Shipping and deliveries are critical to any business, especially when it comes to maintaining the integrity and safety of your goods during transit. A key component to ensuring that your items are secure is using poly strap – an affordable, reliable, and versatile solution for packaging and transportation. But, as with any tool, it’s important to know how to use it properly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of poly strap, explain why it’s such a popular choice for securing shipments, and give you practical tips for using it effectively. Let’s dive in!
What is Poly Strap?
Polyester strapping (commonly referred to as poly strap) is a robust material used primarily for bundling, securing, and stabilising goods for shipping. It’s made from high-strength polyester polymer, making it a reliable alternative to steel or polypropylene straps for a variety of shipping needs. Poly strap is lightweight, flexible, and capable of withstanding significant amounts of tension, making it an excellent choice for both light and heavy loads. Explore Ploy Strap products:
Why Choose Poly Strap for Your Shipments?
Poly strap is gaining popularity across industries due to its many advantages. Learn more about sustainable packaging practices from the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO). Some key reasons to use it include:
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Durability: Poly strap is tough and can withstand the rigours of long-distance shipping. It won’t snap under pressure, even when securing heavy loads.
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Flexibility: It’s easy to manipulate and adjust, which means you can secure almost any type of load, whether small or bulky.
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Cost-Effective: Compared to other strapping options, such as steel strapping, poly strap is more affordable.
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Safety: Unlike steel straps, poly strap won’t cause injury. It’s designed to be more user-friendly, with fewer sharp edges.
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Environmentally Friendly: Many poly straps are recyclable, making them an eco-conscious choice for businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
How to Properly Use Poly Strap for Securing Shipments
Using poly strap correctly is essential for ensuring the safety and security of your shipments. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get the job done right:
Step 1: Choose the Right Poly Strap
The first step is to choose the right type of poly strap for your specific shipment. Poly straps come in different widths, thicknesses, and strengths, so it’s important to pick one that matches the weight and size of your shipment. For example:
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Lightweight items: Choose narrower, thinner straps.
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Heavy items: Use thicker, wider straps for added strength.
Step 2: Select the Right Tools
To properly apply poly strap, you’ll need a few basic tools:
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Strapping machine: For high-volume operations, a strapping machine can save time and ensure consistent tension.
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Manual tools: If you’re working with smaller shipments, a manual tensioner, sealer, and cutter will do the trick.
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Seals: Depending on the strapping method, you may need metal or plastic seals to secure the strap in place.
Step 3: Position the Strap Correctly
When wrapping the poly strap around your goods, be sure to position it properly. You’ll want to ensure that the strap is evenly spaced and centred around the package to avoid imbalance. For heavy shipments, it’s a good idea to use multiple straps (top, bottom, and sides) to prevent shifting during transit.
Step 4: Apply Tension
The poly strap needs to be tightened sufficiently to keep your goods secure. If the strap is too loose, your items could shift or even fall out of the box. However, avoid over-tightening, as this can lead to product damage or cause the strap to break. Using a tensioning tool will help you apply the right amount of pressure, ensuring the strap is firm but not overly tight. You can refer to Safe Work Australia’s guidelines on packaging and handling safety to ensure that your packaging process follows safety regulations.
Step 5: Seal the Strap
Once the strap is properly tensioned, use your sealing tool to fasten the strap securely. If you’re using a manual tool, you’ll likely need to crimp a metal or plastic seal onto the strap. For automated systems, the machine will handle this step for you. Be sure that the seal is secure and that the strap cannot slip off during transport.
Step 6: Trim Excess Strap
Once the strap is sealed, trim off any excess. This is important for ensuring that your shipments are clean and tidy, and that no sharp edges are exposed that could injure someone during handling.
Step 7: Label and Document Your Shipment
After your goods are secured with poly strap, don’t forget to label and document your shipment. This is especially important for tracking purposes and ensuring that your shipment arrives at its destination in the correct condition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Poly Strap
While poly strap is easy to use, there are still some common mistakes that businesses make when securing shipments. Here are a few things to watch out for:
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Using the wrong strap for the load: Always make sure the strap is strong enough for the weight of the items you're shipping. Otherwise, you risk breakage or damage to the products.
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Over-tightening: Applying excessive tension can cause the strap to snap or damage the goods. Always test the strap before sealing it to ensure it’s the right level of tightness.
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Not using enough straps: For larger or heavier shipments, one strap may not be enough. Consider using multiple straps to secure the load properly.
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Skipping the sealing step: Without a proper seal, the poly strap could slip off during transit. Always secure the strap properly.
The Environmental Impact of Poly Strap
Many businesses are now considering the environmental impact of their packaging materials. Poly straps, particularly those made from recyclable materials, are a more sustainable option compared to alternatives like steel strapping. The ease of recycling poly straps helps reduce waste and contributes to more eco-friendly shipping practices.
To further reduce your environmental footprint, consider opting for recycled poly straps or purchasing from suppliers that have a focus on sustainability.
Conclusion
Poly strap is an essential tool for securing shipments, and when used properly, it can significantly reduce the risk of product damage during transport. By choosing the right poly strap, using the proper tools, and following best practices, you’ll ensure your goods are safe and secure every time.
At Large Box, we understand the importance of secure and reliable shipping. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, our range of packaging solutions—including poly straps—will help ensure your shipments are handled with care.
If you’re unsure about which poly strap or packaging method to choose, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help streamline your shipping processes and provide the best packaging solutions for your needs.
