Bubble: Benefits & Strength

Bubble comes in two primary categories:

1.	VOID FILL – filling in excess space around products in a box or container, protecting them against damage. Typical applications: – Shipping giftware – Shipping books – Shipping small appliances – Shipping multiple items in the same container
2.	BLOCKING & BRACING – securing products in a box or container to prevent them from shifting, sliding, moving, or colliding. Typical applications: – Shipping books – Shipping jewelry – Shipping fragile Items – Shipping computer monitors – Shipping precision gears – Shipping sculptures – Shipping Un-assembled furniture

These two categories go hand-in-hand as all empty space should be filled in order to block and brace effectively.

Pack station using Polyair AirSpace G6 machine and bubble-on-demand

Pros of Bubble

✔ Comes in different sizes and film thicknesses.
✔ Comes in different forms like bags, sheets, and rolls.
✔ Offers protection against shock and vibration.
✔ Easy-to-use, reusable.
✔ Versatile: interleaving, wrapping, and cushioning.

Cons of Bubble

✘ Designed for short periods of use (days or weeks).
✘ Can be difficult to recycle (explained below).

The Use of Nylon Vs. 100% Polyethylene

Some bubble film companies use Nylon in their bubble manufacturing process. Nylon lowers the recycle number from a #4 to a #7 recycled product (where facilities exist), and also makes the bubble much less pliable. This lack of pliability, particularly evident when wrapping around corners or other sharp edges, causes some bubble products to puncture and tear much easier than products that are 100% polyethylene. With consumers becoming ever more aware of their environmental impact, but not wanting to sacrifice performance, a bubble product made with 100% polyethylene is the smartest choice.

How Do I Know Which Bubble is Best/Strongest?

Below is a graph detailing Polyair 1/2" Bubble against two Nationwide competitors. The bubble burst strengths were measured by observing the pounds of force needed to break the bubble.

5-10 tests were completed for each product. The averages are charted here:

Summer has arrived and the weather is right for a bike ride. Consequently, bicycle retailers are seeing an increase in orders. That’s the good news. However, shipping bicycles poses some unique challenges.

For example, bikes are fairly expensive and easy to steal, which makes them a favorite target of thieves. They are also oddly shaped and subject to damage. These factors and others make it important that they be properly packaged. Unfortunately, as the number of orders that retailers are handling climbs, it is not uncommon for packers to start taking shortcuts.

And, the challenges are magnified for businesses that are new to shipping bikes. They want to do it right, but like all companies, want to save money where they can.

Safety & Security: What’s at Stake When Shipping Bicycles and Bike Parts?

It is important for businesses to carefully consider how they ship bicycles and bike parts. Why? There are a number of reasons. One is that many bike components — wheel spokes, shift mechanisms, etc. — are subject to damage in transit. Another, as noted above, is that bikes are attractive to thieves, and those in poorly sealed packages that make it easy for criminals to “tear and go” are even more so.

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Also, if damage or theft occurs, a company can lose more than just the cost of the bicycle. Unhappy customers may be quick to share their displeasure through social media, which can do long-term damage to a business’s reputation.  

3 Ways to Protect Your Bike Shipments

Here are three proven tactics for helping ensure that the bicycles you ship reach their destination safely and damage-free:

1. Use a strong shipping carton and proper padding. Corrugated cardboard containers work well for most shipments. Inside, ample bubble wrap or an eco-friendly alternative can ensure the bike doesn’t shift during shipping.
2. Use the right packing tape. Water-activated tape (WAT) creates an extremely strong seal, is effective with just one strip, and shows signs of tampering, which makes thieves think twice. Plus, WAT can be branded, which makes for a better overall buyer experience. Like Amazon’s logo tape, it can create a powerful sense of anticipation and excitement in the recipient.
3. Understand your options with shipping insurance. By one estimate, 30 percent of Americans say they have experienced package theft, and it is reasonable to expect that number to grow as the trend toward online shopping continues. Consequently, every business should look into shipping insurance. Other smart strategies include taking advantage of package tracking options and requiring a signature upon delivery.

The True Cost of Shipping a Bike

While it may cost a little more to ship a bicycle the right way, the cost of failing to do so can be much higher. You can help control the “right way” cost by making it fast and efficient for packers to prepare a bike for shipment. For example, if you use WAT, you should be sure that you are using the right dispenser for your needs. (Use our flowchart to help with your decision.) You should also take steps to maximize packing station safety and efficiency.

Finding the right carrier for your shipments is crucial as well. Bulk shipping through a major carrier may be the best option in some cases, while working with a niche carrier may make more sense in others.

Once You Get Rolling with Your Bike Shipping Practices...

The great thing about the time and effort you put into updating your bicycle shipping practices is that those processes will continue to pay dividends for years to come. Interested in learning more about water-activated tape, water-activated tape dispensers, and other products to meet your shipping needs? Contact us today!

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Check out our new guide below to ensure that your business is using the proper shipping and packaging tape for your needs. 

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

A company’s shipping practices can have a significant impact on its success. From customer satisfaction to how shipping costs impact your bottom line, there are many factors to consider. This includes your choice of shipping materials.

At a glance, purchasing bulk shipping supplies can appear to be a cost-effective approach, especially if your company has high shipping volumes. However, as many organizations quickly learn, skimping on the way goods are packaged can have negative consequences. Not only are there costs associated with providing refunds or replacing damaged items, there are also the long-term effects of developing a reputation for “cutting corners” on shipping.

While having shipping insurance provides a measure of security in the event that something goes wrong, safeguarding your packages with top-tier shipping materials can be well worth the investment. In particular, the protective packaging, tape, and tape dispensers you use can support better overall results for your business.

Packing and Shipping Supplies:
Protective Packaging

Paper Packaging - Polyair PaperSpace Void Fill

The material used to surround an item within a carton is, of course, critical to ensuring that it arrives undamaged. Inflatable packaging, also known as bubble wrap, provides many benefits, including that it absorbs shock and is lightweight. Inflatable packaging can also be custom printed and color tinted for brand recognition.

Paper packaging is another option. It is an easy-to-use and cost-effective way to fill voids within shipping cartons and provide exceptional cushioning. Plus, it is eco-friendly and 100 percent curbside recyclable.

Yet another popular cushioning material is a product called HexcelWrap. It is an innovative paper-based wrap whose segmented design provides outstanding protection of goods such as glassware, ceramics, and generally anything fragile.  It also provides excellent packing efficiency. It is curbside recyclable and repulpable.

When temperature control is a need, products like Chill-R™ Insulated Packaging are a cold chain (i.e., temperature-controlled supply chain) solution that protects sensitive products. Chill-R is recyclable in collaboration with Goodwill® and cost-effective.

LEARN MORE: Damaged Shipment? Here's How To Make Things Right

Packing and Shipping Supplies: Tape

Ensuring that shipping cartons stay securely sealed from one end of the shipping stream to the other is essential. Consequently, your choice in tape is very important. Plastic pressure-sensitive tape (PST) is one option and may be appropriate for some uses. However, water-activated tape (WAT) can be a better choice for a number of reasons. This includes preventing theft, which is an issue for many companies.

WAT creates a permanent bond with the surface of a carton and can produce a strong, tamper-evident seal with just one strip. If you are not familiar with WAT, you can learn more in A Guide for Tape Dispensing Performance Solutions.
 

Packing and Shipping Supplies: Tape Dispensers

IPG Water-Activated Tape and Better Pack Dispenser

A second factor in the sealing of shipping cartons is the type of dispenser you use. Your selection affects everything from safety to productivity. The hand-held tape guns commonly used with PST pose a few different risks. One is the potential for injury from the tape-cutting blade as the device is used. Another is risk of repetitive use injuries that can cause shipping team members to miss work and potentially require treatment.

If WAT is chosen for package sealing, there are two types of dispensers: manual and electric. Both support high productivity and can improve packing station safety. As a result, they can help improve your financial results.

Wondering which type of dispenser is right for your organization? Our tape dispenser selection flowchart can help you make the right choice.

A Ready Resource for Your Packaging Material Decisions

Investing in the right packing materials for shipping has many benefits. There is, of course, much to consider as you make your choice, including a variety of resources like our How to Exceed eCommerce Shipping Expectations guide. If you need guidance from one of our product experts, we’re happy to help! Contact us today.

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[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]