Efficient Packaging with Tape and Automation
Packaging plays a vital role in today’s fast-paced business landscape, ensuring product protection, preservation, and presentation. As the packaging industry continues to grow and adapt to changing market demands, it’s crucial for companies to stay ahead and offer exceptional packaging solutions. To provide insights into this dynamic landscape, we have developed Packaging Talks – a series of conversational panels with Crawford’s packaging experts. Whether you’re a business owner, a packaging professional, or simply curious, our panels aim to offer valuable information and inspiration.
In this installment of our Packaging Talks, we chat with Kyle Kuska, Crawford’s Packaging Specialist, about maximizing packaging efficiency through optimal tape selection and automation.
Could you shed some light on why selecting the right type of tape is so important in the packaging process?
Certainly. The tape used in packaging is more than just an adhesive – it’s a critical component that ensures the security and integrity of the package during transit. Using the right tape prevents boxes from opening unexpectedly, which can lead to product damage, loss, or contamination. I have seen many such situations in the field. For example, a client in the e-commerce sector was facing a high rate of package returns due to boxes opening during shipping. By switching to a high-strength, water-activated tape appropriate for their specific box material and weight, they reduced transit-related damages by 40%, significantly improving their customer satisfaction and reducing costs associated with returns. Tape is an important aspect of packaging that is still too often overlooked. You can’t just buy any box and any tape thinking they will do just fine; there is a science behind it that you should understand to make the right selection. It will save you a lot of money and resources in the longer term.
That makes sense. And what about sustainability? Are there any tapes that are environmentally friendly?
Absolutely. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in packaging decisions. There are several environmentally friendly tape options available. For example, the water-activated tape I mentioned, is made from renewable materials like paper and starch-based adhesives, making it both recyclable and biodegradable. Additionally, there are tapes made from Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) and Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) content, tapes that are Cradle to Cradle certified, as well as PE tapes, masking tapes, and flatback tapes – all manufactured with sustainability in mind. There’s a lot to choose from.
How do semi- or fully automatic case erectors and sealers contribute to productivity enhancements in packaging operations?
I think it’s fair to say that implementing semi- or fully automatic case erectors and sealers can really revolutionize packaging efficiency – especially in high-volume environments where hundreds or thousands of boxes are packed and shipped daily. These machines automate the process of assembling and sealing boxes, which accelerates workflow, improves consistency and reduces human error. For instance, a fulfilment centre we work with recently integrated fully automatic case sealers into five of their packaging lines. This upgrade increased their packaging throughput by over 40%, enabling them to onboard new business without needing to hire additional staff. This was a huge win for them. There is a wide variety of equipment available on the market, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your particular needs. Each machine, each solution, is different.