could be harmful to your skin and therefore require proper doffing procedure. First, using a gloved hand, grab the palm of the other glove and pull it off your hand, turning it inside-out as you remove it. Hold the removed glove in the remaining gloved hand. Next, tuck your fingers underneath the wrist of the second glove and peel it off, turning it inside-out over the first glove. Safely dispose of the gloves. Finally, thoroughly wash and dry your hands after doffing your gloves.
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January 02, 2024
Tape. It’s everywhere, isn’t it? It seems like you can barely take a step outside your front door without tripping over a stack of duct tapes or masking tapes. We all know what it does—it’s sticky and it holds stuff together—but do you know about the different types of packing tapes and adhesives? If you feel like you’ve got a learn to learn about this subject matter, then let this article serve as your beginner’s guide to the wild and wacky world of tape.
What is Tape?
Tape is a standard packaging material that keeps cartons and boxes sealed, clings items together, and holds items in place, as well as countless other applications. Tape is comprised of two basic parts: the backing and the adhesive.
What is the Backing?
The backing, also known as the carrier, is the material that is coated with the adhesive on either one or both sides. Most tapes are made with plastic backings, such as polyethylene (PE) or polyurethane (PUR). Other kinds of tape are produced with backings made of paper, cloth, foil, and more. For extra support, some backings are manufactured with strands of fiberglass embedded into the material. Your tape’s backing material will affect its tensile strength, or its resistance to tension, as well as its resistance to tearing, moisture, ultraviolet light, temperature, and the elements.
What are the Types of Adhesive?
There are three main types of adhesive used for tape: acrylic, hot melt/rubber, and water-activated.
Acrylic
Acrylic is the most common tape adhesive and is produced for pressure sensitive tapes, or tapes that are fixed into place with a light application of pressure. For one, acrylic is the least expensive adhesive of the three and therefore the most widely available. Acrylic also has great resistance to the elements, as it can stay strong in extreme temperatures, high humidity, and under ultraviolet light. Furthermore, acrylic adhesive strengthens over time, making acrylic-based tapes ideal for long-term storage.
However, acrylic has a relatively weak tack, or the time it takes for an adhesive bond to form. On top of this, acrylic is generally considered the lightest and weakest adhesive of the three. So while acrylic tapes can handle a wide range of needs, you should probably use a different kind of adhesive for your more important and demanding jobs, such as…
Hot Melt/Rubber
Hot melt and rubber adhesives are a step up from acrylic in terms of tack and adhesive strength. These pressure sensitive adhesives are “stickier” than acrylic, so they’re less likely to loosen once stuck in place. Hot melt and rubber also have a higher shear strength, or the ability to resist the motion of surfaces moving in laterally opposing directions. These adhesives are ideal for sealing up heavy-duty and critical items and loads.
Hot melt and rubber are not without their downsides. First, they are more expensive than acrylic and therefore less widely available. These adhesives are also more sensitive to extreme temperatures and high humidity. And when exposed to UV rays, hot melt and rubber tapes will yellow and weaken over time.
Both acrylic and hot melt/rubber adhesives are used with a variety of backings, including plastic, paper, cloth, and foil.
Water-Activated
Water-activated adhesives are arguably the strongest of the three. These adhesives are not immediately sticky and won’t be able to keep things sealed or clung together, even with a light application of pressure. But the secret lies in the name: the adhesive needs to be activated with water. These adhesives are often made with starches or like substances that chemically react with water to become sticky.
Water-activated adhesives are so strong because the adhesive penetrates the fibers of cardboard boxes and cartons, effectively fusing with the material. This effectively creates an additional of tamper-proofing, as the tape cannot be removed without damaging it or the package underneath. Almost all water-activated tapes are made with a kraft paper backing, with many featuring fiberglass stranding for enhanced tensile strength. While water-activated tapes may be the strongest and most secure, they are also rather expensive and require water-activated tape dispensers to function.
For further reading on the differences between these adhesives, we have articles comparing acrylic and hot melt tapes as well as pressure sensitive and water-activated tapes.
What are the Types of Packing Tape?
Different types of packing tape provide differing levels of adhesive strength and environmental resistance, or they may have special properties that are ideal for specific situations.
Carton Sealing Tape
As the name suggests, this tape is used for sealing cartons, boxes, and other kinds of packaging for shipping, handling, and storage. Carton sealing tapes are typically pressure sensitive and are usually produced with plastic backings. Carton sealing tapes can be made with either acrylic or hot melt/rubber adhesives. These tapes are specifically made to handle the rigors of packaging and shipping, keeping packages sealed and secure from start to finish.
Kraft Tape
Kraft tapes are high-strength tapes that typically feature water-activated adhesives. The backings are made from kraft paper, a high-strength paper material made from chemically-treated wood pulp. Kraft tapes require kraft tape dispensers, which apply a light layer of water onto the adhesive. Many kraft tapes are made with fiberglass stranding to boost their tensile strength. These tapes create seals that are robust and tamper-evident, providing additional peace of mind.
Filament Tape
Filament tapes are similar to many kraft tapes, as they are made with strands of fiberglass embedded in the material. However, these tapes are produced with plastic backings and rubber adhesives. Filament tapes are recommended for sealing packages containing heavy-duty and important items. These tapes are also great for light bundling applications.
Strapping Tape
Strapping tape is specifically made to bundle and palletize loads for shipping and storage. Typically made with acrylic adhesives, strapping tapes are durable tapes that are wrapped around pallets and boxes to hold them together as a single, solid unit, essentially performing the job of conventional stretch wrap. While stretch wrap may be a better option for long-term, high-volume usage, strapping tape is great for short-term, medium bundling and palletizing applications.
Machine Length Tape
Machine length tape is essentially carton sealing tape, but on an industrial scale. These rolls of tape are thousands of feet long and are specifically made to be used in conjunction with carton sealing machines. These high-capacity tapes are ideal for large operations with high-volume shipments that need to maximize their throughput.
Printed Tape
Printed tapes feature messages that either instruct workers on how to handle certain packages or warns workers about the condition of the package. These tapes are made with bright, contrasting colors and messages in bold, easily legible lettering. Caution tape and fragile tape are among the most popular types of printed tape.
Security Tape
Security tape is quite similar to printed tape, but with greater tamper-evident properties. On top of a warning message to check the condition of the packaging, these tapes are usually produced with a flashy pattern that is next-to-impossible to realign once broken. Security tape is ideal for sealing cartons containing expensive, valuable, and important items.
Class is Dismissed
And that’s a wrap on our Packing Tape 101! We hope you’ve gained both the knowledge and an appreciation for the different kinds of packing tape out there and what they can do for you. From carton sealing to strapping to printed, packing tapes comes in many varieties to serve a wide range of needs. Knowing your tapes means knowing what tapes to use for certain situations, thereby minimizing your costs and delays.
While you’re here, make sure you check out our wide selection of packing tapes, as well as other kinds of tape, like duct tape, masking tape, and double sided tape. All our tape products come with free shipping, so you can start your path to tape expertise today.
For further reading on packing tape and its importance in eCommerce, be sure to check out this article from Bloom Group S. A.
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December 15, 2023
Jan/Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
On a cold winter’s day, a family of waste management elves discover a baby left on their doorstep. They take him in, raise him with a passion for cleaning, and give him a name: Jan/Santa Claus. Eventually, Jan/Santa grows up to be a man longing to make a life for himself. He parts ways with the elves and journeys the country, picking up friends like Latex Glove the penguin and the Paper Towel Warlock. Soon he stumbles upon the sleepy village of Trashtown, a rancid and unhygienic place run by the corrupt Sewagemeister Meistersewage, who’s determined to keep Trashtown as dirty as possible. In order to bring a sanitary Christmas to the people of the village, Jan/Santa must learn how to climb down chimneys, stuff stockings, and properly clean up after a spill. Can Jan/Santa Claus bring a clean and healthy Christmas to Trashtown?
Variety Fair reports: “The second act dragged a little for me, but I appreciate the commitment to sanitation.”
Starring Mickey HDPE Trashcanliners and Directed by Blankin and Sass
Rated G for Good for your health
It's a Wonderful
Packing List Envelope
The heavens hear a cry for help from the little town of Bag Tape Falls: George Mailey is about to ship a package with no packing list or invoice whatsoever. After George’s guardian angel Clearance learns of George’s life story, including managing the Mailey Brother Packaging and Loan, marrying his childhood sweetheart Mary Laundry Wrap, and his rivalry with the local tycoon Henry Poly Bag, Clearance immediately comes down to Earth to confront the man. In a moment of despair, George wishes he never had packaging supplies in the first place. This gives Clearance an idea and, with a wave of his hand, George is transported to a world where he has no packaging supplies. In this world, Henry Poly Bag has flooded the town with his low-quality packaging materials and Mary has been relegated to a sad and lonely life of putting packing lists inside the package instead of on the outside. Is it too late for George Mailey, or can he rediscover his love of packaging supplies?
The Corrugated Box Office raves: “Why didn’t the eagles from Lord of the Rings just write a better movie?"
Starring James Strappingtape and Directed by Frank Capstylehardhat
Rated PG-13 for Packing lists are Guaranteed to be safe for well past 13 days of transportation and storage
Mailers on 34th Street
It’s the annual Tracy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and this year’s Santa Claus at the end of the parade is the best one yet. In fact, he’s so good that he’s been offered a seasonal position at Tracy’s as the store Santa. But this man is no ordinary store Santa: he can instantly tell the wide-eyed children of Manhattan what size poly mailer they need for their shipments. He even calls himself Kraft Kringle! Suddenly, families all across New York are securely sending their gifts in kraft mailers and bubble mailers like never before. All is well and good until Mr. Kringle informs Alec the company psychiatrist that he’ll need to use a box instead of a poly mailer in order to ship his large and fragile goods. Upset by this news, Alec seeks revenge by declaring Kraft Kringle legally insane. Assisted by the event director Amber P. Bags and her lawyer boyfriend Fred Labels, Kraft Kringle must go to court and prove that he is who he says he is. Can Kraft Kringle clear his name in time for Kraftmas, or will it be a Blue Kraftmas without him?
Entertainment Biweekly declares: “I think I walked into the wrong theater and, honestly, I’m too scared to say anything right now.”
Starring Hazmatalie Wood and Directed by Cecil B. DeMachinestretchwrap
Rated X for Xylophones could be shipped in a bubble mailer
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November 30, 2023
Tape guns are as much of a warehouse standard as forklifts and pallets. These dispensers expedite the process of sealing boxes and cartons. As standard as these accessories are, it can be a little tricky for first-timers to try loading one. In this article, we will provide easy instructions on how to properly load your tape gun.
We’ve made a short how-to video for loading your tape gun that you can follow along to here:
1. Ensure You Have the Right-sized Dispenser
Before you load the tape gun, you want to make sure that your tape gun is the right size for your tape. A roll of tape that’s too wide won’t fit, while tape that’s too thin can slide back and forth along the tape reel, resulting in messy taping jobs.
To determine if you have the right-sized dispenser, place your tape next to the serrate blade at the end of the tape gun. If the width of your tape is about as long as the blade, then your tape gun is the correct size for the roll of your tape.
2. Slot Your Tape onto the Tape Reel
Set your tape gun on a flat surface and place your roll of tape onto the tape reel, pushing it down until it is fully inserted.
When you slot your roll of tape into your tape gun, you want to make sure that the adhesive side faces the floor when unrolled.
3. Feed Your Tape Through
First, open the loading gate, or the metal plate located at the front of the tape gun, and feed your tape through the opening until it sticks 2 to 3 inches past the front of the dispenser. Close the loading gate.
4. Prep Your Tape Gun for Sealing
After you close the loading gate, pull the tape over the serrated blade and cut it.
All Sealed Up
And now your tape gun is ready to use! Loading a tape gun is like riding a bike: you do it enough times and it becomes second nature. If you ever feel lost or confused later on when trying to load a tape gun, feel free to use this article and video as a guide going forward.
While you’re here, be sure you take a look at our wide selection of packaging supplies, including tape dispensers for various kinds of tape. All equipment and accessories for tape come with free shipping, so you start practicing loading your tape gun today!
For more information on our packaging accessories, be sure to check out our equipment and accessories product guide.
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November 29, 2023
What?
Gloves come in different sizes.
How Do I Measure My Hand for Gloves?
Take a tape measurer and fully wrap it around the widest part of the palm of your hand.
Use the following chart to determine the size of glove you need:
XS
S
M
L
XL
2XL
6-7"
7-8"
8-9"
9-10"
10-11"
11-12"
Enjoy your gloves!
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November 27, 2023
When you hear the word “packaging”, what image comes to mind? More likely than not, it’s a corrugated cardboard box. A corrugated shipping carton is as standard as packaging supplies get, available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to serve a wide range of needs. Of course, in order to properly protect the items you’ve placed inside of them, these cartons need to be properly sealed with durable packing tape.
So you just need to put some tape on the box and you’re all set, right? Yes and no. Tape is an absolute necessity in shipping, but you also need to make sure that you’re applying it right. In this article, we will go over the types of tapes to use and, of course, how to tape a box in the first place so you can prevent product damage, delayed operations, and unhappy customers.
What Tape is Best for Sealing Cartons?
Not all tapes are up to the task. For instance, save your masking tape for the next painting job since it doesn’t have enough adhesive strength to keep your cartons sealed. And not even the world-famous duct tape can withstand all the handling, jostling, and exposure to the elements that come with shipping and storage.
What if we told you that there is tape out there specifically made to seal cartons? Well, it’s real and it’s called carton sealing tape (go figure). These pressure-sensitive tapes are typically made from a plastic backing that is coated on one side with either an acrylic or rubber-based adhesive. Carton sealing tapes are tested and approved to withstand all the rigors of shipping.
But can you do better? You can! Introducing kraft paper tape, a super strong water-activated tape that keeps your goods inside and intruders out. These gummed tapes require a specialized dispenser that brushes the adhesive coating with a thin layer of water to activate it. The water-activated adhesive is so powerful that it penetrates the fibers of the carton; this means that the tapes cannot be removed without damaging the tape and/or the package underneath, making it an effective means of preventing tampering and pilferage.
For more reading on the differences between pressure-sensitive and water-activated tapes, take a look at our article comparing these types of tape side-by-side.
I Have My Tape, Now How Do I Use It?
When it comes to sealing cartons, the trick is to use the minimum tape necessary to properly seal them. This increases the efficiency of your shipping operations and keeps your material costs low. We have a short video on how to seal cartons that you can follow along to:
If you’re using carton sealing tape with a tape dispenser, you want to make sure that the end of the tape extends 2 to 3 inches past the roll so that the tape can effectively stick to the box. First, seal the two flaps together. Stick your tape 2 to 3 inches near the top of the box and extend it across the box, keeping it centered and finishing with 2 to 3 inches on the other side. Next, form an H-shape with your tape by sealing the perpendicular sides of the flaps so that all openings on the carton are sealed up. For extra support, tape across the middle perpendicularly.
If you’re using kraft tape with a water-activating dispenser, you first want to set the dispenser so that it dispenses the adequate lengths of tape. Then seal your carton as you would with carton sealing tape, first sealing the flaps across the middle, then sealing the flaps perpendicularly. An additional strip can be applied across the middle for added support.
All Sealed Up
Sealing cartons may seem like a straightforward affair, but even in this, there is technique. When you seal your boxes and cartons, think like an engineer: use the right tape for the job and use the least amount necessary to form proper seals. This way, you not only prevent damage and dissatisfaction, but you can also save hundreds to thousands of dollars in the long run with efficient carton-sealing.
While you’re still here, be sure to check out our wide selection of tape products, including carton sealing tapes and kraft tapes. All of our tapes come with free shipping, so you can start practicing your proper carton-sealing technique right away. When the right tape is applied to cartons correctly, the elements don’t stand a chance against your packaging.
If you’re interested in learning more about carton sealing, Packaging Digest has a great article about sealing adhesives and how they’re used.
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November 03, 2023
Nitrile gloves are the most common type of disposable glove available. These lightweight, flexible, and puncture-resistant gloves protect the hands of workers against biohazards and dangerous chemicals across the world. And unlike latex gloves, nitriles are hypoallergenic and safe to use by anybody. In this article, we will go over what they’re made of, what kind of protection they offer, and a few tips for safely handling and wearing them.
What are Nitrile Gloves Made Of?
Nitrile gloves are made from acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, a 100% synthetic rubber material. Nitrile rubber was originally used to make grommets and gaskets for aircraft. However, manufacturers soon took notice of nitrile’s incredible resistance to chemicals and contamination and realized it would make a great material for disposable gloves.
What are Nitrile Gloves Tested On?
Nitrile gloves are tested on how well they perform when exposed to chemicals. During these exposure tests, the gloves are judged on three main criteria:
Breakthrough Time: How long it takes to detect a foreign substance inside the glove.
Degradation: How much the gloves swell, crack, soften, and/or shrink.
Permeation Rate: How quickly and at what rate the foreign substance passes through the material following a breakthrough, including exterior absorption, diffusion, and interior desorption.
What Kind of Protection Do Nitrile Gloves Offer?
Depending on the chemical that the gloves are exposed to, nitrile gloves will provide one of the following levels of protection:
Short-term Splash Protection: Breakthrough will not occur within 15 minutes of exposure for gloves at 5 mil or greater. Nitrile provides short-term splash protection against oils, fuels, weak acids and caustics, and some organic solvents.
Poor Protection: Breakthrough may occur in under 1 minute for gloves at 5 mil or less. Nitrile provides poor protection against alcohols, ketones, concentrated acids, amines, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
No Protection: Breakthrough is near-instantaneous, meaning gloves at 5 mil or less cannot offer any amount of protection. Thin nitrile cannot protect against chemicals like concentrated acetic acid, 30% ammonium hydroxide, 95% sulfuric acid, or any percentage of hydrofluoric acid.
How Does Nitrile Compare to Latex?
Nitrile has replaced latex as the most popular material for disposable gloves and for good reason: nitrile can offer greater protection than latex with almost none of the health risks.
For one, nitrile is hypoallergenic and 100% latex-free. Latex is a common allergen and can cause those with the allergy to experience an aggressive reaction. Nitrile, meanwhile, is perfectly safe to use. In fact, the only reactions nitrile causes are related to the presence of allergenic additives, such as powder for easy donning and doffing or accelerants that boost the gloves’ elasticity. If this is a concern, nitrile gloves are available powder and accelerator-free.
Nitrile is a tougher and thicker material than latex, providing greater resistance to punctures and chemical contaminants. On top of this, nitrile lasts longer and doesn’t degrade as quickly as latex does. However, the thicker material means that nitrile is not as flexible or dexterous as latex.
What is Donning and Doffing?
Donning and doffing is the process of safely putting on and removing disposable gloves. Donning and doffing promote workplace hygiene and prevent contact with harmful substances. We’ve made a short video that you can follow along to here:
Before you don your gloves, first wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Now you may don your gloves, ensuring the gloves are the right fit for the size of your hand and that they lack any cuts, holes, or tears.
By the time you’re done wearing your gloves, they may be covered in a layer of contamination that could be harmful to your skin and therefore require proper doffing procedure. First, using a gloved hand, grab the palm of the other glove and pull it off your hand, turning it inside-out as you remove it. Hold the removed glove in the remaining gloved hand. Next, tuck your fingers underneath the wrist of the second glove and peel it off, turning it inside-out over the first glove. Safely dispose of the gloves. Finally, thoroughly wash and dry your hands after doffing your gloves.
In general, you should change gloves once your gloves lose their ability to adequately protect your hands. Whether they’ve been stained, torn, or a breakthrough has taken place, you need to replace these gloves immediately. Additionally, avoid cross-contamination by changing gloves between handling chemicals. No matter what, never reuse disposable gloves. They’re disposable for a reason, you know.
Final Thoughts
While nitrile gloves are about as everyday as a stapler or a pencil, you still need to make certain considerations when wearing them and changing them. Nitrile offers a comfortable fit and great chemical resistance, but it isn’t invincible. Keep in mind the substances that nitrile can handle and those it can’t. For more information on the material properties of nitrile gloves and advice on best practices, check out this article from the University of Pennsylvania.
And since you’re here, take a look at our selection of disposable gloves, which includes nitrile. All our disposable glove products come with free shipping, so we can help you stock up on nitrile gloves, the safe and sanitary solution to workplaces with dangerous substances.
For further reading on disposable gloves and workplace safety, check out our article going over hand safety basics.