Coffee Pods – a Sustainable Solution or Fleeting Fad?

Whether you use them or not, single-use coffee pods have taken the world by storm… and with quite a large amount of controversy. So what made a luxury coffee producer choose aluminum for their coffee pods?

Luxury coffee producer Nespresso chose to use aluminum to create their pre-portioned capsules because it offered the best protection from oxidation, preserved coffee freshness, and prevented food waste through leftovers. (According to the Sustainability Manager at Nespresso, the kitchen sink is the largest source of consumption of coffee made by standard drip pots.) Now, we know individual coffee pods can be controversial, even to the point of attempted ban in the US and Europe, and creating aluminum is no easy process either. So why did Nespresso choose Aluminum where Keurig chose plastic?

In 2009, Nespresso decided to source sustainable aluminum with the help of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. By 2015, Nespresso has 14 non-government organizations and 14 aluminum stakeholders developing a performance standard for aluminum production. In 2016, Nespresso headed the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative – an initiative dedicated to the sourcing and stewardship of aluminum. Though Nespresso is currently not at 100% fully recycled aluminum pods, they continue to improve their pods with hope of completely recycled pods by 2020. Similarly, Nespresso has implemented a meticulous recycling program in which their customers receive free shipping via UPS for recycled capsules and are encouraged to compost leftover grounds.

   

An Honorable Mention:

While Nespresso is still working out the kinks in their sustainability plan, another coffee company has perfected theirs. In 2017, San Francisco Bay Gourmet Coffee introduced the “No Waste” One Cup compatible with Keurig coffee makers. The entire pod is completely compostable from the filter holding the grounds to the bag holding the pods. To read more, click here.

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Case study: Custom poly bags

Custom poly bag solutions

3 different case studies, 3 different custom poly bag solutions. It’s always good to see how different industries are using packaging materials for different applications. In the follow case studies we’ll look at a manufacturer of tool chests, a meat packing company, and a manufacturer of automotive parts.

Case study 1

Problem

A manufacturer of high-end tool chests needed a better way to protect their products during storage. The large, polished chests needed protection from dirt and scratching. The current poly bag they used to cover the chest caused surface abrasion.

Solution

The Packaging Group provided them a proprietary LLDPE-HSB formula specially engineered to eliminate abrasion and scratching. The custom poly bags were also easier to open and use on the high-end tool chests.

Case study 2

Problem

A meat packing company was using an LLDPE poly bag to line their corrugated containers during their blast freeze operation. The strength of the bag was less than desired and didn’t provide as much protection against freezer burn. The company also wanted to cut their costs of the poly bag liners.

LLDPE- Linear low-density polyethylene

Solution

Our custom poly bag solution was a 3 layered tri-extruded bag that used a different polyethylene resin on each layer. One of the layers was engineered to decrease moisture vapor and increase the strength of the bag. The other 2 layers increased the freezer protection for their meat, while reducing overall costs of the liner bags.

Case study 3

Problem

An automotive manufacturer needed to reduce the costs of their poly bags used to package “non critical” parts and their “Class A” parts. The poly bags were used to contain and protect the parts during shipment and eventually to the installation on the cars.

Solution

We provided a custom poly bag solution with a thinner but stronger co-extruded LLDPE poly bag for their “non critical” parts. This bag had increased strength than the current bags they were using. For the “Class A” parts, we provided an HDPE-HSB formula that reduced surface abrasion but increased the tensile strength of the bag. These bags were made to be lightweight and puncture resistant, important for protecting those “Class A” automotive parts. 

Both of these bags actually cost less than their current process, while also adding extra protective benefits to the auto parts.

 

Check out our full selection of custom poly bags and stock items

• See full poly bag selection
• Flat poly bags
• Reclosable bags
• Poly tubing
• Gusseted poly bags
• Bags on a roll
• Pallet covers
• Polypropylene bags
• Anti-static poly bags
• Poly bag opening devices

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Case Study: Air-Flow Stretch Film helps brick manufacturer

Brick Manufacturing company spending to much on broken bricks.

In certain regions across the globe, peat is an excellent and abundant form of fuel. The manufacturing of this natural resource, however, poses a number of challenges. In order to transform the loose matter into something that can be burned, it must be compressed and the water removed. Achieving this dryness so quickly and on an industrial scale proved to be a massive issue for one frustrated customer.

The regular stretch film that the manufacturing plant was using was causing an extreme amount of moisture to be produced on the bricks that were supposed to be dry. The result was expanding, rotting, and broken bricks. Entire loads were rejected by customers because of the poor quality of the bricks.  Fixing the mess cost the manufacturing company a great deal of time and money.

In order to prevent more bricks from breaking and another costly catastrophe, the manufacturing company contacted The Packaging Group to help them find a packaging solution.

We recommended that they use Air Flow Stretch Film so that the product would be able to cool naturally on the pallet. Savings were enormous for the manufacturer and they will never second guess their decision to use Air Flow Stretch Film.

The Problem

The regular stretch film that the manufacturing plant was using was causing an extreme amount of moisture to be produced on the bricks that were supposed to be dry.

• Expanding, rotting, and broken bricks
• Entire loads rejected by customers
• Loss of time and money

The Solution

Air Flow Stretch film would be able to naturally cool on the pallet.

• Prevented bricks from breaking
• Loads arrived in good condition
• Customer satisfaction
• Enormous savings for the manufacturer

See also:

Packaging Library- Stretch Film

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Stretch wrap: Food industry

Food industry stretch wrap

Stretch wrap is used many ways across varying industries. In the food industry, stretch wrap is used to bundle and unitize products, protecting them from the damages during shipping. 

Some food products must be temperature controlled and require a certain type of stretch film. What stretch film should you use for the food industry?

Air Flow Stretch Wrap is a vented film that is commonly used in the food industry. The breathability if provided to the products from it’s ventilated design. 

Air Flow Stretch Wrap

The film has die cut holes that help help reduce the amount of condensation that food products get. Using this stretch wrap makes it easier to wrap products while they’re still warm, allowing them to cool later.

Other industries that use Air flow stretch wrap include agriculture, manufacturing, and beverage.

Frozen products’ freezing time is shorten because the colder air comes through the product at a faster rate than normal stretch film. Hotter products also benefit from this stretch wrap.

Stretch wrap benefits

• Hand and machine grade stretch wrap
• 100% Recyclable
• Reduces Condensation
• Has no freeze breaking point
• Elasticity up to 70%

See also:

What stretch film works for my company?

Packaging Library: Stretch film

Shop: Stretch Film

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Case study: BXT3 poly strapping tool equals thousands in annual savings

A new poly strapping tool process

In the lumber industry, strapping is used to bundle mixed loads of lumber product. The right strapping and strapping tool is crucial to bundling and protection because of the heavy-duty load. The lumber company was experiencing long strapping times and increased expenses. Switching from a poly combination tool to the new BXT3 poly strapping tool provided the company with thousands of dollars in annual savings.

Problem

The lumber company was using an expensive and time consuming process to secure loads. The slow process of strapping lumber was causing downtime and increased costs.

Strapping tool solution

The BXT3 poly strapping tool saved the lumber company $25,000 in annual savings just by switching tools. The new tool is made to enhance speed and convenience for the operator. This helped cut their strapping process of lumber in half, getting rid of all that extra downtime from before. The adjustable tension helped smooth the process for the company because of the different load types they had with their lumber product. 

The lumber company saved $25,000 in annual savings just by switching to the BXT3.

Sometimes the battery gets lost in the discussion of these battery powered strapping tools. Not with this company however. The BXT3 can charge up to 80% battery life within just 15 minutes. This helped cut their downtime in half as well. The lumber company was pleased with the switch to the new strapping tool they also purchased new signode strapping to go with it.

Signode BXT3 poly strapping tool features:

• Variable tension speed
• Favorite strapping function
• Real time indication of tension force
• Strap alignment indication
• 3 color display and acoustic signal for tool status

BXT3 series poly strapping tool

Signode’s newest poly strapping tool series has 3 products. The BXT3-13, BXT3-16, BXT3-19. Each is designed for different applications and strapping widths.

• BXT3-13: For light-duty applications where soft tensioning is needed.
• BXT3-16: Medium-duty applications an works with most poly and polyester strap widths. This is their more universal tool for strapping.
• BXT3-19: Used for heavy-duty applications that requires high tension forces.

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See also:

Polypropylene strapping

Polyester strapping

Signode BXT3 overview

Case study: BXT3 poly strapping tool equals thousands in annual savings published first on https://www.thepackaginggroup.com/

Dunnage air bag inflators

Dunnage air bag turbo flow inflation system

Dunnage air bag inflation devices offer unparalleled inflation speed and safety. Turbo flow inflation reduces the time and labors costs associated with filling dunnage air bags. Once optimal pressure is achieved, the inflator ceases airflow which eliminates the risk of bursting bags. They work for both vinyl and poly-woven style of air-bags. 

Dunnage air bag inflators for vinyl airbags

Dunnage air bag inflators for poly-woven airbags

Dunnage air bags

Fast inflation speeds

Inflate dunnage air bags with ease that improves efficiency and loading time. Smaller airbags inflate in just 10 seconds.

Operator friendly valve 

The valve is easy for any operator to use, and even gloved hands can open and close the valves.

Easy deflation

The cap is easy to lock and unlock which prevents accidental deflation. To deflate the air bag, just press and turn the lock counter-clockwise and gently push the airbag in on itself.

Designed for optimal inflation

Traditional inflators run the risk of dunnage bag bursting during inflation. The Turbo Flow inflators utilizes Venturi technology which, when used properly, prevents over-inflation and fills airbags to optimal pressure for load securement.

See also:

• A comprehensive guide to air-bags
• How to prevent damage during shipping
• Case study: Dunnage
• Load stabilization with airbags
• Beverage industry dunnage

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Bubble packaging reduces packaging costs

Bubble packaging

One way we decrease packaging costs is with a bubble packaging system. These machines create air pillows to protect your products from damage. These air pillows are made on-demand from a roll of film that is attached to the machine. The small, and in some cases table-top size, machines create a cushioning system to wrap around the items.

The AirSpeed Fit is bubble packaging machine than can reduce your packaging costs in just 4 ways. Take a look at what could lead to some major cost savings in your packaging process.

Package cost

One thing to remember is it’s not just about the cost of the packaging materials. It’s important to focus on the average cost per package. It can be cheaper to use less material of more expensive bubble packaging than to use more of a less expensive packaging material. The inflatable bubble wrap that an on-demand system creates uses less material than traditional bubble. It’s just one way to cost your cost per package by using the right materials.

Damaged products

1 in 10 boxes shipped are damaged. Investing in a bubble packaging machine helps fight the ware against packaging damage. You’re getting consistent protection every time with packaging equipment, and these machines are no different. The best part is that it’s simple to operate, requiring little to no training at all. Instead of your employees packaging your products however they want, get a more simplified process. Bubble packaging is great for void-fill, containment, cushioning, and wrapping.

Space in your warehouse

Space is limited when it comes to warehouses, and it’s always at a premium. Bubble packaging machines are small and compact, freeing up more space for your inventory and other packing stations. 

Picture this: 1 cubic foot of space for a jumbo roll of film vs 500 cubic feet of void fill. The 1 cubic fee of film for the machine produces the same amount of product protection, cushioning, and void fill that your current void fill does. 

Freight   

The cost of freight certainly changes the cost of your packaging process. Size and weight have major impacts on your shipping costs. It can also mean the difference between a customer purchasing or not purchasing your products. Bubble packaging is light-weight while still providing superior protection. 

A simple, economical inflation system producing air pillows and wrap-able void fill packaging

• Ideal for ship-from-store (SFS) applications where space is at a premium

• Great replacement for traditional void fill as well as ½ inch bubble – affordable     and a fraction of the required storage space

• Reliable, simple packaging material that protects items to their final destination

See also:

4 e-commerce packing tips

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Poly sheeting for construction applications

The construction industry uses poly sheeting.

Poly sheeting for the construction industry provides a temporary support of existing structures and the soil their on. The polyethylene material stands up to the elements and pressures during construction. Their biggest advantages to working in the construction industry is that they’re water-proof, rot-proof, and resistant to chemicals.

Poly sheeting can be used for construction, landscaping, masonry and more. Poly sheets are highly durable, have high strength, and are tear resistant. Plastic sheeting is useful for industrial applications, protection against the elements on construction sites, moisture and gas barriers and many other innovative uses.

Poly sheeting for construction benefits:

• Construction enclosures
• Erosion control
• Shipping and packaging
• Insulation membranes

We offer many poly sheeting packaging supplies in different mil thicknesses:

1 mil, 1.5 mil, 2 mil, 3 mil, 4 mil, 6 mil, 8 mil, 10 mil

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Color stretch wrap

Stretch wrap in colors

Colored stretch wrap comes in a variety of colors to provide easy identification, product coding and dating, and in some cases, tamper-proof evidence.

This wrap comes in both hand wrap and machine wrap grades depending on your application.

Wrap color options:

• blue
• green
• yellow
• red
• black
• orange
• custom colors also available

Color stretch wrap benefits

Color film is known to decrease tampering in products as it’s easier to tell if something is broken into. Color coding your loads and pallets with this film will also prevent unwanted reloading and cross docking of freight. 

More benefits:

• Quiet and Smooth Release
• Available in colored hand stretch film and colored machine stretch film
• Inventory Dating
• Quick and Easy Load Identification
• Tamper Evident Stretch Film Packaging
• Improved Organization

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Stretch wrap for pallets

Wrapping pallets correctly with stretch wrap

Pallet wrap, stretch film, stretch wrap, however you’d like to call it, is commonly used to protect pallets and other loads during storage and transportation. Securing your items to a pallet is one of the most important techniques to master if you’re using hand wrap. If you’re not doing it correctly, you’re costing your business money in transport damage.

In this case, we’ll be talking about hand stretch wrap and the manual wrapping process that happens during packaging.

Here’s a quick step by step process to correctly wrap your pallets.

1. Pick the right size pallet: We’ll start outside of the wrap first, where the pallet size is very important. If you choose a pallet that doesn’t completely cover the base area of your products, you’re already off to a bad start. 

2. Wrap the film tightly around the products: In order for the stretchwrap to do its job right, the film needs to be wrapped tight. This helps protect against the movement and shock that the pallets experience during shipping. Another good rule of thumb is to make sure you can reach all your products with the film once they’re on the pallet. It’ll be easier to use the pallet wrap and get it on there nice and tight.

3. Begin wrapping: First things first, start by securing the stretchwrap to the pallet itself. It’s always good to twist some extra film into an end and wrap it around one corner of the pallet itself. Why do this? It helps keep the wrap tight against the pallet and the products. You’ll be able to feel the tension as you make your way around the pallet.

4. Started from the bottom: Now that you have some of the film wrapped around a corner of the pallet, start from the bottom and move your way up. Make sure you keep the film wrapped tightly around each layer, and wrap each later in an overlapping fashion. Again, everything is about keeping the stretch wrap nice and tight through out the pallet.

5. Structural integrity: Once you get to the top of the pallet, make sure you test the wrapped pallet to ensure integrity. Give it a pull to see just how tight the wrap is. Check the top, middle, and bottom to see how if it’s evenly dispersed. If it feels right, just tear off a piece of the film and fold it under one of the pallet edges.

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