If you are considering using a mailer to deliver your goods safely, you have many options to choose from. Choices include standard flat, bubble, poly, eco-friendly mailers, and more. When choosing the best mailer for your application, take into consideration your protection needs, budget, and how the mailer will be sent.

Advantages of shipping mailers

• Mailers do not require any void fill
• Mailers use less material than corrugated boxes, making them a sustainable choice for senders
• Most mailers are self-sealing which saves time for senders to use extra materials such as tapes and adhesives
• Mailers can be stored flat so they don’t take up too much storage
• Shipping/postage costs are cheaper for a mailer than for corrugated cartons

Uses for mailers

• Small hardware and parts
• School/office supplies
• Books/catalogs
• Clothing/apparel
• Small gifts
• Documents
• Much more

Keypak offers the following types of Mailers

• Kraft bubble mailers- Ideal for e-commerce businesses. These are lightweight so you can save on postage. Usually, the most inexpensive option
• Poly bubble mailers- lightweight, water-resistant- great for clothing/apparel, shoes, electronics, soft goods
• Metallic thermal bubble mailers- ideal for short term thermal shipping protection for perishable food items, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive shipments
• Stay flat mailers- made from cardstock, kraft paper or thick white paper. These are ideal for shipping paper documents, thin booklets, and folders. They are a cost-effective solution for avoiding damage to your documents.
• Curby Mailers (eco-friendly)- recyclable, easily disposed with all your other recyclable materials. Ideal if you are wanting to reduce environmental footprint.

Cost savings with mailers

• Mailers cut shipping costs directly – you can save as much as 50% on shipping/mailing costs
• Mailers are less material than boxes, making them a cost-effective alternative
• Mailers are known to increase packaging line production and efficiency
• Most mailers are self-sealing, making it easier to save on extra special tools or materials required

To maximize your cost savings, ensure to use the correct type and size of the mailer for your items.  As discussed, mailers are economical and do not take up too much storage, so you can easily keep multiple mailer options in stock. It is recommended to have your packing station contain a variety of sizes you may need.

Note, cheaper is not always better. Cheap mailers may be made of lower-grade materials which may tear, rip or puncture easily and cause damage to your goods. The most important thing to keep in mind is which mailer will provide the best protection for your item while in transit.

If you are still unsure which mailers would suit your packaging needs, reach out to us at sales@keypak.ca

When it comes to packaging and transporting fragile and delicate items from point A to point B, bubble rolls are considered an essential resource. Although many people assume that there are no certain methods needed when packaging your products, there are specific procedures which should be followed to ensure the protection of valuable goods during transit. These procedures include the correct use of bubble rolls  to ensure smooth transportation.

There are three essential requirements when packaging your products using bubble:

Requirement #1

All fragile and delicate items must be wrapped up in bubble before they are packaged and shipped.  You will need to place your item right on to the bubble roll sheet and cut it so there is enough to cover the item entirely. You can never have too much bubble packaging around your product. The most effective and easiest way to package using bubble, is by using a bubble roll dispenser or stand.  Bubble rolls have two different sides. One side is completely flat, while the other most known side has the tiny bubbles. The bubbles side is what cushions the product while the flat surface faces outward. You can hold the bubble packaging together with tape to ensure it stays in place while in transit.

Requirement #2

While in transit, you want to ensure the bubble wrapped item is secure to avoid breakage.  To avoid movement of the product, you will need to cushion the “white space” in the box. You can assess how much space you need to fill after you have placed the wrapped product in a box. Once you have an idea where the empty space is,  you can use bubble to fill it up, or alternatively, consider using air pillows.

Requirement #3

Bubble rolls have multiple uses apart from being just a packaging resource. If you have some bubble roll left over from your packaging task, you may want to consider it using it for the following:

• Insulation: Bubble is a natural insulator. The air inside the bubbles creates a barrier that keeps warm air trapped. You can insulate your windows!
• Gardening: Protect newly planted seeds and delicate plants on cold days
• Matting: Bubble can also be used as cushioned matting. If you are kneeling during gardening, or working on a task at work or home, cut a sheet of bubble roll and place it under your knees as a mat.
• Many other awesome uses!

If you want to learn more about bubble rolls and how you can improve your packaging operations, get in touch with our knowledgeable packaging experts at sales@keypak.ca

Stretch wrap and shrink wrap are the top two packaging solutions that most businesses rely on when it comes to keeping palletized goods secure while in transit, retail, and storage. Both terms, shrink wrap and stretch wrap, are used interchangeably causing it to be tough to differentiate as both stretch film and shrink film appear alike. Let’s discover the differences between the two, and which is best suited for your business.

Stretch Film/Wrap

This type of film is used to secure packaged goods on a skid. As you wrap this around a pallet, tension is applied, allowing the film itself to stretch/extend over 200%. The constructive force (tension) is what holds the shipment in place. This film is generally made from polyethylene.

Discover the different kinds of stretch film we offer.

1. Hand stretch film 

Hand stretch film is used to secure loads by a manual procedure. The film rolls are usually shorter and lighter in weight than any other stretch film. These hand rolls are usually between 1,000 and 2,000 feet long, with the most

common roll length being 1,500 feet. This film typically ranges between a 30-130-gauge thickness, most popular being the standard 80Ga. The 80-gauge film usually has a 75%-150% stretch rate depending on the manufacturer. Hand stretch film is popular among low-volume packaging operations.

2. Machine Stretch Film

This film is designed to be utilized with a stretch wrap machine. Machine stretch film is typically used in environments that have high-volume packaging operations. Next, we will learn about the different types of machine stretch film:

Pre-stretched film 

This film has been pre-stretched during the manufacturing process. Meaning, it has been stretched closely to its breaking point, approximately 90%, and then rolled onto cores. Because of this process, these films have thinner gauges than your usual stretch film. Pre-stretched film is known for good shrinkage, self-adhesion, thick texture, high transparency, and a high puncture resistance.  Some advantages of using this type of stretch film are that there is less waste disposal, less transportation energy consumption, and less exhaust emissions.

Cast stretch film  

This film is created through a cast extrusion process. This is when heated resins are fed through multiple cooled rollers which then solidify the stretch film. This process is cost-effective and is less expensive than the blown film process. This film is known as a general-purpose wrap and can be used various environments for a wide range of tasks.

Blown stretch film 

Like the cast film, this type of film uses its own process called the blown extrusion process. Heated resins are blown into a bubble which is then converted into a sheet. The sheet is then rolled and put on a core.  This film is a bit more expensive than the cast film, but is much stronger, has a greater puncture resistance, and has more stretch. Therefore, you can get more with less which means there is not a significant difference in cost savings either way.

Read on to discover about shrink film.

Shrink Film/Wrap

Shrink film is generally used to wrap the product itself rather than the cased goods on a pallet. This film is used on products like fresh produce, electronics, frozen food, and other goods. When heat is applied to this film, the plastic shrinks tightly around the product within to fit appropriately. The heat is applied with either an electric or gas heat gun or, a conveyer heat tunnel.

Continue to discover the types of shrink film.

1. Polyolefin Shrink Film

With 80% shrinking properties and better transparency, polyolefin shrink film remains odourless when heated or cooled. This film is best used to wrap food products like cauliflower, cabbage, meat, bakery items and frozen pizza. It can also be used for non-food products such as beverage bottles, candles, cosmetics and much more. Polyolefin film is also printable.

2. Polyethylene Shrink Film

Polyethylene offers less transparency and lower clarity than other films but carries thicker characteristics, making it more durable. This film tightens itself around a product using cool air during the last stage of the packaging process. Polyethylene film can reach a thickness of up to 1200 gauges. This type of film is generally used for applications like wrapping boats, multi-pack beverages, and other heavy items.

If you are still unsure of what film is best for wrapping your products, reach out to our sales team and we’ll have one of our wrapping gurus stop by!

sales@keypak.ca

The main priority when packaging products is to ensure they are protected. Void fill is a protective packaging material which is used to cushion or pad your product so that it does not shift in transit. This is also known as a “filler”, and is purposed to fill the empty spaces in your packaging boxes.

The 2022 Buying Green report found that consumers are 57% less likely to buy products in packaging they consider harmful to the environment, proving sustainable packaging is of high importance to many consumers. Read on and explore your options for eco-friendly void fill, so you can make the switch from foam or plastic, to sustainable alternatives!

Biodegradable Peanuts

One of the most well-known void fill option is packaging peanuts. Little peanut-shaped foam pellets are used as a filler, in bulk, to prevent movement in packages. However, as eco-friendly alternatives increase in popularity, there are now biodegradable peanuts available. These are not only cost-competitve, but also protect and cushion with the same quality as regular polystyrene peanuts. You are saving money, and the planet, all while protecting your product!

Bio-Film and Paper Pillows

AirWave® bio-film and PaperWave paper pillows are excellent alternatives for your void fill needs. Paper pillows are made from 80% recycled paper, making them biodegradable and fully waste paper compliant. These simply disolve with paper waste and/or biowaste. This product also carries the RESY symbol (DIN 6120) which allows for easy-sorting as paper waste in waste paper systems. In addition, bio-film pillows are made from potato starch and maize starch, making them composed of renewable raw resources which are fully compostable and 100% biodegradable. When discarded of, bio-film takes three months to break down; used bio-film can also be composted in your home!

Both paper, and bio-film pillows, require AirWave® machines. Please visit www.keypak.ca for more info

Green Line Paper

This void fill option is made from 100% recycled paper and is compatible with Fillpak and Trident fanfold converters. Green Line paper is a fantastic shock absorber, and protects fragile items from the adverse conditions which can arise in the shipping process. This voidfill paper is FSC®-certified, curbside recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable. Going Green Line is an economical and easy-to-use void fill solution, which scores cost-savings!

If you are unable to determine the best choice of void-fill material for your needs, contact us and we’ll send a packaging expert your way to assist you better!

sales@keypak.ca

Thermal Transfer Vs Direct Thermal Labels

Proper and effective labelling is a mandatory requirement in most supply chain processes.  There are many different types of labels used for different applications, and determining which type suits your needs best, can be challenging. Read on to learn about the difference between thermal transfer labels and direct thermal labels, so you can ensure you’re choosing the most suitable type for your application.

Thermal Transfer (TT) Labels

How do they work?

Thermal Transfer labels require heat to produce an image. A thermal ribbon is placed onto the label at the printhead,  which then acts as a buffer between the printhead section, and the material of the label.  The printhead area then heats up and begins transferring the ink that’s on the ribbon, onto the label.

What are they used for?

Printing using the thermal transfer method produces high-quality images and dark text for clarity. This process is best known for its quick speed, user-friendliness, and overall effectiveness.  TT labels are best for long-life applications. They are scratch resistant, rub resistant, and can last up to two years. TT labels are more durable than direct thermal labels, and can adapt to exposure from sunlight, heat, and chemicals, much better than other labels.

TT labels are your go-to if you are looking to print healthcare industry labels, such as laboratory labels, or inventory identification labels. TT labels are also used for industrial, chemical, and warehouse labelling.

Direct Thermal (DT) Labels

How do they work?

Direct Thermal labels are made from heat-sensitive paper that has ink embedded within the material. These do not require a ribbon, ink, or toner. DT labels produce desired text or image by a process where the synthetic base of the paper meets the hot temperature of the printhead, and then changes its colour before cooling down.

What are they used for?

DT labels are most suited for short to medium life applications. These work well in a low-heat and high-moisture environments, which means they’re great for packages in the frozen/chilled food sectors. DT labels are simple to use, cost effective, and have a high productivity rate as there are no ribbon changes. DT labels are suitable for most common requirements.

DT labels are great for shipping, warehouse, and dispatch labels. They are also a perfect solution for inserts, tags, cards, and retail price labelling.

Fun fact: To check if it’s a thermal transfer or direct thermal label, take the label and scratch it quickly and hardly with your fingernail. If a dark mark appears, it is a direct thermal label, and if no dark mark appears, that means it’s a thermal transfer label!

Keypak offers labels, ribbons, along with data servers and printers, for all your essential packaging label requirements.

Check out our options here!

Not sure what you’re looking for? Have one of our reps stop by to assist you better!

sales@keypak.ca

1.866.566.2457

Grip Systems

Grip Film- Unique Self-Gripping Stretch Film

 Grip Film is a high-yield, lightweight, sustainable solution that is used globally to reduce clients’ carbon footprints, with a reduced consumption of up to 50% material. Which means there is less plastic needed per wrap, which results in huge cost and waste savings

Why choose Grip Wrap?

• 40% Reduction in Time, Waste and Cost
• High Strength and Puncture Resistance
• Guaranteed Load Stability
• Climate Resistance
• Easier, lighter, and faster to unwind, control and apply

Grip Film is also available in other colours such as: Black, Blue, Yellow, Red and Green.

Why Coloured Film?

• Conceals valuable goods to deter light
• Protects shipments from harmful UV light
• Visually identify shipments
• Quiet unwind cast film

Grip Systems Video

Below you will find a short demonstration video of the grip film and dispenser.

For information on Grip Systems, please email our sales team at sales@keypak.ca
For any marketing inquiries, please email us at marketing@keypak.ca

Your feedback is always welcome.

Who doesn’t love freebies?

Our KeyGift program allows our customers to add one gift of their choice to their order based on the dollar value spent.

Tier 1 – $350                                                         Tier 6- $2,500

Tier 2- $550                                                          Tier 7- $4,000

Tier 3 – $850                                                         Tier 8- $6,500

Tier 4- $1,100                                                        Tier 9- $8,750

Tier 5- $1,400                                                        Tier 10- $10,000

Qualifying KeyGifts must be requested at the time of checkout and cannot be granted after the order has been processed.

For further information on our KeyGift program, please email our marketing team at marketing@keypak.ca

Closing cartons in your packaging department? Having any tape issues? Chances are you are in the 1 in 10 category of tape users that run into packaging challenges when closing their cardboard cartons. If you are using polypropylene carton sealing tape (which the majority of users are), any issues with carton closing are focused on the tape. The reality is, 90% of so-called tape issues are proven to be caused by other factors, such as:

1. Operator training and correct usage
2. Environmental conditions (dust, dirt, dampness)
3. Material content of the cartons

Recently a fourth has started showing itself – “the Gap”.

Keypak offers a wide selection of 3″ tape; from acrylic, hot melt, printed, and paper tape, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your application.

Not sure which tape is the best solution for you? Contact us to have one of our reps stop by!

1.866.566.2457  | sales@keypak.ca

Steel strapping has long been used where strength is required to hold down or constrain heavy objects or shipments. This is due to the perception that “steel is strong” and the assumption that it is the only thing strong enough for those heavy loads.

If you are using steel strapping to secure your outgoing shipments or internal product transport and storage, it’s time to look at another option. Whether your loads are heavy, light, bulky and irregular or uniform there is a solution that will make using steel strap seem like an ancient method from the distant past. That solution is polyester strapping. Polyester strapping has been around since the 60’s but never really made it into the limelight until more recently. It is available in different styles to suit what you are using it for and out-performs steel at almost every turn. How does it out-perform?

• SAFETY
  There are no sharp edges when Polyester strapping is cut, and it does not spring back like steel banding. This quality offers a safer user environment to employees, customers and machinery.
• STRENGTH
  Polyester strapping is as strong as steel with comparable break strengths. Due to the elongation properties and it’s ability to absorb shock, Polyester strapping requires more energy to break. It is also five times lighter allowing for ease and flexibility of use.
• PRODUCT PROTECTION
  The soft and flexible texture of the strapping protects the most sensitive products reducing the need for additional protective materials. It is safe on virtually all surfaces which minimizes waste and eliminates costly re-work. Polyester strapping does not corrode, rust, or stain your products.
• COST EFFECTIVE
  Polyester strapping is a cost effective alternative to steel strapping and eliminates the “hidden costs” such as; damaged products,  worker injury and tooling repair costs. Polyester strapping tools are only a fraction of the cost to buy and maintain as well as having a longer use life. Only a single tool is needed to tension and secure Polyester strap and the wear and tear is minimal. Repair costs when required are also much lower than steel strapping tools.
• ENVIRONMENTAL
  Polyester strapping is environmentally-friendly and disposal is hassle-free. Polyester strapping eliminates the need for any specialized disposal equipment and can be put with regular industrial waste or effectively recycled. It can also be re-tensioned if required and the strap and buckle can be re-used in some applications.
• HIGH JOINT EFFICIENCY
  Polyester strapping uses a steel wire buckle to secure the ends creating the strongest joint available. Joint efficiency is the measurement that is calculated to determine what the actual strength of a strap is and at what point the band will fail. The joint itself is the weakest point of the strap applied to your load and is affected many factors like the tool used, condition of your banding tool, the banding itself, and seals. Polyester strap when installed correctly, can attain almost a 90% joint efficiency, which is 10 – 20% higher than steel.
• CUSTOMIZABLE
  Your company name and/or logo can be printed directly on the strap for security or a cost effective brand building strategy.

KEYPAK stocks Polyester strapping in various sizes and types. If you want to see how this can make your workplace safer and more efficient, call us today!