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Is Breathable Underlayment Better?

Author Archives: Blair Holland

  1. Is Breathable Underlayment Better?

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    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.

  2. Reasons Why Banding Is the Standard for Sustainable Food Packaging

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    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.

  3. Benefits of Using Paper Packaging

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    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.

  4. 7 Ways to Fix Banding Issues

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    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.

  5. Key Differences Between Corrugated and Folding Cartons

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    Corrugated and folding cartons are two of the most common packaging solutions you’ll encounter when choosing product boxes for your business. The question is, which solution best fits your needs? 

    To help you answer that question and make an informed ordering decision, we’re providing a closer look at the key differences between corrugated and folding cartons.

    Pros and Cons of Folding Cartons

    The primary appeal of folding cartons is the thickness of the material (or lack thereof). Folding cartons are thinner than their corrugated counterparts. As such, they’re lighter and take up far less shelf space. They can also incorporate various branding elements, including stamping, embossing, and texturing.

    However, folding cartons have two major downsides. Since they are thinner, they offer less protection than corrugated boxes and can generally only be used once.

    Pros and Cons of Corrugated Cartons

    Corrugated cartons are much thicker than folding cartons. Consequently, they’re heavier but provide much better protection for your products. They can incorporate some branding elements, such as your company logo. However, stamping or embossing them tends to be more difficult. 

    Additionally, corrugated cartons can be reused several times. As such, they can offer long-term cost savings, though the initial per-unit cost is usually higher when compared to folding cartons. 

    Because they’re so much thicker than folding boxes, corrugated cartons will take up more space on your shelves. Therefore, you might not be able to carry as much packaging material inventory and may need to reorder supplies more frequently. 

    Choose the Right Carton Solution for Your Business

    Both folding and corrugated cartons offer distinct advantages and drawbacks. Fortunately, an experienced packaging materials supplier like Holland Manufacturing can help you choose the ideal solution for your needs. 

    If you need assistance selecting the right cartons for your business, contact Holland Manufacturing at (800) 345-0492 or request a quote online.

  6. Why Use Talon Tape for Bulky and Heavy Packaging?

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    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.

  7. Guide to Barrier Packaging for Your Products

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    Keeping deliveries fresh is essential for perishable products. When a customer receives a meal kit, CBD oils, beer, or any other items that can spoil when exposed to the elements, they expect their shipment to be properly protected. 

    How Barriers Make the Difference

    Barrier packaging is what keeps sensitive and perishable items from harm or spoiling during transit. Barriers are usually made from a variety of materials in many levels of thickness, depending on the needs of the package. 

    Often, coated films keep these items from making contact with the environment, though cooling packs may still be needed for temperature-sensitive products.

    So what do barriers do?

    Protect Against Moisture

    For products that are sensitive to humidity and moisture, an impermeable protective barrier is crucial. It can be in the form of a pouch, bag, or a properly sealed film roll.

    Keep Out Contaminants

    Bacteria and viruses, as well as non-organic contaminants, can ruin a shipment. When food or other perishable items come into contact with harmful substances, they can quickly become contaminated.

    Block Light

    Not every barrier will do the job of blocking light — that’s usually up to the outside packaging  — but preventing light, especially UV light, from reaching certain products is essential for their longevity. Beer, for example, will become spoiled and taste unpleasant given too much light exposure.

    Preserve Desirable Attributes

    Cosmetic products, such as perfumes, are purchased solely based on their aroma. Without proper protective packaging, they can leak and lose what makes them so special.

    Barrier Materials

    Common barrier materials include polypropylene, or PP, polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Each of these is food-safe and can prevent UV light exposure. They can be made to be layered and flexible or in rigid sheets, and they can also be added to paper or cardboard. Sometimes aluminum is used to add more oxygen and light protection. Don’t forget to seal your boxes with reliable tape, too!

    Protecting Perishables with Holland Manufacturing

    When you want to make sure your packages will arrive fresh, rely on Holland Manufacturing! Get started by giving us a call at (800) 345-0492.

  8. The Benefits of ZEBRA ZT200 for Barcode Labeling

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    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.

  9. Everything You Need to Know About Folding Cartons

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    Folding cartons are a critical tool in the retail industry. Modern folding cartons are simple storage solutions that provide:

    Product Protection

    At the most basic level, folding cartons protect your product from exposure to the elements. They also guard against abrasive forces that may be present during the journey to points of sale. 

    However, folding cartons must be paired with quality packaging adhesives to ensure that they adequately protect the products stored within them. Otherwise, the cartons may open during transit, offsetting any protections they provide.

    An Advertising Medium

    Folding cartons are also a great advertising medium. You can use folding cartons to relay important information about your product to consumers. These advertisements can reveal what your product does, its intended use case, and more.

    You should pair your packaging with custom-printed tape to boost your carton-based advertising. Think about it — what good is investing money in beautiful folding cartons, only to seal them with unsightly brown tape? 

    By simply upgrading from generic tape to a custom-printed alternative, you can create a more cohesive experience for your target audience. 

    Storage

    The third and final function of folding cartons is to store your products during transit and at the point of sale. By storing your products in a folding carton, you can ensure that all auxiliary components remain with the key item until the time of purchase. 

    Folding cartons also make it easier for distributors and other supply chain members to store your products while shipments await delivery to retailers. 

    As you can see, folding cartons play a key role in protecting your products and marketing to your target audience. With that in mind, it is critical that you invest in quality cartons and packaging materials, like those provided by Holland Manufacturing.

    Finding the Right Packaging

    Holland Manufacturing provides top-quality tape, coating materials, and more. Call us at (800) 345-0492 or request a quote online to learn more.

  10. Benefits of Non-Adhesive Labeling with Banding

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    Many consumer products are packaged using non-adhesive labeling and banding. This method can be a great way to maintain your products’ structural integrity without compromising your visual brand. Here are just a few of the benefits of non-adhesive labeling with banding:

    Keeps Products Cleaner

    Adhesive labels attract dirt and debris, which can alter the appearance of your product. Adhesive-free labeling ensures that your packaging is clean and inviting, and banding helps maintain the functionality and integrity of your package.

    Better for the Environment

    Banding, in particular, is environmentally friendly. A variety of recyclable materials and sustainable options are available, including biodegradable and compostable materials. And while ordinary adhesives can clog the machinery involved in the recycling process, non-adhesive labels can be recycled with ease.

    Varied Materials

    Adhesive labels typically rely on some form of plastic or polymer. But banding allows you to use paper or a wide array of other materials. You can choose pre-printed designs or showcase your brand, as well as select from eco-friendly or FDA-approved materials.

    Adaptable for Multi-Packing

    Banding is ideal for packaging multiple consumer products together since it’s stronger than traditional adhesives. The tension used to hold products together offers sufficient strength for packaging multiple product types, making it ideal for creating kits or other consumer packages.

    Easy to Implement

    Making the switch to non-adhesive banding is easier than you think. You can easily integrate the process into just about any production line, which minimizes the amount of manual labor or equipment you rely on.

    Find Your Solution Today

    Holland Manufacturing offers a variety of packaging supplies, in addition to a range of other materials, for use in commercial or consumer applications. To learn more, contact us today on the web, or give us a phone call at 800-345-0492.