Paper Making Process

Almost all of us use paper for a variety of reasons, from writing to packaging. But how exactly is paper made? Paper making is a complex series of processes, which turns trees into paper. The way paper is made has changed a lot since it was first made and is now a highly industrialised process. Here is a brief description of the whole paper making process today.

Trees are usually grown specifically for paper supplies. Forest are well managed with new trees grown once the previous once have been cut down for paper production. The way they are harvested can be compared to how crops are harvested by farmers. Paper supplies are from parts of the wood that commercial industries do not want, so all parts of trees are being used, and being used for more than once purpose. Forest trimmings and saw mill waste are examples of the parts of trees regularly used for paper.

Once trees have been cut down they are cut into small logs and put through a machine called a debarker. Logs are fed through this barrel-like machine which strips the bark off as it goes through. Another piece of equipment then cuts the wood into very small pieces and selects the best shaped and sized chips. These chips are next pressure cooked with water and chemicals in a digester. This produces pulp. The pulp is washed, refined and cleaned and turned into a slush-like substance. This is done in a large tank called a hydrapulper. At the bottom of the hydrapulper is an agitator which breaks the bales into small pieces. Once this process has been completed the pulp has been turned into a thick substance that is discharged into storage tanks. The next piece of machinery used is a conical. This cuts the cellulose fibres, a process called fibrillation.

The final part of paper making is the paper machine process. The first part of this sees the fibres turn into paper though the wire section. This is a conveyer belt, where water is drained away and captured underneath. Once this has been done it is effectively in a paper-like state. It then travels through a series of rollers where the moisture is squeezed out. The drying cylinders is the next part of the drying process. These are steam heated cylinders. Following this water and starch are added to make printing on the paper possible, so when used ink doesn't just flow off of the page. Next is a final drying section before polish of glaze are added. The paper is then flattened and straightened out. Finally, it is put into a large reel, after which is can be cut into sheets or put onto smaller reels ready for distribution.

www.made-from-india.com maintains a database for manufacturers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers and suppliers of Packaging & Paper Products including hologram, label & tag, packaging materials, paper & pulp, & other HDPE sacks etc.

Optimized Manufacturing Includes Packaging Automation Robotics

Packaging automation robotics must be part of the overall optimization of product manufacturing. Even small manufacturers can realize the return-on-investment for capital outlay for packaging automation robotics in a reasonable period of time. It is not unrealistic for such a capital expense to get paid back in as little as 18 months. This, by itself, should warrant a very serious look by all manufacturers who have to package their products before shipping to customers. Technology has moved packaging automation robotics forward in that the equipment that you can purchase now to perform this task can be readily integrated with your existing production line.

The first level or primary packaging usually occurs right after a product has been manufactured. This process amounts to putting the product in its first level of packaging. This can be a plastic closed end wrapping like for a candy bar or a bar of soap. A second level or secondary wrapping most always will occur. This happens when the packaged product is bundled in some way with several other units of the same product or the packaged product is put into a box. This secondary packaging is sometimes added to products because they need security or tamper-resistant packaging. Both these levels of packaging can be administered by packaging automation robotics. Secondary packaging can be warranted by the distribution method of the products. Sometimes products need more protection due to the handling that they may get during distribution.

Using Delta robotics to assist in the first level packaging of products in the production stream makes it easy to integrate packaging into the line using current equipment. There may be slight adjustments that have to be made in current production equipment to optimize the packaging capability into the line. In a lot of cases in food product packaging Delta robotics are the optimum selection for packaging delicate food items into their initial wrapping. The delicate touch of Delta robotics accomplish this task very readily. Usually products are loaded into packaging on the horizontal plane for this first level of wrapping. Adding vision capability to the robotics will allow the products that are to be packaged to enter the packaging work cell in random orientation. This packaging solution should not interrupt, but should help to optimize, the production flow.

Delta robotics can also be implemented as the second level of packaging automation robotics. Top loading is the method that is used in some cases to put products into a second package. This is called top loading because the previously wrapped product is inserted into a carton or other substantial wrapper by being inserted from the top of the wrapper. Sometimes these products that have both first and second level packaging in place are collected into groups of products and inserted into a third level of stretch wrap, tray or carton.

There are different types of patterns of presentation that products with which products can be moved into the packaging area. The type of presentation will depend on how the packaging equipment is best included into the overall flow of the production line. The collation pattern brings the products to the packaging operation in a single stream. Products are grouped or collated into a given count so that this group of products can then be wrapped. This can be eight first or second level packaging. Delta robotics are often used for the "pick and place" of these products for packaging.

Perpendicular presentation occurs when the products are brought to the packaging area at right angle to the packaging process. This method can be effectively used for raw food products that are to be packaged by the first level of packaging. Delta robotics perform this operation very well. The robot can be joined with vision capability to get optimum results. The inline presentation can be used to get products to the packaging area either in multiple or single streams. Often the flow of products to be packaged opposes the flow of packages into which they are placed. This allows the robotics to have a full stream of products to pick from in order to effective packaging.

To get optimum results from packaging automation robotics more than one robotic can be used to increase the speed to a higher production rate. A single controller can be programmed to control more that one robotic to do both first and second level packaging. Programming can be adjusted to fit exactly into the speed required by both upstream and downstream equipment. The speed of the production line is going to be influenced by the delicacy of the products being wrapped. Softer, more pliable products usually require a slower speed when being produced and packaged. The capability of the packaging robotic should, however, be able to handle any product consistency at any speed. It is very easy to alter the programming that controls robotics to get the optimum packaging result that is required.

www.made-from-india.com maintains a database for manufacturers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers and suppliers of Packaging & Paper Products including hologram, label & tag, packaging materials, paper & pulp, & other HDPE sacks etc.

Packaging Supplies Industry is Undergoing a Green Revolution

'Turn Green' is the mantra that seems to be enveloping the world, at present.

This fact is clearly evident by the fact that now even packaging supplies are turning green. A host of various green packaging supplies and environmental friendly products have flooded the markets. Also referred as eco friendly packaging supplies or Eco Products, various packaging application goes into making these successful packaging supplies. Recently many packaging manufacturers have shown great interest in turning the packaging industry green with more environment friendly products. Even the government of countries all over the world are getting pro actively involved to to replace all non ecofriendly options sooner rather than later.

The eco industry is growing rapidly and there is a huge demand to reduce the hazard environmental impact through by providing safe and natural alternatives in order to deliver materials, processes and technology solutions. According to ETAP (Environmental Technologies Action Plan), "The global eco-industry is fore casted to be worth some EUR700 billion by 2010". Following the suit, the packaging industry and manufacturers have come up with various green packaging solutions to reduce environmental jeopardy. Almost everyday, a new idea is created. Some of the recently innovated measures taken for checking harmful packaging supplies, following are some of the green characteristics that are generally adopted by the manufacturers.

• Made from recycled materials (100% or varying lesser percentages)
• Made from annually sustainable materials (ex: bamboo farms, corn, soya, cotton)
• Made from organic farmed materials (ex: organic bamboo, organic corn)
• Biodegradable materials (ex: clam shells, unbleached paper)
• Recyclable material (ex: cardboard papers, corrugated paper, glass)
• Reusable products (ex: glass bottles)
• Energy efficiency, such as achieved by reduction in packaging processes, packaging systems, manufacturing process or distribution savings (ex: using plastic bottles instead of glass bottles because of reduced carbon output in the shipping of a lighter product).

The most efficient markets for the implementation of the green methodology are the cardboard boxes, compostable food containers and biodegradable products like biodegradable bags, biodegradable trash bags, biodegradable garbage bags, biodegradable plastics, biodegradable paper, biodegradable films and biodegradable green materials.

Today, business realize that materials, systems, and processes need to be greener as the choice of caring about the impact for the environment is not only the ethical but also the future of the packaging industry. It is being realized that all the business that do not have any alternatives for greener packaging supplies and also do not incorporate environmental friendly products in their line of manufacturing, tend to lose their market share to environment friendly business that aims to create a new generation of eco friendly alternatives and solutions.

In present scenario, the packaging supplies have been evolved in a manner that can be reused by the consumer rather than just being tossed. Upscale, longer lasting packaging like thick wall boxes, handled containers, rope handle bags, etc. can be used over and over by many consumers thus allowing a longer life span for a brand. These are some of the reasons that have earned huge recognition for greener packaging supplies in the packaging industry.

Paper Bags And Their Types

Paper bags also known as paper sacks are preformed containers made of paper and other special materials. The bags usually come in various designs and kinds. They are very useful for packaging and carrying of all sorts of items. Let's take a look at the origin of such bags.

Brief Historical background

The idea of using such bag came through the ingenuity of Margaret Knight in the late 1870s. The lady was an employee in a paper bag factory where she invented a machine part that made use of square bottoms in manufacturing paper sacks. In those days, the bags do come in form of grocery bags which were being used for various purposes as at then. However, with the occurrence of the industrial revolution in the late 18th century so many companies began to manufacture all kinds of such bags. Today, the bags are becoming very common as they are being used for packaging and carrying of all sorts of items.

Paper bags come in various types and designs these days. Let's examine some of its major types.

Single Layer Paper Bags

These are quality paper sacks that have single layers in their forms. They come in variety of designs and sizes with one sided openings. Among them include brown bags, grocery bags, bread paper bags, paper carry bags and some others. They are generally known to be very light and hence can only be used in packaging light items such as food ingredients, fashion accessories and other light items.

Multiwall paper bags

These are bags that are normally used as containers for ship items. They are used in packaging bulky shipping items such as sand, flour, rice, cement and so on. Such bags usually have several layers both on their external and internal compartments. Some of the bags do have coated paper layers while others do come with polyethylene foils.

Major designs of paper bags

Paper bags as they are seen in the two major kinds discussed above do come in various designs. There are two main designs commonly seen. These include the valve designs and the open mouth designs. The valve bags usually have their both ends; up and bottom closed. They normally have valve opening through which items are inserted. Cement bags are typical examples of valve bags. On the other hand, the open mouth bags usually have their bottoms sealed while their upper ends are open. Items are usually loaded through the opening while the bags are then sealed with adhesives or by effective stitching.

The Recycling of the paper bags

These bags are highly needed for various purposes in every country. They are used in packaging all sorts of items all over the world. The bags are easily recycled although some of them made of plastic or water-resistant materials are usually very stubborn when it comes to recycling.

In any case, these bags are very useful right from the days they were invented. They are very cheap and are always available for purchase anytime you need them.

Ways Paper and Packaging Companies Can Simplify Data and Email Archiving

The move toward the paperless office was meant to make data access and storage simpler but, in many cases, it just makes it easier to accumulate information without organizing it. Companies become mired in inefficient data systems to the point where it jeopardizes their ability to do business. Taking control of the information with IT managed services is the first step to efficient and cost-effective company operations.

The Problem: Inefficient Data Management

The most common reason for data gridlock is rapid growth. Data policies that served the smaller company become hopelessly disorganized as the organization grows. Often these were bad policies in the first place, but the problems could be handled on a smaller scale and therefore overlooked. As business information demands grow, the problems they create increase exponentially.

The situation is bad enough when a company grows through normal increase in customer traffic. However, unique problems arise when organizations expand by acquiring other businesses. Each of these new companies comes with their own philosophies on data management philosophy subjects such as backups and email archiving. Corporate policies become a mish mash of rules from each member company. Often these new acquisitions have outdated IT infrastructures that compromise the operation of the overall organization. Until these data centers are consolidated and brought under control, the entire company is going to run at a disadvantage.

Moving Data Storage Offsite

The larger and more geographically separated an organization becomes, the more it benefits from third-party IT managed services. The contractors bring a level of expertise that even large internal IT departments typically can't match. Because they focus exclusively on data storage, access and recovery they can bring a specialized skill set to bear on the problem that gets the situation under control as quickly as possible.

The first step is to evaluate the organization's needs for data storage, email archiving and other information services. This should include not only current needs but a plan for future scalability as the organization grows. There is no point in getting the current system under control if the same problem will occur again in a few years.

The next step establishes a centralized remote site for data storage. IT managed services such as email archiving and server backups can all be directed toward a central set of redundant and protected servers, and new acquisitions can easily tie in to the remote network.

SaaS Over Traditional Software

The latest trend in IT managed services is to create tools that run as SaaS (Software as a Service) rather than as desktop or server applications. End users install a simple front end client while the central software tool runs from a remote site. The front end communicates with the main application through fast and secure internet connections, and in most cases users can't tell the difference over a desktop service.

SaaS ensures that every component of the company is using the same tool. Software updates of the core application are easy since it is a matter of updating a single application. Clients need to be updated much less often, and updates are automatically pushed by the central application. Standardizing email archiving and other IT managed services across the entire organization streamlines operations and improves the security and availability of information.

Business Continuity And Disaster Recovery

Day-to-day company operations ranging from order processing to customer management to contract administration all run seamlessly under the new data access system. However, the move to remote IT managed services has other benefits.

Continuity is critical to modern business. Customers no longer tolerate a business being shut down even for a few hours due to server crashes or other data disasters. When data services such as email archiving are centralized to a protected and redundant facility, problems from disk failures to major natural disasters can no longer threaten a company's ability to continue to offer data access and full service.

In the unlikely event of data loss, recovery is greatly facilitated by using remote data storage. Email archiving and other backups are done routinely, and multiple backups ensure the data remains available even if the central resource is compromised. At the same time, fewer IT resources are used and this reduces company operating costs.

Remote IT managed services increase data access, security and disaster recovery while also reducing the demand for and cost of internal IT resources. Find out how these services can benefit your organization and give you a competitive edge.

www.made-from-india.com maintains a database for manufacturers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers and suppliers of Packaging & Paper Products including hologram, label & tag, packaging materials, paper & pulp, & other HDPE sacks etc.

5 Easy Steps To Get Started Packaging Your Product

Feeling overwhelmed while trying to develop a package for your product? I'm not surprised. Packaging is the third largest industry in the country. In fact, there are more than 10,000 packaging manufactures in the US alone. The proliferation of material choices and vendors is extensive. To begin you will have to narrow the resource and material universe before you package anything. That is your first step because you can't have a product without a package.

Which vendor is right for you? What is your packaging material of choice? Do you understand the differences between each material and what value each will bring to marketing your product? How do you sift through the mounds of information and resources to set started packaging your product?

Here are 5 easy rules to get you started.

1. Do Your Homework.

Before you decide how you want to package your product you need to see and understand what is already available in the marketplace. Even if your product is the greatest new invention out there, you will still have competition of some sort. Start by checking that out first. Visit outlets that carry similar products or products in the same category. For example, if you have a houseware product you should check out places that market housewares. Don't just pick one outlet. Go to a variety of stores. You don't want to develop a great new packaging concept only to find someone else is already doing the same thing. The more you look the better informed you will become. Be careful not to go into information overload by visiting every retailer outlet out there. This will only serve to confuse your decision making process.

2. Pick Your Packaging Material.

This isn't as simple as it sounds because there are many external factors influencing why products are packaged in certain types of materials. Certain products lend themselves special merchandising. Some products can only be merchandised in certain materials. How the product is merchandised may dictate what type of package material you use. For example, if you need clarity to see the entire product then you are probably going to want plastic. The choice of material may also be dictated by availability.

Packaging materials are classified by their primary raw material. Two simple examples are paper and plastic. Within in each material type are numerous sub categories of different types of packaging. If you chose paper packaging it might be a box, a bag, a drum, a tube, a canister and so on. See the variety of choices? It's easy to become inundated with options and hard to figure out what is the best choice. As products lend themselves to several different packaging materials, it's best to start with what you know is working with similar products. Even if you choose the same material as a competitive product the package doesn't necessarily need to look the same.

3. Optimize Your Package Profile.

This is what is called the retail footprint, i.e., how much space will your product take up on the shelf. Your goal is to have the smallest size or amount of packaging you can while optimizing the shape and design of the package. It's important to understand the concept of the retail footprint. Retail space is at a premium so the smaller amount of space you use the happier the retailer will be. They may even specify that your product only be allowed so much shelf space. In any case, you need to understand the concept and incorporate that in your sales pitch to retailers.

Many times you can package your product in variety of different ways. This is where creativity comes into play. Your product doesn't just have to sit on a shelf in a box. It could sit upright; it could hang or be displayed in a floor stand or similar merchandiser. There are many unique ways to merchandise any product. You just have to think outside of traditional ways of doing things. Look at other products from different industries. See if you can't incorporate design ideas into your own product packaging.

4. Be Prepared To Take Advice.

I know you are in love with your product and you are sure you have ALL the answers, but you can't be an expert at everything. Listen to what other people have to say about your product packaging. Don't get so caught up in your own ideas that you make design mistakes or mistakes in merchandising. Get a reality check from someone who knows nothing about your product. See if your packaging concept is compelling to an outsider. By that I mean that they are interested enough to pick your product up off the shelf.

There are many resources available to you at little or no cost. Many vendors provide design expertise as part of the order. There is an unlimited amount of resource materials that can give you basic information that can save you many hours and costly mistakes. Be sure and spend time checking them out.

5. Think Big, But Be Prepared To Compromise.

I know your product is fantastic, but you may need to start out on a smaller scale than you envision. One of the largest obstacles might be finding a vendor. In general, custom packaging is relegated to large volume orders and you are probably not there yet. But don't despair.

Look for stock items that can be customized. The stock container market has improved dramatically with innovation and new designs. In fact there are many companies now that provide only stock containers. You can customize stock on a smaller scale. With a simple label change, your package may there. Also ordering in a limited quantity allows you to change and modify your packaging as your sales increase. You don't want to have 10,000 old packages on hand when you have a design change or need to change what's on the package due to some regulatory issue.

The important fact is to understand that packaging is not static it evolves and changes with consumer needs and demands. It can even change because you have more business and can order in larger quantities. What worked in the past may not work tomorrow. You need to be innovative and creative in your thinking. Look for guidance and expertise in outside resources. Keep up with packaging changes and materials. Don't get caught ordering too much stock that you can never use. Think big and start small.

Don't wait until it’s too late. Make packaging your first thought--not your last.

I get hundreds of inquiries a month asking how to package products. Most of the time, they are in crisis mode because they did not think about the package until crunch time. I just got a call from an entrepreneur whose packaging was a disaster. She never thought about the role packaging plays in her product’s success until her retailer said "NO WAY" to her product packaging. She had to start over. As a result, she lost a great deal of money in the process.

Packing and Unpacking Made Easy

Moving into your new home is an exciting time, but most of us dread the idea of packing and unpacking all of our belongings. It can be a daunting task, and no one looks forward to the work involved with a big move. Valuable items get lost or broken, and our sense of organization all but disappears during a move. These packing tips can make the transition on moving day go smoothly and almost stress-free.

1. Start early!

You might want to hold a yard sale to help clear out unwanted or unneeded items. Thrift stores and consignment shops will gladly accept your unwanted clothes. The fewer items you have to move, the easier your move will be. In addition, you may raise some money while getting rid of things! Prepare for packing by getting the necessary supplies:

Strong, corrugated cardboard boxes

Box labels or stickers

Foam peanuts or "popcorn" and bubble wrap

Tissue paper or newsprint for wrapping delicate items

Packing tape to seal boxes

Markers

Scissors and/or Exacto knife

When packing boxes, keep their weight between 25-35 pounds. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. Pack items from the same room together. Seal the box with packing tape, and clearly label it, indicating the general category of contents and which room the box's items come from. (Color coordinating box labels will make unloading easier, too!) First, pack possessions you rarely use, like items from the garage or storage areas. Once you clear out the garage, you will have space to store the boxes until moving day. You can also save time and space by ordering a "pod" or "pack rat," a portable storage container. Pack a few cartons each day, so your workload doesn't seem overwhelming.

2. Pack dishes and other fragile items

When packing fragile items, it is important to keep them safe and secure from breakage. Select a medium-sized box and line the bottom with crumpled packing paper. Carefully wrap each item individually, and place in the carton. When packing glasses and stemware, fill them with crumpled packing paper. Place items in an upright position. Separate layers of items with packing paper or bubble wrap, and be sure to fill in any empty space to prevent shifting of items. Mark the box "FRAGILE," and always stack at the top.

3. Pack small appliances and electronics

When possible, you should pack small appliances and electronics in their original packaging. These items fit efficiently in their original boxes, and are often awkward to fit into other types of cartons. If you do not have the original packaging, choose an appropriate-sized box, and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item, and place it in its carton. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage, and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded item and the box.

4. Pack Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures

Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames, and place on edge in cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings, because ink will transfer from the newsprint to your artwork.

5. Pack clothes

Use wardrobe boxes to pack clothes on hangers. You can keep clothes smelling fresh by placing a scented dryer sheet in the box with the clothes. Keep folded clothes in dresser drawers, and take the drawers out before you move the dresser into the moving truck or pod. Once the dresser is loaded, replace the drawers during the actual move. Be sure the drawers are not overloaded, as this can cause damage to the dresser during the move. When you unload into your new Arizona home, remove the drawers first.

6. Disassemble beds

Near the date of your move, disassemble beds to prepare for transport. Take the mattresses off the frame and disassemble, being sure to keep all nuts, bolts, and other hardware in a sealed plastic bag. Label the bag and place in a box labeled appropriately. Secure bed rails with tape or twine.

7. Pack food items

When packing canned goods, place upright with no more than 24-30 cans per box. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons. Try to consume all perishable and frozen food items before your move, as these items are difficult to move to a new Arizona home safely. If packing medicines, seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry medicines with you.

8. Pack a survival kit

During your move, you may be unable to find some important everyday items that you will need the first few days in your new home. Pack a "survival" kit to carry in your car or have first off the truck. Some important, often overlooked items to place in the survival kit include the following:

Basic Tools -- Hammer, screwdriver, knife, tape, etc.

Bathroom products -- Soap, shampoo, toilet paper, towels, etc.

Kitchen items -- Disposable utensils, cups, plates and snacks, drinks, paper towels, etc.

Cleaning products -- Cleansers, broom, dustpan, sponges, etc.

First aid supplies -- Bandages, disinfectants, pain relievers, etc.

9. Stay organized

When loading moving cartons into your pod or moving truck, it is important to stay organized and load efficiently. This will ease the unloading process and keep your items more secure from damage. Keep boxes from the same room together to help the unloading process. Stack heavier boxes near the bottom, and lighter boxes near the top. Always stack fragile items at the top.

10. Ask friends for help

Your friends can be a helpful and inexpensive resource to utilize during your move. Ask for their assistance, and let them know your move date well in advance. Offer to reward them during and after the move, as this will encourage their enthusiasm to assist with the move.

11. Unloading

Once you arrive in your new Arizona home, the unloading process begins. When removing boxes from the moving truck or pod, take them to the proper rooms where they belong. Stack boxes neatly and allow ample space for moving furniture into the room.

12. Unpacking

If possible, take off an extra day or two from work. Having a couple of days to unpack will make the job less overwhelming, and you will return to work a little more refreshed than if you were rushed to unpack. Unpack larger items first, and assemble items you had taken apart for the move. Focus on one room at a time, starting where you feel most comfortable.