Nothing can disappoint your customer faster than damage or breakage during shipping.  The good news is there is a GREEN alternative to expensive, custom packaging that also meets the challenge of shipping unique sizes, shapes or limited quantities.

Since we first introduced Eco Flex™ two years ago it has become a customer favorite for those who package a variety of products but not necessarily in large volume. Let’s face it, if you ship out a lot of anything, it is relatively easy to justify the expensive tooling required for custom corrugated die cut inserts or custom molded pulp trays. However, if your volume is measured in hundreds or thousands, rather than millions or if your products differ in size or shape, affordable packaging solutions, especially GREEN packaging solutions, can be difficult to find.

An easy solution for complicated packaging problems

Most people may not fully understand the different properties required for basic void fill compared to a blocking and bracing interior packaging application; or they may have little interest in the technical explanation of how shock transfers to a product when a shipping box is dropped. However, they are probably keenly aware of their damage rate and how it can negatively impact their business. Eco Flex™ is a unique STOCK molded pulp product that is versatile and affordable, even when purchased in small quantities. Eco Flex™:

1. Immobilizes the product within the box being shipped to makes sure it is not damaged from within.
2. Cushions it to prevent damage from the outside
3. Absorbs shock so it does not transfer to the product when the shipping box is dropped

A Green and Versatile Packaging Solution

Molded pulp is among the greenest packaging products available because it consists of only post consumer paper based waste. Unlike most molded pulp, the unusual (waffle) configuration is highly versatile since it can be flexible, easily cut, folded or even rolled into a tube shape to conform to virtually any product size or shape. The photos included in this post are only a small example of how Eco Flex™  can be used and customers are creating new uses, almost daily.

When is Eco Flex the product of choice?

Every situation deserves an application review but we usually suggest Eco Flex® when the product is expensive and heavy, as well as susceptible to damage in shipment. Product examples range from glass jars and bottles to expensive electronic equipment.

Providing a property, for example – shock absorption, could possibly be accomplished with a different packaging product but might require a lot more to achieve the same level of protection. In most applications, Eco Flex™ can be a low cost solution that often results in lower material cost, lower labor cost, and even a smaller, lighter box, which reduces shipping costs.

Again, every application is different so let us guide you toward the best solution for your specific purpose. Remember that Eco Flex™ is available in a low, one case minimum, so when in doubt, try a case from our web store and see how you could benefit from its versatility.

Please contact us at Salazar Packaging and Globe Guard Products if you have any questions or would like to see a sample of Eco Flex™.

Related posts:

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/eco-flex-solves-multiple-tough-packaging-applications/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/response-of-the-pulp-people-%e2%80%93-a-sustainable-packaging-adventure/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/new-green-packaging-product-%e2%80%93-globe-guard-eco-flex-molded-pulp/

CELL PHONE MAILER WITH BUILT-IN INSERT

Corrugated inserts to hold and protect a product within a mailer shipping box are usually a great packaging solution. In most cases, they reduce or eliminate the need for additional protective packaging products such as foam, paper or bubble packaging, and the labor required to use and apply those ancillary packaging materials.

When is a “built-in” insert advantageous?            

In some situations, it is wiser to create a mailer box and use separate inserts for different size or shape products. Being able to stock one box and only have to swap out the inserts can be the most convenient and economical way to go.

However, in many other circumstances, when the mailer box is going to be used only for one product size and shape, there are numerous advantages to using a mailer with a built-in insert. These benefits may include:

• Lower packaging cost – typically a built-in insert results in lower cost because there is less waste and scrap.
• Reduced procurement costs – both necessary components are ordered, shipped and delivered together resulting in overall savings.
• Minimized storage and handling costs – valuable warehouse and pack station space is saved by not requiring multiple packaging components. Read the rest of this entry »

Printed shrink film is not new (I sold my first printed shrink film more than 30 years ago), but it is making a very strong resurgence for several very good reasons:

• The increased focus on overall packaging reduction and the use of greener packaging materials
• The “concept to store shelf process” is faster, easier, and more affordable than ever.
• The image quality is better than ever, providing the shelf appeal companies are demanding.
• The unprecedented growth of multi-packs for price clubs and large volume retailers

For some customers and suppliers of packaging materials, printed shrink film can be intimidating because they don’t realize how easy and inexpensive it is when compared to other branding and unitizing options. Here are a few of the most common questions we are asked: Read the rest of this entry »

We help our customers communicate through their packaging, but few jobs we’ve completed are as personally satisfying as the work we recently did for www.SeaOtters.com.

Spend a few minutes on their web site and you’ll understand why this organization is so concerned about the health and well being of this endangered species. This is an organization that deserves and needs our support, and I encourage you to visit their site to “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Read the rest of this entry »

CHARLIE CHIANG OF REGULATION TACTICAL

What does a Marine do after three combat tours? If that Marine is Charlie Chiang, he comes home and manufactures hardware designed to make life easier and perhaps a little safer for his fellow soldiers serving overseas, as well as for domestic law enforcement personnel.

Minimizing Pain for Our Troops 

Charlie is the founder and president of Regulation Tactical, a new startup company with great potential and an even greater purpose. During his service time in the Marines, Charlie personally suffered and witnessed the excruciating pain caused by the heavy equipment soldiers often have to carry. So, after discharge, he created his first product, the L.L.B., which is an acronym for “Load Bearing Brackets.”

Essentially, the weight of the gear being carried by our troops in the field is re-distributed, reducing pain and strain on the back, neck and shoulders. The idea is terrific, and gratefully it is a product that most of us will never have to use, but we are all glad someone like Charlie has the experience to make it for our men and women in uniform. Read the rest of this entry »

FOL BOX (LEFT) AND RSC BOX

Like most industries, the corrugated business loves acronyms, and these are two of the most common.

RSC Boxes

RSC stands for “regular slotted carton” and is the typical box construction that results in four flaps on the bottom box opening and four flaps at the top opening. On a rectangular box, the smaller side panel flaps are the minor flaps, and the larger, longer ones creating the box length are called the major panels. The key point distinguishing an RSC box is that the major panels meet in the middle where they are typically taped together using plastic or water-activated tape.

FOL boxes

This acronym stands for “Full Overlap,” which is what the flaps in this case do. In some cases, two panels are cut so they extend all the way to the opposite side, but in many cases all four panels are cut and designed to completely overlap. The photo above clearly shows the difference in the flap lengths on a similar size carton. Read the rest of this entry »

When you first call Luna Sandals and are greeted by a recording of the friendly voice of the company owner and founder, introducing himself as Bare Foot Ted, you realize you are connecting with a unique company.

Ted and many of his staff are accomplished “barefoot” runners, and it was that passion for his sport that led him to create the premier huarache style sandal. I encourage every reader to visit the www.lunasandals.com web site and store to get a little flavor of this company, their people and the products they make. Read the rest of this entry »

NEW POLY MAILER AVAILABLE IN 8 STOCK SIZES

Whether you call them poly mailers, plastic envelopes or even courier mailers, plastic polyethylene-based mailer envelopes are very popular because they are inexpensive to buy and ship. They are, by far, the lightest mailer option available, which is increasingly important as mailing/shipping costs continue to climb. In addition, they are very secure, easy to use and moisture resistant. Read the rest of this entry »

NEW 5-5-2 AND 12-5-2 DIE-CUT CORRUGATED MAILERS

Our two new sizes are ideal for shipping products in situations where a low profile or more attractive presentation type box is needed. These boxes are relatively inexpensive and require minimal void fill and tape to keep them closed and secure. Best of all, they are Globe Guard® die-cut mailers constructed of our strong, 32B-flute, 100% recycled content corrugated board. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether you call them plastic envelopes, poly mailers or courier mailers, our newest product addition just became an ever better deal – we are offering a better mailer envelope at a price competitive to what you will find elsewhere on products of lesser quality. What makes our envelopes better? Read the rest of this entry »