If you’ve ever had to prepare a few bags for a trip you know how stressful packing can be. You want to make sure you bring the right things, that your items are organized, and that you don’t forget anything! This confusion is amplified when you’re moving to a new place. The mess of packing and managing things during a big move can be overwhelming to some people. Hopefully these tips can help you get ready for moving day!

1) Organize beforehand
 
Before you begin, make a checklist of everything you might need during the move. You will want to prepare by getting a variety of materials and items to facilitate your move. To protect your things you will want protective foam, bubble wrap, loose fill, moving blankets and floor protection. It’s also important to gather a variety of boxes like wardrobe boxes, hand-hold boxes, and file boxes to suit all of your packing needs. Lastly, what goes on the outside of the box matters just as much as what you put inside. We’ve all had the experience of the bottom of a box falling out because it was not taped properly. Be sure to gather the right kinds of packing tape to prevent this from happening, and also labels and markers so that you can label your packages.
 
Some other techniques to organize before hand can help you save time and limit stress during your move. Create a moving file that will hold all-important documents related to the move like hotel reservations or the realtors contact information. Keep this file in a space where it will not get mixed into the things going into your moving boxes. Make sure you accurately document everything, and take this moment to capture photos of complicated electronic setups, like the back of your TV for example. This way you wont wonder how to put things back together when you’re settling into your new place.
 
2) Get rid of things you don’t use
 
This tip can be difficult to follow for the packrats among us, but it’s worth it. Take the few weeks before moving to analyze how much you use everything you own, and sell anything that you haven’t used in over a year. You can also donate unwanted clothes, shoes or electronics to donation centers to lighten your load and help others in the process.  
 
Part of this cleansing process will also include food in the weeks leading up to your move. Try to eat up anything in the house that you don’t want to drag with you. An in the week directly before your move, don’t buy lots of perishable items. If your budget allows it, try to eat most of your meals outside of the home to reduce the amount of food that you’ll have to throw away on moving day. Take advantage of your empty fridge by defrosting it, saving you messy cleanup later on during your move.
 
3) Pack smart
 
Begin by organizing your belongings into categories; the general rule is to pack up one room at a time. This way you will find it easier to unpack and stay organized once you arrive to your new place. Another tip is to try to begin packing at least a few things a couple of weeks before hand. One box a night is much more manageable than packing the whole house during a long weekend.
 
Remember those materials you gathered earlier? This is when they come in handy. Having a variety of boxes on hand will help you while you pack, and you can use specific types of boxes for certain items. For example, your hand-hold boxes are ideal for the heaviest items because they are sturdy and give you a good grip. You should pack the heaviest items on the bottom of your boxes, and pay close attention to the positions of your items. Bubble wrap, kraft paper and foam will fill in any extra spaces making a snug fit for your valuables.
 
 
 
SSI has you covered on moving day! You can order everything you need for the big day on our site, and if you’re in a hurry you can drop by our RVA warehouse to grab what you need. Are you moving a lot of stuff? We even offer pallets of moving boxes, and we can deliver them right to your location. Call us today to speak to a packaging expert at 804-649-1111 

As the world becomes more globalized and new technologies become mainstream, it’s certain that the shipping industry will see big transformations in the coming years. Changes in the global shipping industry have been triggered by geopolitical shifts, and new initiatives to reduce turnaround time and increase the speed of shipments are being implemented wide scale. To keep up to date with the many developments that are occurring in this industry keep an eye out for the following trends.
 
 
1) Cyber security concerns
 
The increasing security concerns over technological disruptions are on the rise, and pose a big risk to the shipping industry. Researchers from Pen Test Partners recently conducted a study showing that there are multitudes of ways to breach the navigations systems of freighters, potentially causing major incidents. As other industries like financial institutions fortify their cyber security practices, the shipping industry lags behind in establishing a strong defense system.
 
2) Big and small groups join forces
 
The mergers and acquisitions that have become so common within this industry ensure that shipping companies maintain strong relationships. The most efficient companies tend to benefit from these practices, stabilizing their offerings in the face of tough markets. And when companies share their assets they can operate at a lower cost, thus benefiting the end users.
 
3) Industry giants re-organize with Blockchain
 
Blockchain technology, originally created to organize digital currency in chronological order, is being applied to various industries. The functionality of this technology lets information be distributed more easily within an organization. It maintains a level of security because it is not copied when it is shared, meaning that it exists as a continuous virtual ledger. As the shipping industry continues to consolidate, this technology will be used to increase efficiency and transparency among big groups. Long gone are the days of bills and documents, the ease and efficiency of blockchain will allow for additional streamlining of the freight processes.
 
4) AI technology impacts transport
 
AI technology makes it possible to have autonomous options for freight, minimizing risks and streamlining the shipping process. As investors continue to invest in this technology, the industry can shift towards adapting their methods to accommodate smarter ships and reducing manpower. Ships and freighters can be redesigned with less focus on the human element of the processes, meaning that space and weight are distributed more efficiently.
 
5) Environmental focus
 
The sharp rise in carbon emissions and global pressure to reduce energy consumption puts energy management into clear focus for shipping companies. The industry is investing heavily in technology to try to reduce the environmental impact of each shipping process. Although this can be detrimental for costs in the short term, it is seen that many parts of the chain of logistics offer preference to companies that work to improve their environmental policies.
 
Shipping trends and the impact of technology on major carriers impacts us more than we might think. As big groups make moves that streamline their processes and reduce costs, we feel the benefits as end users. At SSI Packaging Group we stay up to date on all the latest packaging news, so we can be an informed resources for our clients. Contact us for the best, most affordable marking and coding solution for your specific needs at 804.649.1111
  

If you’ve ever had to make a big move you know how stressful planning, packing and shipping your things can be. Making sure that your items arrive to their destination in one piece can be difficult when there are so many unknown variables involved in the process.  When shipping glassware, factors like clumsy movers or bumpy highways can have a big impact on delicate items. Learning how to pack up your glassware correctly can prevent any nasty surprises when you’re unboxing after your move.
 
To begin, you’re going to need to select some boxes. Make sure you pick at least double layer corrugated cardboard boxes because the additional layers will add stability to your package. You could also go to grocery stores and ask if they have divided boxes, which are like normal cardboard boxes but the inside is segmented into sections. The layers of cardboard will separate your items, protecting them even further. You should also take the size of the box into consideration. If you pack a big box with lots of glassware, it will become pretty heavy which increases the risk of bumps and drops. Choose medium sized boxes instead to make sure you’re using space efficiently, but not overdoing it.
 
Before packing your box cover the bottom with a thick layer of material. You can use Kraft paper, sheets, newspaper or dishrags; the key to this step is making sure the layer is thick enough to cushion your glassware. If you decide to use fabric to cushion the bottom of the box it can work well, as long as you make sure it is layered enough. And if you use old newspapers for this purpose keep in mind that you’ll have to wash the glasses after they arrive at your new home because oftentimes the print can transfer onto glassware.
 
To wrap your items, use alternating layer of packing paper and bubble wrap. Wrap the item in a layer of paper and then one to two layers of bubble wrap and secure the wrapping with a piece of tape. If you have glasses with fragile stems like wine glasses you should always wrap the stem first, and wrap the glasses one at a time rather than in pairs. This helps to make sure that the most easily breakable part of the glass is sufficiently protected.  Your most breakable glasses should be packed on top, meaning they are placed into the box last.
 
Now you should fill the spaces in between your items with filling, whether it is packing peanuts (loose fill) or more layers of paper. After adding extra cushioning to the top layer of your box, you are all set to seal it. It would be a good idea to try to shake the box to make sure there are no big gaps left to fill. You can choose to tape the box closed, or to place it in an entirely different and larger box, which will give it even more reinforcement. Just make sure to fill the extra space with more materials if this is your desired option.
 
 
Whether you are shipping family heirlooms or the wine glasses that you used at your wedding ceremony, it’s sure that you want your items to arrive in one piece. For all of your shipping needs you can turn to SSI Packaging Group. We are dedicated experts in packaging, specializing in personalized service. Call us at (804) 649-1111 to speak with a representative or view our products to find out more. 

​SSI Packaging Group is excited to welcome CJ Stevens to our team!  CJ is our newest Packaging Product Specialist serving Richmond, VA and surrounding areas.  With strengths in his proven customer service history and his passion for finding the best solutions for customers, CJ will add incredible value to not only SSI, but to the businesses and clients that he impacts.  Cj joins us after previously being a part of the CoStar Group and the Virginia Department of Taxation.  

If you have questions about packaging products and you're just not sure of the best solutions for your application, reach out to CJ Stevens at 804.649.1111 or cj.stevens@ssipkg.com.

​As Seattle became the first city in the US to ban plastic straws this summer, the concern over single use plastics and non-biodegradable packaging is growing fast. Social media feeds are inundated with scenes of marine animals struggling through debris, and islands made up of trash are swirling in the oceans. It’s pretty hard to change habits once they are formed, and in a busy world convenience usually wins out over concerns for environmental sustainability. But these 7 products are leading the way to innovate eco packaging, and maybe reduce some trash in our landfills while they’re at it.

​This slippery green stuff is an extremely versatile material and can be used for more than just the wrapping for your sushi. Evoware is a company that takes advantage of this substance, and by collaborating with seaweed farmers they have been able to develop a packaging material that is 100% biodegradable. The packaging dissolves in warm water, leaving behind no trace (and can even act as a natural fertilizer for plants!). Without any preservatives their material has a shelf life of two years, which is pretty good for a packaging solution that is completely organic.

​Next time you host a birthday party or family cookout, take stock of all of the paper and plastic materials that get thrown into the trash. When organizing big events like these it’s always easier to simply throw things away then spend hours washing plastic utensils. Luckily, this scenario finally has an eco-friendly solution. “Free The Seed” utensils are created by Australian based DB packaging and are made from organic materials. The materials dissolve naturally when they are disposed, regardless of soil conditions.  The packaging is 100% organic and is made from post- harvest rice fiber, which makes use of a substance that would otherwise be discarded.  The cost saving materials are inexpensive to make and are the perfect solution for those concerned with waste.

When we think of a liquid item like hand soap or shampoo we usually imagine it to be in a plastic container. It's only logical- isn’t it? But new innovators have developed a way to make bottles out of recycled newspaper and cardboard, lined on the inside with a layer of very thin recycled plastic to hold the liquids. Lots of companies are catching on to this new design, including L’Oreal who created a water resistant paper bottle that uses an interlocking design rather than glue to hold it together. 

​Nasty Styrofoam egg cartons can never be broken down once they are introduced to the environment, so it’s better to avoid them when possible. Marian Obando did just that when she developed a method to hold free-range eggs with one strip of newspaper. The paper is folded into a way that secures the eggs and prevents them from cracking against each other, and a strip of cardboard in the middle holds everything in place. 

​Organic soap is a real treat, but one that can sour when you throw away the packaging only to realize that it is made from plastic or other materials that don’t biodegrade. That’s why Pangea Organics developed a way to incorporate organic seeds like thyme or basil into the boxes of their 100% plant based soaps. All you have to do to plant your own herb garden is slip off the label, soak the box in water and plant it in the earth.
 

​The next time you order late night hot wings to the house during a midnight craving, imagine it arriving in these neat to-go boxes! Joann Arellos invented these boxes in an effort to create a sustainable and efficient way to transport delivery food. No need for plastic bags and Styrofoam containers, these boxes are made from cardboard are held together with a series of cords.  

Are you the type of coffee drinker who craves a bite of something sweet alongside your morning brew? This edible cup from KFC might be the perfect packaging for you. The cups are made from sugar cookies, with a coating on the inside of heat resistant chocolate. The paper on the outside is also made from sugar, and is printed with edible ink. The idea is that as the chocolate coating melts the customer can eat the cup, enjoying their coffee and their sweet treat all in one (and leaving zero waste behind).
 
 
We love to see the many ideas that are out there, and the changes that are being made to the packaging industry! At SSI packaging industry, we are always thinking about the future. Our experts can guide you towards making the right choices for your packaging needs, and help you increase your eco-friendliness by streamlining your process.

​For any questions feel free to contact at (804) 649-1111 to speak with a representative or view our products to find out more.   

Have you ever found yourself struggling to open a plastic container, frustrated at the seemingly impossible task at hand? Or untwisting thousands of wire twist-ties from your child’s new toy while they wait impatiently in the background? This kind of packaging has cause headaches for decades, and for a good reason. Not only is it annoying to have to deal with the extra pieces of material that are included in your packages as a consumer, but also from a business perspective these parts are a needless expense. They require more time for assembly, and can cost your business more in the long term by complicating the shipping process.  Recently, companies have streamlined their processes by switching to a method of packaging called frustration free packaging. In this article we break down exactly what this kind of packaging is, and how your business could benefit from the switch.
 
Frustration Free Packaging, or FFP, is any packaging at arrives at the distributor with no additional preparation required in order for the package to proceed to delivery. FFP’s do not require additional boxes, and the vendor gets to keep their brand on the outside of the shipment. This type of packaging was originally developed by Amazon in order to address the growing need for sustainable packaging. They hoped to create a type of packaging that could optimize the customer experience by minimizing environmental impact, while at the same time cutting the overall packaging costs. By reducing the sizes, excess materials and unnecessary components of packaging, Amazon has been able to eliminate more than 500 million boxes and more than 244,000 tons of excess packaging materials in less than ten years. In fact, the program was so successful in 2017 that they reduced their overall packaging waste by 16%, which is the equivalent of 305 million shipping containers. This reduction of waste is good not only for the planet, but also for the bottom line of distributors looking to reduce costs.
 
Frustration Free Packaging is more than a trend in packaging, and is quickly becoming an industry standard. If you are seeking to gain the many benefits of this method you can rest assured that it offers many benefits to both suppliers and customers. By shipping items in a box that is perfectly sized for the objects weight and shape, less damage will occur to items during transit. FFP also has the benefit of streamlining your logistics process. The smaller boxes will be easier and faster to construct, meaning smoother assembly for the distributors and the newly designed packages will be easier for the customers to deconstruct. The environmental impact of FFP’s is clear when considering how this style eliminates the need for extra materials like fillers or tapes. And these compact packages also have less volume, which is a great benefit considering most carriers price shipments based upon DIM weight (a shipping pricing technique that bases prices upon the weight and volume of a package). The boxes are stackable and are excellent shapes for bulk shipments, which simplify the supply chain and allows for more items to be shipped at once.
 
FFP’s is the cost effective and environmentally friendly wave of the future. Despite the initial costs that would be incurred from switching over to this type of packaging, the benefits seem to outweigh these costs in a big way. At SSI Packaging Group we are a select team of experts that are dedicated to personalized care. For more information on Frustration Free Packaging methods, or for any questions regarding your specific needs Call us at (804) 649-1111 to speak with a representative or view our products to find out more. 

When sealing packages its important to consider the many factors at play that could help or hurt your distribution system. The strength of the sealants that you decide to use along with their resiliency to different climates can determine if your packages will be secure and theft-resistant. They types of cargo you are shipping and their weight can also result in varying methods transport. There are a myriad of options available for sealing containers, and in this post we break them down to find out what methods are the most efficient for your bottom line. 

​Pressure Sensitive Tapes
 
Pressure sensitive tapes are petroleum based tapes, made out of plastic film with a sticky substance on one side that is designed to adhere to most surfaces.  You have probably seen this kind of tape applied with tape guns or similar tools that make application easy and efficient. Since pressure sensitive tape is made from petroleum it is typically an inexpensive product to use to seal packages, yet the costs could accumulate if sealing required multiple layers of tape. In addition, the shiny plastic makes it harder to print upon and companies could lose on a valuable opportunity for branding. This kind of tape is easy to apply, but also easy to remove leaving little to no trace of breaching. Because of this factor theft is a big concern when using pressure sensitive tape. In addition pressure sensitive tape is not resilient to extreme climate fluctuations. Extremely hot, humid, cold or dry environments can impact the tape, allowing for dirt and grime to breach the sticky seal and ultimately leave your items exposed.  Acrylic packaging tape is one of our most popular pressure sensitive tapes

​Water Activated Tapes
 
Water activated tape is made out of Kraft paper and a sticky adhesive that is developed from starch. This adhesive reacts strongly to water, and once moistened the tape will form a permanent seal by molding to the carton material of the container. To get this water-bonding effect suppliers will apply the tape with a type of dispenser that is activated by water. This style of tape is very strong and occasionally can contain layers of additional reinforcement like fiberglass. Water activated tape is more costly than pressure sensitive tape, although its possible to use less while packaging and achieve a good result. And for companies interested in taking advantage of taping space for additional branding, water activated tape easily allows for printing or stamping. Because of the strong bond that occurs when the adhesive is activated it is nearly impossible to break this seal without avoiding detection, meaning that water activated tape is an excellent choice for theft prevention. In addition, this strong adhesion also prevents wear and tear from varying climate conditions. Most types of extreme weather can be handles by water activated tape without the pesky side effect of dirt or debris creeping under the seals. 

Strap Close
 
The kind of carton closure that you choose might also vary based upon the physical characteristics of your particular shipment or product. A series of straps (also known as poly strapping) can be used to lash together your cargo, joined together at strategic points called the seal joint. These joints buckles are made from either plastic or steel and are the weakest point of this style of sealing so it is wise to select your particular seal joint with considerations to your needs. If your particular shipment is low in volume, tension and weight you could use plastic or steel buckles that don’t require the additional application of tools to hold things in place. However, for shipments that are lower volume but have high levels of tension or weight probably need a combination of metal seals and manual tensioners. For these heavy freights you’ll want to select a system that has a high percentage of joint efficiency (the percent of joint strength in relation to the break strength of the strap). As a general rule, the heaviest of loads typically require strapping made from resilient polyester strappings and metal seals that have additional texture as a component for extra reinforcement.
 
 
Hopefully these tips have you ready to pack, seal and ship your item to its destination. If you have any more questions about the different ways you could seal your package, or if you just want to find out more about what we offer feel free to give us a call at 804.649.1111.

​At SSI Packaging Group we have a dedicated team of packaging specialists who are ready to fill all of your packaging needs. 

Keeping your shipments safe from damage during transport is extremely important. According to recent studies the number one complaint among transportation managers was damaged goods. Although you might hope that the people in charge of shipping your cargo will treat it very carefully, the reality is that many times deliveries are rushed and corners are cut- incurring damages. To make sure that your shipments arrive intact, try these methods to fortify your packaging process.
 
Block and Brace Shipping
Block and brace shipping is a way to keep goods secured during transit, reducing the risk of excessive movement and damaged cargo. Packages that have been placed into shipping containers can slide around if they are unsecured. Blocking and bracing is a process that reduces the shifting of packages from the front of the shipping container to the back. To do this, metal or wooden beams are placed at strategic points within the shipping container in order to hold items in place.  If you are shipping a product with wheels you need to first keep the wheels stabilized and prevent them from spinning. You need to make sure these bracing systems are locked to the container as securely as possible and ensure that the braving systems do not allow for any movement of the cargo they hold.
 
Void Fill
Void fill is any type of cushioning that is added to your package with the intention of protecting your goods while they are in transit. Void fill should be used in cases when your products are fragile, if there is excess space in the package, if they heavy, or if your product has sharp corners that could be bent or broken during shipment. Typically used in corrugated boxes, void fill has many different options that serve a variety of functions. Some examples of void fill options would be packaging paper, inflatables, loose fill or newsprint paper. Packaging paper is used to fill empty space, protect edges or corners, or to fully protect the product. The protective qualities vary depending on the thickness, strength and resilience of the type of paper that you select. Similar to packaging paper is newsprint paper, which is thinner and generally well suited to provide light protection. Loose fill is convenient and very easy to use; these components are made from expanded polystyrene and can be added to a box to fill in any extra spaces.
 
Surface Protection
Surface protection can be used to protect a wide variety of products, such as painted car parts, mirrors, or anything else with a delicate surface. Surface protectors generally are designed to protect edges, and prevent shock or compression. Bubble wrap, packing foam and protective film are all types of surface protection that work in several different ways. Bubble wrap is a light film that can be supplied in sheeted forms, in pouches, or in rolls. Packing foam is elastic, flexible and water repellent material that offers very good cushioning properties. Protective film is generally used to prevent scuffs and scratches, and can be removed without leaving a residue even after long-term use.
 
These products and techniques are sure to help your shipments arrive safely to their destination. Having been in the packaging business for over 40 years, SSI Packaging Group understands the need for cost effective and quality packaging. Our premium products help your shipments get from point A to point B. For more information or assistance on how to protect your items in transit feel free to contact us at 804.649.1111.

​Typically when it becomes time to ship an item you are faced with a variety of considerations. You need to think about the size of your item, the distance it will go, how much it weighs and how it is shaped. These factors can help you determine what kind of container to ship your item in and the materials it should be made from. When faced with these choices you can decide between boxes and mailers. The intricacies between these two options are broken down in this post. 

​Corrugated Boxes
To ship bigger, bulkier items corrugated boxes are recommended because they are designed to protect items from bursting, crushing or puncturing the boxes when in transit. Corrugated cardboard boxes are strong and lightweight, made from layers of Kraft paper, a type of paper that was designed to be resistant to damage. Kraft paper is commonly made out of pine that has been pulped and processed. There is also a type of paper that is often used for the process called Test paper. Test paper is resilient yet has been made from recycled materials is also a reliable and sometimes less expensive option. Either types of this strong paper is processed in a facility and then crimped on a giant machine called a corrugator.

​For the typical corrugated box that is single wall, two layers of flat paper sandwich between them one layer of paper that has been crimped. When purchasing corrugated cardboard boxes generally this will be the most widely available option that you will see, however there do exist two other types of corrugated cardboard that have been designed with varying levels of strength in mind. Double wall corrugated cardboard consists of two pieces of crimped paper, which are glued together by one ply of non-fluted (or, not-crimped) paper or cardboard. The exposed outer surfaced are then covered with one piece of paper respectively. If the items that you chose to ship are especially heavy and you think they would need extra reinforcement, triple wall cardboard is the best solution. Triple wall corrugated cardboard is similar in its construction to double wall cardboard, with three plies of fluted paper instead of two. These layers of paper are held together by two pieces of paper or cardboard, and the outer surfaces are each covered with one ply of paper or cardboard. This extra layer provides additional support, perfect for large and bulky items.

Mailers
If your items are small and lightweight, resilient to shipment and are of varying degrees of fragility you can choose to ship with mailers. Bubble mailers are envelopes that are made from protective bubble wrap, and are designed to cushion and protect your items from damage during transit. In a similar vein, padded mailers are paper envelopes that include a layer of padding on the inside, so that they can lessen the impact of rough transport. Both of these types of mailers are efficient in protecting your items, however oftentimes you can find padded mailers made from recycled materials, which could be a benefit to your business if you are seeking ways to be more eco-friendly. Poly mailers are flat mailers made from durable polyethylene film, which means they are moisture resistant and lightweight. They are a great choice for e-commerce sellers because of their lower price point, small size and durability. Paper mailers are also lightweight, and are often made from renewable materials and are able to be recycled post shipment. However paper mailers are not weatherproof and can be a little bit more expensive than poly mailers, which tend to be cheaper because they are easier to produce. Finally, if you find yourself shipping items that need to retain their shape during shipment like photos or diplomas, your best possibility is flat mailers because they are rigid and retain their shape during shipping.

​Whether you want mailers or boxes, SSI Packaging Group has every necessity to get your shipment out the door. We specialize in providing personalized service and a variety of options for any of your packaging needs. Call us at (804) 649-1111 to speak with a representative or view our products to find out more.