Category Archive: Materials

What Is Water Activated Tape?

Water-activated tape (WAT) is a paper-based tape. The adhesive is dry to the touch until it is activated by water. Once water contacts the adhesive, it becomes tacky and can easily adhere to cardboard boxes. The sole use for WAT is to secure corrugated cardboard boxes. 

There are several variations of water-activated tape, including non-reinforced and reinforced options. The non-reinforced option features a water-activated adhesive and a paper backing. The more robust form of WAT includes polyester or fiberglass reinforcement that is placed between two sheets of paper to provide added strength. 

Non-reinforced water-activated tape is suitable for lightweight packages and boxes. Reinforced WAT can be used on heavier parcels. There are a number of benefits to using either type of WAT.

Benefits of Water-Activated Tape

Water-activated tape is a go-to adhesive solution in the e-commerce space. Here’s why:

WAT Is Sustainable

As an increasingly large number of brands and consumers become more environmentally conscious, there has been a major push to limit plastic usage — WAT is paper-based, making it a sustainable alternative to plastic-based products.

It Is Secure 

Water-activated tape’s adhesive actually seeps into the fibers of corrugated boxes, creating a tamper-proof seal that keeps packages secure.

Water Activated Tape Can Be Branded 

As an added benefit, water-activated tape can be branded, making it a useful marketing tool that can enhance the customer’s experience.

Together, water-activated tape, corrugated boxes, and paper packing materials provide a secure and environmentally friendly way of shipping goods to your customers. 

Order Your Water Activated Tape Today

As you can see, there are plenty of advantages associated with using water-activated tape. That is why it is so popular in the e-commerce space. 

If you are looking to replace your traditional tape with a water-activated alternative, Holland Manufacturing can help. Visit us online or call (800) 345-0492 to request your free quote or order a sample from Holland Manufacturing today.

Choosing the Right Converted Paper

Broadly speaking, paper converting is the process of transforming raw paper material into a finished product. While the concept of paper converting may sound simple, it is anything but. Manufacturers can use numerous processes, tools, and techniques to convert your paper products into finished goods. 

The methods you select will have a direct impact on paper performance and manufacturing cost. Choosing an overly complex method that goes above and beyond the scope of your intended application will push costs to unnecessary thresholds. Conversely, opting for a cheaper but ill-suited method will lead to product failure. 

For instance, let’s say that you need packaging material to protect fragile products during shipping. If your manufacturer uses the wrong process, your paper may be too thin, which will result in an increase in product damage claims. Therefore, it is essential that you select the right converted paper for your project.

A Guide to Choosing Converted Paper

Although paper converting processes can be intricate, choosing the appropriate converted product for your needs is quite easy. All you need to do is find a reputable, experienced paper-converting partner. That’s really all there is to it.

So what exactly does a reputable manufacturing and converting partner look like? When you’re considering potential partners, make sure that they provide the following:

• Transparent pricing
• Converting services tailored to your needs
• A wide range of specialties
• Exceptional customer service
• Complimentary services (i.e., coating, printing, and laminating)

Would you like a manufacturing and converting provider that offers all of that and more? Contact Holland Manufacturing. Our company offers comprehensive converting services, including:

• Rewind slitting
• Precision die cutting
• Sheeting
• Box closure
• Custom packaging 

To learn more about our converting capabilities, connect with a Holland Manufacturing team member by calling (800) 345-0492 or requesting a quote online.

Is Breathable Underlayment Better?

For decades, felt paper has been the go-to solution for residential roofing underlayment. Throughout the last several years, most roofing companies have transitioned away from felt paper in favor of synthetic roofing underlayment, which is lighter, more durable, and easier to install.

However, yet another underlayment option has begun gaining traction among roofers as of late: breathable underlayment.

What exactly is “breathable underlayment,” and more importantly, is it better than synthetic options? Here’s everything you need to know about breathable underlayment.

What Is Breathable Underlayment?

A breathable underlayment is a specific type of underlayment material that offers a moderate to a high amount of permeability. In other words, it allows water to pass through the material, which can help prevent rot and increase roof longevity. 

Breathability is an underlayment attribute assessed using the ASTM E96 standard. Under this standard, the underlayment’s permeability is rated on a scale ranging from less than 0.1 to 10 or higher. The scale is as follows:

• Class 1: Less than 0.1 permeability 
• Class 2: 0.1 to 1 permeability
• Class 3: 1 to 10 permeability 

A material with a permeability rating above 10 isn’t classified as a vapor barrier under ASTM standards.

Generally speaking, a breathable underlayment will fall within the upper end of the Class 3 permeability range. For instance, an underlayment with a permeability rating of 9.0 would be considered breathable but would still meet ASTM’s criteria for a vapor barrier.

Synthetic underlayment remains a great option for both roofing and flooring applications. However, breathable underlayment might be the better choice in certain cases, such as when installing roofs in warm, humid environments.

Contact Holland Manufacturing to learn more about the benefits of both breathable and synthetic underlayment. We provide both types of underlayment and can assist with all of your vapor barrier needs.

Connect with our team by reaching out to us online or calling us at (800) 345-0492.

Reasons Why Banding Is the Standard for Sustainable Food Packaging

In the sustainable food packaging space, “banding” is just what it sounds like: the practice of wrapping a band around a product’s packaging or, in many cases, the product itself. 

The industrial packaging technique has quickly become popular among food and beverage manufacturers. Many factors have made banding the go-to approach for sustainable food packaging.

Banding Reduces Total Material Usage

The most obvious advantage of banding is that it reduces total material usage.

Instead of wrapping an entire bundle of carrots, broccoli, asparagus, bananas, or other produce, manufacturers can simply group these products with a single adhesive band.

Since bands can be custom printed to include a company’s name or brand logo, businesses can still connect with consumers without wasting so much plastic.

It Can Be Made from Sustainable Materials, Too

Speaking of plastics, numerous organizations have been working on developing biodegradable alternatives that don’t take centuries to break down. While some of these solutions are still in the works, others are market-ready.

Although they’re somewhat expensive compared to regular plastics, businesses can offset the costs associated with making the switch to more sustainable materials by using banding instead of traditional packaging methods.

Banding Cuts Down on Packaging Costs

That brings us to the final unignorable benefit of banding: it’s incredibly cost-effective. 

Banding products requires a fraction of the material that traditional packaging methods do. Once your banding operations are up and running, you’ll rack up savings and reduce your operating expenses. You can use these funds to hire new employees, pursue planned projects, or explore other sustainability initiatives.

Banding Holds Businesses Together

Ready to learn more about banding and the many advantages it can offer your business? Contact Holland Manufacturing by visiting our website or calling our team directly at (800) 345-0492.

Benefits of Using Paper Packaging

There are numerous benefits associated with using paper packaging as opposed to plastic alternatives. Some of the most notable include the following:

Paper Is More Biodegradable

Paper is far more biodegradable than plastic or foam packaging, and as such, it is much better for the environment. Switching to biodegradable packaging materials like paper will reduce your company’s environmental impact. It will also help you produce less waste and may even decrease your waste disposal costs too.

It’s Easier to Recycle

Like most businesses, your organization very likely engages in at least some level of recycling, so you know just how hard it is to recycle plastics, much less foam packaging waste. On the other hand, paper recycling is a breeze by comparison, given that just about every public and private recycling business collects paper. 

You Can Add Branding to Paper

The problem with plastic and foam packaging is that it is difficult to print or otherwise brand these materials. The end result is boring, bland packaging that does little to strengthen your brand’s image. Conversely, you can print your logo or other marketing materials directly on paper packaging, thereby allowing you to create a more intriguing purchasing and unboxing experience for your customers. 

Using Paper Packaging Will Improve Your Company’s Image

Modern consumers are hyper-aware of issues like climate change and the environmental impact of plastics, so by switching to paper packaging materials, you can demonstrate your company’s commitment to sustainability and make your brand more appealing to today’s consumers. 

Need Custom Paper Packaging? Contact Holland Manufacturing

If you want to transition to paper packaging materials and tape, Holland Manufacturing can help. We produce a variety of paper packaging products, including wrapping papers, barrier papers, poly-coated papers, custom-printed tape, and much more. Contact us today at (800) 345-0492 to obtain a free quote.

7 Ways to Fix Banding Issues

Banding issues can be incredibly frustrating. Whether they won’t adhere to your products or are fastened so tightly that they actually damage your goods, any problem with banding can decrease the productivity and profitability of your business. The good news, though, is that fixing banding issues is usually quite simple. 

If your business has been plagued by banding issues, we recommend that you try the following:

• Adjust Band Length

If your bands are either too long or too short, they will not adhere to your products properly. Bands that are too short will likely not adhere properly or, worse, crush your products. On the other extreme, using bands that are too long is just plain wasteful.

• Adjust Band Width

An overly narrow bandwidth can be detrimental to your products as well. Remember, the wider the surface area, the better the pressure of the band is distributed across the product. Using a wider band is especially important when banding together fragile products that could easily be damaged by too much tension. 

• Switch Adhesives

Most banding solutions use ultrasonic technology to bind the two ends of the band together, though some do use mild adhesives. If your current banding techniques are not working for your product packaging, consider switching to another solution with a better adhesive. 

• Modify Band Tension

Modifying the tension settings on your banding equipment is a simple-yet-effective way to correct banding issues. If tension is too high, equipment will damage products, break the bands, or both. Conversely, if tension is too low, bands will not be tight enough and will be more prone to slipping off.

• Transition to a Different Material

Durable plastic bands are a good choice for more rugged products that are not as susceptible to damage. On the other hand, paper bands are probably the better choice for more fragile products. If your current banding material is not working out, replace it with something that is more suitable for your products. 

• Partner with a Reputable Manufacturer

The most effective way to solve banding issues is to partner with a reputable material manufacturer. Efficient banding starts with quality packaging materials, so if your current provider manufactures bands of inconsistent quality, it may be time to connect with a partner like Holland Manufacturing.

• Contact Holland Manufacturing

Holland Manufacturing can help you correct banding issues by providing you with high-quality packaging materials. To learn more, request a sample or contact us for a quote by calling (800) 345-0492.

Why Use Talon Tape for Bulky and Heavy Packaging?

When securing bulky and heavy packaging, it’s vital to choose the right tape. While there are many options offering the durability required for use with heavy, bulky packages, Talon Tape is by far the best solution. 

Talon Tape features a three-inch-wide band reinforced with fiberglass to withstand heavy loads. But that’s not what makes it unique. 

Talon Tape’s most notable feature is that it includes PSA strapping with non-adhesive hand grip locations. These areas are positioned in such a way that they provide workers and customers with a natural, ergonomic handle. 

Due to Talon Tape’s fiberglass reinforced design, the material can support objects as heavy as 100 pounds. If desired, you can even use multiple strips of Talon Tape to create additional hand positions.

Benefits of Talon Tape

Gripping awkwardly shaped or bulky boxes pose a challenge for warehouse personnel, retailers, and customers alike. Traditionally, individuals attempting to move a bulky box would have to grip it unnaturally, use auxiliary straps, or bring in a hand truck.

With Talon Tape, the box can easily be grabbed without resorting to any outside equipment or unnecessary tactics. The ergonomically positioned hand grips allow a single person or duo to safely and efficiently lift boxes of virtually any size.

Talon Tape doesn’t just make lifting bulky or heavy packages more convenient. It can also be customized to match your brand logo’s color scheme and other design elements.

Order Your Talon Tape from Holland Manufacturing

Tired of grappling with bulky, heavy, and awkwardly shaped boxes? Give Talon Tape a shot and find out what a difference the right adhesive can make.

Contact Holland Manufacturing at (800) 345-0492 to request a quote or get a free sample and try Talon Tape for yourself.

The Benefits of ZEBRA ZT200 for Barcode Labeling

Barcode labeling is a time-tested method of efficiently organizing and identifying products. Modern barcodes provide a secure, efficient, and accurate means of rapidly identifying goods of all types, including perishable food items, electronics, and other consumer products.

However, you will need to invest in a barcode printer to use this labeling strategy. While there are many such printers on the market, the ZEBRA ZT200 Series is far above one of the best available options. The ZEBRA ZT200 Series provides several distinct advantages over other printers, including:

Small Footprint

The ZEBRA ZT200 has a space-saving design that makes it ideal for use in a wide range of settings. It can easily be installed and operated in facilities where space is at a premium. This form factor allows you to deploy your ZEBRA ZT200 in the optimal location within your facility.

High Volume Output

The basic premise of barcode labeling is to facilitate the efficient identification of products using a secure and accurate marking system. Every ZEBRA ZT200 lives up to that purpose better than any other barcode printer available.

Each ZEBRA ZT200 can produce a huge volume of flawless barcode labels at lightning speeds. This accelerated throughput allows you to incorporate barcode labeling into your inventory tracking processes without sacrificing operational efficiency. 

Low Cost of Ownership

For years, ZEBRA products have been known for their exceptional durability and reliability. The ZEBRA ZT200 continues this tradition with its low-maintenance design, easy media loading mechanism, and simplified serviceability. Cumulatively, these attributes offer a low cost of ownership and minimize downtime.

Setting Up Your Printers

Whether you are preparing to use barcode labeling for the first time or need to upgrade your current barcode printer, the ZEBRA ZT200 is a great solution. If you would like to obtain a quote on ZEBRA ZT200 printers for your business, complete an online quote request or contact Holland Manufacturing directly at (800) 345-0492.

How Custom Printed Tape Can Benefit Your Business

Custom printed tape is a tape that bears your company’s logo and namesake. Investing in a high-quality, water-activated tape that has been customized for your business might seem unnecessary at first. However, this simple and affordable move offers several great benefits for your business. 

Specifically, your business can use custom printed tape for: 

Branding

In the ultra-competitive modern marketplace, your business needs to leverage any advantage it can to differentiate itself from other companies in your vertical. Custom printed tape is a simple yet effective way of doing just that.

Think about it. Do you want to send your products to customers in bland, boring packaging that is sealed with traditional brown tape? Or, do you want to give that box a little flair with a vibrant strip of tape that sports your company logo? 

Seems like an easy call to us. Those few extra dollars that you invest in custom printed tape can help you leave a lasting impression on first-time clients and repeat customers alike.

Traceability

If you operate in a sector that values traceability, the custom-printed tape is a valuable tool. You can not only include your company name and logo on your custom tape, but you can add information like batch identification numbers as well. 

This tactic is especially popular in the food and beverage industry, as these organizations need to be able to track their products. 

Security 

Did you know that custom-printed tape can be used to keep your packages more secure and guard against tampering? 

Unlike standard packaging tape, your custom tape will not be readily available to people outside your fulfillment center. If anyone attempts to tamper with your custom tape, they will not be able to conceal their activities by resealing the package.

Creating a Design for Custom-Printed Tape

Ready to order your shipment of custom printed tape? If so, then call Holland Manufacturing at (800) 345-0492 or check out our printed tape quote tool.

How to Choose the Best Label for Your Packaging

When your package arrives at your customer’s doorstep, it is vital that you leave a great first impression. If they are greeted by a properly packaged item that is stored in a box with a crisp, clean label, you have accomplished your goal. 

However, if the label or packaging did not withstand the journey to its destination very well, the end recipient may form negative perceptions about your company.

With that in mind, it is critical that you choose the best label for your packaging. Doing so will not only help you reinforce your brand image in the minds of your consumers, but it will also decrease the likelihood that your package gets misrouted during transit. 

Without the vital delivery information included on the packaging label, the carrier does not know where to route your items. When selecting labels for your packaging, you should consider factors like:

Environment

If a package will be subjected to harsh environments while in transit, you had better invest in some quality labeling materials. Custom printed labels are typically more durable and can hold up better than generic alternatives. 

Package Shape

Oddly shaped packages might be more difficult to label. However, it is vital that you place the label in a conspicuous location so that shippers and other parties can easily find the information they need to complete the delivery. Once again, custom-printed labels offer the best solution available. 

How the Package Will Be Handled

Is the package being designated as fragile? Will it be transferred multiple times during the delivery process? Is the package quite large and cumbersome?

All of these factors will impact how the package is handled and how much abuse the label will need to endure. 

Picking the Right Products

As you can see, a lot goes into choosing a label. That is why you should partner with an experienced label manufacturer like Holland Manufacturing. If you would like personalized assistance or are ready to learn more about our custom label printing services, call our team directly at (800) 345-0492 or complete a quote request online.