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 designers create them 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 the difference between industrial and consumer options is essential.
Ready to upgrade your packaging materials? Shop industrial warehouse & shipping supplies now.
Stretch Wrap: The Backbone of Palletizing
Stretch wrap is one of the most commonly used shipping supplies in warehouse operations. Stretch Wrap, also know as stretch film or pallet wrap, is a I plastic that is wraped around pallets to stabilizes loads on pallets, reduces damage, and keeps products clean and secure.
When choosing the best stretch wrap for pallets, consider the features and needs to safely secure the load. Some common features to consider are the weight of the load, clarity, puncture resistance, and flexibility. Many different types of pallet wraps exist, 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
Need stretch film fast? Get it delivered next day from our Boston warehouse.
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.
Here’s a breakdown of common gauges and when to use them:
60 Gauge:
- Best for: Light-duty wrapping and bundling small items.
- Load Weight: Up to ~1,600 lbs.
- Use Case: Ideal for products that need basic protection from dust and minor scuffs.
70 Gauge:
- Best for: Light-to-medium duty applications.
- Load Weight: Up to ~2,200 lbs.
- Use Case: Suitable for uniform loads without sharp edges; common in retail and general warehousing.
80 Gauge: (The Industry Standard)
- Best for: Versatile, all-purpose wrapping.
- Load Weight: Up to ~2,400 lbs.
- Use Case: Perfect for most shipping needs; balances strength, stretch, and cost.
90-120 Gauge:
- Best for: Heavy-duty applications requiring maximum load security.
- Load Weight: Over 3,000 lbs.
- Use Case: Suitable for irregular loads, heavy equipment, and items with sharp edges.
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.
Packing tapes are formulated to match box weight, storage conditions, and sealing methods, providing reliable strength across various shipping scenarios. Whether you are sealing lightweight cartons or heavy-duty boxes, the right tape ensures your packaging holds firm throughout the supply chain.
- Acrylic Tape is a durable tape for sealing boxes and securing loads. It works well in many temperatures and resists UV light, moisture, and aging. Perfect for long-term storage and retail packaging.
- Hot Melt Tape bonds quickly and holds tightly on boxes. Perfect for heavy-duty jobs and fast packaging lines. People frequently use it in logistics and e-commerce because of its reliability and durability.
- Water-Activated Tape creates a strong, tamper-evident bond when moistened. Eco-friendly, recyclable, and perfect for heavy or high-value shipments.
- Filament Tape features reinforcement with fiberglass strands to provide added strength and load stability.
- Colored Acrylic Tape is a vibrant, pressure-sensitive tape used for color-coding, branding, or visual organization.
If you are sealing cartons in cold storage or need strong tape for rough handling, your choice of tape is important.
Seal your cartons with confidence. Shop high-performance packaging tape.
Cornerboard, also known as cardboard edge protectors or corner guards, plays a crucial role in protecting products during shipping, handling, and storage. These heavy-duty paperboard supports are designed to reinforce the corners of palletized goods, reduce shifting, and prevent crushing—making them an essential part of any packaging operation.
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:
- Cushioning: Options include void fill, bubble wrap 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 are looking for packaging supplies in Boston but don’t know where to start, think about your 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 gives you quick access to high-quality packaging materials for warehouses. You also get 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.
Request our Packaging Catalog!
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