Packaging Supplies
Browse articles written by our packaging experts
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October 27, 2023
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October 18, 2023
What is Jan/San?
Jan/San, also known as Janitorial and Sanitation, is a product category that is comprised of workplace products that promote cleanliness, safety, and hygiene. Jan/San products safeguard people from harmful contaminants and provide a safe way to dispose of waste. These products are held to strict standards and regulations to ensure their optimal performance and ability to provide adequate waste management.
We have a separate product guide for our glove products:
Trash Can Liners
Trash Can Liners provide a safe and reliable means for disposing of waste. These large plastic bags snugly fit into standard-sized trash cans and offer moisture and puncture-resistance.
Our Trash Can Liners
Product
Image
Mil
Gallons
Seal Type
0.23 - 0.63 Mil
7 - 45 Gallons
Star Seal
1 - 2 Mil
33 - 60 Gallons
Flat Seal and Star Seal
Towel & Tissue
Towel & Tissue consists of sanitary paper products that promote everyday cleanliness. Many of these products are made from chemically-treated wood pulp, providing both strength and a soft touch. Towel and tissue products are manufactured to be highly absorbent, simple to use, and easily disposable.
Our Towel & Tissue
Product
Image
Sheet Size
Color
Capacity
7.87" x 9.84"
White
600 Sheets/Roll
7.87" x 7.87"
White
100 Sheets/Box
8" (continuous)
Kraft, White
300' - 800'
3" (continuous)
White
550' - 1000'
9" x 9"
Kraft, White
250 Sheets/Pack
4" x 3.3"
White
500 Sheets/Roll
14" x 17"
White
250 Sheets/Box
What is Mil Thickness?
A mil is one-thousandth of an inch. For reference, the average human hair is roughly 4 mil thick.
1-2 mil is the standard thickness for trash can liners. High-density liners are stronger than average and are therefore made thinner than standard liners.
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October 16, 2023
What is Laundry Wrap?
Laundry Wrap is a type of packaging material used to store and transport clean clothes. The breathable material circulates the air and regulates temperature, preventing mildew from forming and spreading. The plastic film protects clean clothes from common contaminants, like dust and dirt.
Our Laundry Wrap
Product
Image
Gauge
Features
50 - 70 Gauge
Non-PVC; breathable material; protects against common contaminants
What is Gauge?
Gauge, as it relates to packaging supplies, is equal to one-hundred-thousandth of an inch. For reference, a human hair averages at around 400 gauge, or 0.4% the length of an inch.
Most plastic wrap products are available in the 60-120 gauge range, with 80-90 being the industry average. At a gauge of 50-70, laundry wrap is considered medium-grade.
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October 09, 2023
What is Health Care Packaging?
Health Care Packaging encompasses a variety of bags and containers that are specially made to handle and transport biohazardous substances. These packaging materials are manufactured in compliance with international rules and regulations concerning the shipping and storage of substances that pose a risk to health, safety, and the environment. The bags often feature a warning symbol and message to inform workers and keep trespassers away. The polyethylene (PE) used to make these materials is certified by both the CDC and OSHA for safe handling and performance.
Our Health Care Packaging
Product
Image
Mil
Features
2 Mil
LDPE bag; 2 walls of protection for handling and transporting biohazardous substances
2 Mil
LDPE bag; 3 walls of protection for handling and transporting biohazardous substances
3 Mil
LDPE bag; dark tint protects against UV rays; resistant to tears, punctures, and moisture
0.5 - 1.5 Mil
LDPE or HDPE; tinted pink for easy identification
2 Mil
LDPE bag; tamper evident seal; features the message "STAT", "Biohazard", or no message at all
What is Mil Thickness?
The thickness of our health care packaging is measured in mil. Also known as a thou or a point, a mil is one-thousandth of an inch. As a point of reference, the average human hair clocks in at around 4 mil.
Most of our health care packaging is available in the 2-3 mil range. Our biohazard waste liner bags come in the 0.5-1.5 mil range, depending on whether you're getting high density or low density bags.
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October 05, 2023
Table of Contents
What is Stretch Wrap?
Stretch Wrap is a film made from polyethylene plastic. This thin and durable film is often used in shipping, palletizing, and warehousing applications and is known for its ability to elongate, or stretch, beyond its resting state. Stretch film is tightly wrapped around items on pallets for extra security during transportation and storage. Stretch wrap comes in various widths, thicknesses, and types. When used properly, stretch films help reduce product loss and protect against injuries within work areas.
We have a separate product guide for our Specialty Stretch Wrap products:
Specialty Stretch Wrap Product Guide
Stretch Wrap vs. Shrink Wrap
While some may use “stretch wrap” and “shrink wrap” synonymously, they are actually two different products. Shrink wrap uses heat to constrict, or shrink, around the item held inside. Stretch wrap does not require heat activation and, in fact, should not be exposed to a heat gun or shrink tunnel for extended periods of time. Stretch films are more pliable and will stretch to create strength during the wrapping process.
For more information on the differences between stretch wrap and shrink wrap, be sure to take a look at our article comparing these packaging materials side-by-side.
What are the Types of Stretch Wrap?
Type
Description
Benefits
Drawbacks
Cast
Formed from a cast extrusion process, most popular type of stretch wrap
Wide selection, cost-effective, quiet when unwinding
Can cling to other wrapped shipments, lower tear resistance than blown
Blown
Formed from blown air and continuous spinning
Stronger and more flexible than cast, high tear resistance, low temperature tolerance
More expensive, narrow selection, noisy when unwinding
High Performance
Special manufacturing process forms a high-strength, super thin film
Higher performance than stretch wraps of similar gauges
More expensive, narrow selection
Pre-Stretched
Film is pre-stretched close to the breaking point
High-strength film is easier to apply, lessening strain
More expensive, narrow selection
What are the Styles of Stretch Wrap?
Hand Stretch Wrap
Hand Stretch Wrap products range anywhere from 11” to 20” widths. These rolls have a 3” diameter core and are designed to be applied by hand. To ease the application process, dispensers and hand-saver products can be used but are not required.
Our Hand Stretch Wrap
Product
Length
Width
Gauge
1000' - 2000'
12" - 18"
60 - 120 Gauge
1000' - 1500'
12" - 18"
70 - 120 Gauge
1500'
12" - 18"
47 Gauge
1476'
13" - 17"
26 - 48 Gauge
Pallet Stretch Wrap
Pallet Stretch Wrap, also known as extended core or pipe wrap, feature a 1” core that extends beyond the width of the stretch film on both sides. This creates built-in handles for easy application. Tension handles are available for these products to prevent wear on the hands of users.
Our Pallet Stretch Wrap
Product
Length
Width
Gauge
700' - 1000'
10" - 30"
70 - 120 Gauge
1000'
20"
45 - 63 Gauge
1000'
20"
80 Gauge
Mini Stretch Wrap
Mini Stretch Wrap products are small-width rolls, making them great for small-scale bundling applications. Mini stretch wrap is a quick and easy alternative to tape, twine, and strapping products. Mini stretch can be paired with handles or dispensers for easy hand-wrapping applications.
Our Mini Stretch Wrap
Product
Length
Width
Gauge
600' - 1000'
2" - 6"
80 - 150 Gauge
700' - 1000'
3" - 5"
80 - 120 Gauge
1000'
3" - 5"
45 - 63 Gauge
700' - 1000'
5"
45 - 80 Gauge
700' - 1000'
3" - 5"
80 - 120 Gauge
1000'
3" - 5"
80 Gauge
700' - 1000'
3" - 5"
80 - 120 Gauge
Colored Stretch Wrap
Colored Stretch Wrap is available in a variety of types and colors. Our colored wraps come either as opaque or tinted. Opaque stretch film prevents people from being able to see the product that is wrapped up, which is ideal when privacy is a necessity. Tinted stretch film allows the contents to be seen but retains the color of the wrap. Both options can be great for easily organizing and identifying bundles of products.
Our Opaque Colored Stretch Wrap
Product
Colors
Length
Width
Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, White, Black
1000' - 1500'
15" - 18"
80 - 120 Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, White, Black
1500'
15" - 18"
63 Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, White, Black
1476'
17"
34 Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, White, Black
1000'
20" - 30"
80 Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, White, Black
1000'
3" - 5"
80 Gauge
Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White, Black
1000'
5"
80 Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, White, Black
5000'
20" - 30"
80 - 90 Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, White, Black
5000'
20"
63 Gauge
Our Tinted Colored Stretch Wrap
Product
Colors
Length
Width
Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black
1500'
18"
80 Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Black
1500'
18"
47 - 63 Gauge
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue
5000'
20"
80 Gauge
Red, Yellow, Green, Blue
5000'
20"
63 Gauge
Coreless Stretch Wrap
Coreless Stretch Wrap rolls do not include the standard cardboard core. This feature reduces both the weight of the roll and waste, making these products a great solution for environmentally conscious buyers. Reusable dispensers take the place of the traditional core for safe and easy application.
Our Coreless Stretch Wrap
Product
Length
Width
Gauge
2000'
18"
32 Gauge
2000'
18"
32 Gauge
2000'
3" - 5"
32 Gauge
Machine Length Stretch Wrap
Machine Length Stretch Wrap is ideal for large-scale industries. These film rolls are large capacity and feature a standard 3” core. When used with a stretch wrapping machine, this stretch film can wrap several pallets and bundles in an hour.
Our Machine Length Stretch Wrap
Product
Length
Width
Gauge
3000' - 8000'
10" - 60"
60 - 150 Gauge
4000' - 6000'
20"
80 - 120 Gauge
5000' - 10000'
19.7" - 29.5"
39 - 63 Gauge
6000'
17"
34 Gauge
5000' - 7000'
19.7"
40 - 52 Gauge
What Gauge of Stretch Wrap Should I Use?
Gauge, as it relates to packaging, is one-hundred-thousandths of an inch. For reference, human hair comes in at around 400 gauge, or 0.4% of an inch. Gauge is a popular unit of measurement for the thickness of stretch film; the higher the gauge, the thicker the film. Thicker film is stronger than thinner film, but can be more costly.
Heavy Duty (100 Gauge and Above) – We define heavy duty stretch film as anything over 100 gauge. Due to the thickness of the film, these products tend to have less length per roll but are the strongest available in our catalog. These are commonly recommended for wrapping heavy industrial products.
Regular (80 - 99 Gauge) – Any films that are 80-99 gauge are classified as regular. The 80 gauge films are the bestselling and most common products. This thickness offers the best strength for most applications without the added costs of thicker heavy-duty films. If you are unsure of which film to use, we recommend starting with an 80 gauge film in most cases.
Medium (60-79 Gauge) – Our medium gauges range from 60-79 gauge. These films are recommended for smaller loads or where lightweight items are being bundled.
Economy (60 Gauge and Below) – We classify any film under 60 gauge as economy in our catalog. These films are only recommended for the lightest product bundling and wrapping applications. These films offer better pricing than heavier gauge films, but at the expense of strength.
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October 05, 2023
What is Specialty Stretch Wrap?
Specialty Stretch Wrap is a subcategory of stretch wrap that includes products designated for special purposes. These stretch films offer unique protection, allow ventilation, or contain messages for workers.
Our Specialty Stretch Wrap
Product
Image
Gauge
Features
80 Gauge
Safeguards products from static electricity; tined pink for easy visibility and identification
30 - 80 Gauge
Made with a chemical additive that accelerates the plastic's biodegradation
N/A
Comprised of thin, durable fibers that circulate air and regulate temperature
160 Gauge
Secure palletized loads for transport or storage; quick, affordable alternative to rubber bands or twine
80 Gauge
Features the messages "DO NOT BREAK LOAD" and "DO NOT ACCEPT IS SEAL IS BROKEN", depending on the size
80 Gauge
Safeguards products from the sun’s ultraviolet rays; great for outdoor storage
100 Gauge
Protects metal products from environmental corrosion; tinted blue for easy visibility and identification
N/A
Made with die-cut holes that allows for ventilation and prevent condensation
What is Mil Thickness?
Gauge, as it relates to packaging, is one-hundred-thousandths of an inch. For reference, human hair comes in at around 400 gauge, or 0.4% of an inch. Gauge is a popular unit of measurement for the thickness of stretch film; the higher the gauge, the thicker the film. Thicker film is stronger than thinner film, but can be more costly.
Heavy Duty – We define heavy duty stretch film as anything over 100 gauge. Due to the thickness of the film, these products tend to have less length per roll but are the strongest available in our catalog. These are commonly recommended for wrapping heavy industrial products.
Regular – Any films that are 80-99 gauge are classified as regular. The 80 gauge films are the bestselling and most common products. This thickness offers the best strength for most applications without the added costs of thicker heavy-duty films. If you are unsure of which film to use, we recommend starting with an 80 gauge film in most cases.
Medium – Our medium gauges range from 60-79 gauge. These films are recommended for smaller loads or where lightweight items are being bundled.
Economy – We classify any film under 60 gauge as economy in our catalog. These films are only recommended for the lightest product bundling and wrapping applications. These films offer better pricing than heavier gauge films, but at the expense of strength.
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October 04, 2023
What are Packing List Envelopes?
Packing List Envelopes are pouches specifically designed to hold shipping documents, receipts, product info, and warranties during transit. These envelopes have a strong adhesive backing which allows companies to place them on palletized shipments. PLE pouches are an alternative to placing invoices inside packages.
We've made a short introductory video to packing list envelopes, covering the different types and how to use them:
What are the Types of Packing List Envelope?
Type
Image
Features
Full Face
Designed to maximize the print on the front of the pouch; highest visibility of all print types
Panel Face
Features a clear window so customers can easily identify documents
Clear Face
Clear front with zero text for quickly checking invoices or packing lists
What are the Types of Messages?
Type
Image
Features
Invoice Enclosed
Indicates to recipients the presence of a shipping invoice
Packing List Enclosed
Indicates to recipients the presence of a packing list
Packing List Enclosed (USA)
Indicates the presence of a packing list and that the products were made in the USA
Clear Packing List Envelopes
Clear Packing List Envelopes are completely transparent with zero text on the envelope.
Our Clear Packing List Envelopes
Product
Image
Features
Adhesive seal on the flap; clear window allows for easy identification
Reclosable press and seal zipper; clear window lets customers view documents
Invoice Enclosed Envelopes
Invoice Enclosed Envelopes keep invoices on the outside of the package and protect them from the elements.
Our Invoice Enclosed Envelopes
Product
Image
Features
Screens important documents from onlookers; strong poly covering protects against damages during shipping
Features a clear window to easily identify invoices, receipts, and warranties
Packing List Enclosed Envelopes
Packing List Enclosed Envelopes let customers quickly check packing lists to see if all products have been received.
Our Packing List Enclosed Envelopes
Product
Image
Features
Screens packing lists from view; strong poly covering protects against the elements
Features a clear window so customers can quickly view packing lists
USA Flag Print Envelopes
USA Flag Print Envelopes are designed to show customers that their products were manufactured in the United States.
Our USA Flag Print Envelopes
Product
Image
Features
American Flag on front; poly covering safeguards important paperwork
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October 03, 2023
What Are Labels?
Labels are small pieces of packaging material, often adhesive-backed, used for identification, marking, or providing information about a product, object, or container. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, depending on their intended use. Labels serve several purposes, including branding, organizing, providing instructions, promoting products or events, and conveying important details to consumers or users.
Our labels are available in two types: sheet and thermal.
Sheet Labels
Sheet Labels are pre-cut adhesive labels that come in the form of individual labels or multiple labels arranged on standard-sized sheets. These labels are designed for printing using standard office printers, such as inkjet printers, laser printers, and photocopiers. Sheet labels are versatile and commonly used for various applications in homes, offices, and industries.
Our Sheet Labels
Product
Image
Features
Works with conventional laser or inkjet printers; easy peel-off adhesive backing
Thermal Labels
Thermal Labels are specifically designed for use with thermal printers, which use heat to apply images directly onto the label material. Thermal printing is a popular method for producing labels quickly and efficiently, especially in commercial and industrial settings.
Our thermal labels are available in two types, based on the kind of printer they are compatible with: direct thermal and thermal transfer.
Direct Thermal Labels
Direct Thermal Labels are printed by Direct Thermal Printers, which heats the label paper as it passes by the print head. Wherever the heat was applied, the text appears. Direct thermal printers do NOT have a hot melt ink ribbon. When scratched, the scratch marks on the label will turn black from the friction.
Our Direct Thermal Labels
Product
Image
Features
Perforated and compatible with Zebra, Sato, and Datamax printers; perfect for printing event tickets, shipping labels, and bakery or deli labels
Stackable and perforated for ease of use; adhesive backing easily sticks to packaging
Thermal Transfer Labels
Thermal Transfer Labels are printed by Thermal Transfer Printers, which contain a ribbon of hot melt ink. The printer heats the ribbon, then "stamps" the label with the desired text. When scatched, the scratch marks on the label will NOT change color.
Our Thermal Transfer Labels
Product
Image
Features
Great for branding, identification, organizing, and general color-coding
Stackable and perforated for reduced printing time
Ideal for shipping, barcoding, and printing warehouse tags
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer
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October 02, 2023
Table of Contents
What is Tape?
Tape is a tool used to bind, seal, or protect items, surfaces, and packages. Tape is an essential item for any warehouse, office, or home.
Selecting the appropriate tape for specific applications is crucial. Using the wrong tape may cause adhesion issues or even critical failures, potentially leading to product or shipment losses and damages. By finding the right tape, you can save valuable time and money, ensuring secure and reliable packaging solutions.
We have separate product guides for our Carton Sealing and Kraft Tape products:
Carton Sealing Tape Product Guide
Bag Tape
Bag Tape is great for sealing food and other perishables inside poly bags. Bag sealing tape comes in various colors for coding and product identification.
Our Bag Tape
Product
Image
Mil
Adhesive
Features
2.3 Mil
Natural Rubber
Quickly seals poly bags; compatible with poly bag tape dispensers
Double Sided Tape
Double Sided Tape has adhesive on both sides to mount objects to surfaces. This tape is also perfect for bonding items together. Double sided adhesive tape is an alternative to strapping or glue. Double sided tape resists oils, ultraviolet light, and significant temperature changes.
Our Double Sided Tape
Product
Image
Mil
Adhesive
Features
3.9 Mil
Synthetic Rubber
BOPP backing material enhances the tape's strength and flexibility
4 Mil
Synthetic Rubber
Non-woven material is shear and moisture-resistant; easy to tear
3.3 Mil
Solvent Acrylic
Tissue backing is easy to tear and use; extreme temperature resistance
Duct Tape
Duct Tape is used for general maintenance and repairs. This ubiquitous tape can be easily torn by hand and applied to most surfaces. Waterproof and extremely durable, duct tape is perfect for minor repairs in industrial and residential areas.
Our Duct Tape
Product
Image
Mil
Adhesive
Features
6 - 9 Mil
Natural Rubber
High strength, robust cling, and versatile; available in black, silver, and red
6 - 9 Mil
Synthetic Rubber
High strength, robust cling, and versatile; available in black, silver, red, and pink
Filament/Strapping Tape
Filament/Strapping Tape is excellent for medium bundling and strapping applications. This high-quality tape adheres to a multitude of surfaces and secures multiple items for transit. Warehouse employees can use this tape to unitize pallets of product or add a layer of reinforcement around heavier parcels before shipping.
Our Filament/Strapping Tape
Product
Image
Mil
Adhesive
Features
4 Mil
Synthetic Rubber
100 lb/in tensile strength with fiberglass reinforcement
4 Mil
Synthetic Rubber
105 lb/in tensile strength with fiberglass reinforcement
4 Mil
Synthetic Rubber
110 lb/in tensile strength with fiberglass reinforcement
4.8 Mil
Synthetic Rubber
148 lb/in tensile strength with fiberglass reinforcement
2.8 Mil
Acrylic Emulsion
Bundling and palletizing, can be used in place of stretch wrap
Machine Length Tape
Machine Length Tape is 1000 yards long or more and are specially made for automatic box-taping machines. Machine length packaging tape has a standard 3-inch diameter core and is available in a variety of types.
Our Machine Length Tape
Product
Image
Mil
Adhesive
Features
1.75 - 2.5 Mil
Acrylic Emulsion
Resistance to humidity, extreme temperatures, splits, and breaks
2 Mil
Acrylic Emulsion
Available in a variety of colors; great for organizing and branding
1.6 - 2 Mil
Synthetic Rubber
Strong cling, high tensile strength, resists breaks and splits
Masking/Painter's Tape
Masking/Painter's Tape is perfect for painting and DIY applications. These tapes have high-performance adhesives that stick to most irregular surfaces. Plus, masking/painter’s tape does not leave a sticky residue after usage. These tapes are commonly used for protecting hardwood floors and trim while painting.
Our Masking/Painter's Tape
Product
Image
Mil
Adhesive
Features
4.3 Mil
Natural Rubber
Great for masking surfaces, making labels, and temporary bundling and hanging jobs
4.3 Mil
Natural Rubber
Great for masking surfaces, making labels, and temporary bundling and hanging jobs
4.3 Mil
Natural Rubber
Great for masking surfaces, making labels, and temporary bundling and hanging jobs
5.4 Mil
Natural Rubber
Highest strength masking tape; great for masking, labeling, bundling, and hanging
5.7 Mil
Acrylic
Specially made for painting, can be removed after 21 days residue-free
5.5 Mil
Acrylic
Specially made for painting, can be removed after 21 days residue-free
Printed Tape
Printed Tape has pre-printed instructions & warnings for recipients. Printed acrylic tape is specifically designed to grab the customer’s attention so that products are handled carefully.
Our Printed Tape
Product
Image
Mil
Adhesive
Features
2 Mil
Acrylic Emulsion
"CAUTION" printed in bold, red letters
2 Mil
Acrylic Emulsion
"FRAGILE HANDLE WITH CARE" printed in bold, red letters
2 Mil
Acrylic Emulsion
Stop signs and "IF SEAL IS BROKEN OR PACKAGE DAMAGED, CHECK CONTENTS BEFORE SIGNING RECEIPT" printed in red
Security Tape
Security Tape helps in shipping high-value items to customers safely. This tape is designed to help recipients identify tampered goods and deter thieves and vandals.
Our Security Tape
Product
Image
Mil
Adhesive
Features
1.9 Mil
Synthetic Rubber
Busy, striped pattern indicates tampering; features warning message: "CAUTION: IF SEAL IS BROKEN, CHECK CONTENTS"
Surface Protection Tape
Surface Protection Tape is ideal for protecting carpets and wood floors from construction debris. The larger rolls are perfect for contractors working in bigger spaces and the protection tape does not leave a residue upon removal.
Our Surface Protection Tape
Product
Image
Mil
Adhesive
Features
2.2 Mil
Acrylic
Protects carpeted surfaces during construction or home improvement; residue-free removal up to 45 days after application
3 Mil
Acrylic
Protects hard surfaces during renovations; residue-free removal up to 45 days after application; tinted blue for easy identification
What is Mil Thickness?
A mil is one-thousandth of an inch. Also known as a thou or a point, mil is the standard unit for measuring thickness in tape. As a point of reference, an average human hair is roughly 4 mil thick.
Carton sealing tapes are typically available in the 1.6-3.0 mil range, with 2.0 mil being the average. Acrylic tapes tend to be thinner, while hot melt tapes are usually thicker. High performance tapes like filament or kraft can be as thick as 4-6 mil.