Author: tdavis@insitepackaging.com

The True Price of Corrugate

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

Which would be a wiser decision: purchasing a cheaply made set of tools that could break down mid-project, causing a panic and requiring fast replacement, or investing in a more high-quality toolset that will be your reliable companion on projects for years to come? Depending on who you ask, the answer may differ – but at INSITE, we believe our customers should never be forced to choose between quality and affordability. 

When it comes to your corrugated material needs, the vast variety of prices and material options can make the choices between affordability, reliability, and quality quite confusing for companies. Although it would be simple to take the easy route and choose whatever corrugate is the most affordable, the effects of selecting the wrong corrugated material for your packaging needs could cost you far more in the long run. Take the time to examine all budget considerations, packaging aspects, and any other factors affected by your choice of corrugated cases to ensure that your company can stand confidently behind its choice.

What Is Corrugate?

Not to be confused with cardboard, which is a piece of fluted paper sandwiched between two liners made of heavy paper-pulp, corrugated material is made up of a number of layers of heavy-duty paper, which determine the wall thickness of a case. At a minimum, at least one layer is “fluted” in waves. The fluted layer is attached to at least one other layer of flat paper, called a liner. Referred to by some as containerboard, corrugated material comes in a wide variety of configurations.

Types of Corrugated Material

Although corrugated material is classified into many types, four specific options are the most commonly used in the CPG and secondary packaging industries. Differentiated according to their wall thickness (the number and combination of flutes and liners), the four most common types of corrugated case materials have various advantages according to their cost, weight, and flute dimensions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular types of corrugated casing. 

1. Single Face

Comprised of one piece of fluted paper glued to one sheet of liner, single face corrugated material is best suited for cushioning and puncture resistance of flat products that would otherwise be vulnerable to damage during transport. 

2. Single Wall

Consisting of one piece of fluted paper glued between two liner sheets, single wall material – like the cases INSITE utilizes in our case erector and case sealer machines – is ideal for lightweight products that need some protection during distribution. 

3. Double Wall

Built from two pieces of fluted paper glued alternatively between three liner sheets (in the format of sheet/flute/sheet/flute/sheet), double wall corrugated material is well suited for transporting heavier items. The alternate layers strengthen the resulting cases immensely, allowing them to withstand stacking. 

4. Triple Wall

The big brother of double wall corrugated material, triple wall packaging is comprised of three pieces of fluted paper glued between four liner sheets, again in an alternating pattern. The densest of the most common corrugated materials, triple wall material is best used for transportation of heavy-duty items and insulation. 

Corrugate Cost Isn’t Just About (Upfront) Money

All of the above types of corrugated packaging have different costs, with additional layers increasing the final weight and price tag of your packaging. Because these costs affect your budget accordingly, it can be easy to let financial factors weigh heavily on the decision of which corrugated material offers the best solution for your packaging needs. However, the financial factor in this decision extends beyond the immediate cost. Just like a person who purchases a cheap tool kit will be forced to purchase another kit later after the first falls apart, “saving” your budget by going with a less expensive corrugated material won’t really save it all – because the cheapest packaging material isn’t necessarily the cheapest option in the long run. 

If your products benefit most from a triple wall corrugated case, opting for a single or double wall corrugated material for the sake of saving money is not doing your product (or your customers) any service. Cutting costs is important to maintaining your bottom line, but saving money at the expense of your product’s integrity is not worth the price. And if you choose the wrong casing material, that price could be damaged or lost inventory, a slow packaging process, and lost profits. 

We buy the better toolkit to make sure that no matter what unexpected projects pop up, we are equipped to handle them. In the same way, choosing a corrugated material you can have confidence in is the best choice for your secondary packaging process. 

Package Better with INSITE

No matter which corrugated casing material best fits your packaging needs, INSITE is eager to support your efforts through thoughtful machine design, quality customer service, and unbeatable advice. Start simplifying your packaging process today – we’ll get you set up with the right equipment to erect and seal cases beautifully and efficiently. 

INSITE Debuts Equipment Leasing Option

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

At INSITE, we pride ourselves on our ability to strip extraneous features from secondary packaging equipment, leaving you with a sleek, simply designed case erector or case sealer that will get the job done. Now, we’re simplifying the decision-making process by making our top-of-the-line machines available to lease. This new leasing option is offered in partnership with Geneva Capital, LLC, and makes getting started streamlining your packaging process easier than ever. With both a physical form and an online application available, as well as a variety of financing options, the process is easy, quick, and efficient – just how we like it.

Leasing Options

Case Erector

INSITE’s case erector combines safety, speed, and automation to produce reliably square cases every time. Opposing-cup case opening forces ensure that cases are opened square regardless of glue over-spray, while photo eyes make sure that all cases are adjusted to precise specifications. We built the whole thing with a durable and hygienic frame design meant to withstand the packaging process and get the job done.

Case Sealer

For our case sealing equipment, we focused on both form and function to create dependable, durable equipment that looks good while keeping the packaging process running smoothly. With features like a tilt-accessible tape head, spring-loaded side belts, and full-length guard doors, INSITE’s case sealer prioritizes safety, accessibility, and mobility.

Benefits of Leasing

Leasing one of our high-quality secondary packaging equipment machines can benefit your business operations in a number of ways, from providing tax savings to avoiding obsolescence. Here are just a few of the advantages.

Try Before You Buy

Leasing is a fantastic option for those interested in trying out new equipment before making it a permanent part of their packaging process. If you’ve been considering upgrading your machinery, leasing new equipment allows you to “try before you buy” and evaluate the overall effectiveness of one or more of INSITE’s machines.  

Tax Benefits

A lease carries various tax benefits and savings with it. For example, you can actually deduct your payments from your business income because the IRS views a lease as a tax-deductible overhead expense, rather than as a purchase.

Flexible Payment Plan

Through our leasing partnership with Geneva Capital, LLC, you’ll be able to customize a program that meets your individual needs. These flexible payment plans are immensely helpful in managing your cash flow throughout the year, particularly if you’re interested in leasing to own. The payment estimator at the bottom of our leasing page allows you to input your equipment costs and desired term length in order to see your estimated monthly payment.

Upgrade Equipment Quickly

We’re always looking for ways to optimize our machine designs. When you lease an INSITE case sealer or case erector, you’ll be able to return that packaging machine at the end of your lease and upgrade to the latest and greatest option, ensuring your automated packaging processes stay efficient and competitive.

Lease Packaging Equipment with INSITE

At INSITE, we’re dedicated to simple designs and smart functions. Whether you’re looking for more efficient secondary packaging solutions, durable design, or reliable performance, we deliver. Lease with INSITE today. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Why Active Case Squaring Is Important

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

In a world filled with flashy advertisements and graphics, appearance is everything. Case erectors increase throughput and ensure that a product’s primary and secondary packaging look good, setting your products up for success from the start.

These machines have significant performance advantages over their human counterparts – in fact, case erectors can form cartons both faster and more accurately than human operators. And unlike people, they don’t get tired towards the end of their shift! Using a case erector to improve productivity and reduce labor costs also ensures that the quality of your cartons is top-notch every time. The right case erector consistently forms square cases for the duration of its operating life.

The Role of Case Erectors

So, why does every case need to be erected in precisely the right manner? To begin with, it’s crucial for each and every case to be perfectly square as cases pack, stack and palletize better when they’re erected with 90-degree corners. A case erecting machine forms square corners that provide a stable base and strong support for the cartons above it. These strong, square corners create a foundation for weight distribution that helps prevent pallet collapse – an incident that can seriously impact the speed of your production process and the cost.

Good case erectors have continuous control over cases as they are forming. This continuous control helps avoid jams, ultimately minimizing downtime and increasing your operating efficiency.

When cases aren’t precisely aligned, your operations are directly impacted. We even have the numbers to back this statement up. When building a pallet load, 30 percent of stacking strength is lost when case sides aren’t vertically aligned! Square cases are the building blocks to better loads, reduced product damage and increased efficiency. The bottom line: the right secondary packaging machines can help you erect and seal cases faster, better and cheaper.

Active Case Squaring with INSITE

INSITE’s case erectors deliver consistently square cases every time, thanks to our innovative use of active case squaring technology. How does it work? Our design is simple, straightforward and intelligent. Photo eyes ensure all cases are squared before they are sealed. If a case is skewed, the independently driven side belts respond with a microburst of speed to adjust the case, making it square every time.

To see this innovative technology in action, check out our video below. Watch closely, and you’ll notice the instantaneous adjustments made by the independent side belts as the cases pass the photo eyes.

Your case erector should produce more than just a bottom-sealed case; it should create reliably square cases at a consistent speed that simplifies and streamlines your production process. Your secondary packaging equipment should also be easy and safe to operate. In other words, you should have a case erector you can trust. INSITE’s case forming machines have been designed from the ground up with features designed to inspire that trust. This advanced, yet simple machine, combines our simplified SCARA opening and transfer sequence with an elegant active squaring feature to process up to 30 perfectly square cases per minute. With INSITE, you get it all – speed, streamlined design, efficiency and trustworthiness.

If you have any questions about case squaring that we haven’t answered, give us a call, shoot us an email, or drop us a line. We’re here to help with a whole range of packaging inspiration, innovative solutions, and above all – insight!

Contact INSITE

Simply Smart

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” — Confucius

There are four general reasons people tend to make things complex:

  • To appear smart
  • They’re unsure how to summarize all of the information bombarding them
  • They think people want more when they actually want less
  • They forget to put themselves in the shoes of the receiver

Often, simple is better. If the “easy” explanation or solution can get you where you want to go, why complicate things? Here’s how to simplify a complex subject:

  • Practice explaining it, whatever it may be, to your elderly grandparents or a young child
  • Ask for feedback
  • Schedule fewer meetings and send fewer emails
  • Focus on what you’re good at
  • Be the one who makes the complex simple

Simplify CPG Packaging

This “simplifying” philosophy extends to just about every aspect of life, but we like to apply it to secondary packaging solutions. Modern packaging design options are almost limitless – there are hundreds of different structural and visual effects that allow for unprecedented creativity and variation in packaging design. However, creativity should never come at the expense of simplicity or elegance. In countless cases, the most memorable brand presentation is also the simplest.

When faced with the “blank canvas” of a packaging design, it can be tempting to want to fill the space with graphics and text – those bells and whistles that make a design fun and exciting” But more isn’t always better, and today’s consumers don’t have the patience to read blocks of text. Simple, elegant design proves to be more effective in attracting interest and creates a more lasting impression on consumers. Designs that try to do too many things at once undermine their own effectiveness by distracting from the most important points.

Packaging is powerful because it tells consumers why your product and brand are different. Apple, for example, is known for its clean, minimalist packaging. If you’ve ever watched an unboxing video for a new iPhone, you know people love that iconic, white design.

Declutter Packaging Automation

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci

Simplicity, elegance and function are often the most powerful guiding factors in converting your conceptual ideas into a stunning reality. The same holds true for packaging equipment. Some say “less is more” is an apt mantra for packaging machines.

One category where the beauty of simplicity is making an impact is case erecting and case sealing machines. Consumers want top-of-the-line erectors and sealers that come with features and benefits attractive to large manufacturers, with costs that a small to mid-sized food company can comfortably afford. That’s where INSITE comes in.

Package Simply with INSITE

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, and no simpler.” — Albert Einstein

Our case erectors and case sealers provide sleek, high-performance packaging automation that eliminates needless complexity. Our simple, streamlined designs improve performance, remove unnecessary machine parts and eliminate complexity found in the packaging equipment you see throughout our industry.

INSITE’s case erectors apply technology to enable next-level simplicity and reliability, and the results are clear – our case erectors have 40 to 50 percent fewer parts than competing machines. What does that mean for you? Effortless set-ups, quick and trouble-free changeovers, consistently square cases, fewer wear parts and less maintenance.

Our case formers provide an ergonomic system specially designed to keep your operators safe. A simple, reliable SCARA robot follows its own software-written path. This smart robotics system allows SCARA to replace many other mechanisms. Opposing-cup opening force combats glue overspray and prevents “L-shaped” cases. Active photo eyes inspect leading case panels and dynamically adjust side carrier belts until each case is square.

INSITE case sealers combine a sleek, minimalistic design with the ability to adjust case sizes and speed. They help you do less to achieve more. Its smart, flexible machine design with proven technologies provides a quick and clean top seal … every time. These sealers are safe, simple, accessible and packed with functionality. Built-in major flap control is standard at no increased cost. Spring-loaded side belts allow for a wider variety of case sizes. A smart-touch screen provides operators increased power and control with a safety-first design that has full length guard doors and instant safety switches. Left and right-hand operation is available to easily accommodate line relocation or design changes. Thoughtful, tilt-accessible tape heads are designed to keep production running smoothly, even during the roll replacement process.

Ultimately, our thoughtfully designed machines are here to make your job easier, not harder – so you won’t find yourself faced with unexpected upgrade costs or frustrating maintenance issues. INSITE’s safety-focused solutions and sleek secondary packaging equipment are ready for your application when and where you need them. Because our goal is to help you do less and achieve more, INSITE approaches the experience of our customers from the focused perspective on delivering increased value without requiring increased effort. We’re here to help you improve your existing production processes while providing expert industry guidance and stellar customer support. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help!

How the New U.S. Tariffs May Affect the Secondary Packaging Industry

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

As industries of all types respond to recent developments in the United States’ trade talks with China, tariffs remain a topic of great concern. Affecting not only brokers or merchants, but developers, producers and marketers alike, the recent changes to U.S. trade tariffs contain major implications for the future Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and secondary packaging industries. Today, we’re breaking down trade tariffs — what they are, why they matter and how they affect the secondary packaging industry.

What Are Tariffs and How Are They Implemented?

Briefly defined as a tax applied to imports, a tariff is added to anything relating to foreign production, imports and trade. Many economists claim tariffs create a preventive trade barrier by encouraging big brands to keep local jobs and in-country production facilities to avoid the monetary hits that result from international production and trade.

Tariffs are not a new concept. In fact, the United States has been taxing imports for centuries. Generally speaking, though, there has been a trend towards tariff rates decreasing globally, with trade barriers lowering and global trade expanding exponentially. Through 1900, tariff rates in America were over 25% since they were the primary source of federal revenue at the time. The percentage has fluctuated in the years since that change, with numbers ranging from 1.5-50% tax. Currently, the U.S trade tariff rate sits at an average of 2%,

Tariffs are usually introduced to protect certain industries that are valuable to a particular country, or that could be seen to have a strong influence over politics in that area. Added predominantly to raise the cost of a good or product, tariffs are usually imposed by the government in an attempt to lower or cap the imported amount of that given good or product into a country. Raising the price of an import makes it less attractive to potential buyers, who usually turn to overseas products due to their affordability. With tariffs now making those once cheaper products more expensive, companies may choose to turn to local products instead, avoiding tariffs altogether while also boosting the local workforce and economy.

Exploring Recent Changes to U.S. Tariffs

In the last 80 years, a majority of the extensive tariff-setting authority has been run through the sitting President. This type of delegation kept congress free from domestic pressure and resulted in a trend of relatively low tariffs. Since the last presidential election, however, we’ve seen the current administration use its authority to a greater extent, raising tariff rates and introducing new tariffs with little to no congressional input.

In the summer of 2018, President Trump introduced 25% U.S. trade tariffs on billions of Chinese imports, prompting the country to retaliate. The China trade war became heated later in the year as the current administration imposed a separate 10% U.S. trade tariffs on imports worth billions more. China’s retaliation, raising its own tariffs, had a relatively small effect on the current political climate in the U.S., since our imports there are significantly lower. These changes represent the largest shake-up in tariff numbers in the last 100 years and hold great implications for the secondary packaging industry in the United States.

Ripple Effects of Tariff Changes

As new and raised U.S. trade tariffs encourage increased business and production of goods within the U.S., American-based secondary packaging companies should be watching the tariff discussions with acute interest. Although the retail industry might not feel the full impact of these changes until later this year, tariffs on Chinese goods will undoubtedly affect trade here within the U.S. — especially if China follows with further tariffs of its own. Keep an eye on big brands like Amazon, which has many overseas merchants. We may start to see prices rising, or a smaller selection of such goods available on U.S. markets as these retailers struggle to maintain feasible profit margins with the increased taxes.

This could speak good news for U.S.-based SP companies, though, which should be ready and willing to pick up the potential increase in available business as brands struggling with tariffs seek stateside alternatives. Secondary packing providers might consider marketing specifically to this group of businesses, highlighting that made-in-America advantage.

Keep Your Packaging Local with INSITE

If your brand is currently partnered with an overseas SP company and the state of U.S. trade tariffs are starting to affect your bottom line, consider bringing your secondary packaging efforts back to U.S. soil. With seasoned creativity, an unmatched commitment to quality, and a fresh, streamlined approach to standardized packing equipment, INSITE has the solution to your packaging needs. Contact us today to learn more.

The Impact of Subscription Boxes on the Corrugated Industry

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

As commerce trends have shifted to create room in the market for increased e-commerce and subscription sales, the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), SPA and corrugated industries have had to evolve to meet new consumer needs. From conscious use of recycled packaging to improving environmental sustainability to increasing social interactions to broaden their horizons and serve a wider consumer base, marketers and brands are being forced to think outside the corrugated box in order to stay in business. For commerce, e-commerce producers or packagers utilizing corrugated boxes, corrugated cardboard or corrugated cardboard sheets, subscription boxes have the potential to add a cutting-edge source of revenue to your business.

What Are Subscription Boxes?

You’ve undoubtedly noticed the trendy advertisements showing off customized deliveries of food, makeup or clothes. For some, purchasing products through a themed box delivered to your home regularly makes checking their mail and picking up packages just a bit more exciting. Although the general idea of subscription boxes has roots dating back to the 19th century, they were more recently popularized by industry kings like Birch Box (an assorted bundle of high-end makeup and beauty products) and Blue Apron (portioned meal ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes designed to help every person be a cook).

Many other brands have latched onto the rising trend with glaring success. Today, there is a subscription service for just about every interest and product group imaginable, with each one conveniently delivered directly to your doorstep. Whether consumers are receiving a gorgeous pair of high heels to add to their closet, finding their pet’s new favorite toy, or planning out meals for the next week, subscription box companies have tapped into the fact that consumers are willing to pay for convenient services.

Who Are The Companies Behind Subscription Boxes?

A subscription-based business is a company that collects subscribers’ preferences, chooses items on their behalf according to those preferences and then mails the boxes out. Depending on the nature of the service and the consumer’s chosen plan, boxes might be mailed out weekly, monthly or quarterly.

Generally speaking, subscription companies don’t create new types of products or services. Instead, they provide a new, convenient and innovative way to sell existing types of products. Subscriptions do not actually change what consumers want. Rather, the companies who send them out have learned to encourage consumers to look at existing products with fresh eyes, and even discover products they never knew about.

In recent years, we’ve seen beauty and food-related boxes climbing to the top of popular subscription lists. Blue Apron recipe boxes remain extremely popular and have been joined by similar subscriptions like Hello Fresh. In addition, healthy snack subscription boxes like Urthbox and Love With Food are gaining notice from the industry as they begin to produce larger profits. In the beauty business, the original Birch Box led to the introduction of countless other beauty and style subscription boxes like Ipsy, the Dollar Shave Club and StitchFix.

How Subscription Boxes Have Impacted the Corrugated Industry

Similar to the way in which subscription companies have encouraged consumers to see products in new ways, the rising popularity of these boxes is pushing producers of corrugated boxes and packaging to approach these potential customers from a new perspective. In the increasingly competitive world of e-commerce subscription boxes, brand differentiation is crucial to remaining relevant. The internet allows customers to easily find your information, products and services at the click of a mouse or a tap of their phone. It’s important to keep in mind that they can also, just as easily, find your competition’s information.

In order to stay relevant, leaders in the corrugated box and cardboard sheet industry are being forced to diversify not only the products they offer, but the look of the boxes, sheets and packaging materials as well. Here are three variables to be aware of that can help producers capture the business of subscription companies:

1. Brown is Boring

Many subscription boxes have worked to cultivate a standout brand identity through fun and colorful packaging. FabFitFun targets teens and younger women through health, makeup, skincare, wellness and fashion-related products. Each quarter, the company gets a different artist to design its seasonal boxes, but each package is characterized by bright, cheery colors. This trend towards non-standard packaging shows us that the standard corrugated brown box may eventually fall out of fashion, at least in the area of subscription boxes.

2. The Unboxing Experience Matters

E-commerce retailers understand that opening a package can be nearly as thrilling as getting to what’s inside. Many subscription companies encourage consumers to share their unboxing experiences on social media through photos, videos and reviews. Attractive packaging, neat wrapping, carefully separated products — all of these factors represent opportunities for corrugated box suppliers to create new, needed products.

3. Sustainability is Attractive

The environmentally conscious efforts of corrugated box companies have been picking up speed as a growing number of companies bend to meet consumers’ desire for sustainability. Recycled materials, biodegradable packaging and non-plastic options are attractive to many subscription companies with a wide consumer base. Taking note of these shifting demands, the corrugated industry is continuing to diversify their offerings to meet this new desire.

Box Better with INSITE

If you’re in the market for state-of-the-art equipment to assist with erecting or sealing your corrugated boxes, INSITE has what you need. Our simple, reliable and efficient case sealers and case erectors have been purposefully designed to help improve your packaging operations while increasing efficiency, minimizing repairs and prioritizing operator safety. Get a quote or check out our machine leasing options!

 

How to Select Proper Corrugated Material

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

If your first question after reading the title of this blog post is “What is ‘corrugated?’” then we recommend reading our previous post Corrugated 101: A First Step Toward Becoming A Pro, for some background information on this essential case material.

So you read Corrugated 101? Excellent! With a basic understanding of corrugated material and its use in the packaging industry, you’re now ready to dive into the process of selecting the proper corrugated material for your product. No matter what you’re packaging, you want it to arrive in pristine condition, with maximum efficiency, at the lowest possible cost both to you and your environmental impact. So how do you make this packaging decision? There are several factors to take into consideration when choosing the proper casing for your needs.

Nailing Down the Corrugated Details

Purpose

First, make sure you know everything about what your packaging needs to do. Here are some questions to ask that can clarify its purpose:

     – Will the carton simply provide protection for the product and immediately be discarded once it’s received by the point of purchase/sale?

     – Will the carton serve as storage for continuous use?

     – Will the case be displayed at the point of purchase/sale for advertising?

     – Should the packaging be reusable or returnable?

Logistics

Next, determine your product’s weight, height, value and density. This information will help you plan out the shipping process and select the perfect material. Make sure you know the answer to these questions:

     – How will you be shipping the cartons?

     – Will the cartons be shipped individually or in bulk?

     – Will the packages be palletized?

     – Will packages be exposed to environmental elements that need to be factored in (humidity, heat, cold, rain, etc.)?

     – Is returnable packaging required?

     – Is cushioning inside the case needed to prevent product from rubbing and bumping?

     – Will the product bear its own weight?

     – Are slots needed for packing and quality control?

Lead Time

There are many options, including advertising your company name, product information, fragile/this side up markers, hazardous product labels and more customizations that can affect lead time. Consult your timeline to ensure that your secondary packaging process is running according to schedule and factor in any potential delays. Make sure you know the following:

     – Is lead time for your corrugated material a factor or concern?

     – Is custom designing needed for your case?

     – If the carton is designed or printed, what will be displayed?

Special Regulations

If your product is food-related, it may require different outside carton labels. Required labels depend from state to state. Many factors need to be considered for food packaging:

     – Is the case the primary or secondary package?

     – Will food contact the case or does it need to be bagged first?

     – What type of environment is required (refrigeration, etc.)?

     – Are flaps or holes needed in the package?

     – Are wax and grease coatings or water-resistant liners required?

Selecting the Right Corrugated Material Supplier

All of the above factors will be used by a corrugated material supplier to determine the appropriate type of case for your specific needs. When researching corrugated material suppliers, look for these qualities in a company:

     – Industry and product knowledge

     – Experience

     – Integrity

     – Consistent and reliable communication

     – Customer service excellence

     – Responsiveness

INSITE’s Corrugated Material Recommendations

While a range of corrugated parameters can work well with INSITE’s machines, specific tests concluded that our erectors perform best using corrugated with the following characteristics:

     – Case Style: Regular Slotted Case (RSC)

     – Edge Crush Test (ECT): 30 ECT to 44 ECT

     – Flutes: C (~39 Flutes per linear foot; 11/64”) and B (~42 Flutes per linear foot; 1/8”)

     – Bursting Strength: 175# to 275#

     – Paper Weight: Normal

     – Walls: Single wall

     – Corners: Tapered and Straight Slot

These are just a few of the options when it comes to considering the type and style of corrugated material to use when shipping your products. If you have more specific questions, reach out to your corrugated packaging provider. Ultimately, they know their products best and can help you protect and transport yours.

Pack Your Products with Ease … and INSITE

Whatever product you produce and whatever case you choose, you need a way to put the two together. INSITE is committed to supporting your efforts through thoughtful machine design and genuine customer focus. We’ll partner with you to help you identify the right equipment to erect and seal your cases. After all, case erectors and case sealers are all we do! Get in touch today and we’ll get started simplifying your packaging process.

INSITE 101: Glue vs. Tape Sealers

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

Selecting the right equipment for sealing your cases and cartons is a crucial choice for every packaging automation company. By ensuring that your products are properly sealed, other parts of your manufacturing process are set up for increased success down the line. In addition to protecting your goods, proper sealing aids in the smooth transportation of products during production and distribution and helps maintain overall product quality until those products finally land in the hands of consumers.

The two most popular types of adhesives for forming and sealing cases are tape and glue. Seal type closure can vary between the bottom seal (created by a case erector) and top seal (created by a case sealer). You may find that your best configuration is glue on the bottom and tape on top. But how do you actually choose between the two options? We’ve got answers. Today, we’re walking through the differences between these two options in terms of cost, maintenance, applications, and safety, so that you can be better prepared to select the correct type of case sealer for your production needs.

Differences Between Glue and Tape Sealers

Although both types of case sealing equipment perform the all-important task of keeping a case closed, they differ in the materials used in the sealing process and in the methods used to apply those materials. Hot-melt glue sealers use a small applicator to deposit a meltable, heat-triggered synthetic resin onto cartons. Some automatic case sealers, such as INSITE’s, take advantage of automated systems to simplify the process even further.

In contrast to glue sealers, tape sealers use a formulated combination of pressure-triggered plastic or fiber, with a polymer as the general adhesive component. Additionally, adhesives and sealants differ in that typically, sealants have lower strength than adhesives.

When considering a case new sealer, you should understand the pros and cons of both options in order to determine which sealer will best meet the specific needs of your company.

Glue Sealers

INSITE’s automatic case sealers are unique in the number of features and functionality offered at an affordable price point. Other manufacturers who utilize glue sealers to fit their manufacturing needs may offer specifications such as major flap containment, HMI controls, spring-loaded side belts, and full-length guard doors, but the cost of their machines—which perform the same function as ours—will be quite different from INSITE’s.

Here are some of the benefits of using hot-melt glue and glue sealers:

  • While tape sealing equipment is usually more affordable than hot melt glue options, hot melt glue is actually a less costly consumable—packaging tape costs 3-4x more per carton sealed!/p>
  • Glue sealant provides more solid structural strength, which is crucial when packaging heavy cartons.
  • Glue bonds are designed differently than those used in tape and tape sealers, which guarantees better hold-up over time.
  • Appealing and easily handleable, hot-melt glue offers a more professional-looking seal with no folds that can be opened without scissors.
  • Glue sealing requires a compression step that bonds the Major flap to the Minor flap (with glue in between). Product backup, which is support from the product inside the case, is required for compression. Some products like bags, for example, do not provide adequate compression. Compression is simply applying pressure to the major flaps (top or bottom of case) compressing the glue to the Minor Flaps.

Tape Sealers

While case sealers using glue have their advantages, tape sealers offer yet another set of benefits. That’s why INSITE offers both options, to better fit your production needs. Depending on the products your company produces and the layout of your production line, tape sealers may be a better option for your business.

Here are a few benefits of using tape and tape sealers:

  • Tape sealers generally require a lower startup cost.
  • Taping cartons is a better option for slower, less frequent case erecting.
  • Tape and tape sealers adapt more easily to a variety of carton shapes and sizes.
  • Generally safer to operate due to their simplicity, tape and tape sealers minimize injuries and danger to operators. In contrast, hot melt systems process the adhesive at high temperatures and can burn operators if improperly handled.
  • Tape heads are the main components that require upkeep in tape machines, and they are relatively simple and easy for technicians to maintain.

Determining the Best Sealer for Your Business

The best first step in determining the ideal type of sealer for your company is to dig into your existing production and distribution processes. Once you’ve examined all strengths, weaknesses, and potential growth opportunities, consult any equipment experts who are intimately involved with your production process. From foremen and operators to line workers, every single individual who interacts with your sealing process may have valuable insight to bring to your decision-making process.

One of the biggest factors in using glue over tape is the versatility of glue. Hot melt is the adhesive of choice if you require a more custom seal, such as RSCs with gap flaps, trays, and others. Another issue to consider is the environment in which you are packaging. If you’re packing in a cold environment, hot melt may cool down too fast to be of use. And a dusty environment may not be the best place to use tape.

Depending on your operation—maybe you work with a smaller amount of volume, constantly changing box sizes, or have a more specific distribution process—tape sealers might be the best option for your company. But if you have a consistently high output and require a highly durable, reliable seal, a glue sealer may be the better choice.

Seal the Deal with INSITE

A sealed case is only part of the story. How you get to a sealed case is just as important. INSITE’s thoughtfully designed case sealers ensure your cases are fully and dependably sealed, run reliably without jamming or breaking down, maximize efficiency, and keep operators safe.

Features of our case sealers include:

  • Major flap control comes standard with our reasonably priced case sealers to control flaps.
  • Our case sealers are “smart” and maintain high expectations for intuitive system control at the tip of your finger.
  • Full-length guard doors with safety switches provide excellent operator safety while allowing for full access when the machine is stopped.
  • Our case sealer tape heads tilt easily for superior access or removal. You can replace the existing roll or perform a quick swap of the entire tape head.
  • INSITE’s case sealer uses spring-loaded side belts to get just the right amount of grip to ensure cases are not damaged or crushed. This side belt configuration also allows for a range of case width variances throughout a given production run.
  • If your operation needs a stand-alone case sealer to be in different places at different times, that’s no problem. INSITE’s case sealers have a caster option that allows easy relocation to different lines as plant demand or design changes. And if those changes require a different sealer orientation, that’s no problem, either—our sealers easily convert between left-hand and right-hand operation.

Our strong history in automated packaging equipment, unparalleled customer service, and proven success have quickly gained the attention of the CPG and production worlds, and we’re looking forward to using our expertise to strengthen your operations. To learn more about INSITE’s case sealers using glue and tape, check out our resources page. Whether you need additional information, advice, product support or just want someone to bounce packaging ideas around with, we’re here for you. Drop us a line on our contact page.

How Erector Changeover Points Affect Your Bottom Line

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

Making changes to your automated packaging equipment can be a daunting process. The hesitancy to move forward and introduce new machinery is understandable, especially in light of industry insights that changeover is still one of the top challenges for the CPG industry. Often, making a shift towards a new, improved process by implementing new machinery—like an improved case erector—brings an expected jump in overhead costs, increased downtime during the setup process, a steep learning curve for machine operators, and perhaps the biggest expenditure of all: lots of time.

These production aspects work together to help or hurt your bottom line. The wisest way to ensure that changeover works for you, eventually boosting your overall outcome or strengthening your operating process, is to pick a superior machine to ease the manufacturing shift and produce a stronger overall performance in the long run.  

Avoiding Unnecessary Changeover Costs

Every secondary packaging manufacturer and CPG or SPA producer wishes there was a trick to bypass changeover costs altogether, allowing companies to minimize wasted time and resources and to quickly and efficiently get back to doing what we do best. In reality, though, there is no way to avoid changeover costs altogether. Trying something new will always result in a short-term loss as you adjust to the new system these changes create. However, by choosing to implement changes in a smart, well-informed manner, you can eliminate unnecessary costs.

Take some time to understand the true operating costs of your facility, to gather insight and advice from production experts, and to analyze the existing strengths and weaknesses in your production line. Running through these diagnostics allows your team to approach the idea of changing your production line with a more open—and informed—mind. If these steps are not taken, the evaluation and installation process may be rushed. Then all too quickly, costly, long-term mistakes are made in favor of maintaining positive, short-term results.

Investment Over Impulse

In the current competitive production industry, product producers are making a shift towards offering more diverse case erector and sealer options that can accommodate shorter product runs. Older machines originally set up for a single product or specific production line cause significant slowdowns, resulting in higher overhead and lower efficiency.

Replacing a machine so it supports the sealing of alternate products or automates a changeover keeps well-oiled lines running longer and reduces the time lost when switching to another product. Whether you are building a whole new production process or improving an existing one, it’s critical to think about your long-term goals over your short-term objectives in order to make the wisest investment.

Looking for an Erector That Can Minimize Changeover?

Consider your current case erecting equipment as you answer these questions:

     – Does your equipment erect your cases fully and with dependability?

     – Does it run reliably, without jamming, breaking down, and affecting your efficiency?

     – Does it handle your cases firmly enough to control them, but with delicacy so that they go undamaged?

     – Does it prioritize the safety of your operators and run so smoothly that operators are freed up to spend time adding value in other parts of your operation?

If you aren’t confident in the answers to one or many of these questions, INSITE’s thoughtfully designed case erectors could be the key to approaching your changeover with confidence.

With a track record of proven success, INSTE can confidently introduce you to what we believe is the best automatic case erector on the market. With a simple, clean, and minimalistic build designed to handle a large range of case sizes while accommodating enormous variations in the number of cases that can be sealed per minute, INSITE’s case erector is safe, dependable, efficient to operate and effortless to maintain. Converting case blanks into fully erected, bottom-sealed cases, our case erectors perform this simple action with a precision and grace that will bring joy to every secondary packaging producer.

At INSITE, we work hard to make your work easy. We set out to create a better alternative to existing case erectors, with higher usability and a simpler changeover process. Re-designed from the ground up, INSITE’s case forming machines were borne from the idea of infusing an old function with new life and are untethered by old technologies and previous products.

Invest with INSITE

If the thought of implementing a new case sealer or erector in your production line is daunting, contact INSITE today. Our packaging automation experts will walk you through every step of the implementation process. From your first call or email to our 24/7 customer service team to maintenance visits that ensure your case erector continues to perform at top capacity, investing in INSITE is an investment into your success. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Why so Many Grocery Retailers Are Now Offering Direct Shipping or Curbside Pickup

Posted on by tdavis@insitepackaging.com

Why do so many consumers utilize Amazon Prime, making the company that originally started in one man’s garage even more of a business production output conglomerate? What about the increased amount of cars parked in the curbside pickup zone at the nearby Target, or the increasing number of delivery packages piling up on nearly every front porch? Where are these consumer trends coming from?

At INSITE, we attribute the answer to the question of increased direct shipping and curbside pickup to a few factors: evolving consumer priorities, an increased appreciation for convenience, and solid forecasting. These points affect more than the grocery industry and affiliated food packaging companies, and we believe they offer useful insight into the CPG and SPA industries as well. If your company is looking to get (and stay) ahead in the CPG or SPA industry, this post is for you.

Delivery or Pickup

In a world in which time is becoming our most valuable commodity, grocery brands are in a state of constant competition to best meet their consumers’ most immediate needs – or risk losing their business. To accomplish this and increase customer retention, the concepts of direct shipping and curbside pickup were introduced. Direct shipping or delivery is the process of sending a product directly to the consumer’s door. Alternatively, consumers utilizing curbside pickup shop at a certain store using a website or app and drive up to the brick and mortar store – or another marked location – to pick up their products.

INSITE’s Analysis

Heavily utilized by big brands (we already mentioned giants Amazon and Target), direct shipping and curbside pickup features are growing in popularity, as they have been carefully designed with consumer priorities, convenience, and evolving customer trends in mind.

Priorities

Steve Bishop, managing partner and co-founder of Brick Meets Click, a consultancy for grocery retailers, thinks the push towards more evolved delivery options is logical considering recent shifts in consumer priorities. He says people are increasingly shopping for groceries online, and that order delivery, along with varied pickup options for web orders, is crucial for grocers who want to successfully compete within the market. This priority shift makes sense in light of that old adage that time is money.

Convenience

Thanks to artificial intelligences like Google, Siri, and Alexa, adding items to a digital shopping list or online cart is as simple as speaking the command out loud. Research shows that online food sales in the U.S. grew 31.5 percent or $22.1 billion in 2016. This figure is double the growth of last year’s e-commerce growth as a whole. To further illustrate this point, Walmart now has 1,200 grocery-pickup points, a major increase from the 800 the company had mere months ago, and many other businesses are following suit. Ultimately, the convenience of online shopping, direct delivery, and newly developed pick-up options make grocery retailers who utilize these options far more attractive to busy, modern consumers.

Evolving Trends

Forbes notes that the grocery industry took far longer than most other retail industries to digitize, but it has finally come around to these emerging trends that stand to play a large role in the ongoing success of companies. Similar to other industries, the grocery response has been to focus on and invest in the customer experience. Grocery retailers can no longer settle for selling quality foods. Instead, stores are buying into the trend of offering consumers a total-package experience by improving not only their in-store shopping experience but their ecommerce sites as well.

How Do These Trends Affect the CPG and SPA Industries?

For CPG and SPA producers, it’s important to pay close attention to grocery retailers and the useful foresight they can provide. Since consumers are guiding an industry-wide shift in the way grocery retailers market and sell their products, we can expect the packaging for different food products to shift as well. Winsight Grocery Business offers food packaging companies a few key insights to help them recognize trends and adapt their practices in the face of this shift.

Big Brands Still Matter – But Don’t Overlook Private Labels

Private label brands are on the rise, and research also shows that national brands are still in high demand. In fact, Winsight explains that shopping trips driven by national brand purchases are more valuable than private label brand trips on by 65 percent on average. What is your company currently doing to attract the business of both big brands and private labels? What other processes could be implemented that might improve existing efforts?

CPG Is Going Digital

Sandy Steier, CEO and co-founder of 1010data, recommends that brands seek to balance the dynamics of online retail partners that also have private labels. Market fragmentation, like unexpected competition for established brands, is to be expected since the online market is more easily accessible than brick-and-mortar retailers. If your food packaging company is currently serving brands with only physical locations, consider how you might reach more retailers and widen your potential consumer base.

“Foodies” Are Now a Target Consumer Base

As consumers’ interest in food increases, thanks to factors including increased global tourism and the increasing availability of unique online recipes and food forums, it is crucial for retailers to consider providing increased dimension that can meet the cravings of their food-loving customers. As retailers begin catering to broader inclinations, are you widening your CPG or SPA offerings to capture the business of those retailers serving this new consumer base?

Shift Confidently With INSITE

Do you feel confident in your company’s ability to adapt to the changing grocery retail market? At INSITE, our mission is to bring clarity and understanding into the automated packaging industry, providing your company with a fresh perspective on your brand and working to simplify your packaging process with high-quality machinery. Contact us today to learn more about how INSITE can help you move forward.