What makes these bags green?

First, these bags are very reusable, with a standard easy open reclosable lip, making these unlike other sealed bags that have to be ripped or cut open. Second, they are biodegradable and are ASTM D5511 compliant and will biodegrade even in landfill conditions. Since they are made of 100% LDPE recyclable (low density polyethylene) film, they are also recyclable anywhere a standard poly or plastic shopping bag can be recycled.

What are the bag specs?

In terms of size they vary from a very small 2” X 2” to the largest stock size we currently offer which is 9” X 12”. Keep in mind all bag dimensions are usable, inside dimensions and do not include the reclosable header.

In addition all current stock sizes are made of clear, 2 mil film, though other sizes and gauges are available. (Minimums may apply) All bag sizes are packed 1,000 bags per case and available in a low one case minimum.

Check out the new “packaging supplies” section of our green packaging store that now includes shipping labels, packaging tapes, as well as packaging aids and dispensers.

Please contact us if you have any questions or want pricing on ANY bag needs. We make bags ranging from heavy duty ten mil thick bags that fit pallet loads of products to tiny, ultra-thin bags for seasonings and spices. All can be made custom gauge, custom size and of course, custom print.

Whether you are shipping organic baby clothes, tee shirts, or high fashion clothing, in our opinion there are few greater economic or environmental wastes than shipping soft goods in boxes. Keep in mind this opinion comes from a guy who sells boxes for a living as well as the tape and void fill/cushioning materials that boxes usually require.

The truth is that there are very few good reasons to ship soft goods in a box and many reasons not too, including material cost, customer perception, labor and time savings, branding options and even shipping costs.

Shipping weight savings

Compared to shipping boxes, unpadded paper mailer envelopes typically save money on shipping inbound and outbound. That is the cost to get the mailer envelopes to you and the cost to get them to your customers. As shipping rates continue to climb, every ounce makes a difference and mailer envelopes are the lightest, most economical method to ship anything but especially soft goods that can be heavy and dense.

Labor savings

RSC and even mailer boxes require set up prior to packing and taping to seal them. Our Globe Guard® unpadded paper mailers open and load easily and feature a “peel and seal” adhesive strip that keeps the mailer envelope securely sealed throughout the shipping process.

Most packers can easily fill and seal two or three mailer envelopes in the same time it takes to pack one RSC style box. That not only saves time and labor costs, it also helps improve through put, especially during those busy surges and seasons.

Branding Options

Everyone now understands the value of that moment when your product (in your packaging) arrives at your customer’s home or office. Making a positive, memorable impression is critical and may even influence the way your product is perceived as well as help determine if the customer will return. Your package makes an impression and you control whether it will be a good one or one you regret.

There are NO other packaging branding options that are available in a low one case minimum. Example: for our very popular 10-1/2” X 3-3/4” X 19” gusseted Kraft mailer, that one case minimum represents 200 envelopes. There are no other packaging containers we know of that you can print your logo or message on in that low a quantity.

Please review our list of available mailer sizes as shown on our green packaging store and let us know if you would like to receive and review any samples. Surprisingly, they are both more rugged and more attractive than you may think.

If unpadded paper mailer envelopes truly are not right for your application, we do offer a wide range of mailer envelopes including padded paper and poly, as well as two different grades of unpadded poly mailers. If you really do need a box, few companies are better at custom sizes, custom designs and custom prints.

Contact us for a no cost, no obligation review of your specific needs.

Related posts:

http://www.greenpackaginggroup.com/industry-experts/mailers-envelopes/custom-branded-shipper-envelopes-in-five-easy-steps/

http://www.greenpackaginggroup.com/industry-experts/mailers-envelopes/custom-printed-or-plain-these-new-globe-guard%C2%AE-kraft-paper-mailers-are-a-deal/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-perspective/custom-printed-and-branded-packaging-faq-and-tips/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-packaging/affordable-eco-friendly-packaging-for-tee-shirts-clothing-and-soft-goods/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-packaging/how-to-save-money-when-buying-custom-printed-packaging/

What makes these cooler boxes “ecofriendly”?

That is what makes our Globe Guard® insulated coolers such a timely and welcome shipping option. The shipping boxes are made with our Globe Guard 100% recycled content corrugated. The insulating foam inserts that we make specifically for your application and shipping box size, are bio-based and 100% biodegradable. In addition they are compostable and they can be re-used when installed and used properly.

Three Levels of Coolers Available        

We are pleased to offer three different types or levels of insulated coolers for your shipping needs.

Stock Insulated Cooler Boxes – At present time we offer three stock sizes and the plan is to add more as soon as customers indicate which sizes they need. The three initial sizes are 12” X 12” X 12”, 12” X 10” X 8”, and 7” X 7” X 7”. Details can be found on these three items in the reusable section of our Globe Guard Products.com green packaging store. These stock coolers have a low one case minimum and generally ship within a week.

Semi-Custom Insulated Cooler Boxes – Any of our thirty available stock Globe Guard box sizes can be easily turned into insulated shipping boxes with biodegradable foam inserts cut for them. The minimum ranges from forty to one hundred coolers depending on the box size and foam thickness. The lead time is usually one to two weeks.

Custom Insulated Cooler Boxes – We can make a custom size shipper box of almost ANY dimensions with custom size inserts to match. Depending on size, the minimum for a plain (unprinted) box can vary from a 300 to 500 with custom prints available for as few as 500 boxes. Lead time on these items is usually two to three weeks after approved art work.

If you prefer a die cut mailer design, we can create inserts for them as well whether they are a stock size and design from our corrugated mailer section of our store or a completely custom size creating a chest style cooler as shown in the group photo included in this post.

 When in doubt, please ask!

Shipping perishable items can be tricky so if you are not sure whether these coolers will work for you and your product, please contact us for a no cost/no obligation review of your application. There are a lot of variables including the product, temperature, reusability requirement, the coolant being used and especially how long the proper temperature range has to be maintained. We will give you the best possible advice we have and will usually recommend ship testing to make sure your requirements are being met.

Related posts:

http://www.greenpackaginggroup.com/industry-experts/globe-guard-biodegradable-eco-friendly-insulated-shipping-box-coolers-are-now-a-stock-item/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/sustainable-packaging-that-helps-you-keep-your-cool/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-packaging/new-and-on-sale-ice-brix-biodegradable-cold-gel-packs/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/globe-guard-cooler-season-is-finally-here/

$50 per ton paper pulp increase announced

Pulp and Paper announced the above increase last week and though we are getting a variety of notices and information from different suppliers, most appear to be talking about increases on boxes in the 8% to 10% range. Most also target the end of May for implementation which would immediately impact all corrugated board products at that time. However, you can count on other paper products such as void fill, paper tape and eventually mailer envelopes to also follow suit.

Justification and Recent History

“Capacity” is the usual excuse or reason most paper mills use for justifying any increase and even though capacity limitations are often times self-created, they impact the market in a way that none of us can control.

Also, this increase follows the October 2012 (8%) increase that was preceded with eighteen months of steady prices so my guess is that everyone is still playing margin and profitability “catch up” to some degree.

Impact?

In addition to the obvious impact an increase has on prices and cost, it also affects lead times which ultimately can prove to be more harmful than the price increase. When very large volume corrugated users “buy in” at the lower price, that tends to extend lead time from a normal 1 to 2 weeks, to a strained 3 to 4 weeks. Perhaps even more on certain grades and types.

They only thing you can really do is make sure you have your May and early June requirements on order, ASAP, while the dust settles and this increase becomes fact or not. If the increase never happens (which we doubt) you will have a little more packaging inventory than you may need at this time. If the industry “experts” are correct, and a substantial increase happens in the next few weeks, you may be able to avoid running out of boxes.

Contact us to determine if we can help you reduce your packaging costs with greener, healthier products, even and especially at a time of fast rising prices.

 Related posts:

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-packaging/reducing-shipping-costs-by-reducing-shipping-weight/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-packaging/reducing-your-corrugated-costs-in-spite-of-an-8-price-increase/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-perspective/custom-printed-and-branded-packaging-faq-and-tips/

LOHAS is a terrific organization and an acronym for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, a market segment focused on health and fitness, the environment, personal development, sustainable living, and social justice.

Last year, I was fortunate to serve on a panel discussion on packaging at the LOHAS annual conference in Denver, Colorado where they are based. There I was able to meet and get to know the executive director, Ted Ning, and we are thrilled to see him bring the LOHAS message to our hometown of Chicago.

Network with Other Green Minded People and Companies

The gathering with cocktails will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (CDT) at the Metropolitan Group that is at 35 E Wacker Place, in Chicago. You can see more information at this link and even reserve your ticket there.

To learn more about LOHAS, please visit their web site at www.LOHAS.com. I think you will find your time well spent at this rare Midwest opportunity to meet people who share your same interests and passions.

In the context of this recognition, poder can be also be loosely translated into doing or making a difference and we are very proud to be chosen as one of the 100 people and Hispanic owned businesses making a difference in the field of sustainability.

Poder April/May issue

It was an honor to be selected and we thank the people at Poder for the consideration and selection. We are grateful for the opportunity to do what we sincerely enjoy but recognition like this is also much appreciated.

For a look at the complete list, please click here. To see the complete article please go to: Green_100_PODER_AprilMay

Happy Earth Day to all!

These gel packs are different from others because they are made of 100% biodegradable LDPE film and are environmentally friendly. All five sizes of biodegradable Ice-Brix are already in stock and on sale on our web store through May 31, 2013.

What makes these cold packs environmentally friendly?

In addition to the biodegradable LDPE pouch that will degrade even in a landfill environment, Ice-Brix also has an eighteen month shelf as long as they are stored in temperatures of 86⁰F or less and not exposed to UV rays. They are completely reusable during that period which saves money and eliminates waste, especially compared to other “use once and toss” cold pack solutions that are not biodegradable or reusable.

Can Ice-Brix™ be used to create a cold but not frozen shipping package?

Absolutely. There are applications when a hard frozen gel pack may not be required or desired. For those situations you can chill a pack overnight in a refrigerator and Ice-Brix™ will perform well, even if not hard frozen. Keep in mind there is no chemical reaction in Ice-Brix and they do not begin freezing until they are exposed to temperatures at or below 30⁰F.

How long do Ice-Brix™ take to freeze?

Obviously freezers vary a great deal in terms of temperature, but one or a few Ice-Brix will usually freeze solid overnight. A case of Ice-Brix may take several days to as long as a week to freeze solid and a full pallet of cases might take several weeks to a month.

There are many variables in cold pack or freezer pack applications including, the initial product temperature, how it is shipping, what shipping temperature has to be maintained and for how long, and of course seasonal temperature conditions. When in doubt, please ask us and we can assist you with ship testing to determine the least expensive solution for your specific application.

Contact us for a free no cost analysis of your cold temperature shipping and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Remember, this new product introduction sale ends on May 31^st so order your Ice-Brix™ today!

Related posts:

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/sustainable-packaging-that-helps-you-keep-your-cool/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/branding-is-easy-with-globe-guard-reusable-cooler/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/eco-friendly-beverage-cooler/

http://www.greenpackaginggroup.com/industry-experts/the-biodegradable-compostable-recyclable-and-incredibly-eco-friendly-globe-guard-reusable-cooler/

New mailer specs

 The actual inside dimensions are 12-1/4” x 9-1/4” x 2-1/2” and is made of 32B-flute board and ideal for shipping literature, brochures, forms, presentation folders and sales kits. It is also a great size for advertising/marketing promotions as well as sample and subscription box programs

This new 12-9-2 mailer is in stock and available for immediate shipment on our store site alongside the other mailer boxes we offer. It is also on sale through the end of May 2013 and is available in low cost bundles of 50. A bundle of fifty ships anywhere on the US mainland for a flat $10.00 shipping charge though larger order quantities can often times be unitized or palletized resulting in even lower shipping costs.

Other packaging options for similar applications

We know every application is a little different. Some people and products require a presentation box while others simply want the product being shipped to arrive safely. Others want a horizontal package while others prefer a package that opens like a book. Some applications are for reusable and reclosable use while others are designed for single use. Here are a few other options we offer:

1. Multi-depth 11-1/8” X 8-5/8” book fold mailer with multiple scores to accommodate heights ranging from ½” to 2”. Stock item in plain or can be custom printed with a very low 500 minimum.
2.  Vertical or horizontal 11-1/8” X 8-5/8” x 1” die cut corrugated mailer/display box. Ideal for anything from brochures to tee shirt and golf shirt fulfillment.
3. Horizontal 11” X 9” X ¾” die cut sales/presentation folder. Can be made reclosable and reusable with addition of Velcro type fastener. This is a non-stock item but can be special ordered and custom printed with a low 1,000 minimum.

If you don’t see what you need on our stock list, please call us. Not all of our design and size options are in stock and shown on our store, just the most popular ones. Even if your needs are completely custom in terms of design, size and printing, we can usually ship the finished product within two weeks after art approval. No one does it faster or better than we do!

Please call us at 815-609-3600 or contact us for a free consolation. Packaging that communicates and fits is indeed within your reach.

Related posts:

http://www.greenpackaginggroup.com/industry-experts/custom-printed-die-cut-corrugated-mailer-boxes-in-five-easy-steps/

http://www.greenpackaginggroup.com/industry-experts/bags/sustainable-packaging-playing-a-major-role-in-subscription-commerce/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-perspective/how-to-get-die-cut-mailer-boxes-custom-printed-at-near-stock-prices/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-perspective/custom-printed-and-branded-packaging-faq-and-tips/

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure and privilege of working at the “Experts Booth” at the International Housewares Show where I fielded questions from visitors and exhibitors regarding ecofriendly packaging options.

Even though I am sorry to report that overall the interest in sustainable packaging was probably not quite as widespread as in previous years; I was very pleased to see the number of very smart companies who continue moving forward in a determined, greener direction. They understand how sustainability in general and more specifically, sustainable packaging is a money maker, not a profit taker, and it was most apparent in a new trend I refer to as the minimalist green packaging movement.

In the Three R’s of Sustainability, Reduce is the key to immediate lower costs   

While interest in recycling remains as strong as ever and reuse seems as elusive and misunderstood as it has ever been, packaging material reduction is going strong and was obvious everywhere at the show. Ironically, in many cases it was probably overlooked because the positive difference between current and previous packaging was NOT what was on display but, rather what was missing.

Consumers want less packaging because their preference is to not have to discard or recycle the packaging that enters their home. They also want to see the product they are considering buying, rather than an illustration or photo of it. Even from a cleanliness or security perspective, over packaging makes little sense because after all who takes home any type of kitchen accessory and does NOT wash it before use?

Minimalist Packaging is the Answer

The above positive objectives open the door to a wide variety of cost reducing packaging options including carded packaging, sleeves, vertical or horizontal half trays and even hang tabs. Shrink film and plastic bagging film seemed more popular than in the past because in many cases they allow a dramatic reduction of paperboard or corrugated material per package while providing a unique combination of benefits that include visibility, security and overall waste reduction by weight and volume.

Of course, these greener, minimalist designs are twice as effective if they are constructed on uncoated board with a high (ideally 100%) recycled content. Fortunately for all of us, these more earth friendly materials are much more readily available and affordable compared to just a few years ago.

Check out the photos included in this post and let us know if you have any questions.  There are many ways of accomplishing your financial and green objectives and these are just a few of them. Contact Salazar Packaging for a no cost, confidential review of your packaging needs.

Also, to visit the Housewares site and read a post about our efforts to help the industry “green up” please click here:  http://www.housewares.org/blog/index.php/2013/02/going-green-salazar-packaging/

Related Posts:

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/reducing-corrugated-use-through-proper-design/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/custom-printed-shrink-film-faq-a-surprisingly-economical-green-packaging-solution/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-packaging/reducing-shipping-costs-by-reducing-shipping-weight/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-packaging/economical-sustainable-packaging-is-focus-of-newly-re-designed-www-salazarpackaging-com-web-site/

As companies and organizations realize the benefits of branding, they take full advantage of every opportunity to promote their name and logo and that includes summer gatherings such as golf outings, sporting events, fairs and festivals.

The “Greener” Cooler Option

The Globe Guard® Reusable Cooler is an excellent reusable solution and when it is no longer needed, because it is made of 100% recyclable corrugated board, it can be easily and conveniently recycled or composted anyplace you would process any paper waste. This is only possible because the patent pending design and water resistant coating are able to hold ice, ice water and contents for days without leakage and without adversely affecting its green properties.

Branding with Custom Printing

You can make the Globe Guard® cooler “yours” by printing your logo or message on it, quickly and inexpensively.  Board color and your printing requirements may all impact the minimum but we typically are able to print as few as 250. Our standard printing is one or two colors, on both side panels with approximately 15% ink coverage but if your needs are different, let’s talk about them.

Cooler/Printing Specs

• Outside dimensions – 14” X 11” X 14” high including handle
• Capacity -  15 quarts
• Natural Kraft (brown) is standard but white is available with upcharge and increased minimum
• Retail displays available for wholesale customers
• Small orders ship assembled in boxes via UPS ground for flat rate of $5.00 per cooler
• Larger orders ship unassembled on a pallet via LTL truck
• Print plates typically cost $300 to $400 per color

NOTE: This cooler is a tote design and is intended to be carried and is NOT intended as a cooler shipping box. We do however offer other Globe Guard® products that are designed for shipping of products via USPS, UPS or FedEx. Contact us if you have an application you would like to discuss.   

The stock cooler has our Globe Guard logo printed on both sides as shown in the photo above and is in stock now. Check our green packaging store for pricing and details, and contact us if you have any questions on our stock Globe Guard® cooler or one that you would like us to custom print just for you.

Related Posts:

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/sustainable-packaging-that-helps-you-keep-your-cool/

http://www.greenpackaginggroup.com/industry-experts/the-biodegradable-compostable-recyclable-and-incredibly-eco-friendly-globe-guard-reusable-cooler/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/globe-guard-cooler-season-is-finally-here/

http://blog.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-products/globe-guard%C2%AE-brand-eco-friendly-corrugated-coolers-are-back-in-stock/