Packaging: PolyPRO Strapping Comparison

Continental Western carries multiple different types of PolyPRO strapping. In this post, we have simplified the comparison process. Compare the many features of PolyPRO Strapping to help you decide which type of strapping best serves your application needs.

Here at CWC, we’re popular for more than our products. We maintain a reputation for integrity and exceptional service that helps you with packaging worldwide. 

Poly Hand Grade

Poly Hand Grade- 8 x 8 Core- HG

Our CWC 8 in x 8 in core polypropylene strapping is made for use with hand strapping tools and carts. This strapping has just the right strength, stretch and tension qualities to save you time and money.

Features: 

• Easily conform to corners 
• Ideal for light-duty palletizing, unitizing, carton closing, and bundling 
• Better than steel or nylon strapping 
• Shrinks along with loads while maintaining tension 
• Available in a variety of colors

Machine Grade Smooth

Machine Grade Smooth- 8 x 8 Core- MGS

Our CWC 8 in x 8 in core machine grade polypropylene strapping is used in wide range of industries. From meat and fish packing to high speed newspaper bundling. Can be used on automatic, semi-automatic and Signode strapping machines.

Features: 

• High elongation and recovery 
• Low tension retention 
• Delivers tight, strong and fast strapping 
• Available in choice of widths and tensile strengths

Poly Machine Grade

8 in x 8 in core CWC machine grade polypropylene strapping is the perfect choice for machine applications. Meeting the specifications of many strapping machine manufacturers, it features distinct strength and stretch capabilities.

Features: 

• For light, medium and some heavy-duty use 
• For a variety of applications - bundling, palletizing and unitizing 
• Economical - reliable - smooth running 
• Absorbs shock better than other materials

Are you looking for a different type of strapping? Check out our Steel Strapping offerings, as well as our Polyester Strapping and Cord Strap.

Packaging: Pack Expo International 2014

Continental Western Corporation will be attending Pack Expo International. Put booth #9623 on your list of companies to see!

This year, Pack Expo International will be on November 2nd-5th in Chicago, Illinois. Pack Expo International “focuses on processing and packaging solutions while at the same time, introducing you to technologies and ideas from all different industries. It’s the one place you can discover innovations you didn’t know existed and truly see what is possible.”

CWC will be attending Pack Expo International to show how our packaging solutions can meet your company's needs. From steel and polyester strapping, to stretch film, to packing tape, CWC has you covered.

As an incentive, we are offering up our promo code to anyone interested in attending as our guest. Follow this link to register with our comp code: 21V86.

Need more convincing? Read Pack Expo’s Top 5 Reasons for attending:

5 Reasons Attending PACK EXPO International is ESSENTIAL to your success.

1. EFFICIENCY – Where else can you compare practically every processing and packaging solution out there—from 1,800+ suppliers—all in one place? Watch Video
2. ENERGY – There’s nothing like watching processing and packaging innovations in action, holding materials and containers in your hands and examining equipment side by side.
3. EDGE – Staying competitive means walking the same show floor your competitors are walking, latching on to the latest trends, and getting strategies that work from industry experts.
4. EXCITEMENT – Witness the unveiling of breakthrough technologies, see what new robots can do, try your hand at the latest in automation, get ideas from engineers in other industries.
5. ENGAGEMENT – You’ll get the face time you need to problem-solve on the spot and build strong business partnerships with suppliers. Watch Video

Showing Support: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Continental Western Corporation is proud to support Breast Cancer Awareness month.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and CWC is happy to share with you a way that you can help show support this month and beyond. We are excited to announce that CWC carries the Showa Best N-Dex BWC (Because We Care) glove. 

Wear pink gloves to show your support!

When you purchase the Showa Best Glove N-Dex BWC, a portion of the proceeds is donated to organizations supporting breast cancer research and awareness. 

“Showa Best Glove’s N-DEX® BWC (Because We Care) PINK® nitrile glove enables disposable glove wearers to show their support of cancer survivors while enjoying all the characteristics associated with the Best N-DEX hand protection. These 100% nitrile, non-latex medical grade gloves are part of the world-renowned N-DEX family of disposable hand protection proudly manufactured in America. N-DEX BWC gloves are ambidextrous, 9.5 inches long, 4-mils thick with textured fingertips and are packed 10 dispensers of 100 gloves per case.”

      -Showabestglove.com

Rally your employees together and support breast cancer awareness this month by ordering pink Show Best Glove N-Dex BWC from your local CWC Sales rep. 

Learn more about breast cancer and how you can help by visiting the American Cancer Society’s webpage. 

Rubber Bands: Crepe vs. Compound

Crepe and Compound rubber bands- how are they different from one another?

CWC rubber bands are a crucial component in a wide range of industries from newspapers, to produce, to floral arrangements. Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help you decide which type of rubber band is best for your product.

Crepe Rubber Bands (PCI)

• What it’s made of: High concentration of pure rubber content
• Number of Bands/Pound: approx. 35% more bands/pound than Compound 
• Cost: pound for pound, more expensive than Compound bands (but you get more bands per pound)
• Shelf Life: last longer than Compound bands

Compound Rubber Bands (NCI)

• What it’s made of: Mixture of rubber, additives, and inert ingredients
• Number of Bands/Pound: approx. 35% fewer bands/pound than Crepe
• Cost: pound for pound, less expensive than Crepe bands
• Shelf Life: maintain elasticity for a shorter time period than Crepe bands

Crepe bands are about 15% higher in price/pound than Compound bands, but Crepe bands are less expensive on a band per band direct price comparison, 

• Example for size 16 bands:
• 1 lb of Crepe bands = approx. 2,395 bands
• 1 lb of Compound bands= approx. 1,535 bands

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you supply rubber bands with extended shelf life? 

Yes, UVI  (ultra violet inhibitor additive) can be added to bands to increase the shelf life. Let your sales person know if you need this additive to ensure that our rubber bands last properly for your intended application.

I need custom rubber bands. Is it possible to print on them? 

CWC is able to supply you with custom printed bands. Printed bands are available at an additional charge as a mill order.  

Why would I need to print on rubber bands? 

This is a very common practice in the produce industry, as well as many others. In the produce industry, PLU codes are printed on the rubber bands.

How do I know if my current bands are Crepe or Compound? 

Drop the band in water. If it floats, it’s a crepe band. If it sinks, it’s a compound band.

Do Crepe and Compound bands come in colors?

Yes. CWC supplies both Crepe and Compound bands in natural, and in multitude of colors. Check them out online to see our color options: Crepe Colored  |  Compound Colored

What are the most popular sizes? 

14, 16, 32, 33, 62 and 64.

Safety: Recapping the 2014 NSC Congress & Expo

The 2014 National Safety Council’s Congress & Expo ended Wednesday, September 17^th. The three-day conference in San Diego, California was humming with new safety products and big news from occupational safety regulator, OSHA.

Attendees were quick to take note as OSHA announced the most frequently cited workplace safety violations for the 2014 fiscal year. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to dodge workplace injuries and safety violations. Avoid common oversights by reading OSHA's list and ensure that your business has the appropriate personal protection equipment and rules in place to maintain compliance. 

Another large announcement at the NSC Congress & Expo was the renewal of the NSC and OSHA alliance. 

"The National Safety Council and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration today renewed their Alliance to foster safer and healthier workplaces at the NSC Congress & Expo. Focus areas of the Alliance include addressing temporary and contract workers, motor vehicle safety, construction safety and the importance of establishing injury and illness prevention programs. They also agree to support and promote the new Journey to Safety Excellence campaign from the Council."

“NSC values our partnership with OSHA to keep workplaces safe,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “Renewing this Alliance is a symbol of our combined dedication to eliminating injuries and fatalities on the job, as employees deserve to return home safely to their families each day.”
        -Kathy Lane, Communications Director at NSC

All of us at Continental Western Corporation had a great time at the show and are looking forward to next year in Atlanta, Georgia!

Agriculture: PMA Fresh Summit

CWC has worked with the agricultural industry for more than 60 years. 

We understand that producing quality produce is a complex process that requires a wide range of goods and support. This October, we will be showing our support for the agriculture and produce industries by attending the PMA Fresh Summit in Anaheim, CA.

As PMA states, this event is for:

“Industry leaders. Marketing gurus. Technology trailblazers. Retail buyers. Food safety experts. Talented young professionals. The decision makers and game changers…”

Through attending this event, Continental Western Corporation is keeping up on changes within the agriculture and produce industries as technology and values in farming continue to develop and transform. CWC is committed to continually expanding our product knowledge and introducing superior alternatives to existing agricultural products as this staple industry progresses.

Be sure to put our booth, #1999, on your ‘must see’ list for Fresh Summit 2014!

Even if you are not able to attend, you can still view some of them items that we will be showcasing: Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves, Ventilated Pallet Netting & Spiral Wrap.

Safety: OSHA PPE Regulations

Is your company up-to-date on OSHA regulations on Personal Protective Equipment?

According to OSHA’s general mandatory requirements:

"Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.”

If your business operates in the field of Maritime or Construction, OSHA has additional regulations that you must follow to be in compliance of their safety standards.

Keep your employees safe with CWC’s line of gloves and safety supplies:

• Gloves

• Protective Clothing

• Rain Wear

• Eye Protection

• Hearing Protection

• Dust Masks

• High-Visibility Vests

• PVC Boots