27th May 2025
Introduction to Industrial Packaging
When choosing packaging supplies in Boston, your decision impacts every part of your supply chain. The right shipping supplies reduce product damage, increase fulfillment speed, and control warehouse costs.
This guide covers the most important industrial packaging materials, including stretch wrap, packaging tape, corner board, labels, and more. If you're looking for guidance on packaging and shipping solutions for your warehouse, you're in the right place.
Looking to streamline your packaging? Contact Unisan Direct for a custom consultation.
What Are Industrial Packaging Supplies?
Industrial packaging supplies refer to the durable, heavy-duty materials used in commercial shipping environments. These materials differ from consumer-grade packaging and are designed to handle the rigors of industrial use.
Key Functions of Industrial Packaging Materials:
- Protection during transport and storage
- Containment of items for palletizing or shipment
- Identification through labels and codes
- Efficiency in workflows and logistics
If you're looking for reliable packaging materials for shipping, knowing
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Stretch Wrap: The Backbone of Palletizing
Stretch wrap is one of the most commonly used shipping supplies in warehouse operations. It stabilizes loads on pallets, reduces damage, and keeps products clean and secure.
When deciding the best stretch wrap for pallets, evaluate the features and requirements needed to safely secure the pallet load. There are many different types of pallet wraps, from hand wraps to machine wraps, and various gauges or thicknesses.
Types of Stretch Film:
- Cast Stretch Wrap – Easy to use and quiet, perfect for smooth loads
- Blown Stretch Wrap – More resistant to punctures, ideal for irregular or sharp loads
- Pre-Stretched Film – Saves material and reduces worker strain
Choosing Between Hand and Machine Stretch Wrap
- Hand wrap is ideal for small operations or varied load shapes
- Machine wrap works best for consistent, high-volume packaging needs
Stretch wrap packaging plays a vital role in industrial shipping. Choosing the right type can help you reduce film waste and improve load stability.
Read More: Types of Pallet Wrap
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Pallet Wrap Gauge Explained:
Gauge is an important spec when choosing a pallet wrap. The gauge of the film affects its strength, stretchability, and durability. Gauge refers to the thickness of the pallet wrap. In general, a higher gauge means a thicker and stronger wrap, while a lower gauge indicates a thinner and lighter film.
60 Gauge: Light-duty wrapping and bundling of small items.
- Load Weight: Up to ~1,600 lbs.
70 Gauge: Light-to-medium duty applications.
- Load Weight: Up to ~2,200 lbs.
80 Gauge: The Industry Standard, versatile for all-purpose wrapping.
- Load Weight: Up to ~2,400 lbs.
90-120 Gauge: Heavy-duty applications requiring maximum load security.
- Load Weight: Over 3,000 lbs.
Confused about pallet wrap thickness? Use our guide to Understand Pallet Wrap Gauges
Packaging tape is essential in your shipping process. Without the right adhesive, boxes can pop open during transit, leading to product loss or damage.
- Acrylic Tapeis a durable tape for sealing boxes and securing loads. It works well in many temperatures and resists UV light, moisture, and aging. It’s perfect for long-term storage and retail packaging.
- Hot Melt Tapebonds instantly and holds strongly on boxes, making it great for heavy-duty applications and high-speed packaging lines. Reliable and durable, it’s frequently used in logistics and e-commerce.
- Water-Activated Tapecreates a strong, tamper-evident bond when moistened. It’s eco-friendly, recyclable, and perfect for heavy or high-value shipments.
- Filament Tape is reinforced tape with fiberglass strands for added strength and load stability.
- Colored Acrylic Tapeis a vibrant, pressure-sensitive tape used for color-coding, branding, or visual organization.
If you’re sealing cartons in cold storage or need industrial adhesive tape that can hold up during rough handling, your choice of tape matters.
Seal your cartons with confidence. Shop high-performance packaging tape.
Corner board is an essential yet often overlooked packaging supply that protects the edges of palletized loads.
How Edge Protectors Help:
- Stabilize pallet loads to prevent shifting during transport
- Protect products from strapping damage or forklift impact
- Reinforce edges to reduce crushing or denting
Available in laminated, printed, and notched styles, the corner board for pallets can also be custom-sized and branded.
Read More: How to Best Secure Your Pallet Loads
Protect every pallet. Get corner board solutions delivered locally.
Efficient packaging depends on proper identification. Shipping labels and industrial label systems improve accuracy, compliance, and inventory control.
Label Types and Features:
- Thermal Transfer Labels – Long-lasting, high-resolution printing
- Direct Thermal Labels – Great for short-term, high-volume needs
- Hazmat, OSHA, and DOT labels – Ensure safety and legal compliance
- Color-Coded or Pre-Printed Labels – Speed up order picking and reduce errors
Investing in the right labeling solutions for packaging and shipping supports warehouse efficiency and safety.
Other Essential Packaging Supplies
A complete packaging setup goes beyond boxes and tape. These protective packaging materials help you ship safely and efficiently.
Must-Have Packaging Accessories:
- Void Fill: Options include kraft paper, air pillows, and foam
- Strapping & Banding: Polypropylene, polyester, or steel
- Mailers & Cartons: Choose from die-cut, heavy-duty, or branded
- Dispensers & Tools: Increase productivity and reduce injury
- Packaging Station Safety Gear: Gloves, cutters, signage
Using the right combination of packaging materials helps minimize product damage and improves operator comfort.
How to Choose the Right Packaging Supplies for Your Business
If you're searching for packaging supplies in Boston but not sure where to begin, focus on your specific operational needs.
Industrial Packaging Tips:
- Assess the weight and fragility of your products
- Account for environmental factors like temperature or humidity
- Match packaging to your workflow, whether manual or automated
- Choose sustainable materials when possible
- Evaluate supplier reliability and delivery speed
Your packaging decisions should balance cost, durability, and efficiency. Working with a local partner like Unisan Direct ensures fast access to high-quality industrial packaging materials for warehouses and expert support.
FAQs About Industrial Packaging Supplies
Q: What’s the difference between cast and blown stretch wrap? A: Cast film is more transparent and easier to use, while blown film offers superior strength and puncture resistance.
Q: How do I calculate how much tape I need? A: Start with box dimensions and sealing requirements, then multiply by your daily shipment volume.
Q: Can corner board be custom branded? A: Yes, custom-printed edge protectors can promote your brand and increase professionalism.
Q: What's the best tape for cold storage applications? A: Acrylic adhesive tape performs best in cold environments and resists temperature fluctuations.
Still have questions? Contact us for expert packaging support.
What's Next?
Choosing the right packaging and shipping materials is about protecting your products, improving efficiency, and meeting customer expectations. By understanding your options and evaluating your operation's needs, you can make smarter choices that save time and money.
At Unisan Direct, we provide expert guidance and next-day delivery of packaging supplies in Boston and beyond. From stretch wrap to custom labels, we’ve got everything your warehouse needs.
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