Packaging FAQs

Packaging FAQs

Packline Solutions is committed to helping your business improve its processes to become more efficient and reduce its carbon footprint. We have been in the packaging supply industry for over a decade, offering quality consumables and built to last machinery and tools. Our experts in packing and distribution supplies keep up with the latest developments so they can bring you the best solutions for your industry operations.

Do you have a question we can answer below? If you can’t find the answer, our packaging and machine experts are ready to take your call and provide the help you need.

General questions

An estimated timeframe for delivery will be stated in the Quotation. Packline Solutions will use reasonable endeavors to meet the delivery timeframe.

We accept payment via our Commonwealth Bank payment gateway using either Mastercard or Visa.

Whilst Packline doesn’t handle maintenance and repairs on packaging machines ourselves we do have an Australia-Wide network of organisations who do offer repair work. Feel free to call us on 1300-661-161 so we can put you in touch with the right person.

Our Returns policy can be seen in section 7 of our Terms of Condition 

Prices listed on the website are generally Exclusive of GST. Once you are in the shopping cart GST is then added to the price so the final invoice is GST inclusive.

Packline Solutions warrants that the Goods, when delivered to the customer, will comply with any description for the Goods contained in the Quotation and
with the Standard Specification (if any) for the Goods.

Specific warranties vary according to which products(s) you have purchased and more details can be seen on our Warranty page here.

A Purchase Order No. (PO No.) is an order reference number used solely your internal records. A purchase order is generally displayed along side your invoice number.

You are always welcome to contact us via this form, phone 1300 66 11 61 or email sales(at)packline.com.au.

The easiest way to find a product on our website is to use our advanced search bar located in the main menu or alternatively browse our packaging products here.

Water activated tapes and dispensers

Adhesive tapes that are pressure sensitive float on the surface of a carton and will either unstick or tear off a surface when pushed. For example, when two flaps of a carton are sealed together by pressure-sensitive tape it is easy to push in the flaps creating a breach in the seal.

Also known as water-activated tape, gummed paper tape is usually made from brown Kraft paper and water-activated adhesive. This tape is ideal for sealing corrugated cardboard cartons. When the tape is applied, it bonds with the inner corrugated layer of the carton, creating a tamper-proof seal. It can’t be pushed in with pressure. It literally becomes part of the cardboard carton. At Packline we sell Bond Tape reinforced gummed paper tape.

Gummed paper tape is used to seal corrugated cardboard cartons. Water activates the gummed adhesive which seeps into the interior corrugated layer of the carton and forms a strong bond, becoming part of the carton.

Water-activated tape cannot be used on glossy, printed cardboard cartons as it might be prevented from bonding. Also if a company logo is printed on the carton then Kraft paper water-activated tape is opaque and will obscure the graphics. This can be overcome by printed branding on some paper tapes.

Water-activated tape is environmentally friendly. Gummed paper tape is made from 100% recycled paper and cardboard. Unlike alternative cellophane or other plastic-type tapes, it doesn’t need to be removed from the carton when recycling. This incentivises staff to recycle cartons because all they have to do is flatten the cartons without separating tapes off before putting them in the waste stream.

This tape is better used with a water-activated tape dispenser. Dispensers are either fully manual or electronic. The tape length is set on the dispenser and as the tape shooter dispenses the tape it adds just the right amount of water for adhesion to occur.

The cost of a water-activated tape dispenser depends on whether you get a manual, semi-automated or a fully automated dispenser. Fully automated tape dispensers are necessary for busy packing rooms where there is a high output of parcels. Fully electronic machines are good for stopping repetitive strain injury and for saving on excess use of tape. Manual tape dispensers are the more affordable option with fewer features and suitable for a smaller production line.

It’s important to get the dampened tape from the dispenser to your carton as soon as it shoots out. Apply it from the middle and spread outwards along the seal until it has smoothed and formally bonded with the carton. It will take a few seconds to set.

A manual or an electronic gummed paper tape dispenser depends on your level of productivity. If you have a busy mailroom and need a fast tape dispenser then we would recommend the Better Packages Electronic Tape Dispenser. This dispenser can seal over 100 cartons per eight-hour shift without overheating and saves staff from acquiring repetitive strain injury. We have a range of manual dispensers such as tape shooters and pull and tear dispensers for the slower-paced mailroom that come well designed and built as more affordable options.

Since water-activated tape is dispensed from a benchtop mechanism, it eliminates repetitive strain injury that is caused by tape gun dispensers typically used to apply pressure-sensitive tapes. Due to the superior bonding properties of gummed paper tape, only one strip is needed. While other tapes can be less expensive, over-application of pressure-sensitive tapes to secure a decent seal takes more time and uses more tape. It is more productive to use gummed paper tape in the long run.

The most cost-effective tape is BondTape or gummed Kraft paper tape. It takes less tape to create a secure seal with water-activated tape. Just one strip is all that is needed for a cardboard carton. Other tapes need more applications to create security, sometimes adding cross-directional strips to anchor the flaps of the carton down. Also, because gummed paper tapes are tamper-evident it is less likely your goods will slip out and get damaged, or worse, stolen.

Another cost-saving is that water-activated tape dispensers are benchtop mechanisms which prevents repetitive arm and hand movement. Staff are less likely to need sick leave for repetitive strain injury. Continuous use of a tape gun, some of which can be heavy, cause carpal tunnel, injury and the need for paid sick leave. This may also lead to you having to hire temporary staff to fulfil orders and keep your production up to speed.

All industries that ship cartons from the factory to store, factory to manufacturer or store to customer use water-activated tape. Tamper evidence and pack strength are the main reasons a company chooses gummed paper tape over conventional tapes. Industries that use this tape include fashion, food, electronics, homewares, beauty, health care, pharmaceuticals, security, jewellery and eCommerce.

To get replacement parts or repair your tape dispenser you can ring your distributor and provide them with the serial number of your dispenser. They will be able to help you get it repaired or locate spare parts to fix your old one.

Yes, you can. We supply BondTape Green which is a water-activated tape made from recycled Kraft paper and a gum adhesive. BondTape does not need to be separated from the carton for recycling purposes.

When BondTape is water activated and applied to a carton it bonds with the inner corrugated layer to form a seal.

Yes it is. As BondTape bonds with the inner corrugated layer of cardboard, it can’t be pushed in like plastic tapes that only float on the surface. It becomes tamper evident if interfered with. Plastic tapes are pressure-sensitive, so will lift off the cardboard and the seal is breached and items can be removed. The plastic tape can be stuck back down without evidence of the breach.

Strapping solutions

Embossed strapping has raised diamond-shaped texture to provide grip against the buckle seal to maintain tautness during shipment. We sell PET embossed strapping.

Sometimes you do. A tight wrap with a film wrapping machine can go a long way to stabilising a pallet load. To provide extra security strapping is applied to help heavy loads stay firmly on the pallet. Odd shaped bundles and stretch wrapped items by hand need strapping reinforcement too.

Yes you can. PET (polyester) strapping is considered the steel alternative. It is safer and easier to use and doesn’t damage the edges of pallet loads. PET strapping has high shock absorbance and stretch recovery.

The weakest part of the strapping is in the join. Buckle joins are equal to less than half the break strength of the strap. Friction welds done by a power tool produces a joint stronger than 80%. It’s important to know the break strength variations of your joins so you can use the right strapping, buckles and joiners for the load you are shipping.

Each type of strapping has its own method and tools for tensioning and sealing. The different strapping types have different load strength and stretch recovery. It is important that you have the right tools for the job.

  • Steel strap is usually applied with either manual or pneumatic hand tools, either a tensioner and sealer or a combination tool.
  • Polypropylene strap is applied with either manual or powered hand tools and sealed with buckles.
  • Polyester strap is applied with hand tools, either manual or powered or with an automatic strapping machine.
  • Woven strapping is sealed with a wire buckle and can be tensioned by hand or by a manual tensioner.

 

There are different tools for applying, tensioning and sealing strapping. It will depend on the types of bundles and pallet loads you are securing and the size of your operation as to which tools you will need.

  • Strapping Hand Tools – manual tools that include shears, tensioners and crimpers used with seals and buckles.
  • Strapping Machines – automation of strapping applications with an automatic or semi-automatic machine.
  • Strapping Power Tools – are a good option for odd-shaped bundles. They can be battery operated or pneumatic and are hand-held, some of which tension, heat seal, crimp and cut the strap.

PET strapping is used on pallet loads because it is the stronger of the two. It is considered the steel strapping alternative. PP strapping is used on smaller and lighter loads such as carton sealing because it has the lowest break strength.

Steel strapping is strong and has little to no tension loss. It is good for pallet loads and bundles that weigh more than two tonnes and for containing pallet loads that are likely to be loaded and unloaded multiple times.

The best strapping for your needs depends on the load types and how far your shipments need to travel, including loading and unloading conditions.

Steel strapping is considered the strongest with no stretch so is used on very heavy loads, exceeding two-ton.

Strapping is made out either steel, polyester (PET) and polypropylene (PP) and the strapping we sell are variants of these materials. Steel strapping has been around for a long time but now there are safer, lighter and more weatherproof strappings that are as strong as steel. PET strapping is a perfect example.

If you are moving pallets of bricks or heavy building materials, steel strapping is still the go-to product. If you are sealing cartons and lighter loads then PP strapping is adequate enough.

It’s best to speak to one of our consultants in regards to your strapping needs, so you get it right the first time.

Yes, most strapping can be recycled. Industrial recyclers prefer you to chop strapping into sacks for easy collection and storage until it is collected for recycling.

Placing cardboard edge protectors on the edges of a pallet load is essential for preventing surface damage from strapping. Edge protectors also protect cartons from strap tension and can be used to line the inside edges of a carton to stop them collapsing. They can also be used to stabilise stretch wrapped freight. See our edge board protectors and cutter product pages here.

Most of our strapping can be used with hand-held tensioners and sealers.

PET strapping is made from polyester so it won’t rust like steel strap and is UV resistant.

PP (polypropylene) is lightweight, cost-effective and made for lighter strapping applications while PET (polyester) has strength and durability closer to that of steel. PET strapping can be used in a wider variety of industries.

If you have a busy production line, strapping machines are a good investment. Depending on your level of output we sell fully or semi-automated strapping machines. Strapping machines can perform all day without a break which can’t be expected from staff with handheld tools who may acquire repetitive strain injury. See our strapping machines here.

Your OH&S safety policy should have precautions in place for handling the different types of strapping. Steel strapping should be handled with safety gear such as gloves, safety goggles and strap dispenser.

PET strapping has a very high break strength and maintains strap tension during shipment and is a good replacement for steel strap. It is also much safer to use than steel strap which can cause injury to workers with minimal experience.

To see our strapping types available visit our product page here.

PP strapping work with heavy-duty open seals, heavy-duty plastic seals, standard open seals and wire buckles. To see our range of PP strap seal visit our product page here.

Heavy-duty pusher seals, knock over seals and snap-on seals can all be used to seal steel strapping. To see our range of steel strap seals see our product page here.

Once strapping has been used it is not as effective and may have lost its stretch recovery or resistance. Poly woven strapping is the only type that has been made for re-use.

Zinc coated steel has the highest break load at 904kg, and in second place is PET strapping with a 900kg break load.

Break strength is a term used to determine the amount of force needed to break the strap. Another term for it is break load. It is important to know what force load you will need before determining the type of strap to apply.

Stretch film

Cast film is clear, which is good for scanning barcodes through the film. When it is applied it produces minimal noise and is lighter weight than blown film which is easier to wrap from a hand dispenser.

Blown film is much more durable, with puncture and tear resistance. It can stretch further both in length and width than cast film, whereas cast film only stretches in length.

Yes, you can. We sell a range of hand-held wrap dispensers which you can see here.

We supply full and semi prestretch wrap machines and a mobile pre-stretch wrapper. You see our wrapping machine product page here.

Stretch film is a versatile material used to wrap pallet loads to stabilise them during transit. Stretch wrap protects loads from dust and damage. Stretch wrapped pallets make it easy to identify the load, is an economical method of unitising loads and can be used for a range of shipments. Film force and stretch can be modified to suit the product according to load strength needed for either heavy solid loads or fragile goods.

Thicker stretch films do not perform better than thinner films. Advanced technology has developed thinner blown films that stretch further and are puncture and abrasion-resistant. Thinner films reduce waste, save costs and are lighter to handle, improving workplace safety. Orbitwrap Save is our high-performance pallet wrap that uses state-of-the-art resin technology to deliver improved performance and reliability. See our selection of Orbitwrap Save here.

For small operations, a hand wrapping tool is cheaper. If your production line gets busier, upgrading to a stretch wrap machine makes more economic sense. Stretch wrap machines provide a faster wrap, are more consistent in wrap application and pose less risk of workplace injury. You can see our range of stretch wrap hand tools and our stretch wrapping machines.

Load containment is the capacity of the pallet wrap to hold the pallet tight and uniform during transit. The elements that make up the load containment capacity takes into consideration the right wrap for the job, wrap configuration and overlaps, optimum stretch, all elasticity is used, the conditions of transport, handling, distance and correct wrap tension.

They are different products that serve different purposes. Shrinkwrap moulds around an object when heat is applied to it. Pallet wrap is designed to to be stretched around an object to keep it tightly in place.

A semi-automatic stretch wrapper machine applies pallet wrap with the input of an operator. The operator attaches the film to the load and presses the start button to begin the wrapping process. On conclusion of the wrap, the operator stops the machine and cuts and secures the end of the film. A semi-automatic stretch wrapper is an upgrade from hand wrapping and provides a uniform layer and maximises the stretch capacity of the film.

An automatic stretch wrap machine does not require an operator to start and finish the wrapping process. The machine wraps according to preset specifications, cuts the film at the end of the wrapping process and secures the end of the film to the load.

Stretch wrap can be applied with a hand-held dispenser or by a stretch wrap machine. Wrapping machines have a turntable that spins the pallet while the roller dispenses the wrap onto the pallet. Machines have the ability to stretch the film to preset parameters to accomplish consistent tension and overlapping. Hand dispensers require an operator to bend and walk around the pallet while the film unravels from the dispenser.

Prestretch film has an elasticity called film memory. When the prestretch film is applied with tension it wants to shrink back to its original state. The combination of elasticity and film memory is what keeps a pallet load tight and secure during movement.

Our prestretch hand film comes in lightweight smaller rolls that are applied with a hand tool. It is used for low volume applications. Larger heavier rolls with higher stretch memory are for stretch wrap machines. To see our Orbitwrap Save product page visit here.

Investing in a stretch wrapping machine is an investment in growing your output and improving staff OH&S. Wrapping 10 loads or more per day justifies the use of a pallet wrap machine. You will get a faster, more secure wrap with less material, saving on waste, time and money. Your staff will be freed up to do other tasks and also avoid fatigue and workplace injury. Your pallet loads will arrive at their destination intact without expensive losses.

Every industry is different. The type of stretch wrapper you choose depends on different factors. We have professional distributors that can help you chose the most affordable and most efficient machine for your output. To talk to a professional contact us today.

Kraft paper

Kraft paper is natural unbleached paper or cardboard made from wood pulp that is cooked with heat and minimal chemicals. This is called the kraft method of wood pulping.

Paper produced with the Kraft method is stronger than other wood pulping methods. It has higher elasticity than regular paper and has tear-resistant properties.

Kraft paper is strong enough for many industrial and commercial uses. It is used as packaging, wrapping, bundling and void fill. It provides cushioning and wrapped protection for individual items in a bundle or carton.

Kraft paper is biodegradable because it is made from natural wood pulp which is compostable and is unbleached with minimal chemical treatment.

Kraft paper is used in many industries like the cut flower market, postal services, freight companies, eCommerce, the manufacture of boxes and envelopes, the grocery industry and food manufacturing.

Kraft weight, colours and textures vary. The GSM refers to the weight and thickness and the range is 40-50 GSM, 60-70 GSM, 80-90GSM and 110-120GSM.

Yes, Kraft paper can be recycled. It is unbleached, recyclable, compostable, and made from renewable sources.

Kraft paper is an affordable and superior void fill. Scrunched Kraft paper is used to form a nest inside boxes for fragile objects as it doesn’t move or settle during vigorous motion while in transit. It is much tidier than using packing peanuts and it is environmentally friendly.

Kraft paper is stronger than regular paper for packaging due to its lignin sulphur ratio. It also doesn’t go through a bleaching process which decreases its strength and reduces its elasticity.

All types of wood can be used in making Kraft paper including softwoods which are not used in regular paper pulp production. Bambo and pine can also be used in Kraft paper pulp.

Apart from being 100% biodegradable and recyclable, the chemicals used in the Kraft paper pulping process are recovered and reused. By-products such as turpentine and tall oil are re-used in other applications.

You can use Kraft paper as an anti-slip layer between the layers of products on your pallet. Kraft paper board can also be used on the base layer of your pallet to stop it from slipping during transit.

Heat sealing solutions

You would vacuum seal your product to prevent moisture contamination. If you needed to minimise shelf space or reduce a packaging size then vacuum sealing is a good shrinking method.

Yes, you can. Packline sells repair kits and replacement parts for all the heat sealers in our range.

Yes, you can. A standard household power outlet is adequate to run a heat sealer, no special wiring is required to operate it.

There are two types of heat sealers, impulse and constant. Impulse heat sealers are safe because they heat up and cool down in seconds. Constant heat sealers stay hot and there are risks that need to be considered.

Hand sealers are good for low volume sealing and for seals up to 30 cm wide. Foot sealers are good for workers sealing high volumes and allow the operator to support the item with both hands while the sealing jaws are operated with a foot pedal.

Heat sealers come in many types. There are impulse heat sealers, constant heat sealers, direct heat sealers, automatic heat sealers, hood shrink chambers, hand heat sealers and foot pedal operated heat sealers. All heat sealers fuse layers of thermoplastic materials to form a bag seal to contain the good inside and with food products, keep them airtight and fresh.

It depends on the material of your bag. Most heat sealers come with a manufacturers guide on how long heat needs to be applied to each bag material. You can then adjust the heating time accordingly.

Both polyethylene and polypropylene are made of permeable material that lets oxygen and moisture in over time.

A barrier bag contains non-permeable materials such as nylon or metal foil so oxygen and moisture cannot penetrate.

A heat sealer is an appliance used to heat thermoplastics to form a seal. Heat conduction in heated seal heads or sealing bars close film to film to form leak-proof seals for bags, pouches, cups, trays and other packaging.

The size of your heat sealer depends on the width of your seals. You need a heat sealer with jaws that are at least 20-50mm wider than your bag opening. One seal is all you need and if your sealer is smaller than the area you need to seal you will be wasting time with double sealing.

Moisture barrier bags are made from multiple non-porous materials that are laminated together such as thermoplastic and foil laminated papers.

Moisture barrier bags are laminated bags that once hermetically sealed by your heat sealer, will be airtight, waterproof and sterile.

Heat sealers do not use a lot of power as they operate on low voltage. Impulse heat sealers use less power than constant heat sealers as they use intermittent power.

Impulse heat sealers use low voltage electrodes that heat the jaws up instantly, taking only a few seconds to create a seal. The manufacturer’s specifications will have guidelines on how long each material takes to form a seal when heat is applied.

Impulse heat sealers create an optimum high strength seal for a high or low volume production line.

An impulse heat sealer works by applying surges in heat to the bag material clamped in its jaws, followed by a cooling period. This cooling period is when the strong seal is formed. Once enough time has elapsed to melt together the seal, the bag can be removed. The sealer then reboots to repeat another sealing action when the clamp is pushed down on the next bag to be sealed.

It depends on the sealer. Impulse sealers work well with polyethylene and polypropylene bags. Constant heat sealers work well with thick materials such as gusset bags, poly cello films, coated Kraft papers, cellophane, waxed paper, mylar and coated polypropylene.

Strapping machines

A strapping tool is a hand-held device that can be battery operated, pneumatic, or completely manual. Strapping machines semi-automate or fully automate the strapping process. An operator places the item to be strapped in position on the machine and it is strapped top and bottom within seconds ready for the next carton or object.

Yes they do. Your machine will come with guidelines on how many hours of strapping your machine can do before it needs a service. Regular servicing may be part of its warranty conditions. If your machine needs a service you should contact your distributor for more information.

Your choice of strapping machine should be informed by the strapping material you use, the speed at which your product needs to be strapped and how automated your operation needs to be. We have side strapping, table-top strapping and arch strapping machines to choose from.

Pallet wrapping machines

For small operations, a hand wrapping tool is cheaper. If your production line gets busier, upgrading to a stretch wrap machine makes more economic sense. Stretch wrap machines provide a faster wrap, are more consistent in wrap application and pose less risk of workplace injury. You can see our range of stretch wrap hand tools and our stretch wrapping machines.

A semi-automatic stretch wrapper machine applies pallet wrap with the input of an operator. The operator attaches the film to the load and presses the start button to begin the wrapping process. On conclusion of the wrap, the operator stops the machine and cuts and secures the end of the film. A semi-automatic stretch wrapper is an upgrade from hand wrapping and provides a uniform layer and maximises the stretch capacity of the film.

An automatic stretch wrap machine does not require an operator to start and finish the wrapping process. The machine wraps according to preset specifications, cuts the film at the end of the wrapping process and secures the end of the film to the load.

Stretch wrap can be applied with a hand-held dispenser or by a stretch wrap machine. Wrapping machines have a turntable that spins the pallet while the roller dispenses the wrap onto the pallet. Machines have the ability to stretch the film to preset parameters to accomplish consistent tension and overlapping. Hand dispensers require an operator to bend and walk around the pallet while the film unravels from the dispenser.

Semi-automatic stretch wrapping machines are used in low volume production lines covering around 30 pallets per hour. A forklift or pallet jack loads the pallet onto the wrapping machine’s platform and an operator attaches the film and presses the start button. At the end of the wrapping cycle, the operator detaches and secures the film tail to the load.

Automatic stretch wrapping machines do not require an operator, except to load the film. Once the pallet is on the platform, the machine starts the wrapping cycle automatically. A sensing photo-eye tells the film carriage how high to wrap. At the end of the wrap cycle, the film tail is automatically cut and sealed to the load. If the pallet is on a conveyor it is then conveyed off the wrapping platform and the machine is ready for the next pallet. Without a conveyor, the pallets are loaded and unloaded by lift truck or forklift. An automatic machine can wrap from 30 to 120 loads per hour.

Turntable pallet wrapping machines apply the wrap by turning a load on its turntable while the film carriage ascends and descends on a fixed mast.

Rotary tower stretch wrapping machines wrap by rotating the film carriage around a stationary load. Rotary tower machines are better for loads that are very heavy or very light, irregular shaped, fragile or unstable.

Choosing a Mobile Pre-Stretch Wrapper depends on your load type, the amount of floor space and speed requirements. If your load is hefty, fragile or unstable, a Mobile Pre-Stretch Wrapper is a good choice. These machines are mobile and portable making them ideal if you need flexibility with your floor space layout. Rotary tower machines can wrap at high speed while the load stays stable and still.

Prestretch film has been through the process of pre-stretching before it is spun onto a roll. The film is much stronger than regular wrap. It has an elastic memory that shrinks around pallet loads to stop them shifting during transport. It also has an increased yield making stretch wrapping a very economical way to stabilise pallet loads.

Hand wrapping is laborious, time-consuming and a risk to the health of your workers. Investing in a stretch wrapping machine is justified for as little as 10 loads per day. With a stretch wrapping machine, you will get a consistent workflow, save on materials, save time and money and decrease workplace injury.

There are three main styles of stretch wrapping machines:

  • High Profile: These machines work well with forklifts as the turntable is sitting higher above the ground than the low profile machine. It is easier for the forklift driver to place the load on the turntable.
  • Low Profile: The turntable is lower to the ground. A ramp is used to load the pallet with a pallet jack or electric walkie.
  • Rotary Arms: Very heavy loads can’t be placed on a turntable, so a rotary arm is required. These machines have an arm that rotates around the load instead of turning the load on a platform.

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