Tuesday 16 April 2019

How to Use a Boxcutter


When you’re cutting up cardboard or breaking it down, there’s no better tool out there than a boxcutter. I mean, it’s literally in the name of the tool.


The problem with using boxcutters is that it’s easy to cut yourself pretty badly if you’ve never used one or are using it as if it’s not a harmful device. Whether you’re in a hurry or don’t know how to use one, just know you need to slow down and use common sense. Check out our tips below.

Keep your eye on the blade at all times.
Don’t worry so much about where you’re going to be cutting, since cutting into cardboard boxes isn’t ever a precise and perfect thing you need to worry about messing up. There’s always more cardboard to cut if you really mess up. But if you mess up and cut your fingers? Sometimes that can be really bad and you can’t undo what you’ve done.


Don’t throw boxcutters.
It doesn’t matter if the blade is retracted, don’t throw boxcutters to others who need to use it. It could end very badly, so you may as well walk it over to them.

Always point away from yourself.
And make sure no one is near you when you’re about to cut. This is what you’ll hear most often from anyone teaching you to cut, because you don’t want to stab yourself by cutting towards your body. Always angle it away from yourself and pull the blade away from your body.





Store your cutter in a safe place when it’s not in use.
You want to make sure your blade is covered and locked when not in use. Even if it’s fully retracted, it can still come loose on accident. You just want to make sure that you, or someone else, don’t end up cutting your fingers or worse. It takes absolutely zero time to store it properly, so you may as well do it.

Don’t try to catch a falling boxcutter.
If you’re cutting cardboard boxes and the knife happens to fall to the ground, don’t try to catch it. This sounds like easy enough advice, but when you’re in the moment and your instincts are always to grab something that is falling, it’s actually easy to forget. Just make sure you remember this when cutting with a boxcutter so that you don’t cut your hand grasping the knife as it falls.

Friday 14 December 2018

Which to Use: Pressure Strips orWater-Activated Packaging Tape?

When it comes to packing, many different approaches can be taken. One of the most common is using pressure strips or water-activated packaging tape. The question arises then: which type should you use? Pressure strips are often used for larger packages, while the water-activated tape is typically more suited for smaller items, but there are certainly exceptions to this rule.

The main advantage of pressure strip tape over water-activated packaging tape is that it's much easier to see. The foil backing does not reflect light, making the strip easier to see when scanning the product for its bar code or number. The strip is also highly visible when used on darker-colored items.





In addition, the accurate and quick destruction of a pressure-sensitive strip makes this an ideal method for multi-line security applications. For example, a standard security label with multiple strips would have to be torn in order to gain access one by one. The convenience of using a single pressure strip to gain access is a benefit over the manual process required for multi-line labels.



Pressure strips have been around longer and are therefore more recognized in the industry. This can be an advantage when trying to brand your brand with a unique identifier. Pressure strips come in various sizes and widths, allowing you to choose how much tape you need.

Pressure strip tape does not provide any tamper evidence or indication that someone has accessed the packaging. In contrast, water-activated tape provides a clear visual indicator if the package has been tampered with, opened, or otherwise compromised. Pressure strips do not affect the appearance of a product's packaging if they are not scanned properly; however, water-activated tape degrades and can ruin the aesthetic of your package and reduce its overall value and usefulness.





Pressure strips are frequently used as a redundant measure, simply put over the product's label. This can be an inconvenience for customers who are purchasing items that require delicacy or careful handling to ensure the safety of the contents inside. Pressure strip labels do not affect how someone holds or handles an object, whereas water-activated labels can tear easily and become a nuisance for the customer.


Poly Mailers Over Boxes


Poly mailers are a great alternative to boxes when shipping clothing. They protect the items better than most another packaging, and they're more environmentally friendly as well. Poly mailers can be reused up, so you don't have to worry about them going into a landfill after one use like you would with boxes.



Poly mailers are also better than most another packaging because they're made of strong plastic that is water-resistant and tear-proof. This means that your items will stay dry, no matter what weather conditions the package goes through before reaching its destination. The best part about poly mailers is how cost-effective they are.


However, there are instances where boxes are appropriate over poly mailers in the packaging of clothing items. For instance, using boxes to ship huge winter coats or shoes may not fit into poly mailers.



Poly mailer boxes are a great alternative to shipping clothes in just the poly bags themselves, and they're reusable as well! Plus, they come with self-sealing adhesive that is easy to use, and they're waterproof as well, so you don't have to worry about the elements getting in.





Wednesday 15 August 2018

Smooth vs glossy embossing for Packing

Do you recall the time when you witnessed the enchantment of embossing granules dissolving into a beautiful, glossy coating? Since that initial attempt with a heat gun

Embossing is not always thoroughly considered when finalizing the product concept. It might often lead to impulsive judgments which are detrimental to company commodities as well as packing. The embossing process, in general, renders the commodity "prepared" to also be placed in the consumers’ hands. 



Selecting a laminating that is suitable with chosen creative colors and layouts is critical for the finished product of the package. Embossing regardless placed on the exterior of a grocery bag, magazine cover, nameplate, or packing container constantly emphasizes the aesthetics and physical feeling of goods.

Even further, it acts as a protecting coating for the package, preventing scratching but instead unanticipated breakage. Although there were a few lamination alternatives available, the very initial stage in producing a selection is to select Smooth or Glossy embossing. These severely limit the cladding selections, making the ultimate verdict easier.

Would you like the company name to be visually appealing? Rugged and long-lasting? But perhaps gleaming and new? Do you want a specific thickness or appearance? Maybe a spot lacquer across a region to draw the customer's attention to it? Everything is dependent on the design users choose for the company logo.

What do you know about Smooth Embossing?

The simplest approach to identifying smooth coating is to look at how sunlight bounces from off surfaces. Smooth laminated reflected extremely minimal or nearly no illumination, rendering the ground smooth and buried deep. Glossy finish adhesion would be almost smooth to the comfy, seeking to make it an outstanding choice for wrapping which aims to be more engaging. 



While inspecting smooth laminating on the sampling or concept, or instance, pay attention to how the colors behave. Smooth laminated can have flat colors and some of them seem somewhat subdued with a shallower range of color. It is frequently was using in deluxe wrapping to convey an advanced and sleek aesthetic appeal.

What do you know about Glossy Embossing?

In comparison to smooth embossing, glossy offers a shiny appearance when illumination is reflected off from the surfaces. As a result, the impact is one of brightness, improved unique look, and much more brilliant color richness. 

Glossy laminate handbags and periodicals bring awareness; with that regard, there are more flamboyant than their glossy equivalents. As just a result, these may adapt themselves nicely to pamphlets, cover images, liquor bottles, or textbook covers. 



Glossy laminating may improve different products than rough laminating. Unless the business wants to convey a livelier, younger sense to the business, glossy laminating is the best option. Glossy coating intensifies & illuminates existing colors, all of them seem better distinct as well as nuanced.

 

Friday 16 June 2017

Save Money By Using Old Cardboard Boxes


As parents, we all want to ensure that our children have the best in life. This includes the best possible toys for entertainment and play. Often while we are attempting to purchase the newest and most popular toys we forget one simple truth. We forget that our little bundles of joy are often easily entertained. In fact, the simplest toys can provide hours of entertainment and fun. So, why not utilize tools that you have at home to create a craft that your children will love? Common tools used to make fun crafts are: glue, tape, glitter, and cardboard boxes. Check out these fun crafts and toys made from cardboard boxes. 

Why waster money buying expensive doll houses when you can easily make one with supplies at home for a cost efficient price? It only requires boxes, glue, paint, and imagination. 

Make completing homework more fun by designing a personalized desk out of a cardboard box. Your children can even color or paint on their new desk. This could be an outlet to encourage the completion of homework and academic activities. 

Stop wasting money on expensive town pieces for dolls and cars. Use available resources to form a make- believe town for your children. You can make vehicles and characters from construction paper to include in the play town. For fun you could place a train tunnel made of a large box in the middle of the craft town. If you have children interested in pirates, the town could be on the base of an ocean; creating a pirate ship from boxes is fairly simple and creative. This is also a fun activity your children may love.


Encourage anticipatory play by crafting boxes into household items. You can make a piggy bank, a dishwasher, a sewing machine, an oven, and much more.

Other crafts include a grocery store with a cash register. This allows a child the opportunity to create a world of make believe. As children grow older parents may want to utilize this toy to teach mathematical skills. Play money can be easily accessed online eliminating a need to make a purchase in stores. 

Tents, campers, and elevators are popular home made toys as well. However, these require larger boxes than the other toys listed. 


Furthermore, parents can save money by creating game based toys. Arcade games and golfing games are easy to make with available boxes. This can help save money considering store bought games can be quite costly. 

Finding toys for your children to play with is as simple as looking around your house. Using your imagination with old boxes can be an outlet for much fun. Helping in the creation of a new toy could be a fun experience for children as well. Information about “ do it yourself” projects are available on the web; Pinterest is one of the most resourceful “do it yourself” sites online. Research Pinterest and other online sites to find information about “do it yourself” projects you can complete at home with your children.

Tuesday 6 September 2016

Is FedEx or UPS Better

FedEx and UPS are two of the most popular shipping services, and you may wonder what’s better. This is especially important for art, as they have specific requirements to get to places safely. Here, we’ll go over the different ways that you’re going to ship out stuff, either FedEx or UPS, and what of course, is considered to be the better option. 

The basics of Art Shipping 

Art shipping is well, an art just like the actual contents themselves. 

However, it’s deeper than that. It's a high-stakes game, and the last thing you want is something to arrive in pieces. 



Here, we’ll go over the different types of ways to ship art. 

The first, are art tubes. These are basically for rolled-up items, like posters, or delicate paintings made of canvas. Rolling these up and throwing them in an art tube is a good way to do this. 

There are benefits to this, which include: 

  • They protect from creases. 

  • They’re durable, so they can withstand the transit process 

  • They’re versatile 

You’ve also got shipping boxes that are wholesale. This is good for galleries, or someone who regularly sends out artwork. 

They’re your bestie, because of the following: 

  • You save money when you ship it in bulk 

  • There’s more variety with these, and they offer a range of products for you to stock up on 

  • There’s safety in numbers, as these boxes are made to protect it. 

Finally, we’ve got a cardboard tube, which is like the first one, the art tube. 



They are a game changer, because of the following: 

  • They’re sturdy, so there are no more dents and damaging items. 

  • Very easy to label, so you’ll know exactly what’s in them 

  • They’re good for all sorts of art mailing, whether it’s sketches, prints, or even pieces of fabric 

There are also art shipping boxes, which house all of the items above pretty easily.  This is good for singular pieces that need a little more care but can’t be rolled up into a tube. 

The benefits are as follows: 

  • Better cushioning, as it offers a comfier ride 

  • It’s tailored for art, and designed to ensure a fit that’s snug 

  • Easy to send and seal, so you don’t have to worry about fussing about with this 

Art shipping is a form of art, in it of itself.  You do need to use the right tools and take the correct care.  when you go to these places, the journey can be really beautiful, especially for this. 

FedEx Vs. UPS 

UPS and FedEx are the two most common ways for you to ship, each with their own pros and cons. Below, we’ll go over both. 

UPS offers tailored services for art, and a tracking system that’s like no others. For higher-valued items, they offer insurance, along with other options for this. The downside, however, is that they can be pricey, and there are limited options for really big pieces of art. 

For UPS, there are a ton of different shipping box options, so you can get huge ones for big pieces, and even smaller ones for little trinkets. 



They’re known for safely shipping art prints, so they have that reliability to them. They also offer bulk shipping for when there is a large number of shipments, as in the case of wholesalers. 

UPS does have some restrictions on what they are willing to ship, however, and if you’ve got larger frames, this can pose a challenge. Plus, they take a bit longer than FedEx does to mail things. 


Monday 13 June 2016

Six Alternatives for Sustainable and environment Cosmeceutical Packing

In recent years, the beauty business seems to be beneath intense criticism. Cosmeceutical firms are under growing demand to be a little more ecologically responsible in terms of the materials utilized, the production methods, and how well the products are delivered to the client. Sustainable packing, in particular, may improve either consumers or businesses, and it holds a great promise for beauty businesses trying to change things. Nevertheless, before delving into the specifics, a functional notion of ecological packing is required. While firms' approaches to durability vary, the packing should incorporate several underlying elements to be considered ecological.



Its packing should be built entirely of salvaged or organic products, and therefore must be caused by environmental factors responsible manner. This implies the packing business must conform to a sustainable and quite well distribution network for any package parts. Packing should be negligible or shuttered in nature. Furthermore, the packing has to be simple for consumers to discard, repurpose, or repurpose sometimes in a way. Nevertheless, it also is crucial to remember because for numerous organizations, including any essential components inside packing is tough - particularly when maintaining client pricing marks fair.

It is therefore critical to set objectives, whatever the corporate objectives are in terms of environmental, and also to maintain those principles in mind throughout the package creative procedure. Although beauty brands may not necessarily be capable of creating the greatest environmentally safe products, the objective is to create wrapping as efficient and environmentally as feasible to preserve the ecosystem even although providing benefit to consumers. 

  • Packing made of bamboo

This packing is other growing efficient and environmentally packing option in beauty, and it is ideally suited for throwaway packing. It is among the greatest possibilities for organic packing since it is produced from sustainable resources. There are no pesticides or herbicides needed in its growth, & several different varieties to select among. 


This is an inexpensive packing solution, as well as the sheathing may be employed to increase the packaging's longevity. It performs effectively as a compostable alternative to recycling bins. 

  • Packing made of papers

This is traditionally being utilized as a kind of packing because there are additional methods to utilize such sort of sustainable and environment wrapping as a polyethylene substitute. Some things, for instance, are wrapped with polyethylene filler, including packing tape, providing safety. 

Polypropylene fillings, on the other hand, could be substituted by newspaper filler particles small board, or compostable bags as just an environmentally option. The newspaper would be compostable, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to solitary polymers. Furthermore, because consumers may reuse newspapers, it might be a good replacement for mailings and compact containers.

  • Reusable Containers

Among the most difficult difficulties the beauty business has is reducing polyethylene in packing. Since so many long-lasting and impermeable possible options, makeup businesses have already been attempting to find workarounds to decrease the environmental effect of domestic waste


Reusable packing is simply just to help businesses decrease their environmental effect, but this is a terrific means of connecting consumers and providing quality to your final brand. It enables businesses to significantly reduce the environmental effect of polymers whilst motivating a consumer to return to the brand. Furthermore, businesses may provide a unique price to consumers that choose the refilling option, promoting the receptacles to be utilized for a prolonged period.

  • Packing made of starch

Starch might have been the solution for beauty businesses looking for further natural ingredients in product packing. Starch, a feasible polyethylene substitute, opens up a plethora of alternatives for sustainable and environmental packing. It's indeed compostable and reusable, providing it a recycled and renewable alternative. Generally, starch is not harmful and emits little fumes, that's why several businesses are considering starch packing as a viable option.

  • Packing for algae

Algae may not appear to be suitable for packing.Algae packing is digestible, compostable, and able to dissolve, making it a viable alternative for packing. Even though it is usually used for packaged foods, it may also be used in the beauty sector. Algae packing is an excellent choice for skincare products, jellies, and other fluid products. Furthermore, algae packing may be used as a polyethylene substitute, but because it is a plentiful commodity, it will not have a detrimental influence on the environment.

  • Packing made with paraffin

Paraffin packing is another excellent sustainable and environment beauty packing option. Paraffin packing, which is readily molded and controlled, could be utilized as a protecting covering for surrounding goods or even as a covering. Wax packing is comprised of honey, linseed, and avocado oil and therefore is coated with a material such as natural fibers. Wax packing, like some other substances discussed, is a solution to polyethylene and provides for additional marketing choices.


Monday 7 March 2016

Can I use Any Type of Box for Shipping

If you’re focused on ecommerce and logistics, you already know shipping is a science, and an art form. The right box isn’t just ensuring that the item arrives in the right condition, but also to make sure you don’t break the bank on the costs of shipping. You might wonder if you can use any box. Well, that depends on a few factors. 

The basics of boxes 

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing logistics and ecommerce, to ensure that everything arrives safely. 

There is far more to the right box selection than just looking at it and hoping it will work. 

There are a few things you need to know, prior to using a box.



The first is durability, and this is the initial defense line, and is like a knight going into battle with the worst armor possible, versus a full suit that’s heavy duty and strong.

The former are flimsy boxes for heavy products, and will break over time, impacting the item. The latter are heavy duty corrugated boxes that are meant to withstand the wear and tear, and also the stacking of other boxes or drops that inevitably happen during shipment. 

The size and the weight capacity is another. Size is an important one, but you don’t want the box to be too big or too small.

Too big, and the item will dance about during the transit stage so it risks damages. Too small, and it causes spills and splits. It’s important to understand weight capacity, and checking the rating so that the product can handle that weight.



The composition of the material is another’s corrugated boxes will always be stronger and studier, so it offers better protection against drops and bumps. Paper boxes are lighter, and better for the environment for products that don’t need the protection of the heavy duty corrugated cardboard types. 

Checklists for boxes 

You need to do the following for your item before packaging it: 

  • How vulnerable is it? that impacts protection 

  • Consider if it’s shipped locally, around the country, or around the world. 

  • How big is it? make sure there’s enough for the cushioning without too much movement from this 

  • Look at the weight capacity and don’t exceed this 

  • Choose the correct materials, so corrugated for most items, and then paper for the non-fragile ones 

Remember with this, the right box protects the item, but will also save money on the shipment process, avoiding the need for excessive packaging and costs associated with the returns that are damaged. So make sure you take a moment to consider the choices for boxes, the products inside, and finally the customers! 

Other Packaging Essentials 

There are a few other considerations to think about with your boxes. 

The first is sustainable. So yes, brown paper rolls, or even kraft tape is good for package security, but is also very eco friendly. It also gives sit a chic, almost minimalistic look that screams you do care about the planet, and the items that are inside. 

The second thing is the bulk purchasing and suppliers. If you can go bulk, do so, as you can save a ton of money.



Finally, make sure you’ve got kraft tape and moving wrap, as they will help with this. 

So while yes, you can in a sense use a box that’s lying about, there are other factors to consider, and they should be when you’re choosing the packaging for your needs, and other aspects of this as well for your own personal touches to the package. 


How to Use a Boxcutter

When you’re cutting up cardboard or breaking it down, there’s no better tool out there than a boxcutter. I mean, it’s literally in the n...