If a candy box seems ready to be placed into service after it has been folded, does the food go directly up against the box? Before you put your next batch of candies into service, this is the first thing you want to know about. Whether the container itself, the treat, or if the candy already has some sort of wrapping will determine the answer.

Candy boxes provide great ways to store treats and arrange them neatly; however, it takes attention to detail to get the interior set-up correct for the type of candy and how it will be stored in that particular box.
The first step is to find out if the box manufacturer says it is intended for direct food contact. If the box is only labeled as a packaging material and has no lining, there could be a need to insert a safe liner between the cardboard of the box and the candy. Do not assume anything based upon the appearance (color) or finish of the box. Check with the vendor who supplied you with this packaging product to see what type of product it was designed to store.

When using wrapped items, placing these items in a container such as a candy box provides a simple solution for arranging. However, storing loose items like chocolate bars, fudge, caramels, etc., require careful consideration. Using individual paper candy cups is one possible solution to allow space between each treat. When storing loose items, you may wish to use a food-safe pad either under or over the candy items. This helps prevent friction damage to the items caused by typical handling of the products.

Some candies have oily or sticky components which can cause discoloration and staining on paperboard. Even though those stains do not necessarily affect the quality of the candy, they can detract from the appearance of the packaging. Installing a grease-resistant liner in the bottom of the candy box prevents oils from reaching and possibly damaging the outside of the packaging. Grease resistant liners may also aid in cleaning spills and leaks. Be sure to select a grease-resistant liner specifically for food use rather than its aesthetic value.

Rather than looking for one size fits all solutions for all types of candies, you must design your liner to fit and complement each specific candy. For example, hard candies may work fine in wrappers or bags which seal together within the candy box. For truffles, individual cups may be needed along with a soft foam pad at the top. When working with brittle candies, crumb issues may arise. In these cases, consider using a fitted tray or an inner wrap to contain potential spillage. Test a complete sample of your packaging system by filling it completely with the same items that customers would purchase prior to beginning production.

Once you fill a sample packaging system with candy items, carry it around your shop as if a customer had purchased it, drop it on the floor and turn it upside down several times. Afterward, inspect for any signs of oiliness on the outside surface of the box, lost crumbs, sticky candy pieces adhering to each other or the box, or paper dis-coloration. You can also test your packaging by leaving it filled and sitting for an amount of time comparable to how long an average customer would wait to consume their purchased goods.

Do not use tissues, printed papers, glue, or packing materials adjacent to bare candies without ensuring that all materials are suitable for food use and therefore safe for contact with edible products. Some ink and coatings applied to gift boxes may not be applicable to food-contact areas. Always maintain cleanliness, dryness, protection from strong odors and separation from foods with powerful aromas when storing your packing supplies. Odors can penetrate through packaged candies (even if visually clean).

Thoughtfully planned candy boxes accomplish much more than simply holding candies. Each candy gets a clean area to rest in; they help reduce messiness associated with packing; and they instill confidence in the purchaser that their purchase is safe and properly protected. Begin planning your candy boxes using one basic principle: “What comes into contact with the food?” Once you identify what comes into contact with the food, every cup, pad, liner and wrap then has a purposeful role (instead of merely decorative).

Before you put anything else in that box, think how far it has traveled already. Has this box been across state lines? Has it spent some days in the rain? Does it bear a label that tells someone else something you did not intend to tell them? Each shipping box needs a quick once-over before you reuse it. Your goal is not to extend the life of each individual box forever – your goal is to find a way to utilize a shipping box as long as it suits the job.

First, take a look at every single sticker on the outside of the box. Remove any old address labels (even if they are covered by newer labels), remove any old barcodes, pull off any old tape, and remove any route stickers. While covering up half of an old barcode might seem like enough to avoid getting caught by a scanner, USPS requires that any previous markings be completely removed, either physically or completely obscured with additional labeling. Any words or symbols related to alcohol, cleaning products, batteries, etc., which could potentially delay the delivery or cause the package to be returned can also be detrimental.

After removing everything from the outside, evaluate all six sides of the box. Try pressing down on both the wider panels. Use your fingers to feel along the edges of the box checking the seams. If there is a tear, hole, water stain, extreme dent, separated panel, missing flap, etc., pass on the box. A box looks great even though its fold lines have become weak over time. While age certainly plays a role in determining whether or not to reuse a shipping box, it is just as important to consider the overall condition of the box.

Consider what type of items you plan to place in the shipping box. For example, a shipping box previously used for light orders such as t-shirts may be fine for another light order. However, it would likely not be the best option for a heavy shipment of tools, parts, or shipments containing fragile items that cannot withstand rough travel. Never use a box that contains oil, dust, crumbs, or a powerful scent. Using an existing box should always maintain the cleanliness and quality of a new shipment.

Once you have evaluated the box and determined that it is suitable for reuse, then fold it neatly into a square shape and apply new shipping tape to all major seams. As stated above, never rely on tape applied during a previous shipment. Make sure to attach the new shipping label directly onto one of the flat faces and make sure that it is centered so that it doesn’t overlap with any seams or edges. Also verify that the printing is black and that the barcode is free of wrinkles or damage. To further ensure that if the shipping label tears away from the box that you can identify which was sent using an inner address card placed within the box.

Establish a procedure for your packers to follow by designating separate areas of your warehouse for “boxes awaiting inspection” versus those that have passed inspection. You can also designate an area on an interior flap of a box to indicate who inspected the box and when. There should not be a predetermined number of uses per box. Wear varies greatly depending upon usage and therefore let the current condition of each box determine its next course of action.

Using reusable packaging materials can reduce waste and conserve resources as well as keep usable materials out of landfills. Once you’ve determined that a particular shipping box failed inspection, please recycle it where possible under applicable local regulations. Reuse is responsible stewardship – not a competition to see how many times you can use a box.

If your cardboard box has a rounded number code (usually in the bottom left corner), don’t guess what those codes mean. They could make all the difference in the world by helping a packer determine whether that particular box is going to work properly.

Reading them takes less time than it does to write an email. And reading them will help prevent the wrong box from being packed with a very heavy product.

Those stamps are usually referred to as “box makers certificates”. They usually include information such as the name of the manufacturer, type of walls, maximum size limit and top weight. Not all stamps are alike, so take the time to read each line instead of making assumptions based on their appearance. The weight listed on the stamp is actually for the total package including the product, packing materials, tape and the box itself.

There might be a letter designation on some stamps that says ECT. ECT stands for Edge Crush Test. Edge Crush Test shows how well the material will withstand pressure applied to its edges. As packages are stacked, the lower packages must bear the load of the upper packages. There may also be a Burst Test designation on the stamp. That tests another form of strength. Do NOT treat these numbers as equal.

Some new packers get confused about what the size limit means. Size limits relate directly to both the box and the strength rating of that box, not necessarily how carriers charge per pound for larger shipments. Before shipping out a long or wide product, check the current regulations regarding the specific shipping method being used instead of just relying upon the size limit stated on the packaging.

No matter how high of a strength rating is given to a box, it still doesn’t matter if that box is poorly taken care of. Any deep cuts, moisture damage, ripped flaps and crunched edges to a box can significantly reduce its original value. A box that has been previously shipped may not perform exactly as one would expect from a brand-new box. Always inspect used cardboard boxes from every angle prior to loading products into them.

That little stamp also doesn’t guarantee that anything you’re shipping will arrive safe and sound either. Proper distribution of weight, enough empty space to allow adequate filling and solid taping to seal each flap can greatly affect performance. Items requiring special protection (sharp items, breakable etc.) may require additional support. When shipping something that requires extra handling, consult with the manufacturer/seller or carrier which rating best applies to that specific shipping requirement.

Show employees where to find the certification and explain the key points. Consider keeping a sample near the packing station with the rated capacity and strength markings highlighted. This simple reference tool will greatly decrease errors related to identifying similar appearing cardboard boxes. What appears to be nothing more than an unassuming stamp at the bottom may provide valuable guidance to your packing staff before adding labels to the top.

You may recall receiving a shipping box at some point in your life. Once you got to unbox the contents (the actual item), did you find yourself disappointed? Did you find that the tape would not stick well, that the box folded under pressure, or that the bubble wrap failed to protect your item adequately? If so, then you understand how frustrating it can be. These small frustrations can quickly escalate into larger issues as you continue to send packages out every week.

How many shipping supplies do you really need?

As a general rule, good packaging supplies ensure that your products arrive safely at their destination. Packaging supplies also save time and provide a great delivery experience for your customers. So, how do you know what supplies you’ll need? In reality, it depends largely upon what you’re sending. But regardless of the type of supply, one constant remains true: good supplies are essential for delivering safe products, saving time and providing a positive experience for your customer.

If you remember the last time, you received a package that arrived perfectly intact — i.e., it wasn’t dented, bent or crushed; the tape remained securely attached; and the items were exactly where they were supposed to be — then that moment speaks volumes regarding the care your business has taken in preparing your order for transit.

Selecting the right shipping supplies doesn’t have to be confusing. Select a box based upon your product size

Firstly, choose a box that accurately reflects the dimensions of your product. Oftentimes selecting a smaller box reduces the amount of packaging materials needed and ultimately lowers shipping costs while ensuring that products remain stationary throughout transport.

Once you’ve selected the proper-sized box, next select a suitable packing material based upon your product. Different types of materials such as bubble padding, kraft paper or foam may be used to protect various products. Ultimately, the objective is to maintain stability of each individual item from the time it leaves your warehouse until the time it reaches your customer’s hands.

Do better quality shipping supplies cost more?

In some cases, yes, however poor-quality packaging supplies can result in additional expenses indirectly. Damaged shipments or replacement orders plus an unsatisfied customer may end up costing your business far more money than purchasing superior supplies initially.

Additionally, another common query is whether eco-friendly packaging practices contribute to improved relationships with existing clients. For a number of businesses and consumers alike, using eco-friendly packaging supplies such as recycled cardboard or biodegradable packing paper can reflect a business’ commitment toward reducing waste while maintaining adequate protection for each shipment.

Good packaging supplies do far more than simply support a product. Packaging supplies also reduce wasted time repairing damaged orders, enhance customer satisfaction with each shipment and foster confidence within customers with respect to each subsequent purchase. When you utilize high-quality shipping supplies consistently, you spend less time repairing issues and more time expanding your business. As such, investing in quality shipping supplies is always wise for companies of any size.

A consumer who purchases candy is initially attracted by the taste or quality of the item inside. However, prior to tasting that item, consumers are first attracted to the packaging. In this regard, the initial appearance of the candy box has the potential to create an individual’s perception of the product prior to opening the box.

To determine why selecting a suitable candy box is important for a business, consider what a candy box accomplishes beyond holding the candies. Beyond providing protection for the candies, a candy box provides an opportunity to keep the candies looking fresh longer and improves the total experience for the consumer upon picking up and then opening the box.

There exists no single type of candy box that is suited to all types of candies. As such, some candies require boxes with special features. For example, while a chocolate truffle requires a box which protects against crushing (and thus maintains its original form), a candy stick, for instance, may require sufficient space within the box to allow any possible decorations or coatings to remain intact throughout transportation and storage on display shelves.

Box size is equally as important as the protective properties of the box itself. Boxes which are too large provide ample space for candies to slide back and forth and/or collide with each other, causing them to break, lose their original arrangement/shape, etc. Conversely, a candy box which is correctly sized prevents candies from sliding around and bumping into each other upon opening; thereby maintaining the same organized arrangement/shape as originally packaged.

In addition to providing adequate protection, many businesses select candy boxes due to the ability of those boxes to promote their products. Attractive packages serve as advertising for a company regardless of whether those packages are located in a gift shop, placed atop a counter in a bakery or provided during a holiday promotion. Given that people frequently purchase candies as gifts, a company’s attractive packaging is an integral component of the entire presentation process.

Ultimately, another commonly asked question is “Can candy boxes be recycled?” While there are exceptions based upon local recycling programs, most paper-based candy boxes can be recycled once empty. Furthermore, companies can also make environmentally-friendly choices by utilizing recyclable materials in manufacturing their candy boxes.

Prior to purchasing a candy box for use in selling your candies, you should consider where you intend to sell those candies and how they will be transported. If your candies will be traveling cross-country via mail or freight delivery service, you will likely need to utilize a sturdy box rather than one designed for local shipment. Using an appropriate-sized and durable candy box minimizes damage and maximizes customer satisfaction.

While a visually pleasing candy box is important, it represents far more than aesthetic appeal. An ideal candy box must provide adequate protection for the contents, fit the contents perfectly, and present the contents in a manner which produces positive impressions both immediately and long-term. Ultimately, when businesses choose appropriately sized and functional candy boxes, their candies will arrive looking fresh, appealing, and ready for immediate consumption upon being opened.