Rebecca Stevenson, Author at KB Packaging

What is Shrink Film?

Shrink wrap, also well know as shrink film, is a powerful packaging tool, used across various industries. It’s a plastic film that shrinks tightly around an item when heat is applied, creating a secure and protective layer. These features make it a popular choice for protecting and stabilising products during transport and storage.

Using shrink film is really simple and easy to do…

Begin by wrapping the item in shrink film, use tools like the Multicover 960 to ensure you only use the film you need, and the ability to make custom sizing. Apply the heat, by using a Ripack heat shrink gun, for targeted heating and even heat distribution.

The magic of shrink film lies in the behaviour of the polymer chains. In their natural state, these long chains are tangled, when the plastic is manufactured, the chains become stretched and aligned. Applying heat makes them respond, causing them to return to their original state and shrink, tightly moulding around the item.

Here are some benefits of using shrink film…

Protection – It protects against damage when in transit and in storage. It also makes it apparent if the cargo has been tampered with. In addition to this shrink film protects against dirt and moisture both in transit and when palletised products are stored.

Stability – When the film is heated, it creates a tight fit around the products and pallet, meaning it is less likely to topple, reducing the risk of cost to damaged products and protecting the health and safety of your staff.

It’s Adaptable – Shrink film is able to adapt to a variety of different shapes and sizes, making it a really versatile piece of packaging.

Industries that commonly use shrink film:

Food and beverage industries commonly use shrink film to bundle large quantities of products together, retail environments shipping large quantities of palletised product, and it can even be used for boats and uneven shapes, electronics, building materials, and timber.

Contact our team today to discuss your shrink film requirements and other Ripack heat shrink gun products, services and equipment.

May 7, 2024

What are the Benefits of Using Ripack Guns and Shrink Film to Secure Pallets

In the shipping world today, keeping your products safe in transit is crucial. For businesses in the UK, using a Ripack heat shrink gun and shrink film. Powerful and cost effective tools across a variety of industries.

Engineered for Efficiency:

Renowned for their power and performance, Ripack heat shrink guns, powered by propane gas, are the perfect tool for protecting products in storage and in transit, whether it is a standard pallet, product or ugly freight. They delivered focused heat and shrink the film to the shape of the pallet or product.

How do I Know Which Shrink Film to Use?

While the Ripack gun is renowned for it’s power and efficiency, choosing a shrink film fit for the task, optimises the results and ensures a secure wrap. Select a film thick enough to handle what needs to be protected, is it being shrunk on to standard palletised items, or unusually shaped goods, or even individual products. Measuring your product against your film is hugely important, getting the size right first time means you will get an even coverage and not create any waste. We advise using tools such as the Multicover 960 for even and accurate covering.

Heat shrinking your pallet with a Ripack heat shrink gun and film offers a multitude of advantages:

You’ll benefit from enhanced protection against dust, dirt and damage, as well as being able to see if the pallet has been tampered with. Using this method gives improved stability as goods are tightly packed to the pallet. A Ripack heat shrink gun offers continuous streamlined work flows especially when used with a high performing film and correct accompanying tools. Finally you’ll have a professional finish, appearing great to your customers when your goods arrive, but also during transit.

To find out more about Ripack heat shrink guns and the variety of shrink films available, contact our team today.

April 15, 2024

Master Your Q2 Packaging: A Guide to Materials, Efficiency, and Cost

Sustainability vs Cost:

Consumers continue to demand that the brands they invest in use sustainable practices with their packaging and operational processes, however they also have a growing emphasis on affordability, which means that businesses need to find a balance between the two. In Q2 it is important that businesses review their sustainable packaging practices to overcome difficult conditions within the industry.

Minimal Packaging:

A great way to save on cost and become more efficient is to use minimalist packaging, By keeping it simple, but unique to your product, you’ll lose no protection but gain savings on cost as well as time. Packaging audits are great way of discovering how to achieve the perfect packaging fit for your product, minimise waste at the end of the chain.

Printed Packaging:

Branded and printed packaging has become more and more popular, especially over the last 7 years. Printed packaging is a great way to promote your brand, engage with customers, and thanks to AI personalise. There are some great eco-friendly inks and material options available.

Automation:

Consumers demand fast outputs, and that demand is set to increase throughout the year, with key events and holidays driving purchases. By adding automation to your operations, whether that be machinery to a supplier that is reliable and can get packaging to you at speed, now is the time to prepare and put your packaging in place ready for those busy periods.

To make sure all of your packaging is ready for the rest of 2024, we advise a packaging audit, to optimise your processes and increase your efficiencies.

March 27, 2024

Choosing the Right Shrink Film

Selecting the best shrink film for your needs all depends on your application.

How big is the object you need to wrap? Layflat film is known for its width (up to 15 metres) and the ability to be heat-welded for a larger coverage. This makes it ideal for wrapping large objects or creating liners. For smaller items, centrefold layflat film is a better option. ( Centrefold means that the film is folded in half lengthways).

Layflat film is commonly or also known as shrink-wrap, it is a versatile film solution and available in a range of widths and lengths. Unfolded film provides full width, used for applications where a maximum coverage is needed. Centrefold is pre-folded, and this is ideal for wrapping smaller medium-sized objects.

There are other factors to consider before choosing which film you use; how much weight or pressure does the film need to hold, do you need a transparent film, for things like product visibility? How tightly does the film need to shrink around the object/product?

Whether you manage a warehouse, work in retail or run any business where you store goods, keeping your goods secure is very important. Damaged products not only cause cost but also lead to unhappy customers.

Indoor storage has risks from corrosion and fire, to theft or damage. There are a variety of solutions available to create a safe and secure space for your goods and products. Heat shrink pallet covers and hoods ae available from KB Packaging to keep your pallets stable and secure.

March 8, 2024

How to Service and Maintain Your Ripack Heat Shrink Gun

The Ripack heat shrink gun is a reliable tool for many industries. But like any high-performance machine, Ripack guns require regular maintenance to ensure peak performance, and longevity. While you may be able to Google some hints and tips, it is always better to use a trusted Ripack service centre, and here is why.

Benefits of regular Ripack servicing:

Expert Care: Our Trained technicians in the service centre, through knowledge and experience, can easily recognise issues no matter how complex, and easily resolve them. This means problems are caught before they can escalate saving you time and money.

Genuine Parts: We will only use genuine Ripack parts, meaning you will achieve optimum performance and ensuring compatibility. This is crucial to maintaining safety and avoiding issues.

You Extend the Lifespan: By servicing your Ripack gun regularly, you help to prevent wear and tear, saving on costs and time.

Safety: At the service centre, our technicians will do in depth safety checks, to ensure the Ripack gun operates safely and complies with regulations.

It’s in Safe Hands: By using our official Ripack service centre, you know your Ripack gun is in safe hands, with technicians who have plenty of experience, allowing you to focus on projects or opportunities within the business.

By investing in regular Ripack heat shrink gun servicing, you know you will; increase productivity, ensure safety, and extend the life of your Ripack gun.

March 4, 2024

Innovations in Pallet Stability with Invictus Nanofilm

KB Packaging’s use of nanofilm marks a significant advancement in securing and stabilising palletised loads. The advanced stretch film, superior in strength but has minimal thickness compared to traditional films, introduces an array of benefits aimed at enhancing the security and integrity of goods during their journey.

Nanofilm sets a new standard in packaging with its unique combination of features;

Exceptional cling and load retention: The film’s outstanding cling properties tightly secure loads to the pallet, significantly reducing the necessity for additional securing methods and ensuring that goods remain intact throughout transit.

Durability under stress: Its engineered resilience allows nano film to with stand substantial stress without compromising load integrity, making it an invaluable asset in protecting goods against the rigours of transport.

Optimised load containment: Thanks to its superior stretch capabilities, nanofilm adeptly conforms to irregular shapes and sizes, ensuring a snug fit that prevents load shifting and enhances stability.

Environmental impact and efficiency: Not only does the use of nanofilm lead to a decrease in the amount of stretch film required – offering cost savings and reducing waste – but it includes a minimum of 30% recycled material, meaning it helps towards environmental sustainability in packaging solutions.

Resistance to environmental factors: The film’s ability to withstand variations in temperature, humidity, and exposure to UV radiation ensures that pallet stability is maintained across diverse conditions throughout the supply chain.

Seamless integration and automation: Compatible with an array of packaging machinery, nanofilm facilitates efficient operations, accommodating both semi-automatic and fully automatic stretch wrapping systems to support high-volume logistics activities.

The adoption of nanofilm not only enhances the security and stability of palletised goods but also aligns with sustainability goals, reducing the environmental footprint of packaging processes.

The dynamic realm of ecommerce and fulfilment demands unparalleled efficiency and reliability, where pallet stability plays a critical role. Recognising the impact of compromised pallet stability on costs, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation, it’s clear that mastering this aspect of logistics fundamental for businesses striving to lead in the competitive ecommerce landscape.

As the industry continues to grow, adopting these robust practices will not only mitigate risks but also set the stage for seamless expansion and customer satisfaction.

March 1, 2024

The Vital Role of Pallet Stability in the Ecommerce and Fulfilment Industries

In an era where ecommerce and fulfilment operations are the backbone of retail, the stability of pallets carrying goods across the globe is a critical factor in both the success of businesses and the satisfaction of customers.

The key role of pallet stability in ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective delivery of products.

The ecommerce and fulfilment industries are crucial drivers for the global economy, experiencing rapid growth that demands unmatched efficiency and reliability. In 2022, the market was valued at an impressive £96,247.94 million with expectations to reach around £198.62 billion by 2030.

This growth, averaging an expected rate of 9.5% from 2022 to 2030, highlights the key role of logistics in connecting products with consumers worldwide.By securing goods during transport and storage, pallet stability enhances safety and promotes environmental sustainability, essential for thriving in these rapidly expanding sectors.

During the journey from warehouse to doorstep, unstable pallets carry a significant risk of goods being damaged. This happening carries a steep cost, impacting profits, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation. Every year in the UK, around 82.5 million pallets arrive at their destination damaged, costing companies millions of pounds.

It is estimated that companies are losing as much as 5% of palletised goods due to problems with pallet stability. Addressing these risks is therefore essential for companies aiming to excel in the competitive ecommerce and fulfilment space.

Pallet instability is a significant concern in logistics, leading to potential damage and safety hazards. Key causes and consolidated practices to address them include;

Insufficient locking of the pallet: Adequate locking of the load to the pallet is crucial. This involves ensuring the wrapping film securely covers at least 33% of the pallet’s height, providing a stable base that minimises the need for additional securing methods.

Inadequate film performance and optimisation: The performance of the wrapping film is vital, with correct wrapping techniques and sufficient overlap essential, to prevent pallet failure. High-quality wrapping film, particularly nanofilm, can significantly reduce the need for using a large amount of film.

Pallet stacking pattern and utilisation: Adopting a locking pattern for stacking, as opposed to block stacking, and managing even weight distribution without exceeding stacking heights, is essential for maintaining integrity.

Poor pallet quality: Utilising pallets in good condition through regular inspections helps avoid instability and potential collapse.

But how can you further refine those practices?

Understanding merchandise attributes: Tailoring stacking strategies to the specific features of your products is key. This involves placing heavier goods at the bottom and using careful layering and padding for fragile items to maintain stability during transit.

Selecting the right pallets:

Plastic pallets, best for lighter loads, offering cleanliness, durability, and space-saving benefits.
Wooden pallets, ideal for heavier loads due to their strength and affordability.
Steel pallets, unmatched in durability, these are perfect for very heavy or bulky items.

A systematic approach ensures goods are properly stacked and bound, reducing the risk of displacement or damage.

Even weight distribution is critical. Techniques such as using straps and corner boards enhance the overall stability of the pallet, complimenting the choice of pallet.

It is important you choose a reliable supplier, we provide expert recommendations and solutions to enhance the security and stability of your items while they are being transported. This includes the provision of layer sheets to improve weight dispersion across the pallet, pallet top sheets, edge protectors, and covers for pallets. We also supply pallet wrap and nanofilm designed for application by hand or machine.

March 1, 2024

Spring Packaging, Staying Fresh and Standing Out

Spring is a time for renewal, and that extends to the packaging of your products. As everywhere around bursts with vibrant colours and life, your packaging needs to reflect the same energy to grab attention on crowded shelves.

Here are some of our top tips to make your packaging stand out this season…

Spring pallets to think about include, bright colours; happy yellows, fun pinks and vibrant greens. These colours evoke feelings of joy and growth, perfectly capturing the essence of Spring. Pastels are a softer choice, simply turn the vibrancy down on those familiar Spring brights, these shades will offer a calming and elegant feel, ideal for more premium products. You could even draw inspiration from nature itself, using Earthy tones like browns, beiges, and light greens, creating a sustainable and organic aesthetic.

It’s not just about colour, make your packaging interesting and seasonal, through texture and materials. Consider a touch of luxury with metallic accents in gold, silver or rose gold, this will create a sophisticated and eye-catching detail. You can create a sense of depth and dimension with embossed or debossed designs. This adds a tactile element that invites engagement. Opting for eco-friendly materials is another great way of adding a touch of Spring to your packaging, recycled paper showcases your brands commitment to sustainability, these materials often will have natural textures adding to the overall customer engagement experience.

Get creative with fun designs, subtle floral patterns and quaint illustrations add a touch of charm to your Spring packaging, while not being overwhelming. Consider the shape of your packaging, opt for circular corners on boxes, or custom sleeves, instead of the traditional formats. A great way to interact with your customers is to make your packaging interactive, surprise your customers with pop-up features, hidden messages or even little Spring touches like plantable seeded paper.

While creating a visually appealing package is important, don’t forget about sustainability and being environmentally responsible. Opt for recycled, biodegradable, or compostable materials wherever possible. This not only meets growing consumer demand for sustainability, but also has a positive impact on your brand image and meet your sustainability goals.

Create Spring packaging that is visually exciting and environmentally conscious, guaranteeing your product stands out in 2024.

February 26, 2024

How Choosing the Right Packaging Company Can Enhance Business Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced business environment, achieving speed and efficiency in all operations is not just a goal-it’s a necessity

As a business leader, you understand the pressures of meeting deadlines, maintaining quality, and exceeding customer expectations. The last thing you need is for packaging to slow you down or become a bottleneck in your supply chain.

This is where the importance of selecting a packaging company dedicated to enhancing business efficiency comes in.

KB Packaging’s strategy is a testament to how packaging companies can boos businesses operational speed and efficiency. Our comprehensive services are designed to address every aspect of the packaging process, embodying our commitment as a packaging company to enhancing business efficiency for our clients.

At the heart of commitment to your business’s operational speed and efficiency is our consultation process. Our approach begins with a thorough understanding of your unique business needs.

Through our consultation service, we tailor our packaging strategies to align perfectly with our operational goals, ensuring that the solutions we provide are integral to our business’s efficiency and speed.

Why are regular packaging reviews essential?

In a merket that is constantly evolving, staying ahead requires adaptability and foresight – qualities that extend to your packaging strategies. Regular reviews of your packaging approach are crucial.

As consumer preferences and market trends shift, packaging needs to evolve to stay relevant and appealing. This ensures your products continue to meet market demands effectively.

A key trend is the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. This shift requires businesses to reassess and modify their packaging strategies to include options that are not only environmentally friendly but also meet consumer expectations for sustainability.

Embracing such packaging solutions can significantly enhance a brands appeal and ensure it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace that prioritises environmental responsibility.

Regular reviews are integral to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. They can be strategically carried out quarterly or 6 monthly, aligning with business cycles or following market shifts.

During reviews teams can assess the effectiveness of current packaging strategies, identify areas of process refinement, waste reduction, and explore new opportunities for enhancing operational efficiency.

Utilising feedback from these reviews ensures that packaging practices evolve in step with business needs and environmental considerations, leading to sustained improvements in efficiency and productivity.

KB Packaging plays an important role by offering expert insights and recommendations during the review process. Our expertise can help identify opportunities for optimisation, ensuring packaging solutions remain at the forefront of industry standards and best practices.

What are the benefits of partnering with a dedicated packaging supplier?

Teaming with a packaging supplier like KB Packaging brings a host of advantages that directly contribute to the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your business. Here is how:

Through our complete stock management system, we work closely with you to understand your unique packaging and shipping needs. Whether on a 6 month, 9 month, or annual basis, we offer a bespoke service that ensures you always have the right packaging available when you need it, without the upfront cost for the entire supply. This arrangement provides predictability in pricing and supply, allowing for better budgeting and stock management.

Flexible and responsive, this service model is designed to adapt to your demand fluctuations. If your usage increases unexpectedly, KB Packaging promptly informs you, allowing for timely restocking. This proactive approach ensures you never run low on essential packaging materials, maintaining continuity in your operations.

Cost and efficiency advantages, knowing your packaging costs upfront and avoiding large initial outlays for stock helps improve cash flow and budget management. Moreover, having a reliable supply chain partner alleviates the pressures of managing inventory levels freeing up your resources to focus on core business activities.

From our comprehensive consultation process to the implementation of innovative technologies, we are dedicated to optimising your operations, reducing costs, and improving sustainability.

By partnering with us, you gain access to innovative and bespoke packaging solutions designed to streamline your supply chain and strengthen your brand’s visibility.

February 20, 2024

Why Using the Right Pallet Wrap Matters

The world of logistics and supply chains is pretty fast paced and efficiency and safety is paramount within these industries. When it comes to securing palletised goods for transportation and storage, pallet wrap plays a vital role. But not all films are created equal and choosing the right one for your particular operations will make he world of difference. Here is why using the right pallet wrap is important for your logistical success.

Stability and Security:

The primary function of stretch film is to ensure the stability of palletised goods. The right film, used with the appropriate method of application, creates a secure unit, preventing shifting and damage during transit. This not only protects the products but also reduces the risk of accidents and injuries in warehouses and on the road.

Cost Savings:

Using the wrong film can lead to wasted materials, increased wrap usage, and in the end higher costs. Choosing the right film for your specific load weight, size, and transportation conditions will ensure optimal performance and minimises unnecessary material use. Additionally, proper wrapping techniques can further reduce costs by lowering the risk of product damage and returns.

Environmental Impact:

With ever growing concerns about plastic waste, choosing a sustainable film is something that is becoming increasingly more important. Look for films manufactured using recycled materials, or those that are specifically designed for easy recycling. In addition to this using the right amount of film for the job helps to minimise overall plastic consumption.

Brand Reputation:

If your goods arrive damaged to their destination it won’t only reflect poorly on your products but also on your brands reputation. Using the right film ensure that your products will arrive safely and intact, contributing to a positive customer experience and brand image.

Compliance: In the UK, there are certain regulations regarding the use of plastic packaging materials. Choosing stretch film that complies with these regulations, such as the Plastic Packaging Tax, ensures you are operating within the legal framework and avoiding potential fines.

With a variety of stretch film options available in the UK, choosing the right one can seem daunting. Ask yourself this:

What are your specific needs? What are the products you are shipping? What is their weight? and what are the size and shape of your pallets? what will the transportation conditions be like?

Film characteristics? Gauge, pre-stretch and specific features like tear resistance or UV protection.

Cost-effectiveness? Balance performance and price to find the optimal solution.

Is it working towards your sustainability goals? Opt for recycled or recyclable materials whenever possible.

Investing in the right film is much more than simply a cost; it’s an investment in; safety, efficiency, sustainability, and your brand reputation. Working with suppliers that are reputable suppliers that will help you to understand your specific needs, can help towards ensuring your palletised goods arrive safely and securely every time.

February 2, 2024

Author: Rebecca Stevenson