Nobody pays much attention to carton sealing tape unless something goes wrong. The tape should be strong enough to hold and tough enough to endure abuse, and deliver consistent tension in demanding applications. Sounds like a lot to ask of the product, doesn’t it? Well not with Shurtape Technologies; in my opinion the best truly "worry free" tape in the industry. PackSmart is a leading distributor of the complete line of products available from Shurtape, from manual applications using hand rolls to automated packaging lines where Shurtape machine-length rolls maximize throughput; saving time and labor.

Shipping conditions may change, but Shurtape packaging tape performs consistently, has unparalleled holding power, rigid strength, and higher moisture resistance, roll after roll.

Many companies have switched from steel to polyester strapping over the past several years. There are several reasons for this. First, polyester is safer than steel with no sharp edges and it’s also much lighter and easier to handle. When steel prices go up, there seems to be more interest by end-users, to take a look at polyester.

In order to help make an informed decision, here are a few differences to consider:

Steel

Steel strapping is sold in coils of various widths, thicknesses and break-strengths. Usually, they are rated as regular duty or high tensile. Each coil weighs approximately 100 lbs., which exceeds the maximum normal lifting limits suggested by experts. Steel is very durable but it can rust and handling it can be a challenge because of its heavy weight and sharp edges. In addition, when the steel strap is cut off of the load, it often “springs back” and precautions need to be taken to prevent injuries to the operator.

Polyester

Polyester strapping is also sold in coils of various widths, thicknesses and break-strengths. Because it’s strong, yet flexible, it handles heavy loads and won’t break under tension. It will elongate under stress and then, rebound up to 8-10%, keeping a compressible load tight.

Its edges are not sharp and each coil weighs approximately 50 lbs. (½ of a steel coil), which makes it much easier for the operators to change coils on the dispenser carts.

Polyester can be tensioned, sealed and cut, using a battery-operated strapping tool, like the Signode BXT2. This makes the process of strapping quicker, more consistent and safer.

Polyester strap generally saves 30-50% over the current cost of steel strapping. It’s also readily recyclable.

Regardless of the potential savings, your decision must be based on what works. If your product does not arrive undamaged, cost savings don’t matter!

If you are interested in finding out if polyester strap makes good sense in your operation, please contact a PackSmart representative. We’ll be happy to evaluate your needs and present sensible options to you.

The PackSmart Sales Team

I was at a first time sales call a few days ago with a prospect who really felt he had “no pains” with his current supplier other than overall cost. While we were discussing different aspects of his day-to-day operations as well as any issues he may have with the stretch film he currently uses, he mentioned to me that one thing that really bothers him is waste. He spoke of how when the roll of stretch wrap gets dropped, or falls over, or gets banged around (typical warehouse happenings) how they often have to scrap nearly the whole roll because it will keep tearing when they pull on it.

I proceeded to lift the sample roll I had brought him above my head (I’m 6’3) and throw it on the ground and let it skip and bounce across the room. As my prospect looked at me with an astonished look on his face, I went over and picked it up, walked over to a pallet of boxes, and proceeded to wrap them with no tears or issues.

Not only did that make for a powerful presentation but it also made him aware of the fact that he did indeed have pain after all! His was the pain of not being made aware of new products in the industry which would not only show him a cost savings at the time of purchase, but also a cost savings on wasted or unusable product from damage.

The moral to the story is this … our job as your supplier is not only to you find you the best price on the products you use, but to also always keep you in the know with ways to add overall value to your processes and needs. Whether it’s new products or new processes, we will always stay diligent to ensure you are getting the full value of your relationship with PackSmart.