Using retention or suspension packaging can significantly improve the safety of your products during shipping, ensuring they reach customers in pristine condition. In this blog post, we will review the definition of retention packaging and its main benefits. We will also look at various applications and discuss whether this solution is right for your products.

What is retention packaging?

Retention packaging is a type of packaging where products are placed in a retention frame that uses film to secure them to a cardboard insert. This prevents the content from shifting during transit, protecting it from shocks and impacts.

This is slightly different from retention packaging, where the product is suspended within the outer packaging between two layers of highly resilient low-slip film, creating a cushion of air around the item. The innovative design helps absorb shock and impact throughout transportation, reducing the risk of damage to the product, even if the parcel is dropped several times.

The benefits of retention packaging

Suspension and retention packaging are both excellent block and brace solutions that offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Shock absorption: Retention packaging secures the product inside the package, protecting it from shocks and impacts during transportation.
• Reduced damage: With retention packaging, the product is kept away from the outer walls of the package. This helps to reduce the chances of damage caused by vibration and rough handling.
• Versatility: Retention package can fit a wide range of product sizes and shapes, making it suitable for various industries, products, and packaging applications.

• Enhanced product presentation: Your products will look great inside the box, which helps enhance the unboxing experience.
• Cost reduction: This simple, cost-effective solution will help reduce your packing costs, from materials to processing returns.
• Minimised material waste: No additional void fill, such as foam or bubble wrap, is required. This helps avoid unnecessary waste and ensure you only use as much packaging material as needed to protect your products in transit.
• Space savings: The solution arrives flat-packed, taking up little space in your warehouse. It is also very easy and quick to assemble.
• Sustainability: The packaging is widely recyclable at kerbside, making it easy for customers to dispose of. It can also be made with recycled content and reused for return shipments.
• Customisation: Retention packs are available to buy off the shelf or can be made to your specific size and print requirements. A range of specialty features as well as non-standard options are also available to ensure the solution is right for your products. It can also be supplied with corrosion inhibitor and static barrier protection.
• Automation: If you’re looking to streamline your product wrapping process, automated solutions, such as the semi-automated Buzz n´ Pack® machines, are available for suspension packs.

These innovative, easy-to-use solutions provide you with top product protection while keeping your packing speeds high and your packing process consistent. 

The machines use film to firmly wrap your products on a cardboard tray. With just one press of a button, you’ll have a retention pack ready to go into your outer cardboard box, ready for shipping. In this time, your packers can be preparing cardboard boxes and shipping information, which saves time and increases efficiency.  There are two models available: Buzz n´Pack 400er, which accommodates S, M  and L sized trays, as well as Buzz n´Pack 600er, suitable for S, M, L and XL tray sizes. 

Is retention packaging right for my products?

Retention packaging is an excellent choice for a wide range of products and applications, such as electronics, glassware, spare parts, accessories, and consumer goods, as well as sensitive and fragile items needing that extra transit protection. This makes it a great option for many industries, including automotive, electronics, wine, health and beauty and pharmaceutical.

It can also be used to transport products of different sizes and irregular shapes, allowing you to reduce the number of packaging SKUs required and keeping your packaging inventory manageable. It is also a great tamper evident solution.

How Macfarlane Packaging can help

If you are not sure which packaging solution is right for your products, our team of packaging experts is here to help. We can guide you through the different options available and help you choose the most optimised packaging for your specific needs.

Contact us today to find out more about our suspension and retention packaging solutions and machines.

The post How to use retention packaging to protect your products appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

The act of sealing parcels is often one of the most time-consuming parts of the packaging process. Therefore, automation can help to transform the way businesses approach this essential task. Using case sealers or gummed paper tape dispensers can quickly improve productivity.  It doesn’t have to break the bank either – there are options for a range of budgets.

In this blog, we will discuss case sealing and case sealing automation. We will talk about why it is important, the various types of equipment, and how it can affect your packing process.

Understanding Carton Sealing

Using tape to close a box is a simple part of packing, but it can be more complex than you think. The complexity of case sealing can vary depending on the type, amount and mode of application of the tape. This is especially true when done manually.

Sealing a cardboard box can consume 60% of your overall packing time.  Therefore, it’s a great area to review when you need to increase your productivity.

The Importance of Carton Sealing

Sealing is an important and time-consuming part of packing. It can also impact your pack security, costs and packaging waste if you’re not sealing the boxes effectively.

Too much tape, and you’re wasting packaging, increasing cost and often, producing an unsightly parcel. Not enough tape and you risk your parcel opening during shipping, leading to poor customer experience.

The type of adhesive you use for sealing is important too. For example, if you’re shipping in freezing conditions, you’d need to use an adhesive suitable for that. Some adhesives won’t work if they’re too cold!

The packing process can influence many of these important factors. Using automation can help you control costs, effective application and the amount of material used. Paired with the right tape and you’ve got a recipe for sealing success.

Different Types of Automatic Case Sealers & Tape Dispensers

Automatic tape dispensers and case sealers (also called carton sealers) can dispense and apply pre-set lengths of tape. They reduce packaging waste and significantly speed-up packing.  Some automatic case sealers also use glue rather than tape.

Here are the common types of carton-sealing automation:

• Electronic gummed paper tape dispensers – available as tabletop or portable dispensers, these machines dispense pre-set lengths of gummed paper tape. They’re often a good first step in sealing automation, as they’re relatively low-cost. The below video shows the Grip Taper: a portable gummed-paper tape dispenser.

• Self-adhesive tape case sealers – these machines will automatically seal your boxes using lengths of tape. Standard case sealers are usually pre-set to work with a specific size box or case format.

• Hot melt glue case sealers – working on the same principle as a self-adhesive tape case sealer that uses tape, this type of carton sealing equipment uses molten glue to seal boxes.

• Random case sealers – random case sealers can seal different sizes boxes and formats. They can use tape or glue as the sealing material. They’re suitable for operations where many different sizes and shapes of products are being packed. Here’s a video of a random case sealing machine that uses tape to seal the cartons.

How to Choose the Right Carton Sealing Equipment for Your Business

The carton sealing equipment you choose will depend on lots of factors. You should think about what you’re packing as well as your storage and shipping conditions. Your production goals, budget and warehouse space will also be important considerations too.

For smaller operations, gummed paper tape dispensers are a good first step. If you’re packing a higher volume of boxes, pre-set case sealers would be the logical next step. For high-capacity production lines with a range of pack sizes, random case sealers are an ideal choice.

Carton sealers and tape dispensers can be added to your packing line along with other automation like a case erector.

Ultimately, it’s worth taking advice from packaging automation experts. You can often get a recommendation that’s specific to your business.

How Automation Can Speed Up Case Sealing and Benefit Businesses

Speeding up carton-taping can be a big productivity win. Using a case sealing machine or automatic tape dispenser can be key to doing this. Let’s explore the benefits of automating your sealing process:   

How Automatic Case Sealers Can Improve Productivity

Automatic case sealers streamline the packing process. They drastically improve productivity with consistent, reliable results.

An automatic case sealer will automatically fold the top flaps on a box, dispense tape or glue and consistently seal it every time.  This not only improves overall productivity but also frees up manpower for more complex tasks.

Cost-Saving Benefits of Efficient Carton Sealing

Investing in automation may seem expensive at first, but the long-term advantages are worth the initial investment. Plus, there are lower-cost options like gummed paper tape dispensers that can work for smaller budgets.

In terms of cost-saving benefits of using a case sealer or electronic dispenser, key advantages are:

• Lower material costs – save money on tape by using the right amount of material each time, allowing you to monitor and control your spending on tape.
• Labour cost-savings – as the packing time is much quicker, your operators can manage increased throughput. You can also reduce the need for temporary staff during peak periods.
• Reduced damages and returns – secure, consistent sealing can reduce damages and returns. In turn, this lowers waste and costs associated with this process.

Investing in Carton Sealing Equipment: ROI and Benefits

Automating sealing using a case sealer or electronic dispenser saves money in so many ways. Because of this, the investment can often pay off in months rather than years.

To determine the ROI of sealing automation, consider both the machine’s upfront cost and the long-term savings it provides.

FAQs: Answering Your Carton Sealing Queries

What Are the Different Methods of Carton Sealing?

Lots of ways to seal a carton exist. The most common way is using self-adhesive tape and a manual tape dispenser.

Other ways include semi-automatic and fully automatic processes, such as gummed paper tape dispensers and the previously mentioned case sealers.

What Is a Carton Sealer?

A carton sealer is a machine designed to automate the process of sealing cartons or boxes. Also known as case sealers, they either apply tape or glue to a box to seal it.

There are various types of carton sealers, like random case sealers that can seal different sizes and formats of boxes.

How Does an Automatic Carton Sealer Work?

Automatic Carton sealers work by automatically folding the top flaps of a carton, applying adhesive materials such as tape or glue, and securely sealing the box. The process varies depending on the type of carton sealer, with manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic options available.

Summary

There are sealing automation solutions to suit every size of business.  Whether you are looking for an integrated system for high volume shipments, or a semi-automatic solution to fit into a fledging packing operation.

Introducing a case sealer or electronic tape dispenser can help you significantly speed up carton sealing, saving you time and money.

When you have the right carton sealing solution, you can enhance productivity, reduce costs and ultimately deliver an improved customer experience.

To help make the right choice for business, get in touch with one of our packing automation experts today.

The post Using Automation to Speed Up Case Sealing appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

So, have you ever considered using a case erector? Also called a carton erector or auto carton erector, these advanced machines can improve how you deal with your cardboard boxes.

This article will explain what a case erector is. It will also discuss the various types of case erecting machines. Additionally, it will explain the benefits of using one in your production line.

What is a case erector?

A case erector is a type of packaging machinery designed to automatically erect and seal corrugated cardboard boxes. They can simplify the packing process and significantly improve productivity, especially when used alongside other packaging automation.

Also known as carton erectors, these machines efficiently erect various box sizes and styles (depending on the machine selected). They offer a versatile solution for businesses with diverse packaging needs.

Do not confuse case erectors with case sealers, machines that seal boxes with either packing tape or glue.

Types of case erectors

There are several different types of case and carton erectors available on the market. We separate them into three broad categories:

Semi-automatic case erectors

Semi-automatic carton erectors will automate part of your box erection. They require some manual intervention, typically in loading flat boxes into the system. Once loaded, the case erector automates the process of erecting and sealing the boxes.

Often, semi-automatic carton erectors can be a good first step for box automation. They can sometimes be used as a stand-alone machine, to help with easy packing, or paired with a case sealer.

Automatic case erectors

Fully automated, this type of carton erector performs the entire box assembly process without the need for manual input. Automated carton erectors often offer case sealers that can use glue or tape. They are highly efficient, reducing labour requirements and increasing overall productivity.

This type of erector is good for higher-demand environments. You can modify many high-spec automated carton erectors to suit operational requirements too.

See one of the models Macfarlane can supply in action

Random case erectors

Random carton erectors handle a variety of box sizes without needing adjustments. This type of erector is ideal for businesses dealing with a diverse range of products.

Both standard carton erectors and random carton erectors work with pre-formed corrugated cardboard boxes. For example, a FEFCO 0201 style box. Random carton erectors can erect different size and shape boxes.

 Right-size carton systems

In addition to the erectors mentioned, it’s also worth noting right-size carton systems. While they are technically not case erectors, they are a type of packaging automation associated with boxes.

A right-size carton system essentially builds the right-size box for a product. This can be from a continuous fanfold of corrugated material or tray style boxes that are reduced in height before a lid is glued on. They are also known as void-reduction systems, as they minimise the amount of empty space in the finished pack.

So, which type of case erector is best?

There are many different brands of case erectors on the market. The type of case erector that will be right for you will depend on several factors, such as what you’re packing and shipping, product weight, how the package will be stored and shipped, as well as your production environment.

Consulting with a packaging automation expert before investing in machinery like this is always worth it. It can help you choose a case erector that will deliver what you need for your business.

Depending on your business maturity, you might be ready for a case erector now. Alternatively, you might consider an interim solution like a box erecting frame before you progress to machinery. This video highlights signs you’re ready for packaging automation.

6 ways you can benefit from a case erector

Now you know what a case erector is and the different types available, how can a case erector benefit you? Here are six ways your business can benefit from a case erector:  

1. Speed and Efficiency

Automatic carton erectors drastically reduce the time and effort required for box assembly. Some models offer a 233% productivity increase compared to manual processes. Case erecting machines erect and seal boxes at a much faster rate than manual methods. This significantly boosts overall productivity.

2. Precision and Consistency

Manual processes come with the risk of human error. Case erectors ensure precise and consistent results when assembling cardboard boxes. This leads to improved product protection during transit and enhances the overall quality of your packaging. Plus, if you’re palletising your product, case erectors can provide square cases every time, which means they’re easier to stack as well.

3. Environmental Impact

The precision and consistency associated with a case erector can also reduce your environmental impact. Erectors eliminate waste that human error can produce, resulting in less waste to recycle or dispose of.

In addition, square cases every time can help manage your parcel cubage minimising CO₂ emissions during transport. Another eco-friendly benefit is reducing damages in transit. This is because it cuts out the potential emissions (and cost) associated with reverse logistics.

4. Enhanced Workplace Safety

Many manual processes, such as box assembly, packing and sealing, can lead to repetitive strain injuries and staff fatigue. By automating the box erecting process, case erectors contribute to a safer working environment by minimising physical strain on your team.

5. Improved Brand Image

Consistently well-packaged products contribute to a positive brand image. Using a case erector ensures that your boxes are neatly and professionally assembled – reflecting your brand image. This can be particularly important in the online retail sector, where packaging is often the first physical touchpoint with a business!  

6. Cost Savings

When you think about investing in a case erector (or any packaging machinery) cost savings might not be the first thing that comes to mind! However, while the initial investment in a case erector may seem substantial, the long-term cost savings are significant.

Due to the efficiencies offered by a case erector, you can reduce labour costs, including the need for temporary labour during peak times. Plus, you can often reduce the amount of packing material you’re using, which results in further savings.

In addition, your production throughout put can increase significantly, helping you keep up as your business grows. Ultimately, you can enjoy a more cost-effective packing process.

Summary

Introducing a case erector into your packaging line is an intelligent move that can pay dividends. Opting for automation will help you move towards efficiency, cost savings, and improved packing quality. If you leverage packaging automation, you will be better positioned to thrive in the competitive landscape and future-proof your packing operation.

So, if you need help with a case erector (or any packaging machinery), please speak with one of our experts today.

The post 6 ways you can benefit from a case erector appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Positively, cardboard is made from a renewable resource and can be recycled. And while many boxes are still made using virgin (new) paper, lots of cardboard boxes are made using significant amounts of recycled content. In fact,  we’ve just relaunched our single and double wall stock boxes to contain high levels of recycled content!  

So, with this in mind, our blog this week will be taking a look at the benefits of using recycled content boxes and how they can help you to make your packaging more sustainable! Whether you are a small business or a large corporation, making the switch to recycled content cardboard boxes can have a positive impact on the environment and your brand reputation. Let’s dive in and explore the world of sustainable packaging together! 

What is recycled content packaging?

Recycled content packaging is any packaging that uses recycled (non-virgin) materials during the manufacturing process. The recycled content can refer to by-products from initial manufacturing processes or post-consumer waste. This includes products you have popped in your at-home recycling. 

Many different packaging materials will include recycled content. Common examples include cardboard boxes, plastic bags and even drinks bottles. 

The benefits of using recycled content cardboard boxes  

Choosing recycled content cardboard boxes will offer you multiple benefits. Not only will recycled cardboard boxes provide a sustainable and eco-friendly packaging option, but they also offer cost savings and high-quality durability.  

Let’s explore the benefits of using recycled content boxes:  

Environmental benefits of recycled content boxes 

By opting for recycled content boxes, you’re actively helping protect the environment. Using recycled content packaging will: 

• Conserve natural resources – using recycled materials means new resources aren’t being used. This helps conserve ecological balance, by reducing the strain on raw materials in our planet’s ecosystem.  
• Cut CO₂ emissions during packaging manufacturing – using recycled materials is less taxing on the environment as it produces fewer emissions compared to virgin materials. In fact, processing recycled paper produces 100kg less CO₂e than virgin material, when using a closed loop system. (Source)  
• Divert waste from landfill – when the waste we produce is recycled, it diverts it from landfill. This helps reduce greenhouse gas production and minimises land and water pollution too – 80% of which originates on land according to UNEP. 
• Help us move towards a more circular economy – a circular economy is one where materials are reused and repurposed, rather than wasted in a linear economy.  

These factors mean that by choosing recycled cardboard boxes, you’re automatically making your packing operation more sustainable.  

Cost-saving benefits of using recycled content boxes  

Sometimes, you might think that choosing more sustainable packaging means increasing your packaging costs. However, it’s often untrue.  

Boxes made from recycled content often don’t attract a higher cost. Plus, recycling programs and legislation – like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) –  may incentivise business to use materials that are easier to recycle. In the case of EPR, it’s predicted that paper-based packaging will be taxed less than plastic counterparts.  

Quality and durability of recycled content cardboard boxes  

Contrary to common misconceptions, recycled content boxes are just as durable and reliable as boxes made from new / virgin materials. Recycled cardboard fibres are still as strong and capable of providing good protection for your products, especially when you’ve chosen the right size box and paired it with appropriate in-box protection.

Different types of recycled content cardboard boxes available 

As Macfarlane Packaging, we provide a huge range of recycled content cardboard boxes that are high quality, sturdy and durable, as well as being eco-friendly.  

• Single wall cardboard boxes made from recycled content – we offer over 40 sizes of single wall 0201 style cardboard boxes that all contain 90% recycled content, which are made from FSC® certified materials.   
• Double wall cardboard boxes made from recycled content – our range of 0201 double wall boxes are made from 100% recycled content too! Perfect for storing or shipping heavier goods. They’re also made from FSC® certified sources.  
• Other recycled content boxes – our range of recycled content boxes doesn’t stop there either. Many of our ecommerce and postal boxes, as well as pallet boxes all contain high levels of recycled content. Look out for our “Environmental Impact Rating” when browsing our products. We can also provide custom boxes made with recycled material too.  

By choosing recycled content boxes, you not only contribute to a greener future but you can also benefit from the other advantages they offer. All while protecting your product with a high-quality packaging solution.

Support with sustainable packaging 

Recycled content boxes are just one of the sustainable packaging solutions that are available to you. If you need help navigating which sustainable packaging option is best for your business, Macfarlane experts are here to provide advice and support.  

Tools like our Packaging Optimiser can show you the real environmental impact of the packaging you choose, illustrating the CO₂e associated with it. For more support, get in touch today.

If you are interested in optimising your packaging and reducing the weight of your packaging use, contact us today.

The post The benefits of using recycled content boxes  appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

It can often be easy to stick to what you know – if you’ve been using the same range of corrugated cardboard boxes in your operation for a while, it might seem like hard work changing them. Yet, optimised cardboard box designs can offer significant benefits. Well designed packaging can be the key to unlocking lower operating costs and reducing your impact on the environment…

In this article, we’ll explore the basics of cardboard boxes design, look at packaging optimisation and how the right box can transform your packing operation.

The basics of cardboard box design

Before we get into the nuances of packaging optimisation, let’s consider the basics of cardboard box design. What are the important things to consider?

• The size –you’ll need to know the length, width and depth of the box you want. This is usually specified in millimetres.
• The FEFCO box style – it’s great if you know the style of box you want, this is called a FEFCO code. FEFCO is the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers. They assign specific numbers to different styles of box such as 0201 for a basic corrugated carton and an 0247 for the “pizza” style boxes you’re used to getting with a takeaway. 
• The product it needs to hold – the dimensions, weight and fragility of the product(s) you’ll be packing is important, as it can impact the type of box you need, as well as any in-box packaging you require.
• The board grade & fluting – this is the type and weight of the corrugated paper used to make a box. Fluting is the wavy bit of paper you see when you dissect a box. Different waves help create different strengths of cardboard.

Even at a basic level, there is a lot to think about! More information about cardboard box essentials can be found in this free guide.

What is packaging optimisation?

Packaging optimisation is when both a packaging design and a packing process are as economical, sustainable and efficient as possible. But what does packaging optimisation look like?

Some examples of packaging optimisation include:

• Swapping to performance engineered packaging materials – an example of this would be switching the type of board being used to make your box. Performance boards are often engineered to be lighter and more space efficient but offer the same durability and strength as heavier boards.  
• Reorientating packaging specifications – this is when you might change something like a dimension on a box. For example, the size of the box might stay the same but changing which dimension is the depth is could offer cost and storage benefits.
• Upgrading packing processes and using automation –  optimisation doesn’t have to be about materials, it can be about process too. Implementing packaging automation can offer a host of productivity benefits and control the material you’re using.

Advantages of optimised cardboard box designs

So, why should you optimise your cardboard boxes? There are lots of advantages of a well-designed cardboard box. Let’s consider an optimised 0427 that works with our rapid assembly frame. Compared to a standard 0427, the unique box design offers:

• Increased strength – a 14% improvement in load bearing
• Reduced material – 13% less material is used to make the box design
• Less waste – there was 35% less waste from the blank board sheet during manufacturing
• Better pallet yields – up to 100% more boxes could be stored on a pallet
• Lower transport CO₂ – improved palled yields resulted in 50% less CO2 created during transport

Remember – this is just one example. Other optimised cardboard box packaging designs can offer enhanced security, improved packing speeds and help you reduce your packaging costs!

Get help optimising your packaging designs

At Macfarlane Packaging, our experts can help you with custom made corrugated boxes or any packaging design for that matter!

Our approach to packaging means that we’re always looking for ways to improve packaging designs and make sure each of our customers has the optimal packaging solutions for them. To support this, we have facilities like our Innovation Labs and our exclusive Packaging Optimiser software.

Get in touch today to learn more.

The post Optimised cardboard box designs: a quick guide appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

From picking new swimwear for your holiday or treating yourself to new workout clothes, the UK loves clothes – especially buying them online! A recent survey found that 41% of Brits who purchased clothing in the last 12 months did so online.

In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, efficient and secure shipping is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. When it comes to packing clothes for shipping, careful planning and execution can make a significant difference in reducing transit damage, optimising shipping costs, and creating a positive unboxing experience for your customers.

This week’s blog is about learning how to package clothes for shipping. We’ll cover whether mailing bags or cardboard boxes are best for packing clothes and other popular packaging products. Plus, we’ll also be sharing our top tips for packing clothes and easy customisation options to enhance your customer experience!

What packaging is best for shipping clothes?

The best packaging for shipping clothes for your brand can differ dependent on your business.

Typically, you’ll find that most online clothing companies use mailing bags. Why? They are lightweight, easy to pack and opaque (so you can’t see inside). They also allow for different customisation options, and some are even recyclable. You’ll find both paper and plastic mailing bags, an advantage of plastic is that it’s also waterproof.

Is it better to pack clothes in boxes or mailing bags?

Whilst it isn’t uncommon for clothes to be shipped in boxes, large eCommerce retailers often use mailing bags.

However, that may not be the best fit for your brand. Whilst mailing bags are popular with companies that operate in the low to mid-range brackets, if you’re selling luxury clothing, you want to consider a premium unboxing experience for your customers.

So, as an alternative to a mailing bag, you could consider using cardboard boxes instead.

Think about customer expectations. If you’re a high-end brand, you want your packaging to embody how you want your customers to feel about your brand. This can be achieved by using printing, luxury finishes (like metallic or UV spot printing) and embellishments like tissue paper, ribbons and even note cards.

Plus, if you’re shipping pieces made from heavyweight denim or wool, cardboard boxes can provide increased product protection.

Popular packaging products for online clothing retailers

As mentioned, mailing bags are often a popular packaging product for shipping clothes, but there are lots of options available. Here are some of the top packaging materials we find customers gravitate toward for clothing:

• Plastic mailing bags – Enhanced privacy and increased protection in a water-resistant, writable plastic pouch. The opaque design conceals the nature of the content, while the waterproof polythene also protects products from wet and dirt.
• Mail Tuff® – These mailers are tough, lightweight, and protect your products from water and damage with their shock-resistant polyethene outer.
• Enviroflute – An all-paper padded bag, considered an alternative to the traditional bulky padded mailers! This is constructed from FSC® paper and provides equivalent protection through a patented interior structure.
• Paper mailing bags – These eco-friendly paper bags can be recycled and have a strip that seals them; they also have a tear strip for easy opening. Some paper mailing bags also offer a gusseted side, which expands to accommodate more products – perfect for multi-product orders.
• Postal boxes – These boxes come in many different styles and shapes, so you’ll easily find the ideal postal box for your business. It is important to make sure your postal box is shippable, so always check they comply with delivery requirements (such as the Royal Mail Small Parcel guidelines) to make them simple to ship!
• eCommerce boxes – These boxes come with a crash lock base which is quick to erect and fast to pack. They are strong and provide increased security with the folded flaps.

How to pack clothes for shipping

To safeguard clothing items during transit and enhance the unboxing experience, consider the following tips:

• Choose the right packaging material for your business: Try to make sure the materials you choose protect garments from moisture, dirt, and potential wear during transit, alongside security.
• Inner Packaging: Place clothing items inside poly bags or sealable plastic pouches to provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and dirt.
• Padding and Cushioning: If you have large orders that include non-clothing items (like shoes or accessories), you may want to consider void fill to limit movement. This is often only applicable when using cardboard boxes, which reduces the risk of damage during transit. If you are using a mailing bag, either paper or plastic, you should be okay without cushioning.
• Don’t forget to include any additional inserts: You may want to add a thank you note, care instruction and even return/exchange information.

Remember, a well-packaged shipment isn’t just about getting products from point A to point B; it’s an opportunity to reinforce your brand’s quality and reliability.

Custom packaging for clothing retailers

Last year, our unboxing survey revealed that 41% of consumers say branded packaging enhances their unboxing experience and encourages them to buy again.

This effect is even more exaggerated when you break it down by industry, as people buying fashion (75%) are particularly influenced by branded packaging. But what are the best ways to customise your packaging?

QUICK FACT – Customers who brought fashion were 75% more likely to re-purchase if they got branded packaging.

Custom packing tape

If you want an affordable and adaptable branding option, you could explore printed packing tape! With a minimum order quantity of just 72 rolls, it’s a great option to get you started.

It’s a low-cost opportunity to convey key messaging and show your logo, address, website or contact details – there are endless possibilities. You could even do seasonal designs for holidays such as Christmas.

You have a choice of up to 4 colours per design. You can print on both traditional plastic tape, as well as paper packing tape too.

Custom cardboard boxes

Branding your packaging allows you to interact with your customer as you would in a retail space, allowing them to take the store experience into their home and communicate through it.

Custom printed cardboard boxes are a great way to create a stylish, functional, and on-brand pack. They will consistently deliver an excellent unboxing experience that contributes to brand loyalty.

How we support online clothing retailers

From selling coats to bikinis, your range will determine which packaging product is best for you. So why not come and visit us at one of our Innovation Labs?

Our team of experts can help you find the perfect packaging solution tailored to your business! We have design, sample-making, printing, and testing equipment all under one roof to make your custom packaging come to life!

If you want personalised advice about the best packaging option for your clothing business, contact us today!

The post How to package clothes for shipping appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

To enable more circularity and recycling, it is critical to tell your customers how to properly dispose of packaging in the most environmentally friendly manner. However, with the abundance of recycling symbols on the market, do you or your customers really know what each one means?

In this blog post, we’ll look at different types of labels that you’ll see on packaging. We’ll be talking about the On-Pack Recycling Label scheme, international recycling symbols, and some other labels you’ll see around. We’ll also explain what each label means.

What are the recycling symbols and what do they mean?

With so many recycling labels available, it may be tricky to determine whether packaging is recyclable.

Research from OPRL has shown that customers are often confused by multiple labels appearing on packaging and don’t always comprehend the meaning of the recycling symbols.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular recycling labels on packaging, so you can get a better understanding of what they mean and how they can help guide your customers.

The On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme

The OPRL is a nationwide programme developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and their leading members in partnership with WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).

This independent programme is designed to help customers determine whether the packaging is recyclable, based on the existing recycling regulations and infrastructure in the UK.

It provides a simple and uniform labelling solution that can be applied to a wide range of packaging. The three primary labels are:

Recycle

Refers to packaging collected by 75% or more of UK local authorities and then sorted, processed and recycled into new packaging or products.

Don’t recycle

Used on packaging that is collected by less than half of UK local authorities and/or cannot be sorted, processed and recycled into new packaging or products.

Recycle with bags at large supermarkets | Don’t recycle at home

Applied on plastic wrapping such as bread bags, fruit and veg bags, crisp packets and chocolate wrappers. You can recycle this type of packaging at recycling points in selected supermarkets.

If you need help locating your nearer recycling facility, Recycle Now provides an easy-to-use online recycling locator.

OPRL predominantly works to a “binary labelling system” to streamline recycling process and decrease contamination. The new OPRL label feature a straightforward “recycle” or “don’t recycle” instruction on the packaging. The Government’s new Extended Producer Responsibility scheme is mandating this on-packaging labelling for use across household packaging from 31^st March 2026.

International recycling codes

The international recycling codes for materials are another type of labels frequently seen on packaging. They help determine whether a product can be recycled based on the type of material it is made of.

Below is an overview of the main categories, along with a brief explanation and recycling status.

Recycling symbols for plastic

PET (Polythene Terephthalate) – Widely recycled

Commonly used in consumer products such as soft drink bottles and some packaging. It is recyclable and widely recycled across the UK, but not suitable for repeated use. Recycled PET is called rPET – often referred to as Post-Consumer Waste. It can be incorporated into layers of PET sheet for further manufacture.

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)- Recyclable – Check locally

Most commonly recycled plastic used in products such as recycling refuse sacks, oil bottles and some plastic bags.

It is stiff and hard-wearing, and both reusable and commonly recyclable at major supermarkets.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Non-recyclable

Soft, flexible plastics used in products such as clear plastic food wrapping, cooking oil bottles and toys. It can be toxic and only less than 1% is recycled.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)- Recyclable – Check locally

Commonly used in plastic packaging such as Airsac, plastic carrier bags, shrink wrap pallet covers and stretch wrap. It can be reused and is also considered less toxic than some other types of plastics.

PP (Polypropylene) – Recyclable – Check locally

Tough, lightweight plastic with excellent heat resistance properties.

Commonly used for plastic bottle tops, plastic pallets and some packing tapes. It is recyclable and safe for reuse.

PS (Polystyrene) – Recyclable – Check Locally

Ultra-lightweight plastic, commonly used in products such as take-out food containers, egg cartons and packaging (i.e. Styrofoam).

It breaks easily, so is often used for yogurt 4 packs, for example, where the other plastics will not “snap”, however, this can also contaminate the environment. PS plastic is recyclable but is not well recycled in practice, with almost no kerbside collection in the UK. Specialist providers such as Nottingham Recycling Ltd (part of the Macfarlane Group), do offer this service to businesses, however.

Non-recyclable

Any other plastics for which reusability and recyclability rules have not been specified.

Recycling symbols for paper

Recyclable – PAP (Cardboard)

Refers to packaging manufactured using corrugated cardboard. Commonly used for products such as cardboard boxes, postal wraps, postal envelopes, ecommerce and transit packaging.

Recyclable – PAP (Paperboard)

Refers to products manufactured with non-corrugated fiberboard. Examples include gift packaging and postal tubes.

Recyclable – PAP (Paper)

Indicates products that are made from regular paper. These include paper bags, paper tape, FlexiHex®, Kraft ribbed paper, copier paper and tissue paper.

Recycling symbols for metal

Recyclable – FE (Steel)

Recycling code for steel products, such as steel strapping

Recycling symbols for organic materials

Recyclable – FOR (Wood waste)

Recycling code used for products made from wood waste, including Presswood pallets, woodwool and Vermiculite.

Other symbols commonly seen on packaging

Below you will find some other labels that commonly appear on packaging.

FSC® Certification – the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label identifies wood-based products, such as paper, card and wood, from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious and economically viable. It requires relevant certification. Read more here.

Industrially compostable packaging – This symbol identifies products that are industrially compostable. To be classified as industrially compostable, products must meet specific requirements defined in the European Standard EN 13432. Read more here.

Home compostable packaging – This label appears on products that are certified as home compostable. Products and packaging are not suitable for home composting unless they have relevant certifications, therefore, always check the label to ensure you dispose of them correctly. Read more here.

Help with Recyclable Packaging

At Macfarlane Packaging, we strive to help businesses make informed decisions about packaging. This is why our products are clearly labelled with information about the material, whether it can be recycled, and if it contains recycled content. We are also members of the On-Pack Recycling Label Scheme.

We can offer a wide range of sustainable packaging products and solutions to help lower the environmental impact of your business, reducing waste in your supply chain and lowering your carbon emissions.

If you need support finding the best eco-friendly packaging solution for your products, contact us today.

The post Recycling symbols explained: a guide to labels found on packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

As the market is expected to reach $25.6 billion in 2027, this growing industry is on track to become a successful representation of providing a convenient service many consumers didn’t know they wanted.

But you can’t send salad, fresh vegetables, and meat in a regular cardboard box, right?

If you’re shipping temperature sensitive goods, you will need to use specialised packaging to ensure your goods stay in the best condition during shipping. This article covers everything from our top products to popular questions about chilled packaging.  

What is temperature controlled packaging?

Temperature controlled packaging (TCP), also known as thermal or chilled packaging, is designed to preserve the temperature of your products. This helps temperature sensitive goods, like chilled or frozen food, stay in the best possible condition during shipping.

A temperature controlled packaging solution often contains an outer cardboard box, an insulating liner and a coolant (e.g. ice packs).

Which services need chilled packaging?

When you think about which products are shipped in chilled packaging, most people think about food. And while food is perhaps the most common temperature sensitive product shipped in this specialist packaging, it can be used to protect a wide range of goods, such as pharmaceuticals and chilled / frozen pet products.

Chilled packaging can also be used at various points in the supply chain: 

• Cold chain airfreight – For the shipment of perishable goods throughout the airfreight supply chain.
• Perishable goods delivery – For the shipment of food, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies. Ideal for items that need to be a desired temperature throughout the journey, from the warehouse to your home.
• Bulk cold chain stock movement – For bulk shipments of perishable products throughout the supply chain process, e.g from farm to store.

The best packaging products to ship temperature sensitive goods

There are generally three different product types in our thermal packaging range, these are:

• Boxes and Liners
• Coolants
• Bulk

Let’s break these down and highlight some chilled packaging solutions.

Boxes and Liners

Chilled packaging shipping packs include an outer cardboard box and thermal liners. When used with a suitable coolant, these shipping packs are suitable for frozen, chilled, and ambient goods in transit.

Our outer boxes are available in various sizes, and we offer paper-based and metallised bubble liners – so you can choose which would best suit your products and business. Some highlights in the range include:

• RecycoolMe – A great sustainable packaging solution for shipping temperature sensitive goods that is comprised of an outer box with a recyclable paper-based liner.
• CooliMate® – The CooliMate® shipper consists of a double wall outer carton and metallised bubble liners; this coating reflects up to 97% of radiant heat away. When used with a coolant, the pack can maintain a temperature of between 2 – 8°C for up to 48 hours.

Coolants

Coolants are used to ensure that in-pack temperatures remain low during transit.

Whether you are shipping chilling food or pharmaceuticals, our coolants can be used for various applications and are available in various sizes. Three examples of coolant options you have are:

• Ice sheets – Strong, safe, clean and pure, available in 3 sizes.
• Gel packs – Highly purified water that has been through a 6-stage filtration, UV sterilisation, softening and chlorination process. Our gel formula is less susceptible to deformations, allowing them to remain more uniform when freezing.
• Sorbatek – Developed with the seafood industry in mind, these maintain temperatures for up to 48 hours when combined with our CooliMate® shipper range.

Bulk

Our bulk chilled packaging solutions can help you control temperatures in transit if you’re shipping products in bulk on pallets or trolleys.

All our products are suitable for bulk cold chain stock movement. The range includes insulated pallet boxes, thermal pallet covers, insulated roll cage covers and breathable air cargo covers.

• CooliMate® Insulated Pallet Boxes – High performance, bulk supply chain solutions for shipping temperature sensitive products. With just two lengths of thermal insulated, our Coolimate® pallet boxes are quick to assemble and can reduce your packaging times.
• CooliMate® Insulated Pallet Cover – CooliMate® Insulated Thermal Pallet Covers achieve the same great performance as other CooliMate® products and can be reused in a closed loop system, which makes them ideal for retail store replenishment.
• Breathable Air Cargo Cover – Our Breathable Air Cargo Covers are used by distributors, 3PLs and airlines worldwide to ship perishable goods safely. Non-woven breathable membrane reduces the risk of condensation damage by assisting in the diffusion of moisture and harmful gases. It protects from exposure to dirt, rain and snow. Various sizes are available for UK, USA and EU cargo pallets.

If you would like to learn more about temperature-controlled packaging, download our full guide today! It even includes an easy-to-follow packing guide to ensure your products stay fresh in transit.

Common questions about temperature controlled packaging

Below we have listed some popular questions people have around chilled packaging. If you have any more queries that are not listed, our team of experts will be happy to help you.

Is chilled packaging recyclable?

Whether or not your chilled packaging is recyclable will depend on the pack.

If there is an outer box, the cardboard box will be recyclable at the kerbside. The liner used to insulate the pack may be made from several materials.

These could include paper padding, metallic bubble, polystyrene, sheep’s wool and recycled fibre materials. Whether these can be recycled will depend on the local authority in your area.

Checking out websites like RecycleNow can also be useful in identifying whether packaging materials can be recycled.

Similarly, you should check locally if any coolants can be recycled. For example, once the ice sheets have melted, you can get rid of the water and recycle (if available in your area).

How long will the packaging maintain temperature?

Each type of chilled packaging will maintain temperature for various lengths of time.; We have highlighted some of our popular products below. Please consider these as a guide when using the appropriate coolant.

• RecycoolMe can maintain temperatures of -2°C or between 2°C – 8°C for up to 48 hours.
• CooliMate® will keep products below -2°C or between 2°C – 8°C for up to 48 hours.
• Insulated Pallet Boxes will keep products between 2°C – 8°C for 48 hours.
• Our Thermal Insulated Pallet Covers and Thermal Insulated Roll Cage Covers maintain a constant low temperature, keeping the internal temperature below 25°C despite high external surface temperatures.

Which chilled packaging solution is right for your business?

The thermal packaging solution you need will depend on the following:

• The product you’re shipping (e.g. perishability, weight, fragility, size)
• The temperature that needs to be maintained in the pack (ambient, chilled, frozen)
• The shipping journey (How you will be shipping the product – by air or courier networks etc.)

You should also consider if there are any legal requirements for the particular product you’re shipping, such as food or pharmaceuticals. This may differ depending on where you’re shipping to and from, especially if you’re shipping internationally.

As this can be a complex decision, our experts are here to help you. If you need help choosing the right temperature controlled packaging product that is best for your business or want to learn more, please contact us today!

The post Essential guide to chilled packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

With this in mind, have you ever given much thought to how much damages in transit cost your business? Damages and the associated returns can be a financial burden to your business but also to the environment.

The packaging you use will be critical in preventing shipping damage. In fact, product protection is the most basic function your packaging materials provide.

So, this week, we’ll be looking at understanding the role packaging plays in preventing damages in transit. This blog will cover all about damages in transit, review the true cost of damages and returns to your business and how packaging can be used to prevent shipping damage…

All about damages in transit

What does damages in transit mean?

Damages in transit are exactly what they sound like. It’s when a product is broken during shipping from one location to another. But how often does it happen?

What percentage of goods are damaged in transit?

According to our unboxing research, approximately 7% of parcels arrive damaged. The IMRG and nShift also estimate that at least 55% of households have received damaged parcels in the past.

When you consider that there are 1.5 billion parcels delivered each year by Royal Mail alone, it’s not an insignificant amount of parcels that are impacted by shipping damage. So, what’s causing damages in transit?

What causes a package to be damaged in transit?

There are common causes of shipping damage that align across most market sectors. These factors can combine to create the circumstances for product to be damaged in transit:

1. Poor or incorrect use of packaging materials – packaging supplies that aren’t durable enough, are too big or small, or aren’t used in the right quantity can all lead to products being damaged in transit. Likewise, if packers aren’t using packing materials properly, this can lead to issues further down the line, such as product movement, which can make goods more prone to damage.
2. Mishandling during shipping – it should come as no surprise that if a parcel is mishandled, it could lead to damage. Drops, knocks and shocks can all result in breakages and costly returns.
3. Poor load stability – if goods are palletised, poor load stability can lead to shipping damage too. Load stability is critical, as it can help avoid pallets tipping when vehicles take corners. If loads aren’t stable, they can also cause crushing of goods below them.

Backing up these observations, consumers also believe that poor handling of parcels is the number one  cause of transit damages, followed by poor quality packaging materials as second.

All these issues can lead to damages occurring because of prolonged vibrations or sudden shocks in transit, mishandling or even the way delivery drivers drive! The damage can result in broken products, surface abrasions, product crushing and pallet tipping.

The true cost of transit damages to your business

Now we know what causes damages, what’s the cost of damages and returns? We mentioned earlier that shipping damage and the resulting returns bear both a financial cost and environmental cost.

How much a damaged parcel costs your operation will depend on your business infrastructure and the type of product you sell…

• What is the value of the item? Can it be refurbished and resold?
• Do you have to write off the stock and is there a cost associated with this?
• Do you have to factor in courier fines or reprocessing time?
• What’s the cost to your reputation and loss of future sales?
• Do you pick up the cost of the reverse shipping process?

This can all add up. Let’s consider a simple example…

If a business ships 100 bowls per week that cost £10 each and 7 are damaged per week, it could cost over £230 per week to return, process and replace those items (when you factor in item replacement, labour and logistics costs). It might not seem a lot, but over a year it’s more than £11,000 on just one product SKU.   

Plus, the cost of shipping damage isn’t just financial. There’s the carbon cost to factor in too. If a product is delivered damaged, returned and then a replacement is shipped back out, the emissions associated with logistics can double or even treble. Not great for the environment when carbon dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

With this in mind, it highlights how important your packaging materials are when it comes to preventing damage in transit. You might not be able to entirely control shipping conditions (unless you’re using your own transport) but you can make sure your packaging is optimised to minimise the chance of shipping damage!

The role of packaging in preventing damages in transit

When it comes to protecting your shipments from damage, the packaging materials you use are critical. Here are some common packaging pitfalls that can make shipments prone to damage:

Common packaging pitfalls that can make shipments prone to damage

• Not enough in-pack protection – it can be hard to tread the line between using too much packaging and not enough. Using too much can be wasteful, but use too little and your product could be more prone to damage. How much you need to use will depend on the weight, size and fragility of your product.  
• Too much space in a parcel – extra space in a parcel can lead to product movement, which in turn can lead to damaged goods. Excess space means there are air pocks that can be crushed and nothing in the void to absorb shocks, knocks and vibrations. This can also lead to scuffing, as products could rub against one another.
• Poor load containment – when shipping pallets, loads need to be contained properly. If the pallet wrap being used to secure the pallet is too loose, the load could move or tip when in transit. Likewise stacking pallets too high could lead to crushing.
• Packing process inconsistencies – packing quality control can help minimise damage in transit. If packers are using different packaging supplies or varying amounts of packing material, it can lead to inconsistencies and damages. Putting packing guidelines in place or opting for packaging automation where possible can be solid solutions for this.

So, what types of packaging supplies can you use to prevent shipping damage?

Protective packaging products that can minimise damages in transit

The right packaging material for your product can depend on lots of factors like product weight, fragility, size and even the shipping method. To get you started, here are a few protective products that can be used for damage prevention:

• Geami WrapPak – a combination of a die-cut kraft paper with a tissue interleaf paper, this paper expands into a great wrapping solution to protect products in transit. It can be used with either a compact manual dispenser or an automated solution for high demand environments. The paper is 100% recyclable and sustainable and has great shock absorbing properties.
• Airsac® inflatable packaging – this type of packaging features inflatable air chambers that provide 360 cushioning for your product and is perfect for fragile items. The inflated tubes provide superior shock absorption and help virtually eliminate damage in transit. Available in recycled content material.
• AirSpeed Renew air cushioning – created from 30% recycled content, this cushioning material is a great void fill option and can be used for blocking and bracing too. Printed with water-based ink, these bags can also be recycled.
• 12 micron pre-stretch machine film – ideal for secure load containment, when used with a pallet wrapping machine, this film is only 12 micron but has the strength and durability of a 20 micron film. 

What will you protect?

What will you protect with the right packaging materials? You’ll not only protect your products but protect your profit margins, your reputation, and the environment.

We can show you how with our Packaging Optimiser tool, which can illustrate the financial and carbon cost of any damage you’re experiencing. Our experts can also provide packing advice, training, and the support you need to minimise damage in transit. Get in touch today to find out more.

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