It’s the start of a New Year. The time of year everyone wants to look and feel better. And that means people are out scouting for new health, beauty, or personal care products. And all these things require boxing. If your company provides any of these products, take a moment to consider the packaging.
Packaging should always be consistent with your branding design. It might be modern and glitzy or simple and natural, but should always reflect your company—as well as the products inside!
Of course, printing is a big part of this process. Litho labels, for example, is when a design is printed on high-quality litho paper and then laminated to a corrugated board. And while this option provides lovely, vivid colours, it also tends to be more expensive than Custom Box Printing, where the simple designs and messaging are printed directly onto the cardboard itself.
Another consideration is the internal contents. How do you pack your products safely? Many personal care, beauty, and health products come in kits or assortments, meaning internal presentation is going to be a factor. Nobody wants to open a package that’s all a jumble. More importantly, it’s quite possible that something could break, resulting in returns and lost profits.
A simple fix for this is using fillers such as shredded paper or packing peanuts. However, a neater, more tidy solution might be a low-cost insert that will keep your products perfectly in place. These inserts can even be personalized to match the look of your box. So it pays to think about the overall opening experience you want to deliver to your customers.
As a professional box manufacturer, Racer Boxes can help you create beautiful, effective Vancouver E-Commerce Boxes for your business (and clients). To learn more about creating packaging for beauty, health or personal care products, contact Racer Boxes at (604) 270-8205.
As a Vancouver box manufacturer, the team at Racer Boxes know that cardboard is awesome stuff. It’s light and useful, and many different businesses rely on it for shipping, storage, and much more. To help customers understand why corrugated cardboard boxes have become so ubiquitous, we decided to produce a blog exploring the miracle that is cardboard.
Tens of millions of tons of cardboard are used in North America every year. That that works out to something like 200 pounds for every man, woman, and child in the country. Part of the reason is that cardboard possesses some very unique properties—and it’s inexpensive to produce.
Due to the internal ridging of its construction, cardboard is strong. It’s rigid and firm. However, the internal air pockets also mean that it’s also light. The ridging even provides some give, creating a natural insulator and a bit of padding for contents. It’s resistant to puncturing, yet easy enough to cut. And when damaged, cardboard often maintains its structural integrity rather than shattering like wood or plastic.
The boxes fold for easy shipping and storage—and when it’s time to say good-bye, cardboard is both recyclable and biodegradable.
So, what gives cardboard its strength? After all, there’s really only three sheets of paper and some glue involved. To answer this, consider an I-beam at a construction site. The ridges in-between the top and bottom sheets of paper act in a structurally similar way to an I-beam in terms of weight distribution.
New cardboard typically begins life as de-barked pine, which is ground into chips and put in a big pressurized tank. Chemicals like sodium hydroxide (aka lye), are added to the mix to break down the fibres. Then the unbleached pulp is formed into huge rolls of Kraft paper. The actual cardboard is formed by taking two flat sheets of paper and gluing a corrugated sheet in between.
Once the glue sets, the result is a rigid sheet of cardboard. After that, the cardboard is cut into the shape of a box blank, and this blank gets folded and glued appropriately. These finished boxes are left flat for distribution–to be assembled as and when needed.
Now that you the secret of cardboard, we’ll let you in on one more. Racer Boxes has been a Vancouver box manufacturer since 1991. We can manufacture boxes of any size and printing is available for anyone who wants to promote their brand. To learn more, please call 604-270-8205.
The team at Vancouver box company, Racer Boxes, understands that your business is always evolving. Unless, a business uses boxes on a regular basis, it can be puzzling to figure out the best box sizes for shipping. Fortunately, Racer Boxes offers a variety of stock carton sizes, as well as customized sizes as well. Here are some our most popular box sizes, along with the kinds of merchandise that are most popular for each:
5 ¾” X 3 ¾”X ¾” – As one our small die-cut mailers, this box size is just the right size for jewellery and small personal care products.
6 ¾”X 4 3/8” X 3 ¼” – This size is excellent cosmetic, health food, and nutritional supplement shippers
8 ½” X 5 ½” X1 ¼” – In the US, this is similar to the smallest “flat rate” USPS box and can save businesses tons on postage for lightweight products. For Canada, you’ll need to check rates on differing box sizes.
9” X 6-1/2” X 2-3/4” – This is perhaps the single most frequently used size for just about any type of product
8 ¾” X6 5/8” 2 1/8” – Favoured by smaller item subscription boxes as well as kid’s boxes
9 ½” X7 7/8” X 1 5/8” – This is an increasingly popular size used for a wide variety of larger products.
10 ¼” X8 1/4“ X 2 5/8” –this is ideal for high-end T-shirts or smaller clothing items
Visit the website to see the full line of stock carton boxes. However, remember, it’s completely possible to produce customized sizes that will offer secure packaging while reducing shipping costs. Racer Boxes has the capacity to print and customize shippers to ensure the compliment and flatter your company’s brand. For details, call us at (604) 270 – 8205.
As a Vancouver box company, everyone at Racer Boxes knows that cardboard is undisputedly the superhero of the packaging world. However, it does have its own kryptonite, namely water. Corrugated cardboard can become a soggy mess when exposed to the rain. And unfortunately, there are sometimes situations where this is simply unavoidable.
To help people protect their merchandise, different companies have come up with various box sprays and sealants to combat the issue. However, the best that can really be achieved is water resistance, which may or may not be helpful depending on the circumstances.
In the past, businesses have implemented a number of ideas for protecting merchandise from the rain. For example, laminating the outside with a thin plastic film is a possible solution. Weight-wise plastic isn’t much of a problem. However, there’s always the possibility of a tear or puncture. Other solutions have included painting cardboard with waterproof paints, which offers the benefit of customizing colours. Some people have even tried using wallpaper which is another creative but labour-intensive alternative.
A more practical solution may be a clear epoxy spray, which is fast and easy to apply. Just remember, if anything punctures the box, water will still be able to find a way in. So as innovative as these ideas are, the results are still uncertain. Moreover, if you’re dealing with mass deliveries, the challenge of scale has to be considered. How much time will all these extra steps add to your process? For once, it seems the best solution is thinking inside the box.
Ultimately, for when rain could be an issue, the team at Racer Boxes recommends wrapping goods in good old-fashioned plastic or using a durable waterproof mailer, which can be packed and insulated inside a box. At the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Getting goods to their destination in pristine condition is always your priority, and this means relying on proven methods—even if they’re a bit old-fashioned.
To learn more about our corrugated cardboard boxes and other packaging options, please call (604) 270 – 8205.
At Racer Boxes, we know there are a number of reasons for buying wholesale boxes, aside from the obvious retail and shipping purposes. For example, you might be moving the contents of a very large house, a whole office might be changing locations, or even a business might suddenly need to relocate a lot inventory for any number of reasons.
The bottom line is that sometimes you need a whole lot of boxes. On top of that, you might need a whole lot of a specific kind of box, whether it is for shipping, storage, moving, produce, garments, or gifts!
Racer Boxes has you covered when it comes to all your boxing needs, regardless of the sizes and quantities involved. Big or small, we have it all. As a Vancouver-based box manufacturer, our facilities produce the highest quality corrugated boxes—and we offer high-definition printing services in-house. There are many pre-made sizes to choose from, but we can also create custom boxes of various sizes, depths, and strengths.
As a company that’s highly attuned to our customer’s needs, we’re proud to offer wholesale boxes and weekly delivery. Whether you’re buying a single bundle or a pallet, we offer competitive prices on all quantities.
Racer Boxes also carries a full range of shipping supplies such as packaging tape (specialty printed or regular), shrink wrap, labels, packing list envelopes, strapping & banding supplies and more. Don’t forget, free delivery is available for anyone who orders $600 worth of product.
Contact us at (604) 270-8205 for more information on wholesale boxing supplies and all your packaging needs.
As a Vancouver box manufacturer, we at Racer Boxes were curious about the origins of our namesake holiday. Generally, everyone recognizes Boxing Day as the day after Christmas. For some, it’s a time to the purge the house of post-holiday boxes and wrap. Others use it as an opportunity to return and swap unwanted boxed gifts—and a few use it as post-holiday recovery time after “boxing” with querulous family members.
Obviously, there are a lot of definitions. However, charity seems to be a common thread from a historic point of view. For example, Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen’s Day, is mentioned in the carol “Good King Wenceslas,” who sets out to do some charitable work “on the Feast of Stephen.”
However, that’s all that is known for certain. The true origins of the modern day moniker is lost to the shrouds of time, although there are a few prevalent theories. For example, one is the idea that the holiday stemmed from the tradition of giving boxed gifts to important service providers—like the milkman and paperboy who would be off on Christmas.
This could be tied to an older tradition when affluent families would gather on grand old estates for Christmas and donate unwanted good to servants and other members of the household. For ease and convenience, these allotments would be placed in boxes that were easy to take away, hence boxing day.
Another prominent theory is that the box was something employees would carry to work. This was essentially a cash donation box that employers would put money into—this would become the origin of the Christmas bonus.
The most elaborate theory involves boxes that were kept on ships. These boxes were charitable donations to a church that would be offered in exchange for conducting a mass onboard before a major voyage. The boxes would only be opened when the ship returned in a mass called the Christmass.
Regardless of the holiday’s origins, generosity of heart and spirit seems to be a common thread for Boxing Day. It’s a nice thought, and certainly one to keep in mind over the holiday season. We at Racer Boxes wish you happiness and safety in this season of light and splendour. Enjoy your holidays, and when you need corrugated cardboard boxes manufactured at wholesale prices—for Boxing Day or otherwise—give us a call.
On any given week, you’ll find social media jam-packed with buzzwords on new and emerging trends. Unsurprisingly, this even extends to design and packaging. Right now, words like flat design and minimalism are all the rage.
For business owners who need to stay in the public eye, keeping their brands current and fresh can pose a challenge. Luckily, Racer Boxes can help with their box printing services.
Freshening up a stale design doesn’t necessarily mean undergoing the tedious rigmarole of rebranding. Consider Starbucks’ holiday cups. While the company brand doesn’t change, they find new and innovative ways to update and share their image every year. The cups even garner a fair bit of publicity. Everyone wonders what the design and message will be each year.
A professional designer can suggest ideas about how to introduce small changes that freshen up your business and look. And Racer Boxes, with its in-house printing facilities, can help execute that iconic new look on your packages.
Remember, it’s important to match the expectations of your customer base. For example, if customers are getting into recycling and other green trends, why not package your products in durable, recycled cardboard?
Whether your products are budget, luxe, mass-produced, or handcrafted, the right kind of packaging helps tell your story. From durable corrugated cardboard boxes to delicate small cut die mailers, working with a box manufacturer like Racer Boxes means you can upgrade your packaging easily and stay on top of the latest trends.
When you’re ready to execute something new and fresh, Racer Boxes can help customize packaging, labels, branding, displays, gift boxes, and more. Then get ready to deliver a personalized experience that shows clients you’re an outside-the-box kind of company.
With the start of November, the holiday and gift giving countdown is officially underway. As a wholesale cardboard box manufacturer, the team at Racer Boxes has compiled a blog of useful delivery tips. For anyone who has ever stressed about a gift arriving intact and on time, these simple suggestions from Canada Post can help keep the season jolly.
Shipping Package Tips
- Double Check That Address
Make sure the complete address is printed clearly and located on the largest side of the package. Don’t neglect the postal code, which assists with the sorting process.
- Confirm the Postage
Since shipping rates depend on the size and weight of a parcel, as well as the destination, channel your inner Santa and check it twice. The Canada Post mobile app (or Canadapost.ca) is a convenient resource for gift givers who need a little extra help. To avoid overpaying, stop in at the local post office and get help from a trained customer service agent. For commercial enterprises that may be shipping large volumes during the holiday season (or any other time) a cardboard box manufacturer like Racer Boxes can create custom box sizes to help minimize freight charges.
- Keep Deadlines in Mind
Canada Post provides a convenient list of dates as a general guideline for holiday mail:
Canada: Make sure any parcels are in the mail by Dec. 10th at the latest. Local cards should be mailed by Dec. 19th while any out of province deliveries should be en route by Dec 17th.
US: Send parcels by Dec. 10th, and cards by Dec. 14th.
International: This varies greatly depending on the destination. As a general rule, allow about a month for parcels, and three weeks for cards. This, of course, is for the most cost-effective delivery. Remember that premium mailing services cab shorter delivery times, so don’t panic too much if a deadline is missed. Ask a customer service agent for their recommendation if time is at a premium..
- Packaging
Wrapping paper looks great on gifts but it’s not ideal for shipping. If the delicate paper tears away taking an address with it, there’s going to be a problem. Avoid loose paper and string or ribbons that can get caught in processing machines! Instead put the fancy wrapping inside serviceable brown paper packaging or a cardboard box and secure with packing tape.
As Vancouver’s wholesale box manufacturer, the team at Racer Boxes ell wholesale cardboard boxes at affordable pricing and superior quality for low, mid, and high volume requirements. To learn more about wholesale carboard box services in Vancouver, call (604) 270 – 8205
In an age of low emissions, green energy, and reduced waste, packaging can seem like an egregious faux pas. However, it’s important to be practical and look to the big picture when it comes to environmental awareness. For example, corrugated cardboard box manufacturing is far more environmentally responsible than most people realize.
This is important for environmentally savvy business owners looking for delivery options and solutions. If going green is important to you, consider going brown. We’ve got all the reasons box manufacturing works right here.
1: Cardboard is made from renewable materials
Corrugated cardboard is mostly made of pine or birch pulp, which are fast growing and hardy trees compared to hardwoods. In other words, much of the raw material can be sustainably harvested from well-managed forests. On top of that, cardboard is also recycled and recyclable.
2: Low waste
As mentioned above, corrugated cardboard boxes are extensively recycled. This means fewer trees are required to produce it. Even better, the recyclable nature of cardboard means less energy and resources go into harvesting and processing. Most boxes these days are comprised of between 70% and 90% recycled material. This makes corrugated packaging one of the greenest solutions around—and when they reach their end-of-life usefulness, cardboard boxes are fully biodegradable.
3: It’s reusable
Most corrugated cardboard boxes are easily reusable. Strip off the old tape and labels and they can probably be used again. This doesn’t just benefit consumers, but also cost-conscious companies that actively reuse boxes within their own businesses. Every box that’s reused or repurposed means one less to buy, and in a small business those savings can add up fast.
4: Cardboard is energy-efficient to create
Since so much of it is recycled, not much is spent acquiring fresh materials. This also means reducing the waste and costs of transportation. When it comes to using cardboard, there’s a positive ripple effect that affects the whole box making process, from manufacturing to end-of-life disposal.
For companies that need to offer delivery while still following green practices, cardboard is an excellent option. Racer Boxes in Vancouver specializes in box manufacturing and printing for a wide variety of businesses and purposes. Companies can even request custom sizes to save on courier costs and box printing is available for those who want to emphasize brand recognition.
As a Vancouver-based box manufacturer, Racer Boxes can assist businesses with all their box needs. Contact us at (604) 270–8205 or racerboxes@gmail.com
Fact. There are businesses that run through a lot of boxes. To take advantage of bulk prices from either overseas or Vancouver box manufacturers, they typically have to sacrifice floor space or invest in storage. In cities where space runs at a premium, this can be a serious problem. However, as a Vancouver-based box manufacturer, the team at Racer Boxes has a come up with an innovative solution— flexible box delivery.
Figuring out the space solution can be a serious Catch-22 for box-reliant business owners. Is it more prudent to order small batches that cost more, or do you sacrifice the space you can’t afford to lose and stock up to save money? Sometimes, crunching the numbers is the only way to arrive at the answer.
Buying in bulk certainly isn’t cheaper if it means paying storage fees. This was the conundrum for Paolo’s Perogies, who suddenly found themselves pressed for space when a new pasta machine arrived. Predictably, the only available space in their warehouse factory was occupied by pallets filled with boxes.
Racer Boxes to the Rescue
Moving the boxes off-site would eat up any savings on bulk box purchases (and then some). Instead, Racer Boxes came up with an innovative solution. By arranging for weekly deliveries, the team at Paolo’s Perogies could still enjoy considerable savings without sacrificing so much floor space. This meant there was now enough room for their brand-new pasta maker.
When it comes to business needs, it’s important to weight both costs and objectives. Cheaper isn’t always better—and in some cases it might not even be cheaper! For small businesses with big box needs, Racer Boxes offers scheduled small deliveries. In other words, you get space, savings, and convenience in one neatly wrapped box.