Employee-owned packaging business, Kite, has a team of packaging specialists who focus on bringing innovative solutions to market. Their chilled packaging has recently been expanded and is a must for companies looking to get items from A to B in temperature-controlled environments and is suitable for a range of applications, being a popular choice in the food and drink industry and pharmaceuticals. Standard temperature-controlled pouches Kite’s standard temperature-controlled pouches provide great protection for smaller items that require thermal protection for a shorter amount of time. Offering an adequate amount of thermal protection, the outer foil layer reflects heat away from the product, and with a 70-micron double-lined bubble wrap inner, they provide an interval of insulation and cushioning. Along with this new addition the chilled range consists of enviro friendly insulated boxes, insulated box liners, ice packs, thermal pallet covers, and temperature indicators. For more information on Kite Packaging and their range of products and services please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.

Do you know that every aspect of your product contributes to whether you’ll attract more customers and retain the existing ones, including packaging and delivery? While you might have premium delivery services, which can be free for the customer, sometimes, the customer still wants a guarantee that the product was safe during storage and transit. The packaging will clearly tell that. Moreover, your brand’s perception will be influenced by the physical appearance and design of the packaging material. Transportation and shipping boxes needs may vary from one business to another, but it still helps if you go for an affordable yet valuable solution that will cut down costs and improve the profit margin. Among the safest, durable, and reliable packaging solutions that are gaining popularity in the mainstream include corrugated materials. So, what reasons would prompt you to choose corrugated packaging? Well, they include but aren’t limited to the following: Positive business image It is important to note that consumers are increasingly becoming aware of their duty towards achieving a safer and greener habitat that will benefit flora and fauna in generations to come. Corrugated boxes are not only biodegradable but can also be recycled with ease. For instance, today’s box that is used for packaging food products can be recycled for spare parts tomorrow. In other words, corrugated packaging is a sustainable, environmentally friendly option that every consumer would want to associate themselves with. In the long run, it fosters a positive business image that attracts new customers to the brand and retains existing ones. Product protection As noted earlier, consumers are interested in whether the product will reach them safely, especially if they are ordered online. Customized corrugated packaging will ensure that your products arrive at the consumer without any dent, scratch, or leaks. You would also want to work with a supplier who gives you additional safety features such as breakable seals such that consumers can have integrity in your product. That way, you’ll have the most after-sought brand in the whole city by just winning the hearts of a few who will be making constant references to your product. Don’t miss out on huge profits One of the main advantages of corrugated packaging is attracting new customers and retaining the already existing ones. That means that you’ll generally register improved sales and revenues in that financial year. In addition to that, it reduces the risks of refund or product liability lawsuits that may emanate from poor packaging of the products. The more you decrease the chances of such an incidence, the more your loyal customers will trust you. You’ll also save more in place of unnecessary expenses. Huge profits to your brand mean that more money can now be channeled to advertising and improving rates and wages to enhance labor efficiency and productivity. Improve the delivery system It will help if your delivery guy avoids too many other packagings just to make sure that the products arrive in shape. That can hinder long-distance deliveries as the product can arrive with some parts missing. That is why you should opt for corrugated design solutions. Affordable Lastly, you might be interested to know that there is an overwhelming option when it comes to choosing the right packaging material, but corrugated boxes are the most affordable ones. All you need to do is get a reliable supplier who will compliment all your needs, preferences, and specifications to create a package that will help build your brand’s reputation. The surest ways of landing a reputable supplier include direct references and online reviews. Positive online reviews are like personal recommendations and will often point you in the right direction. Make the internet your friend, and you’ll find locating the right supplier to be an easier task than you really expected.

Employee-owned packaging company Kite Packaging have recently launched on their leading B2B website, packing benches and paper roll holders, both great additions to any pick, pack and despatch operation. Kite’s strong and sturdy packing benches are a great addition to their workstations and benches offering. Packing benches are the ideal space-saving solution when packing items within an operation, they ensure efficiency and can be kitted out with all the required items for the process. Produced from strong steel with a Melamine Faced Chipboard worktop and supplied flat packed for ease of movement and transport, these strong sturdy benches have an excellent load-bearing capacity and are available in two configurations, with and without a shelf and extra roll holder. Kite’s recently launched paper roll holders with an integrated cutting blade, are another great essential product when packing items. Designed to be on the top of a counter or under a packing bench, they will ensure easy accessibility to materials as and when needed. They are commonly used by, ecommerce companies looking for an internal paper solution to wrap a wide range of goods, florists and, gift wrapping. For more information on Kite Packaging and their range of goods and services, please visit kitepackaging.co.uk

As global warming threatens the planet, consumers are starting to pay more attention to the brands they buy from. Governments across the world are trying to prevent a global crisis by forcing businesses to lower their emissions. Sustainability has become increasingly important and it’s something consumers are focusing more on too. This is especially true when it comes to product packaging. Here, we’ll look at what eco-friendly packaging is and why it’s becoming increasingly important to consumers. What is eco-friendly packaging? Eco-friendly packaging is described as a material which reduces its eco footprint over time. It could be made from 100% raw and recyclable materials, or it may be reusable packaging. It could also refer to packaging which has been made by a minimised production and supply chain process. In terms of what types of packaging businesses can use, cardboard and paperboard are great options. As well as focusing on recyclable materials, consumers also expect less packaging to be used. This means not sending goods in boxes that are far bigger than they need to be for example. Why is it important to consumers? So, why is sustainable packaging important to consumers? Well, they are much more aware of their own impact on the environment. Ensuring they buy from businesses who use sustainable packaging, therefore helps them to reduce their own carbon footprint. Another reason it’s important is because it shows consumers what a business truly cares about. They would much rather buy from companies who are dedicated to having the environment, than those who are simply looking out for their profits. The business benefits it provides It isn’t just the environment and the consumers which benefit from eco friendly packaging. It can also have great benefits to businesses too. By using sustainable packaging, it’s going to help drive profits and save the business money. When you order parcel delivery through Parcel2Go, you’ll find it’s much cheaper to send parcels with minimal packaging. As it’s important to consumers, you’ll also find focusing on sustainability helps you to attract more customers. This is turn boosts your profits. Of course, you’ll also feel good in the knowledge that you’re doing your part in saving the planet.    If you really want to stand out from your competitors and make the biggest difference in terms of packaging, switching to plant based solutions is a good idea. These types of packaging are made from organic compounds which easily and safely decompose over time. As you can see, there are lots of reasons for businesses to start using more eco-friendly packaging. It plays an important role in reducing the effects of global warming, while also keeping consumers happier.

For most consumers today the words “plastic” and “sustainability” don’t often go together. However, manufacturers understand that reusable plastics are making supply chains more sustainable. Additionally, reusable plastics help to streamline a supply chain, reducing bottom lines and making products more affordable. This is especially true in the food supply chain, where sustainability as well as cleanliness are of utmost importance. When looking at the journey a tomato takes from farm to a consumer’s home, it’s clear to see how often reusable plastics make it possible. Plastics in the Growing Process It used to be that tomato farming required in the US the use of a large amount of non-eco-friendly materials, such as metal and wood. However, the containers and other products made of these materials are damaging to the environment to create as they require mining or felling of trees. Additionally, these products weigh more than plastic, leading to raised shipping costs and adding to the fuel required to get these products to the farms and out for shipments. Nowadays, farmers use carefully sourced plastic systems to help them grow tomatoes safely and naturally. Plastic seedling trays, plastic irrigations systems, and plastic greenhouse covers allow farmers to grow tomatoes more efficiently and in all kinds of weather, yielding more abundant crops and reducing the overall carbon footprint of the tomato industry. Plastics in the Harvest Process Lipman Family Farms, located in Immokalee, Florida, is America’s largest field tomato grower. They pride themselves on being Earth-conscious and pioneering sustainable farming practices, which is why plastic harvest bins are their go-to containers when it’s time to pick the tomatoes. “The harvest bins are the foundation of our farming operation, they’re reusable to the point of five to six years,” says Louis DeMaso, Sustainability and Operations Analyst for Lipman Family Farms. “They hold about 5,000 pounds [so we use them] anytime we transport our bins from farm to packinghouse.” Not only are plastic harvest bins reusable, but they can be equipped with features such as ventilation, sturdy handles, and side-wall access. These features make harvesting easier for workers, thereby speeding up the process. Containers with these features can also protect the produce within, leading to less waste. All of this can contribute to reduced costs for the farmer and consumer. But perhaps the most crucial reason that plastic harvest bins have become preferable in agriculture explains DeMaso is that “from the food safety perspective, plastic is much cleaner.” Plastic is safer for food storage due to its nonporous nature. It does not absorb moisture, so bacteria is not able to grow. Washing plastic with sanitizer virtually guarantees a clean surface because substances cannot become trapped within the plastic, unlike cardboard, which very easily absorbs moisture, dirt, and germs. Plastics at the Packinghouse After the tomatoes are harvested, they are then sent to a packinghouse for washing and packaging. Specially designed reusable plastic crates allow for proper ventilation and automated sorting, all of which leads to reduced waste. Most tomatoes are then processed into sauces and soups. For this purpose, most packinghouses rely on intermediate bulk containers, or IBCs. These large plastic boxes are especially designed to hold liquids and can hold over 300 gallons. Their high-load capacity, durability, and reusability make IBCs far superior to traditional barrels. Plastics in Distribution There are many reusable plastics being used at the distribution level as well. Grocers rely on reusable plastic containers, or RPCs. These lightweight, foldable containers also often act as the “shelves” in produce displays. They are also easily stacked, and not expensive to ship due to their light weight. Additionally, plastic shipping pallets are used to send tomatoes and produce of all kinds to grocers and processors. They are lighter, take up far less vertical space than traditional pallets, and can nest into each other for return shipments, making them far more cost effective for shipping large quantities of goods. Plastics and International Trade For international transit, especially, plastic is preferable because the supply chain is longer. The durability of plastic, as opposed to wood, means the containers are less likely to be damaged on a long trip, even with hundreds of pounds of produce stacked on top of them. Plastic is often also easier to pass through international customs, as they’re naturally less likely to harbor dangerous germs, molds, or other contaminants. The United States has been a bit slower to adopt reusable plastics in general, likely because the initial cost of reusable packaging is higher than single-use options. However, companies like Reusable Transport Packaging are working to change that perception by offering rental models that allow farmers to only pay for the time they are using the containers. “Farmers still spend a lot of money on single use corrugated and or single use plastics for distribution to retailers. Our pay-per-use or milk man model allows users to cut out single use packaging waste, save money, and use a better reusable transport package,’ says Justin Bean, Business Development and Sales Manager at Reusable Transport Packaging. Many in the agriculture industry are also realizing the importance of using reusable packaging if they want to do business internationally. “There are a lot of countries especially in the EU that will not allow or simply don’t want their products shipped in single use cardboard or plastics,” says Bean. “We are able to work with those customers to provide a RTP that will work for them and protect their protects better in transit.” Looking at all the advantages of reusable plastics, it becomes clear why they have become a staple for supply chains in nearly every industry. Of course, agricultural shipping has additional concerns when it comes to maintaining food safety, making plastic containers an even more ideal solution.

The employee-owned business offers competitive pricing A wide selection of carriers (tape material) and adhesive are available as well as a custom print and coloured tape range. Carrier (tape material) Polypropylene is strong, durable and tear resistant PVC/Vinyl offers great elasticity and can withstand the pressure exerted by the weight of heavier loads. It is tear and burst resistant, with high tack properties and perfect for use in a variety of temperatures, including extreme Paper is fully recyclable if not reinforced and depending on the adhesive it can form one of the strongest bonds Adhesives Hotmelt Offers exceptional adhesion strength, flexibility and a quick, high initial tack. It performs well in varying applications and is advised to be used in temperatures +15 to +65°C. Acrylic Resistant to ageing, weathering, sunlight and discoloration, acrylic tape offers excellent clarity and has a long-lasting holding power making it ideal for long term use. Suitable for a range of applications and in temperatures 0 °C to +65 °C. Solvent Quickly forms a strong, lasting bond and is commonly used for carton sealing, being particularly useful in extreme temperatures -25 to +50°C and in high humidity and damp conditions. It is commonly used for a variety of applications and is reliable for long term sealing. Starch Natural adhesive that is incredibly strong and allows the box fibres to bond with the paper tape, to create a seal that is virtually impossible to tear off once applied. For more information on Kites range of products and services, visit kitepackaging.co.uk.