Alvarez & Marsal Shares Tips on How to Reduce Corrugated Packaging Costs

Companies, especially small businesses, are always on the look-out for ways to reduce packaging costs. When it comes to corrugated boxes, for example, BestPack.com has developed a solution to reduce expenses related to corrugated boxes through their taping machines and carton sealing tapes. Corrugated is widely used in packaging because it is very durable, versatile, and economical. It is also lightweight enough to contain pallets to children’s toys and even furniture.

Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal shares a few helpful tips on how companies can reduce their corrugated-related expenses.

For instance, Alvarez & Marsal states that practicing SKU rationalization is a great way to reduce costs because it presents an opportunity that allows businesses to eliminate and combine certain boxes. SKU rationalization works by analyzing the inventory – adding, deleting, or retaining items – and it helps not only in terms of packaging but also in space planning and price optimization.

Simplifying a packaging’s requirements can also greatly reduce corrugated costs. Swapping the dimensions of corrugated or combining different raw materials are cost-effective ways to use less paper in the packaging process. In fact, Alvarez & Marsal states that this can efficiently reduce paper costs up to 20%.

It also helps, according to Alvarez & Marsal, to know and identify box manufacturers and packaging equipment manufacturers who can match your company’s packaging needs perfectly. This also means understanding the manufacturing process of your own business – large runs and uniform boxes size should be produced by larger manufacturers and vice versa. The global professional services firm suggests finding a manufacturer who is currently looking for “incremental volume to maintain operating efficiencies” as they will be the most competitive in terms of price.

Reducing corrugated costs is not only financially-wise but it environment-friendly too. Check out BestPack.com’s Green Sealing Solution, wherein the company’s line of 6” random semi-automatic taping machines and carton sealing tapes are both sustainable and cost-saving. You can view the full article here.

Corrugated Packaging: What You Need to Know

Corrugated boxes are easy to spot. You probably know how it looks like but you don’t know that it’s actually called corrugated boxes. Taping machines and other packaging equipment can pack these boxes quickly for shipping and transport.

To begin, corrugated boxes are made of paper. The arched layer is called “fluting” and the smooth sheets that sandwich these layers are called “liners”. While the most commonly available corrugated boxes have one layer of fluting between the liners, there are actually a lot of different types with many flute sizes and thicknesses. Because corrugated boxes are naturally produced from paper, they are very lightweight and durable, making them the most reliable material for custom-manufactured shipping containers and packaging displays.

Aside from all the useful features of corrugated boxes, they are, in fact, recyclable, making them extremely environment-friendly. While they are primarily manufactured from a renewable resource, consumers should still be conscious enough to recycle them whenever possible. Today, innovations and developments in the R&D programs continue to improve the strength, printability, and recyclability of corrugated boxes.

There are many reasons why packaging suppliers and companies prefer to use corrugated boxes to match with their taping machine requirements. For one, corrugated boxes are easy to customize. It knows no limits and it offers thousands of possible combinations when it comes to flute sizes, weight, adhesives, treatment and coatings, as well as board types.

The flexibility of corrugated boxes also allows it to be cut and folded in many shapes and sizes. It is also now being as a cost-effective marketing tool, as companies begin to print the boxes with their own logos, images, and high-resolution graphics.

Companies can customize corrugated boxes according to the specific needs of their industries and products. It is maximized for product protection, shelf space, and shipping density requirements.

Corrugated boxes have many uses and R&D programs continue to find ways to maximize these boxes. In the meantime, consumers must do their part to make sure that corrugated boxes are reused to save the environment while corporations develop ways to minimize corrugated-related costs.

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How Consumers View Packaging in General

The packaging industry will never die, probably because packaging is such an important part of marketing and advertising a product. It has been revealed that over 50% of shoppers’ decisions are made at the shelf. This stresses the weight of a product’s packaging in terms of a consumer’s decision to spend money on a product or not. Taping machines are packaging equipment used to seal products while carton sealing tapes are now being customized to display a company’s brand, message, or service for cost-effective advertising.

Through packaging, a company’s brand image is reinforced. Packaging should be aligned with the company’s image, goals, and vision. For example, products that scream “Buy-One-Take-One” (BOGO) are not exactly the right message that high-end luxury goods should promote. Children, for example, will never be attracted to toys packaged in just black and white. With consistent packaging, consumers can easily distinguish products against others and creates familiarity, especially for brands and companies that have already been in the industry for decades.

Consumers also have certain perceptions or perhaps, expectations, when it comes to the packaging of the products they purchase. High-end luxury goods are supposed to be packaged with expensive or first-class materials. Eco-friendly trash bags should be contained in eco-friendly packaging. Cereals should have cartoons. Switching to a confusing packaging can easily kill your brand because confused consumers will always find the next best thing when it comes to the products they buy.

Practical packaging is also very important for consumers. If products are packed in such a way that it becomes very difficult to open or consume, people will never buy it the next time they go back to the grocery store. Families, for example, will purchase products in bulk so individually-packed items are not exactly the best thing if they are your target market.

Packaging costs are also paid by consumers, but that you already know. If the product is expensive and so does the packaging that comes with it, consumers of premium brand are more often than not willing to pay the price. Average consumers, on the other hand, would appreciate inexpensive packaging more, which means that packaging plays a role in how products should be priced.

The importance of packaging for consumers cannot be stressed enough. BestPack.com offers cost-effective but efficient packaging solutions that are aligned with the needs of the client and the industry it belongs to. Invest in taping machines, packing tapes, and other packaging equipment from BestPack.com now.

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Searching for Sustainable Packaging Companies

Whether you are a small business or a large corporation and is currently in search for a packaging equipment manufacturer who offers eco-friendly packaging solutions, you may not realize the many options available out there. As consumers shift towards brands and products that are environment-friendly and sustainable, the need for corporations to shift to sustainable packaging practices using automatic taping machines and carton sealing tapes is becoming a necessity.

Here are the types of companies that offer different sustainable packaging solutions:

Biodegradable Paper Packaging Companies

Aside from just providing businesses with biodegradable paper containers, sustainable packaging companies now offer design solutions that could greatly reduce the product packaging’s weight. With reduced weight, the packaging becomes lighter, decreasing not only the consumption of resources but also its carbon footprint.

Bio-Plastic Packaging Companies

Groceries and supermarkets are now finding ways to reduce plastic consumption. In some countries, specific days are dedicated to the use of paper bags instead of plastics for groceries. Packaging companies are also shifting towards the use of bio-plastics instead of the more traditional plastic containers. Bio-plastic packaging companies now use biodegradable corn and sugar cane resins, resulting to two types of bio-plastic containers: Polylactic (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), which are very important especially for the food and cosmetics industries.

Recycled Glass Packaging Companies

Glass can be recycled indefinitely, making it extremely popular for sustainable packaging. Eco-friendly glass packaging is also being practiced to reduce carbon footprint and gas emissions, just like paper packaging does. One challenge associated with recycled glass packaging however is the creation of a more durable and sustainable product.

Recycled Aluminum Packaging Companies

There are claims about recycled aluminum as a more durable and sustainable packaging solution. It is said to provide less bulky packaging, attracting eco-friendly packaging companies to create more than just the classic can. The wine industry is one of the largest consumers of recycled aluminum as packaging companies now supply wine producers with bottles made from recycled aluminum. The truth is that wine chills quicker using aluminum bottles so there is an economic benefit to it as well.

BestPack.com prides itself in offering eco-friendly packaging solutions. In fact, with taping machines from BestPack, companies use less corrugated boxes by 17% because of the 1.5” elimination on each flap. Find out more by visiting our website.

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Are Your Packages Sustainable? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Corporations are quickly adapting green packaging solutions to reduce their carbon footprints and gas emissions. Packaging equipment manufacturers are developing solutions to decreaase corrugated usage through taping machines and carton sealing tapes. Now that consumers are being more conscious about the products they buy, the question is, are your packages sustainable?

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Dogwood Alliance Helps the Fast Food Industry in Packaging Practices with Latest Report

Consumers may not realize this but the fast food industry is probably one of the largest consumers of packaging supplies. Taping machines, carton sealing tapes, case erectors – all these and more are required to pack, ship, and transport supplies needed for their daily consumption of food products. For food packaging, the largest component is paper and with the increase in consumption of packaging supplies, the fast food industry can very well deplete the world’ natural resources all on their own.

Dogwood Alliance, an organization dedicated to saving the environment by pushing industry leaders to switch their business solutions towards more eco-friendly practices, has recently released a report aimed to help fast food companies reduce their packaging footprint.

Raz Godelnik of TriplePundit.com interviewed Dogwood Alliance’s Campaign Director Scot Quaranda to discuss this latest report. Basically, the report outlined strategic ways for fast food chains to decrease their carbon footprints and it also provided a roadmap on how these corporations switch to environment-friendly packaging solutions.

Quaranda stated that the report has the primary goal of making a difference, even if small-scale, by offering sustainable packaging solutions that large corporations could practice in their businesses. Focusing on the impact that packaging has, particularly in the fast food industry, the report released by Dogwood Alliance also identified numerous opportunities which could even help companies save money. This, according to Quaranda, can be done by switching to greener packaging because it saves a lot in terms of material and transportation costs. Indirectly, he added, it makes for a more positive branding and loyal customer base since consumers nowadays are more biased towards corporations who practice sustainable packaging.

Quaranda ended the interview by saying that the first step towards a more environment-friendly packaging solution is to “develop an environmental packaging policy.” Collaborating with experts and academics is needed to ultimately create the roadmap to greener packaging.

You can find out more about the article here.

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Greenwash Your Packaging [SATIRE]

Artist Lunchbreath summarized how companies trick consumers into thinking that their packaging is eco-friendly.

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Green Packaging: Can It Save the Planet? [INFOGRAPHIC]

As every company try its best to reduce its carbon footprint, even Mashable.com takes on green packaging by discussing whether green packaging really is the solution to saving the planet or now.

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More Than Just A Taping Machine

If you have a business that requires an efficient packaging system, what you need is a machine. And not just any type of machine—a taping machine. Manual packaging may seem more cost efficient at first but in the long run, you will find that manual packaging can drag your business down.

We asked several small companies to weigh in on this matter. We asked a school lunch company, an auto parts company, a juice company and a tofu manufacturer. They had one thing in common—their manual packaging processes proved to be inefficient and resulted in the following consequences:

1. Time consuming. The whole process of forming a carton, packing it and then sealing it eats up a lot of production time.

2. Repetitive. The repetitive motion of manually taping cases, especially when done for prolonged periods of time, can cause workers to develop joint and tendon issues in their wrists.

3. Inefficient. The bottom flap of cartons can slow down the entire process. Additionally, manually sealing the bottom flaps (as well as the top of the box) manually causes more uncontrolled usage of carton sealing tape. Pre-erecting the boxes and stacking can also eat up a lot of time on the production line.

4. Lack of air supply. Packaging stations require pressurized air lines which can be an added overhead expense to the entrepreneur.

Our recommendation: Invest in a reliable and durable taping machine system. Packaging reflects the company’s branding and a poorly packaged product says a lot of bad things about the business. There are several types of taping machine available in the market—some are offered in uniform or random type while other case sealers are available in high-speed options for a minimal fee. Custom and stainless steel taping machines are also available, depending on your budget.

Which taping machine is ideal for your business? Come back next week for our expert suggestions.

Taping Machine Debates: Side Drive vs. Belt Drive

Quality or quantity?

This is a classic debate that has gone on for ages. And the packaging industry is not exempt. Today, we are looking at two types of taping machine—the more costly yet deemed more superior Side Drive Case Sealer and the more budget-friendly Bottom Drive Case Sealer. Which one do you need? Which one do you want to invest in?

Let’s look at the contenders.

1. The Side Drive Case Sealer

• Has a larger carton range

• Has a roller bed that allows for more stable box throughput which means less wear and tear for motors

• Has two motor drives pulling the box for more power and stability

• Naturally squares the box as it goes through the sealer

• Has side drive pulleys which lessens wear and tear for the belts

• Has a shorter footprint

• Can hold up against heavy boxes banging up against the machine

2. The Bottom Belt Drive Case Sealer

• A good machine for a relatively good price

• Has a lower carton minimum

• Needs supervision because box throughput is less consistent due to friction and weight

• May need more maintenance since single motor is subject to more wear and tear as well as less pulleys on the belt drive system may cause belt to wear out faster

Final result: Two taping machines from a reputable manufacturer, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Which taping machine is best suited for your packaging needs? You decide.

How a 6” Inch Tape Saved the Lives of Clothing Companies

Clothing companies have been reported to lose millions of dollars due to packaging mismanagement. Theft, pilferage, and added packaging costs have all contributed to the profit loss of clothing companies. Additionally, the current standard of using 2” or 3” packing tape through manual labor is also another reason why clothing companies suffer from profit loss.

Recent updates in packaging technology and standards revealed that 6” packing tapes and the use of automatic taping machines are the best solutions to prevent pilferage of clothing packages. Automated solutions can greatly help save in packaging costs because of less use of manual labor while also creating a more consistent seal on boxes.

3.07 mil thick Water-Based Acrylic Adhesive Carton Sealing Tape

The wider 6” packing tape is a cost-effective packaging solution due to the instantaneously decreased packaging costs from the prevention of lost and stolen goods. The wider 6” packing tape prevents major flaps from opening without breaking the seal of the box. There is also less excessive and expensive use of tape when compared to companies using a 4-edge seal and water-activated gummed tape to belly band the boxes.

Fully Automatic Top and Bottom Drive Edgesealer (AT4E)

As for packaging equipment, 6” random automated taping machines offer a more professional and consistent seal on boxes. Packaging materials, such as boxes, are also more efficient with the removal of the extra 1.5” on each major flap. This saves not only on packaging costs but on packing tapes as well. The wide 6” packing tape renders the extra flaps unnecessary, thus creates savings which can be allotted into other packaging equipment. With this packing equipment, companies can save up to $30/day, which means saving up to $10,800/year.

The right combination of installing new 6” random semi-automatic taping machines and 6” acrylic printed packing tapes can save millions of dollars for clothing companies. Packaging costs greatly reduce while producing a more professional and consistent look for boxes.

Choosing Between a Side Drive and Bottom Belt Drive Taping Machine

Previously, we highlighted some of the main features of a side drive taping machine. Aside from having a larger carton range of 4.25” and a roller bed to allow for a more stable box throughput, a side drive taping machine also has two motor drives to pull the box through.

While most packaging industries prefer side drive taping machines, there are still businesses that opt for bottom belt drive taping machines. What exactly are the features of a bottom belt drive taping machine?

The best thing about a bottom belt drive taping machine is that it isn't expensive, which means that there is no need for a big budget. Smaller companies may prefer bottom belt drive taping machines because the initial capital investment is inexpensive. The minimum carton height required to operate a bottom belt drive taping machine is only 3” compared to a side drive taping machine's 3.5”. It also has the capability to seal up to 40 cases or boxes per minute. Aside from its uniform sealing capacity, bottom belt drive taping machines also has adjustable legs so insertion comes easy into any packaging line.

Manual Bottom Drive

The telescopic mast design of the bottom belt drive taping machines is perfect for heavy-duty packaging and the electronic parts that comprise the taping machine are all UL-approved. To create a professional-looking seal, bottom belt drive taping machines have a built-in guide rail centering mechanism to ensure that all boxes are consistently sealed.

For small businesses and companies with a limited budget on packaging equipment costs, the bottom belt drive taping machine is a great option because it is a good packaging machine for its price. BestPack.com prides itself in manufacturing bottom belt drive taping machines that are known for its trouble-free operation. With years of experience to back up BestPack.com, its technological expertise is not only reliable but trustworthy too.