Category Archive: Industry

The Science Behind Paper Coating & Lamination

Industrial paper materials get overlooked until they fail on the production line. When a moisture barrier breaks down or a paper web wrinkles during production, businesses face ruined runs, delayed shipments, and wasted money.

Paper is naturally porous and flexible, which makes it notoriously difficult to process without exact technical controls. Holland Manufacturing treats industrial coating and lamination as an exact science to prevent costly issues before production even begins.

What Happens When the Process Fails

Poor processing leads immediately to wasted inventory, operational delays, and frustrated customers. Operators on the floor see the results firsthand when bad material hits the machinery and slows down the entire facility. Viscosity issues during application often create uneven textures or visible blade streaks across the material.

These defects go far beyond simple cosmetic flaws. A compromised surface means the moisture or grease barrier will eventually fail under physical stress, ruining final products like water-activated tape or heavy-duty industrial packaging.

The Difference Between Coating and Lamination

Coating involves applying liquid formulations directly to the paper surface. Manufacturers use specific polymers or bio-based solutions to create targeted protective barriers against grease, water, or harsh chemicals. The liquid fills the microscopic pores in the paper and creates a unified surface.

Lamination uses intense heat, heavy pressure, and industrial adhesives to bond a separate protective film or foil directly to the paper substrate. Both manufacturing methods require a consistent foundation to succeed. That’s why dense, resilient materials like kraft paper work so well as a starting point. Regardless of the chosen method, moisture remains the biggest threat to the final product.

Controlling Moisture and Web Tension

Ambient humidity and water-based adhesives constantly interact with paper during production. Cellulose fibers naturally absorb water, which instantly causes the base material to swell and change its physical dimensions on the manufacturing line.

Uneven tension on the machinery causes that swollen paper to curl, warp, and wrinkle before the applied adhesive fully cures. Once the paper loses its structural integrity, it becomes unusable for downstream applications. These structural challenges apply to everything from heavy-duty construction wraps to precise custom printed labels used in harsh exterior environments.

Strict calibration of the drying process and continuous tension control stop bubbling and delamination before they start. The application equipment must perfectly match the speed of the web to the adhesive curing time. A capable converting partner controls these variables and delivers protective barriers that perform under real operating conditions.

Custom Engineering for Industrial Demands

These reliable barriers are non-negotiable for demanding sectors like high-volume e-commerce fulfillment, building construction, and food service. When coated and laminated materials hold up to these harsh environments, production lines run efficiently and packaged products arrive safely at their final destinations.

Material selection is a direct investment in operational reliability. Choosing the correct technical specifications prevents recurring operational problems long before they ever reach your shipping dock.

Holland Manufacturing, headquartered in Succasunna, New Jersey, provides reliable wide-width aqueous coating and specialized laminating solutions. Get the engineered materials for your specific operation by calling 1-800-345-0492 or request a quote to connect with our team.

How Packaging Choices Impact Brand Perception

Packaging is often treated as a disposal cost. Companies seek the cheapest way to ship, ignoring a logistics reality: the shipping carton is frequently a customer’s only physical interaction with a brand. If that interaction involves crushed corners or peeling tape, the business looks careless before the product ever gets a chance to speak for itself.

Holland Manufacturing knows that material choices define first impressions. A secure, professional package signals reliability before the box even opens.

Why Protection Is the Foundation of Brand Trust

A damaged package destroys trust faster than almost any other service failure. Customers rarely separate the shipping method from the product. If the box arrives in poor condition, they assume the product inside is compromised.

Research shows that packaging design influences purchasing decisions for the majority of consumers, and poorly packaged items drive them to competitors. The cost of a lost customer far exceeds the savings from using weaker materials.

Secure sealing is the first line of defense. Plastic pressure-sensitive tape often fails under stress or extreme temperatures, peeling away and leaving contents vulnerable. Reinforced kraft paper tape eliminates these failure points:

• Fiberglass reinforcement prevents tears, even under the impact and vibration of transit.
• Water-activated adhesive bonds directly to corrugated fibers, creating a permanent seal that plastic tape sitting on the surface can’t match.
• Opening the carton leaves visible evidence, reducing pilferage and simplifying returns disputes.

The Silent Value of Custom Branding

Once security is established, visibility becomes the next priority. Standard brown boxes are functional but forgettable. They don’t elevate the customer’s perception of value.

Custom branding changes the equation. When a package arrives with a logo on the sealing tape, it looks professional. It signals that the business is established and attentive to detail. Industry studies consistently show that branded packaging makes consumers more likely to view a product as worth its price and to reorder from that retailer.

This doesn’t require expensive custom boxes. Custom printed tape offers a cost-effective way to brand every shipment. It turns a standard corrugated carton into a branded delivery vehicle. It also acts as a security feature; unlike clear tape, branded tape can’t be replaced without noticeable disruption. And unlike custom boxes requiring high minimums, printed tape applies to any box size.

Sustainability Without the Hassle

Efficiency and branding don’t have to come at the expense of the planet. Modern consumers expect brands to be environmentally responsible, but they also value convenience. Complex recycling requirements often lead to frustration. If customers must separate plastic tape to recycle a box, they often view the packaging as wasteful.

Paper-based packaging solutions bridge this gap. Water-activated tape is curbside recyclable along with the box. It requires no separation and adds no friction to disposal. This “passive sustainability” meets consumer expectations without demanding extra effort.

Using sustainable packaging solutions like paper tape and kraft void fill demonstrates environmental commitment. It aligns the physical package with the values customers prioritize today. The material performs during transit and re-enters the supply chain as recovered fiber, completing the lifecycle without creating waste the customer has to manage.

Making the Strategic Shift

Packaging choices send a message. Weak materials suggest indifference, while robust protection and professional branding signal competence. Investing in the right materials protects the product and preserves the customer relationship.

Holland Manufacturing provides the reinforced tape and custom printing options needed to secure shipments and build brand value. Contact us at 1-800-345-0492 or request a quote online to improve your packaging strategy.

When to Upgrade to Automated Case Sealers

Manual taping works well enough for startups. But as a business grows, the packing table eventually becomes a bottleneck. Speed drops while inconsistency rises. There is a specific point where manual sealing stops being cost-effective and starts eating into margins through labor hours and wasted material.

Holland Manufacturing helps operations managers identify exactly when that shift needs to happen to protect margins and improve throughput.

The One Thousand Box Threshold

Industry data suggests the “breaking point” sits around 1,000 boxes per day. Below this, electric dispensers often suffice. Above it, manual labor costs skyrocket.

When volume hits this level, consistency becomes the primary challenge. Human packers change pace and technique throughout the day, getting tired or distracted. A machine doesn’t.

Material waste also increases with volume. Manual packers typically use 30% more tape than machines due to “over-taping” for safety. They add extra strips “just in case,” driving up costs without adding real security. Automated case sealers eliminate this variability. The machine applies the exact amount of tape required every time, normalizing both material usage and speed.

This consistency creates a predictable cost per box. It removes variables that make budgeting difficult and ensures high-volume days don’t result in unexpected overtime or material shortages.

Hidden Costs of Injury and Fatigue

The cost of manual taping isn’t just about the tape; it’s about the toll on the people applying it.

Manual tape guns require repetitive wrist and elbow motions. Packers twist, pull, and cut thousands of times a shift. The consequences compound across every level of the operation:

• Physical stress accumulates through the shift, and packing speed drops right when shipping deadlines approach.
• Repetitive strain injuries are a leading cause of workers’ comp claims in packaging environments, and a single claim can cost more than upgrading to automation.
• Experienced packers who know your product and workflow are the hardest to replace — and the most likely to be sidelined by cumulative injury.

Automation removes the physical burden. The machine handles the repetitive sealing motion, allowing staff to focus on quality control or fulfillment. This shift improves morale and keeps skilled workers on the floor rather than on medical leave.

Choosing the Right Sealer for Your Line

Not every operation needs a fully automatic system. The right machine depends on volume, box variety, and how much of the process you want to automate.

Semi-automatic sealers require an operator to fold flaps and feed the box. They work well for facilities sealing a few hundred to a few thousand boxes per day with consistent box sizes. Fully automatic sealers handle flap folding and feeding without manual intervention, making them a better fit for high-volume lines or operations running multiple shifts.

Box variety matters too. Uniform sealers handle one box size at a time and need manual adjustment between runs. Random sealers detect each box and adjust automatically, which saves time on lines with mixed SKUs.

The sealing medium is another factor. Water activated tape creates a fiber-deep bond with the corrugated surface, producing a tamper-evident seal that plastic pressure-sensitive tape cannot match. For operations where package security and material performance matter, WAT-based sealers offer a measurable advantage.

Securing Your Operations

Automation solves the problems of inconsistent seals, high labor costs, and physical injury. It turns a variable, manual process into a fixed, reliable part of your production line.

Holland Manufacturing offers carton sealing automation solutions built around water activated tape. Contact us at 1-800-345-0492 to evaluate your current setup.

Tips on Preserving the Quality and Appearance of Floors and Walls

When a customer welcomes you into their home or business, they expect you to treat it with respect. Maintaining the pristine appearance of a client’s space is just as critical as completing the primary service they hired you to perform. Each touch, spill, or mishap could damage floors and walls, tarnishing your reputation and causing friction with your customers.

Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to preserve the quality and appearance of floors and walls. Here are some effective tips to consider:

Use Floor Protection Products

Floor protection board is the best way to keep a client’s floors safe from spills and accidental damage. You can also use reinforced kraft papers to protect walls and baseboards. These materials hold up against the rigors of daily use and are less likely to tear than standard kraft paper or cheap plastic tarps. 

Apply Painter’s Tape

A few well-placed strips of painter’s tape will hold the floor protection board in place and reduce the chances of a slip or fall. Painter’s tape also seals off the seams of your kraft paper and prevents spilled materials from seeping in between rolls of paper.  

Opt for Shoe Covers

Wearing shoe covers may not be your first choice, but it is a simple and effective way to protect floors. Shoe covers will prevent scuff marks, which is particularly important when working on sensitive floors like hardwood or polished stone. 

Clean Up as You Go

Don’t wait until the end of the job to start cleaning up. As you progress through each work area, keep your space clean. 

Maintaining a clean workspace reduces the risk of accidents, and it also makes it easy to identify any damage before the last day of the job. If you discover any scuffs, dents, or other damage caused by your team, you’ll have time to make things right. 

Protect Your Reputation With Holland Manufacturing

At Holland Manufacturing, we provide top-quality floor and wall protection products. From carpet film to floor and wall protection boards, we have cost-effective but durable options you can use to deliver for your customers and preserve your brand reputation.

Contact Holland Manufacturing today to learn more. You can call us at (800) 354-0492 or submit a quote request online. 

Keep Carpet Safe and Clean with Blue Shield CF

Renovation projects can be hazardous to the existing surfaces in your home. No one wants to repaint their living room only to discover that they’ve repainted part of their carpet as well. Avoid drips, splatters, and tears by using Blue Shield Carpet Film.

What Is Blue Shield CF?

The carpet protection film is a thin layer of material designed for use on the carpet, protecting it from paint or damage during a renovation or construction project.

Blue Shield Carpet Film is a clear, 2.5 mil layer of plastic with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. This product protects residential and commercial carpeting from such dangers as:

• Dust
• Dirt
• Paint
• Job-site debris
• Wear and tear during work projects

While many other protection films only last 30 days, Blue Shield CF can protect for up to 45 days. Blue Shield CF is available in many standard sizes, allowing you to choose the best option for your job site.

How to Use Blue Shield CF

Blue Shield CF comes on an easy-to-store roll. To use the product, simply unroll the film at the desired location. The pressure-sensitive adhesive makes it easy to apply to the floor without having to fight to keep the product from sticking together. Make sure to position the film so that it’s close to the walls to ensure maximum protection.

The film will adhere to the carpet for up to 45 days, during which time it will keep carpets clean and protected from spills, tears, and other job site hazards. After the job is complete, the film simply lifts with no unsightly residue.

Where to Buy Blue Shield CF

Blue Shield CF can be purchased through the Holland Manufacturing Website, where you’ll find your choice of size. We also offer a range of high-quality products that can improve any project or job site. Contact us today on the web, or give us a call at 800-345-0492.

Everything You Need to Know about Water Activated Tape

What Is Water Activated Tape?

Water Activated Tape (WAT) is a paper-based tape with an adhesive that is dry to the touch until activated by water.  Water turns the dried adhesive into a tacky, fluidic adhesive that is designed to adhere to corrugated boxes.  Unlike some other tapes in the packaging market, water activated tape has a singular focus – secure closure of corrugated boxes.

Water Activated Tape is available in reinforced and non-reinforced varieties.  The reinforced product is strengthened by reinforcement fibers traditionally made of fiberglass or polyester.  The addition of reinforcement enhances the durability of the tape closure and is ideal for boxes bound for parcel shipping. The reinforcement is sandwiched between two sheets of kraft paper along with a laminate adhesive, thus fully encapsulating the reinforcing filament.

Non-reinforced water activated tape does not have any reinforcement fibers and therefore does not have the same level of durability as reinforced tape.  However, non-reinforced tape has some advantages including cost and environmental benefits.  The most common applications for non-reinforced tape are lightweight boxes and packages that are unitized on pallets, not bound for individual parcel shipping.

What separates Water Activated Tape from other packaging tapes, both the non-reinforced and reinforced grades, is the adhesive migrates into the fibers of the corrugated box.  Once the adhesive dries – within 5-7 seconds – the adhesive has fused the tape and box together.  The only way to remove the tape is to destroy the seal; leaving behind a tamper evident footprint that the box has been intentionally opened.

Water Activated Tape is sold in roll form.  There are several roll sizes that are popular with the most popular domestic US size being 72mm (2.83 IN) wide, 137m (450 FT) long.  The rolls are packaged in corrugated boxes and for the 72mm x 137m roll size there are 10 rolls per box.  Higher volume users often elect to purchase tape in longer length rolls to reduce the number of roll changes, increasing packaging station productivity.  500 FT, 600 FT, and even 1000 FT rolls are all common roll lengths in the water activated tape market.

Why is water activated tape used? Who uses it?

There are many reasons why water activated tape has seen a resurgence in popularity.  The driving force of the popularity is the growing demand for parcel shipping.  The eCommerce revolution has made it easier for customers to order the goods they desire and receive the items directly to their front door.  For the vendors, the eCommerce model has allowed for a cost-effective sales model without the expenses of store fronts and other associated overhead costs.

Water activated tape is ideal for eCommerce shippers.  Here are the reasons why:

1. Security – no shipper wants their package to be tampered with. Today, shippers are sending all types of items including foods, pharmaceuticals, valuable electronics, and many other sensitive items.  The tamper evident closure of water activated tape assures the box stays closed until intentionally opened.  Security of closure is the #1 reason why water activated tape is used today for eCommerce packages.
2. Branding – The appearance of your eCommerce packaging is statement about your brand.  Do you value your customer’s experience when they receive your package?  The majority of eCommerce shippers are turning to branded water activated tape to seal packages.  The paper based, water activated tape prints well and is easy to apply to the box without folding or creasing the tape – a major problem for plastic pressure sensitive tape.
3. Environmental – there is a growing war against plastic packaging. Paper based packaging is trending due to its recyclability and sustainability given current forestry regulation and recycling practices within the paper making industry.  Corrugated boxes, paper void fill, and water activated tape create a secure, protective, and an environmental responsible package.  Consumers are pushing vendors to be environmentally conscious. We received a lot of questions from customers about the environmental factors and recyclability of water activated tape.  Here is how we answer this question:

Reinforced Water Activated Tape is an environmentally friendly product, especially when compared to plastic pressure sensitive tape.  The majority of the product’s construction is made from renewable resources. Reinforced tape, by itself, is not recyclable.  Non-Reinforced water activated tape is curbside recyclable.

Reinforced water activated tape is made of 4 basic components.

1. Paper – this material is bio-degradable, recyclable, and repulpable.
2. Corn Starch Based Adhesive – like paper, this material is bio-degradable, recyclable, and repulpable.
3. Laminate Adhesive – This joins the papers together – this is a petro-chemical material. This does not help the environmental claims of the product.
4. Fiberglass – This is not Recyclable, Repulpable or Biodegradable material.

In the application of the tape to a box, the tape is a small percentage of the overall weight of the box.  The curbside recyclable standards that we are aware of call for 80% of the overall mass must be recoverable in the recycling process in order to be considered recyclable.  The laminate and fiberglass are a very small percentage of the overall weight of the overall box – probably 1% or less of the weight.  Therefore, in its application, it is possible reinforced water activated tape can be considered recyclable.

A roll of tape on its own would not pass this standard as the weight of the laminate and fiberglass would exceed 20% of the overall mass of the tape roll.  However, rolls of tape are not showing up in the recycling stream normally.  The tape is intended to be adhered to a corrugated carton and in that application, curbside recyclability standards should be met.

Holland Manufacturing does not have current 3^rd party testing to verify this hypothesis as most testing services will only test the product itself.  Holland is currently engaged in development work to see how best to further reduce environmental impact of reinforced WAT.

Non-reinforced water activated tape is recyclable, repulpable, and bio-degradable.  One could argue that non-reinforced WAT is the most environmentally friendly carton closure product.

The paper used in Holland’s WAT products is 100% virgin fiber based for strength and performance reasons.  All sources of kraft paper used by Holland are in compliance with SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) Standards.

4. Ease of Application – Ecommerce shippers are under pressure to deliver products quickly and maximize the output of their labor force. Packing and carton closure needs to be efficient.  Water Activated Tape, when dispensed from a quality water activated tape dispenser, is presented to the packer at the correct length and is ready to be applied to the box.  This presentation of a finite length of tape is much different than using a pressure sensitive tape gun to apply carton closure.  Closing with a pressure sensitive tape gun depends on the skill, speed, and endurance of the packer, these variables, while still important, vary less with water activated tape.  This consistency is a key advantage of water activated tape carton closure.

Adding Your Branding

As mentioned previously, the opportunity to brand water activated tape provides packagers with a cost-effective method to engage customers.  An undeniable factor is that when a customer opens a package sealed with water activated tape, they are forced to look at the tape.  Custom printed water activated tape provides an opportunity to share a message, promotion, new product detail, cross-selling offer, and countless other options to make an impression on a customer you are already selling to.

At Holland Manufacturing, we custom print water activated tape with all types of designs and objectives for our customers.  Over the years, we have seen what works and what looks makes the biggest impact. In short, we recommend simpler designs to make the best statement for a brand.  There are many options and design choices.  To help customers, we have outlined the following design guide to provide ideas and concepts for your printed tape design.

Step 1:  Understand Your Canvas

In flexographic printing, photopolymer plates are used to imprint the images on the substrate (WAT).   The plates are fixed size making the width and length of the plate important and set the first characteristic of your design.  We can this width and length dimension the size of your canvas.

Water Activated Tape

The WIDTH of your print area coincides with the WIDTH of the tape.  The most common WIDTHS for Water Activated Tape are 2.83 Inch (72mm) and 3 Inch (76mm).

The LENGTH of the print area is called the REPEAT SIZE.  The REPEAT is defined as the distance from any reference point in the art to the next time that same reference point is printed.

Width Measurements

Step #2: Select a Tape Stock

Choice #1: Natural or White  

Water Activate Tape Model

Most packagers will match the tape substrate color to the color of the corrugated box for a more uniform appearance.  However, the recent trend in reverse flood coating and the desire for color contrast has led to the increasing popularity of white tape stocks for printed applications. Natural tape stocks are typically stronger than white tape stocks as the bleaching process can weaken the paper.  Natural tape stocks are also less expensive

Choice #2: Reinforced or Non-Reinforced

Is your package going to be handled by a parcel shipping service? If yes, Holland recommends a reinforced tape stock.  Several grades are available to match your maximum package weight to the correct tape strength for secure closure. Non-Reinforced tape is typically used for lightweight boxes or packages that are not bound for parcel service shipping.

PURE WHITE REINFORCED TAPE

Need White? Demand PURE WHITE Holland has developed Pure White grades of reinforced tape for unsurpassed optical brightness, color accuracy, and contrast for your print design. Available in two strengths – H-30 and H-70 – Holland’s Pure White grades make a dramatic statement on any package.

Step 3:  Select a Print Style

Selecting a print style is a needed step for any printed tape design.  In recent years, a popular trend in printed water activated tape are designs with a high level of ink coverage.  The trend has established printed tape as a highly recognizable and prominent feature of a package.

Despite the popularity of flood coated tape designs, there are several design strategies to match your brand message from dramatic to understated.

Seasonal, Promotional, Short Term Campaigns

Another trend in printed water activated tape is promotional or seasonal designs.  Alert your customers to a special incentive, a product release, or simply brand the tape to the present time of year.  Beyond branding, the printed tape can deliver a clear message to your customers they cannot ignore.

Logo Printing

Timeless design where the logo is printed and repeated consistently.

Advantages: Understated Look, Sophisticated, Easy to Read, Natural Look

Flood Coat Printing

Heavy Ink coverage for the most dramatic tape design. 

Advantages:  Eye Catching, highly visible from a distance, brand impact

Pro Tip:  By printing a lighter background color and a darker accent color, you can avoid the cost of an engraved cylinder and still achieve the dramatic presentation of full coverage printing.

Random/Pattern Printing

Series of shapes, images, or logos in a full coverage layout.

Advantages:  Unique, recognizable, can be understated or dramatic, cost savings compared to a flood coat print.

Process Printing

Printing complex images for a true visualization of a product or service.

Advantages:  Eye-catching, detailed visuals for maximum customer experience

Facts about Process Printed Water Activated Tape

• The complex images seen above are created from dot pattern layering of ink.
• Most colors can be created with 4 color processes – meaning there are 4 printing plates printing Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black inks.
• The printing plates for process printing are more expensive than standard plates for logo printing.
• Holland typically produced process printed tape in our Williamston, SC location.

Step 4:  Vectored Artwork Design your artwork in a vectored art file types such as .ai, .pdf (hi-res), .cdr, .svg or .eps.  A vectored art file allows the art to be scaled without a loss of resolution.  By providing these file types, it will save time and money. Step 5:  Ink Color Selection The proper ink color is critical for brand consistency. Holland offers a set of standard ink colors.  See our standard ink color chart below:

For customers that require a specific ink color, Holland uses the Pantone color system to identify custom ink colors.  As part of the Holland Proof Approval process, Holland will send an ink swatch sample of the ink printed on the tape of your choice.  Ink colors often look different when printed on kraft substates.

Pro Tip:  Water Activated Tape is classified as an “Uncoated” base stock.  When looking for Pantone Colors, select a color (s) with a “U” suffix for “UNCOATED” base stock.

Pro Tip:  If you have selected a Kraft Colored Tape when selecting an ink color opt for 1 shade lighter than you expect.  The kraft background will “darken” the appearance of the ink color.

More About Ink

• Holland only uses the highest quality, water-based inks – good for the environment & our operations.
• Top Coat Varnish – for heavy ink coverage designs, Holland recommends a clear coat varnish over the top of the print. This mitigates ink transfer and gives the tape a slight increase in gloss.
• Natural Kraft Paper – There is variation in the shade of natural kraft paper. Our mill partners are highly consistent; however, Holland recommends our white tape stocks for customers with the highest sensitivities for ink color accuracy.

Step 6: Submitting Your Request Online

Holland has created an easy to navigate web tool for obtaining a quotation for printed water activated tape.  Follow the steps to receive a recommended tape grade for your application, set your printing requirements, uploading art files and provide your contact information.  You will receive a quote within 24 hours.

https://www.hollandmfg.com/custom-printed-water-activated-tape/

How to apply the product?

There are several ways to properly activate and use water activated tape.  The equipment and sophistication of the method varies depending on the user’s operational set up and budget.  We will start with the simplest method and progress to the most automated solution.

For new users of water activated tape that are not sealing a large number of boxes in a day, we often see the use of a sponge to wet the tape and scissors to cut the tape to length.  This is definitely not the most efficient way to use the product; however, with proper activation of the tape, the user can seal a box with the same level of security as more automated methods of dispensing and applying water activated tape.

Some keys to success with the sponge and scissor method are:

1. Cut the tape to length before applying the water.
2. The length of the tape should be approximately 6 Inches longer than the major panel length of the box. This will allow 3” to extend down the side of the box – needed for a secure closer.
3. Water temperature matters – use warm, not hot water – 110°F is the ideal temperature.
4. Wet the sponge and make sure that it is fully saturated – the sponge should not be dripping as you apply the sponge to the tape.
5. Apply the sponge to the adhesive side of the pre-cut length of water activated tape. Use light pressure and move across the tape adhesive surface in one fluid motion at a moderate speed.
6. Avoid more than one swipe across the adhesive surface. The repeated wiping of the sponge against the tape adhesive surface will remove adhesive from the tape and reduce performance.
7. Apply the tape to the major panel flap of the box within a few seconds of the activation of the adhesive. Close the box and wipe the tape down with firm pressure to help drive with water activated adhesive into the corrugated box. The video below will show you the proper application of the tape.

Advantages of the Sponge and Scissor Method

• Low Cost
• Good for low volume users
• Easy to move equipment to seal in different locations

Disadvantages of the Sponge and Scissor Method

• Tape performance will be more variable if too much adhesive is wiped off the tape.
• Slow and time consuming – only good for low volume applications.

Tape Dispensing Machines

Utilizing a tape dispenser that properly activates the adhesive with water and cuts the tape to the desired length is the most common method of applying water activated tape.

There are two basic types of water activated tape dispensers – manual and electronic machines.

The manual machine has a pull handle which the user manually pulls to dispense the tape.  The machine translates the lever pull into driving a feed wheel inside the tape machine, driving the tape across a brush system which wicks water from a reservoir system.  The mechanism is tied to a cutting assembly which cuts the tape to the desired length.  The machine is easy to use, portable, and cost effective.  We recommend manual machines to users that do not have access to electric or wish to have the machine portable.

The electric tape machine is similar to the manual machine with the same basic action; however, all actions are driven by a push button system.  The user presses the bottom on the keypad corresponding to the desired length of tape (inches).  The tape is quickly dispensed and cut to length.  The electric tape dispenser is the workhorse of the eCommerce industry used by the companies big and small to securely close eCommerce boxes.

The electric machine has some significant advantages over the manual tape machine.  First, the process is more consistent.  The tape is dispensed at a set speed, unaffected by the user’s action (speed of dispensing).  Next, electric tape dispensers typically have a brush heater which heats the water interface.  Warm water helps to activate the tape and enhances adhesion to the corrugated box.  Finally and most importantly for high volume eCommerce packagers, the speed and reduction in packager fatigue make the electric machine the clear choice for volume shippers.

Automated Case Sealing

While tape dispensing machines are the dominate method for using water activated tape, there are applications that demand more automation.  For these applications there are automated case sealers that close boxes with water activated tape.

Automated case sealers can help operations that have high volumes and wish to automate the sealing of the boxes.  At Holland Mfg, we utilize case sealing equipment to close the high volume of water activated tape cartons we produce.  For our application, the case sealer is well suited as we are sealing similar size boxes that are heavy and most are filled with automated case packers.  Our operations are not pick and pack which is the most common use of water activated tape.

Here is a short video case sealer operation:

There are some disadvantages to automated case sealers.  First, they are expensive.  Next, they have many moving parts that can become a maintenance challenge if neglected. Finally, there are several machines on the market, not all of them reliably perform.  Holland uses and recommends the Schneider Packaging case sealer as a highly robust, reliable, and well-built unit.

Keys to Success in using Water Activated Tape

Water Activated Tape is a unique packaging product as the user completes making the adhesive in the field by activated the adhesive with water.  This fact introduces an added variable which requires recognition and attention by the user.

It sounds trivial, but water activated tape requires water to work correctly.  Over the years, our technical team has troubleshot several user issues where not enough water or no water remained in the tape machine reservoir.  The first key to success with water activated tape – make sure you have enough water.

Next, water activated tape is activated best with water that is warm, not hot, not cold.  We recommend a water temperature of 110°F for optimal adhesive activation.  This point accentuates the advantages of the electric tape dispenser.  These machines have a brush heater that warms the activating water, this improves the adhesive tack time.  By using a manual tape dispenser without a brush heater, the water in your machine will equalize with the ambient room temperature.  The adhesive will still activate and achieve a secure bond to your corrugated box; however, the tack time will be slightly longer.  Users will see the tape slide on the box slightly longer before the adhesive sets.  This could be an advantage for some applications where a longer open time (time before the tape adhesive sets) provides the user a chance to straighten the tape on the corrugated box.  Imagine a long strip of tape intended to seal a long box; the added open time gives the user more time to reposition before the tape adhesive sets.

Properly maintaining your tape machine (manual, electric or a case sealer) is imperative to your success with water activated tape.  Most machines have brushes that apply the water to the tape.  The brushes need to be clean to properly apply the water to the adhesive.  Over time adhesive will build up in the brushes and that adhesive residue can restrict the water from activating the tape.  The brushes need to be removed and cleaned.  Soaking the brushes in hot soapy water and then thoroughly rinsing the brushes is the best method to clean the brushes.  If the build up is excessive, consider changing the brushes.  Additionally, brushes will wear and should be replaced; frequency will depend on usage.

Success is also dependent on the selection of the correct water activated tape product.  As previously described, there are both reinforced and non-reinforced tape grades.  The majority of applications are better serviced with reinforced tape, but advantages for non-reinforced tape do exist including environmental and cost.  Regardless of tape style, there are various grades available within each classification.  It is recommended to select a grade of tape that can securely close the heaviest box that will be shipped. All grades the Holland produces have a recommended box weight limit.  In today’s shipping environment, packages take abuse.  The cost differences between reinforced water activated tape grades is not overwhelming so a conservative approach with slightly more robust tape is recommended.

For more information about application success, please check out the following video.

Current Trends in the Carton Closure Market

Water Activated Tape has seen a renewed level of interest by the packaging market due to ecommerce.  The product is not new.  Water Activated Tape has been used for more than 70 years.  During the 1980’s and 1990’s the product fell victim to the rise in popularity of plastic pressure sensitive tape.  The cost difference and ease of hand application of pressure sensitive tape made the product compelling for many users at the time.

Today, however, for ecommerce packaging, water activated tape is a clear choice.  Excelling in pick and pack situations which the same worker is filling and closing the box, water activated tape is the best option – at least according to the top e-commerce companies in the world – Amazon, Walmart, Mercado Libre, Target, and others.

As previously mentioned, branding has become very important to eCommerce shippers.  As retailers transition from a traditional in-store experience for customers to goods arriving in a corrugated box, packaging must be memorable, engaging and represent the brand.  Printed water activated tape is therefore quickly gaining market share from the non-printed water activated tape product.   A current trend with printed tape is the preference for nearly full ink coverage.  This style of printing is highly recognizable, often colorful and contrasting tape helps to highlight the brand among a sea of eCommerce packages.

Related to the rise in printed tape has been the noticeable interest in white reinforced tape.  With the importance of branding and integrity of color accuracy for a brand as well as visual impact, white reinforced tape provides an ideal substrate.  Holland has developed a True White reinforced tape to meet the needs of the market.  The market response has been excellent for this product and should be considered by any brand attempting to maximize visual contrast and impact of their printed tape.

Another trend seen in the water activated tape market is the user preference for a longer length roll.  Traditionally, 375 LF and 450 LF rolls have been the predominant roll lengths in the market.  Today, users are under more pressure to increase efficiency and reduce downtime.  An easy and effective way to do this is to increase the roll length to reduce roll changes.  500 LF, 600 LF, and 1000 LF roll lengths are become increasingly popular.

Likely the most prevalent trend in the overall packaging market is the effort to reduce the use of plastic.  Water activated tape is obviously a great closure method in the war against plastic packaging.  This trend is having ripple effects across the industry.  Long term, this trend will push more paper-based material into the packaging market which will stress paper supplies.  Paper mills are large facilities requiring time and tremendous capital to start. A likely trend is the steady increases in costs of paper-based packaging materials as demand outpaces the development of additional paper making capacity.  The trend could impact corrugated boxes, paper void fill, paper-based mailers and water activated tape.  Hopefully costs will be contained, and the users recognize the value of paper based materials.

Similar in scale to the war on plastic is the drastic labor shortages existing within the US packaging market.  Automation will become increasingly important and relied upon in the next decade.  This factor is a challenge for water activated tape as the product is most effectively used in pick and pack operations and is handed applied.  The continued development of automated case sealers applying water activated tape will be important to the product’s continued success as a carton closure method.  Solutions do exist; however, increasing reliability and controlling upfront equipment costs will be important factors for equipment manufacturers.

Summary

Our hope is that this information is helpful in educating users about water activated tape.  As a manufacturer of water activated tape for more than 60 years, Holland is fully committed to help customers of all types and size have success with the product.  For more information about water activated tape, please visit our website www.hollandmfg.com.  For assistance or questions, please email sales@hollandmfg.com or give us a call at 1-800-345-0492.

Sustainable Packaging: Will the Momentum Continue Post Coronavirus?

The full effects of the coronavirus on the global economy have yet to be seen.  The crisis has prompted a fairly immediate shutdown of the world economy.

In our small corner of the economy, the packaging industry, the 12-18 months prior to the coronavirus marked a welcome shift in packaging trends.

Sustainable packaging solutions were gaining traction – FAST!  Plastic had become a dirty word and companies looking to reduce or eliminate its use in packaging applications.

The fuel for this trend can be attributed to:

1. The power of popular opinion.
2. The massive power a few large companies have over the entire industry.

Popular opinion

The combination of social media and the simplicity of its access via the cell phone have heightened the pressure on companies to show environmental ethics.  Consumers of their products care more about the environment, share more online and it’s a snowball of environmental demand heading downhill.  Companies have no choice but to respond.  Not that companies did not have environmental directives of their own.  However, it is hard to deny the social pressure and that has accelerated the trend.

Big, Powerful Companies

The best analogy could be astrological (a personal interest of mine).  I view these large powerful companies like black holes.  You might view this as a negative comment, but I intend it as a positive.  Black holes are so massive and have such a high degree of gravity associated with them they warp space-time.  Their gravitational pull is so strong that star systems rotate around them.  Black holes command the universe.  Similarly, the largest companies in the world set trends and the market follows.  Here is are two examples from the packaging industry.

In 2008, Amazon started to use reinforced water-activated tape for closing eCommerce delivery boxes.  Today, the reinforced water-activated tape is a standard closure method for the entire eCommerce industry. 

In 2018, Dunkin Donuts announced that by 2020, they will no longer use polystyrene styrofoam cups.  Time will tell, but my bets are they you will not see many Styrofoam cups in a few years.

These big, powerful companies have the power to say “this is the right way” and the market will follow.  When it comes to the desire for sustainable packaging, these big, powerful companies are under pressure to do the “right thing” and that thing is to increase sustainability.

So, we have now established the motivation (public opinion supercharged by social media via cell phones) and the method of change (big, powerful companies and their space-time bending gravity to shift market trends).  On top of this, the mission is GOOD.  We need to save the planet – the world is ready to take responsibility and make changes.  So much momentum, positivity – sustainable packaging could save the world (OK that is going a bit far, but you get the point).

Then we watched and continue to watch a slow-motion train wreck also known as the coronavirus.  The global economy has gone from thriving to survive in a matter of weeks.  So, my question, what is going to happen to all the positive momentum on sustainable packaging?  Will companies previously committed to green packaging products divert their priorities to the “other” green ($$$)?

I say NO, this sustainable packaging movement is here to stay.  Here’s why?

1. Coronavirus is not a computer virus; it does not impact cell phones. The method for how public opinion is shaped has not changed.  If anything, social distancing has made people more reliant on their cell phones, imagine that.
2. The Coronavirus has shown in dynamic ways how damaging people have been to the environment. The economic stop has displayed dramatic images across the Earth with the reduction of greenhouses gas emissions from far fewer cars, buses, trains, airplanes and ocean liners traveling around the world.  Residents of Northern Indian towns are reporting to see the Himalayan Mountain range for the first time in 30 years as a result of improving air quality.  Along with other images from China, Europe and North America of air quality improvements that are noticeable from space (in only 60 days) – it reinforces the mission; that we have the power to reverse our impacts on Earth.
3. More Effort to Reverse Progress than to Keep Going – Big, Powerful companies are going to thin resources and conserve capital. With the likely reduction in the workforce, it would be more difficult to reverse the progress of sustainable packaging initiatives already in motion. Let’s look at our Dunkin Donuts example, are they likely to reverse the course of Styrofoam cups?  I doubt it.  Of course, it would be a PR nightmare for them, but to our point here, it would take a lot of time and effort to reverse supply chain decisions.  They don’t have time for it.
4. Technology and Innovation have made the cost difference less. There was a time that environmentally friendly products were more expensive, much more in fact.  Depending on the product, there are sustainable packaging solutions that do not cost significantly more. The economic downside of sustainable packaging is not overwhelming for most companies.

While the coronavirus pandemic will end, our opinion is that the growth of sustainable packaging will continue.  The pace of adoption will likely slow as the whole economy slows; however, the momentum is too great for interest in sustainable packaging to disappear.

At Holland Manufacturing, the last several weeks have been very difficult and we foresee challenging times ahead.  However, we are committed to doing our part to decrease our environmental footprint and develop sustainable packaging materials beyond the current options that we do offer.  Moving forward, please look for more updates and information from Holland on sustainable packaging.  We are going to develop a special section of our website devoted to sustainability and look forward to working with our customers to meet their sustainable packaging needs.

Also Read Here: Bogus Paper: Sustainable Packaging by Holland Manufacturing 

Also, Read Here: Water Activated Tape: Everything You Need to Transform Your Packaging

About Holland Manufacturing Company : Holland Manufacturing Company Also Offers Packaging Products like Water Activated Tape, Blue Shield Industrial Products, Specialty Coated and Laminated Products, Custom Printed Labels ; Tags, Industrial Paper Products etc.

Get in touch with us on- 1-800-345-0492 Or FAX: 1-973-598-6233 Or Email us at info@hollandmfg.com

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