Packaging Supplies
Browse articles written by our packaging experts
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October 02, 2023
What are Mailing Envelopes?
Mailing Envelopes are essential packaging solutions designed to securely transport documents, letters, or other flat items through mail or shipping services. Also known as shipping envelopes, they are lightweight and durable, specifically designed for shipping and mailing. Mailing envelopes come in various types, each offering unique features and benefits.
Our mailing envelopes come in three main types: bubble, kraft, and poly.
Bubble Mailers
Bubble Mailers are designed with a layer of bubble lining to safeguard shipments from damage. They provide excellent cushioning and protection against impacts, making them ideal for shipping delicate items such as jewelry, electronics, or small breakable items.
Our Bubble Mailers:
Product
Image
Mil
Features
2.5 Mil
Outer protective bubble lining; clear window for visibility
2 Mil
Bright and vibrant aluminum foil exterior; great for special orders and occasions
2.5 Mil
Great for semi-fragile items, like CDs and DVDs
Kraft Mailers
Kraft Mailers are made from sturdy and eco-friendly kraft paper. These envelopes are known for their durability, tear resistance, and natural appearance. Kraft mailers are commonly used for shipping a variety of items, providing reliable protection while also being environmentally friendly.
Our Kraft Mailers:
Product
Image
Mil
Features
2.5 Mil
Safely and securely ship photographs, prints, artwork, and other delicate flat items
3.5 Mil
Durable and cushioning; professional appearance
3.5 Mil
High strength and durability, cushioning bubble lining
Poly Mailers
Poly Mailers are an economical alternative to corrugated boxes. These mailers are lightweight, flexible, and durable envelopes made from polyethylene material. They are commonly used for shipping and mailing a wide range of non-fragile items, such as clothing, accessories, books, or small electronics.
Our Poly Mailers:
Product
Image
Mil
Features
2 - 3 Mil
Lightweight and durable; ideal for non-fragile items
2.5 Mil
Transparent front panel allows items inside to be visible
3 Mil
Expandable side gussets accomodate bulkier and oddly-shaped items
2.5 Mil
Manufactured from recycled materials, eco-friendly
How Thick of a Mailer Do I Need?
Mailing envelopes are available in a variety of thicknesses to meet the demands of the job. While thinner mailers will be more cost-effective, thicker mailers offer greater protection.
Mil is the most common measurement of thickness for mailers. Also known as a thou or a point, mil is one-thousandth of an inch. For reference, human hair comes in at around 4 mil. Most poly mailers are available in the 2-3 mil range, while high-performance mailers come in at around 4-6 mil for extra strength.
For more information on the different units of measurement for material thickness, be sure to check out our article about micron, mil, and gauge.
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September 27, 2023
What Are Poly Bags?
Poly Bags are small bags made from FDA and USDA-approved plastic material, such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Perfect for storing and organizing small items, these bags come in different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses to suit different purposes. Many poly bags come with reclosable openings, allowing for multiple uses and minimal waste.
Our Poly Bags
Product
Image
Mil
Features
2 - 4 Mil
Hang hole near the top, allows for easy hanging and display
4 Mil
Hang hole, write-on white label, reclosable zipper
0.4 Mil
Ultra thin; keeps produce fresh; comes as a roll of bags
2 - 6 Mil
Secure and reusable zipper seal
1.5 Mil
Reusable adhesive seal, suffocation warnings in 3 languages
2 - 3 Mil
Sliding zipper allows for easy opening and closing
2 - 4 Mil
White writable surface for labeling and marking
What is Mil Thickness?
Mil is the standard unit of measurement for poly/plastic bags. Also known as a thou or a point, a mil is one-thousandth of an inch. For reference, human hair is roughly 4 mil thick.
Most poly bags will be available in the 2-3 mil range, with some specialty bags coming in at 1.5 and 4 mil.
For more information on the measurements of thickness and how to convert between different units of measurement, be sure to check out our article about micron, mil, and gauge.
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September 27, 2023
What Are Equipment & Accessories?
Equipment & Accessories is comprised of various handles and dispensers that accommodate certain kinds of stretch film and packing tape. These tools provide a safe and ergonomic grip while dispensing the packaging materials, keeping workers safe and reducing the strain they experience on the job. Equipment and accessories are highly cost-effective, as they can be used and reused for as long as they last. When you use these accessories together with a roll of stretch wrap or packing tape, you’ll end up making your packaging processes faster, easier, and safer.
Our Stretch Wrap Equipment & Accessories
For 3” Core:
Product
Image
Function
Application
Advantages
Manual wrapping handle that holds the film steady during use
Best with 2-6” mini stretch film
Cost-effective, lightweight, reusable, and protective
Manual wrapping handle that holds the film steady during use
Great for 6-15” mini and hand stretch film
Comfortable, steady grip; firm hold on wrap
Protects hands from harm when holding the wrap by the core
Recommended for 8-20” hand stretch film
Improve wrapping speed; reusable and lightweight
Advanced wrapping device that bundles and palletizes loads
Ideal for 12-15” hand stretch film
Relieve muscle tension during application; high wrapping throughput
For 1” Core:
Product
Image
Function
Application
Advantages
Manual wrapping handle that fits onto extended core wraps
Recommended for extended core stretch film
Comfortable, steady grip; firm hold on core
Manual wrapping handle with a spinning head
Great for 2-6” mini bundling wrap
Spinning action makes for easy wrapping; reusable and lightweight
Manual wrapping handle that allows the film roll to freely spin
Great for 2-6” mini bundling wrap
Cost-effective, reusable and lightweight
For Coreless:
Product
Image
Function
Application
Advantages
Manual wrapping handle that extends beyond the wrap roll
Best for mini and hand stretch film
Improve bundling efficiency; lightweight, reusable, and protective
Protects hands from harm when holding the wrap by the core
Recommended for 8-20” coreless hand stretch film
Improve wrapping speed; reusable and lightweight
Our Tape Equipment & Accessories
For Carton Sealing Tape:
Product
Image
Function
Application
Advantages
Manual tape dispenser that quickly seals cartons
Best for standard carton sealing tape
Cost-effective; reusable and lightweight
Manual tape dispenser that quickly seals cartons
Best for heavy-duty carton sealing tape
Strong build, lasts longer; reliable and reusable
For Specialized Tape:
Product
Image
Function
Application
Advantages
Manual filament tape dispenser that quickly seals cartons
Specially made for 1-2” filament tape
Ergonomic design; reusable and lightweight
Automatic/manual kraft tape dispenser that quickly seals cartons
Specially made for kraft tape up to 76mm wide
Automatic and manual settings; adjustable moistening brushes
Manual tape dispenser that quickly seals poly bags
Specially made for 3/8” width poly bag tape
Table-mounted, easy to use
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September 22, 2023
What is Kraft Tape?
Kraft Tape, also known as gummed tape, is made from a kraft paper backing, a high-strength paper derived from chemically-treated wood pulp. The roll of kraft paper is coated on one side with a starch-based adhesive that requires water activation to become sticky. Kraft tape dispensers are equipped with sponges and/or moistening brushes that apply a thin layer of water to the tape to activate it. The kraft paper backing is durable and resistant to tearing, splitting, moisture, and common contaminants like dust and dirt. The water-activated adhesive is so strong that it penetrates the fibers of cardboard and paper packaging, creating a powerful and tamper-proof seal.
Our Kraft Tapes
Product
Image
Mil
Benefits
5 - 6.9 Mil
Guards packages, prevents damage, and eliminates theft and vandalism
6.7 Mil
No fiberglass reinforcement, more flexible and easier to handle; best used as an inner carton liner or for lightweight loads
4.8 - 5.9 Mil
Pressure sensitive tape that resists curling, abrasion, water, and breakage; no water activation
6.3 Mil
Strong and secure seal; high resistance to extreme temperatures and humidity
5.9 Mil
Durable water-activated adhesion; high-strength kraft paper backing
5.7 Mil
Stronger-than-average water-activated adhesive; best used for heavy-duty and important loads
5.5 - 6.3 Mil
Seals cartons, resists contamination, deters tampering and pilferage
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.
Kraft tapes are typically available in the 5-7 mil range, with 6 mil being the average.
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September 22, 2023
Our gloves are available in two main categories: disposable and work.
Disposable Gloves
Disposable Gloves are designed to be used once and thrown away by the user. These essential gloves keep common areas sanitary and promote overall wellness within medical and industrial facilities. Disposal gloves are available in two types: industrial and medical exam. Industrial gloves are thicker and provide greater protection, while medical exam gloves are thinner and offer greater flexibility.
Our Disposable Gloves
Product
Image
Mil
Colors
Styles
1.5 - 2 Mil
Blue, Clear
TPE Vinal, High Density Polyethylene
4 - 4.5 Mil
Clear
Industrial, Medical Exam
3 - 8 Mil
Blue, Clear, Orange
Industrial, Medical Exam
5 Mil
Black, Blue
Synthetic-Vinyl
5 Mil
Blue, Clear
Industrial, Medical Exam
Work Gloves
Work Gloves help multiple professionals succeed in their daily job duties. These indispensable gloves help individuals develop safe practices during shifts and can be used daily until visible wear and tear is seen.
Our Work Gloves
Product
Image
Material
Application
Polyester, Cotton
Stocking materials in warehouses and distribution centers; breathable
Cotton
Transporting fragile glassware, paintings, or other delicate objects; prevents fingerprints and smudges
Nitrile
Protection against cuts and abrasions when opening boxes; strong grip
Leather
High visibility for road crews and construction workers
Nitrile
Protection when handling oddly shaped or sharp objects; strong grip
Polyurethane
Safeguarding from minor cuts or scrapes within maintenance and industrial workspaces
PVC
Strong and comfortable grip when working with tools or small parts; single or double-sided dots
Cotton
Safeguards from cuts and scrapes for landscaping and manufacturing jobs
What Thickness of Glove Do I Need?
The thickness of disposable gloves is measured in mil. A mil, also known as a thou or a point, is one-thousandth of an inch. For reference, the average human hair comes in around 4 mil. Most disposable gloves are available in the 2-5 mil range. Medical exam gloves and food service gloves tend to be thinner, while industrial gloves are usually thicker.
Work gloves do not have their thickness listed. However, given the materials used to manufacture them, work gloves are much thicker than the thickest disposable gloves.
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September 21, 2023
What is Shrink Wrap?
Shrink Wrap is a plastic film typically made from polyolefin plastic. This strong and lightweight film is used to secure and protect products for shipping, storage, and in-store displays. Shrink film is loosely wrapped around individual products and shrinks in the presence of heat, tightly conforming to the shape of the product inside. The heat is supplied by either a heat gun or a shrink tunnel. Shrink wrap is available in different sizes, thicknesses, and types to serve a wide range of applications. Shrink wrap ensures products are safeguarded and ready for retail.
Shrink Wrap vs. Stretch Wrap
The terms “shrink wrap” and “stretch wrap” are often used interchangeably, but these two plastic films have a few key differences that set them apart. Stretch wrap is tightly wrapped around palleted items without the need for heat. Shrink wrap, on the other hand, requires heat to firmly constrict around its items. As such, shrink wrap does not stretch well and stretch wrap should not be exposed to excess heat for long periods of time.
For more information on the differences between shrink wrap and stretch wrap, be sure to take a look at our article comparing these packaging materials side-by-side.
Our Shrink Wrap
Product
Image
Gauge
Sizes
Features
45 - 75
L: 3500' - 5830'
W: 12" - 22"
Folded along the center, makes for faster sealing
What Gauge of Shrink Wrap Do I Need?
Gauge is a measurement of the shrink wrap’s thickness. As it relates to packaging supplies, a gauge is one-hundred-thousandths of an inch. As a point of reference, the average human hair clocks in at roughly 400 gauge, or 0.4% of an inch. The thicker the shrink film, the greater the protection and the higher the expense.
Heavy Duty (100 gauge and above) – This is the thickest, and therefore the strongest shrink wrap available. These films offer superior puncture resistance and can support loads weighing 20 pounds or more. However, the thicker material results in less clarity.
Regular (75 gauge) – 75 gauge is the industry average thickness for shrink wrap. These films have great puncture resistance and can carry loads up to 15 pounds. Regular shrink wrap is a clearer material than heavy duty.
Economy (45 and 60 gauge) – These are the lightest and most affordable shrink wraps. However, its minimal puncture resistance means it should be used exclusively for small and lightweight loads. Economy shrink wrap offers the highest amount of clarity.
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September 12, 2023
What is Carton Sealing Tape?
Carton Sealing Tape is a standard type of tape that is primarily used to seal packages for handling, shipping, and storage. Also known as packing tape or box sealing tape, this tape is highly versatile because it generally sticks well to most surfaces and is strong enough for most applications.
Our Carton Sealing Tapes
Tape
Image
Adhesive
Color
Best Used For
Acrylic Emulsion
Clear/Brown
Packages that will be in long-term storage and/or exposed to the elements
Synthetic Rubber
Clear/Brown
Heavy-duty and irregularly shaped packages
Hot Melt - Acrylic Hybrid
Clear
Heavy-duty packages that will be exposed to the elements
Natural Rubber
Clear
Heavy-duty and important packages
Natural Rubber
Clear/Brown/Red
Heavy-duty and important packages
Synthetic Rubber
Clear
Recycled packaging
Synthetic Rubber
Clear
Cold storage
Acrylic Emulsion
Many
Color coding, branding, organizing
Acrylic Emulsion
Clear
Protecting external labels
What is Mil Thickness?
The thickness of tape is typically measured in mil. Also known as a thou or a point, a mil is one-thousandth of an inch. 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.
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July 13, 2023Wondering how to make the most and safest use of space on your pallets? Here are the best ways to pack a pallet for shipping in six easy steps.
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January 07, 2022An efficient mailroom is a profitable mailroom. Make sure you set up yours with the essential equipment and supplies every mailroom should have.