Solving the Overlooked Practices in Case Sealing
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 Herman Knapp, Crawford’s Packaging Specialist, about solving the commonly overlooked practices in case sealing.
Let’s start simple — what exactly is case sealing, and why does it matter?
Case sealing is the process of securely closing corrugated boxes before they head to shipping. It sounds straightforward — fold the flaps, apply tape, move on — but in reality, it’s the final safeguard between your product and the outside world. A strong, consistent seal prevents product damage, deters tampering, and keeps shipments intact through transit.
In most operations, the case sealer is the last piece of equipment a product touches before it leaves the facility. That makes it a quiet but critical link in the packaging chain — one that affects quality, efficiency, and cost control in ways many teams underestimate.
What are the most common challenges businesses face with their sealing process?
Many facilities still rely heavily on manual taping — and that’s where inefficiencies creep in. Hand-taping leads to inconsistent application, wasted material, and repetitive strain for operators. If you’re dealing with multiple box sizes or high-volume throughput, even small inconsistencies can add up to big costs.
Poorly erected or uneven boxes can also cause sealing issues. If the box isn’t square or properly folded, even a high-quality sealer can’t guarantee a reliable bond. These are small details that can have major ripple effects — from product returns to lost time on the line.
How does automation — like case erectors and automatic sealers — help solve those issues?
Automated equipment standardizes the process. A case erector ensures every box is formed squarely and consistently, while an automatic case sealer applies the perfect amount of tape at the correct tension and placement — every single time.
Uniform sealing reduces waste, boosts throughput, and helps teams manage labour challenges. For operations handling multiple box sizes, random case sealers can automatically adjust on the fly, keeping production flowing without constant manual setup. Together, erecting and sealing automation can transform packaging from a slow, manual task into a streamlined, high-performance system.
How important is it to choose the right tape for the job?
Extremely important — the type and quality of tape you use directly impact the strength, appearance, and reliability of your seal. Pressure-sensitive tapes are versatile and cost-effective for many operations, offering strong adhesion and easy application. Water-activated tapes create a reinforced, tamper-evident bond ideal for high-volume shipping or e-commerce. Specialty tapes, like filament or reinforced options, can handle heavy or irregular loads.
The key is matching your tape to your product, environment, and equipment. The right combination of tape and dispenser — whether manual or automated — ensures a consistent seal, minimizes waste, and helps products reach customers securely and professionally.