Eliminating Product Loss with Water-Activated Tape and Better Pack 333

Case Study: Manufacturer

Overview

A manufacturer located in the Waterloo region was experiencing issues with their parts being lost or damaged in transit. The Manufacturer was using multiple strips of polypropylene tape to secure the carton but was finding this was not working properly. The package was also an eyesore.

A Crawford Packaging Specialist visited the Manufacturer’s warehouse to review the packaging procedure and complete a Tape It Right audit. After viewing the process, the Packaging Specialist recommended switching to water-activated tape and a Better Pack 333 tape dispenser. This would not only improve the security of the carton but also make a more professional package.

The customer has now experienced greater productivity as well as a reduction in waste/consumption since switching over to water-activated tape.

Challenge

The Manufacturer’s parts were shipped via courier in a corrugated carton and taped extensively with polypropylene packaging tape. This created an unsightly carton, but the customer needed the parts protected to ensure the replacement parts would not fall out. The Manufacturer was also experiencing damages and lost parts in transit to their customers.

 

Process

Our Packaging Specialist visited the Manufacturer’s warehouse to view the packaging process. The Specialist noted that the parts varied in size but were usually heavy metal valves or fittings. The Manufacturer’s Owner discussed the issue of damages and lost parts and the importance of visual appeal. The current packages did not look professional and he wanted to improve this.

After looking at the parts package, our Crawford Packaging Specialist conducted a Tape It Right audit and recommended that the customer switch to water-activated tape along with a Better Pack 333 tape dispenser. This particular tape dispenser was suggested as it would be used in multiple locations throughout the warehouse and the Better Pack 333 does not require an electrical source.

Solution:

Tape It Right

Tape It Right works with clients to audit and review their existing case sealing practices and equipment. This will improve sealing efficiency and productivity through the identification and standardization of improved case sealing practices. Through this standardization, Tape It Right has helped businesses save up to 30% on their annual carton sealing costs.

 

Water-Activated Tape

Water-activated packaging tape paired with a Better Pack 333 was the perfect solution for the Manufacturer. Water-activated tape creates a destructive bond that goes deep in to the cartons fibres. When using WAT, the parts would now be secure in the carton with no fear of the parts breaking out. The Packaging Specialist also developed a printed tape for the customer so that end users would recognize shipments more readily when receiving.

Results

This knowledge-based solution used Crawford’s Tape It Right program to ensure the Manufacturer was using the proper type of packaging tape. The Manufacturer not only saw a large decrease in material costs but also saw a huge improvement in the presentation of the package.

 

Increased Product Protection

The strong, destructive seal created by water-activated tape creates a permanent bond and reduces the risk of cartons opening in transit. If a carton is opened intentionally, it will leave a permanent and clear sign of tampering.

 

Increased Productivity

An increase in productivity was noticed as the employees were able to use less packaging materials to enclose the parts in the package.

 

Reduced Waste

An increase in productivity was noticed as the employees were able to use less packaging materials to enclose the parts in the package.

 

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