In a world full of GMO’s, health of the environment and the food is of top priority. Ecological farming offers a way to combine science and innovate technologies to keep the soil health in tip top shape. With sustainability in mind, the future of this branch of farming opens many doors for healthier and more organic foods. 

What is Ecological Farming, Anyway?

Ecological farming is the process of stabilizing the environment, protecting the bees and the wildlife habitats! This uses biopesticides (which are more natural than traditional chemical based pesticides). Ecological Farming changes the soil BEFORE the crop is planted in order to provide the most nutrients possible. 

Using the environment around the field to learn what will best improve the soil composition. This process removes the negative impact that chemicals have on the ecosystem. By degrading and destroying habitats, soil structures and impacting our health.  Ecological farming is not organic farming but biological engineering for the best and most natural ingredients.

Natural Over Modified

Over the last 30 years, we have been using Genetically Modified Organisms to change how our crops are developed. However, the sources and products used are not always best for mammals. They contain chemicals that can trigger diseases that are resistant to antibiotics.  Not only do we aim to preserve the soil, we aim to keep the wild habitats in their place.

Saving the Bees and the Trees

Between 1977 and 2018, the monarch butterfly population decreased by 1.87% yearly. The bees, our primary pollinators in the US, are struggling. With a colony loss of 28.1% per year for the last 3 years, where the previous average was 15%. This was primarily caused by habitat loss, as well as warmer falls. Taking away their home through deforestation forces them to move to another area. Not all the animals will be getting the proper nutrients, causing the decrease in the population. Whether it be the animals on the land or the types of trees that are near, this all affects the way the crops are grown! At Western Packaging, we are sure to use the reliable and healthiest ingredients and sourcing for our products!

Order With Western Packaging for Safely Sourced Products!

We ship all over the country, so you never have to worry about your location versus what locations we serve! Our goal, as a company, is to provide you with the most reliable and safe products we can. The safety of your family and friends and the quality of our products is of utmost importance to us.  We are here to help meet all your agricultural needs! Contact us today!

With the winter season soon approaching it is time to start thinking about the best ways to store all the hay that you have either worked extremely hard harvesting over the summer or purchased in preparation for the winter. Western Packaging can help with the use of hay sleeves but here are some tips that aid in storing your hay through the winter. 

1. Store Hay Indoors

Storing your hay in an indoor structure is the best option. The structure does not need to be 4 walls and a roof, it can be a structure that is just a roof. Storing indoors is optimal because the color will be preserved as well as the quality. You are also able to reduce the loss of dry matter. 

2. Maintain Bale Density

Being sure that the outer layer of your hay bales is properly tightened is one of the main ways to ensure proper storage. If the bales are too loose then this allows for moisture and other elements to penetrate causing a loss of product. 

3. Storage Site Selection

Selecting the proper site to keep your bales is very important. You want to choose a location that has good airflow, and that is not shaded by trees especially if you are storing your hay outdoors. You want to make sure that the drying conditions are at their best to minimize the loss of any hay. 

4. Elevate Your Hay Bales

Elevating your bales of hay will prevent anywhere from 5-20% of any loss of your dry matter. You can elevate using these methods: 

• Pallets (new or old)
• Used Tires
• Fence Posts
• Racks
• 4 – to 6- inch layer of rocks

Using any of these methods will work to preserve your hay during the winter months. Keeping it off the direct ground helps to allow for air circulation and faster drying. 

5. Proper Stacking Of Round And Square Bales

When it comes to stacking your hay there are specific ways to do so to ensure proper storage. For round bales, it is best to stack these end-to-end keeping about 3-4 feet of space between each row. For square bales, it is best to stack these in a square stack pattern alternating so they do not fall over. 

6. Cover, Cover, Cover

The use of tarps, plastic wraps, sleeves, or canvases will help prevent your bales, especially your round bales, from getting weathered. If your hay is left to be weathered it lessens the ability of your livestock to be able to digest it. 

Noticing a pattern? The key to storing your hay through the winter is to keep it dry. Keeping it dry is the best way to ensure that your time, work, money, and product are not lost. 

We Want to Help

If you are in need of winter storage for your hay bales our team at Western Packaging is eagerly waiting to help you. Contact us today, we are looking forward to hearing from you.

If you have BOPP plastic and need to know if you can recycle it, the good news is the answer is yes. This type of plastic is known as an environmentally friendly product that is able to be reused if needed and recycled. In most cases, you can recycle BOPP plastic many times before it begins to break down. 

What Is BOPP Plastic?

BOPP plastic, also known as biaxially-oriented polypropylene, is a common type of plastic that is used for labeling purposes. It is transparent in color and known to be durable and strong. Most commonly, this type of plastic is used in food packaging and tobacco. 

There are BOPP, PP, OPP, and many more types of plastics that are made. All are designed for different reasons and have their own best-fit situations. This particular type of plastic is water and oil resistant, making it a great option for multiple uses. 

What Is Packaged in BOPP Plastic?

Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene plastic is used for packaging food items. Not only for human consumption, but for animal consumption as well. Some examples of what is stored in them are:

• Deer Corn
• Bird Seed
• Pet Food
• Rice
• Minerals
• Bagged Chips
• And Much More

Some of the other areas you can find BOPP plastic used are in:

• Labels on Frozen Items
• Moving Tags
• Promotional Coupons
• Clear Labels
• Self-Applied Stickers
• Metallic Labels
• And Much More

Other Uses For BOPP Plastic

Plastic is found in many different areas of your everyday life. It is used in many different ways to package items, store them, and much more. Some of the others used for this type of plastic are insulation in microelectronics and in shrink wrap. 

Some other examples are:

• Vacuum Seal Bags
• Release Bags
• Adhesive Materials
• And More

They Look Aesthetically Pleasing

BOPP plastic is a great product for your business and is eye-catching for customers too. It isn’t all about the cost and the fact that it is eco-friendly. You want customers to like the way the packaging is presented. The more appealing to the eye, the more likely people are to pick it up in the store. 

Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene plastic hasn’t always been able to be recycled. Some plastics are not able to be; that is why BOPP is a preferred one to use. The only negative factor is that although it is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and recyclable, it is not biodegradable. 

Contact Western Packaging For More Information

If you are on the hunt for the perfect packaging material for your business and needs, call Western Packaging today. We can talk with you about your options and what we have to offer you. That way you can make an informed decision and be satisfied with the outcome. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hay is a very important agricultural product and a very valuable commodity for farmers and ranchers. Storing hay properly helps ensure that it is safe and protected from the elements. Elements like rain, sunlight, and mold can be devastating to the quality of your hay. Storage for hay is critical in ensuring your hay stays protected. Elements to consider when storing hay are the type of hay bale container, hay packaging, and other hay storage solutions.

Additionally, properly stored hay maintains the nutritional value needed by cattle, horses, and other livestock. When harvesting and storing hay, there are several things you can do to make the hay last and to more efficiently store your harvest. 

Things To Consider When Storing Hay

Hay is a term used to describe grass or legume that has been harvested, dried, and stored to help feed cattle, horses, and other livestock. The amount of livestock you need to feed and the amount of storage space you have to keep the hay up out of the elements will primarily determine the amount of hay needed. When storing hay bales, there are some things to consider.

• Bale Type- There are three primary ways to bale hay. Large round bales, Large square bales, and small square bales. There are benefits to each type of bale. The amount of cattle or livestock you have to feed is the primary factor. Large round bales can begin to spoil within 2-3 days of being exposed to the elements. So, if you only have a small hobby farm and not enough livestock to consume the large round bales within a few days, you will be dealing with a lot of waste. 
• Storage Situation- Hay can be stored inside or outside. It is best to keep hay from the elements and store it in a covered building that is cool and dry. When storing hay outside, it is best to cover the hay once it is fully cured with tarps. This helps protect the hay from moisture as well as sun bleaching. Sun bleaching can deplete the nutritional value of the hay. 
• Stacking-Stacking your hay properly can prevent injury and waste. It’s a good idea to stack your hay on pallets to prevent rot and waste. When storing square bales, alternate the direction of the bales. Round bales can be stacked in a variety of ways. It is important to remember that round bales can weigh as much as 1800 pounds. Not properly stacking round bales could result in serious injury. 

Are There Any Products That Can Improve Hay Storage?

There are some products on the market that can improve and lengthen the lifespan of your hay harvest.  Hay Sleeves from Western Packaging are a great way to save on the overall cost of your hay harvest and storage. The sleeves are manufactured from agricultural products and offer breathable protection for your bales.

Because the hay sleeves are breathable, they do not sweat and allow your hay to dry out faster. They are offered in customized options, plain or printed. These hay sleeves will offer maximum protection from the elements and help to prevent waste of your hay harvest, saving you money. It’s an economical and simple solution to your hay storage needs. 

Are You Considering Hay Sleeves for Storage? 

If you are looking for a reasonable solution for storing your hay, let Western Packaging assist you today with a variety of customizable hay sleeve options. Our hay sleeves are a durable and sensible solution for keeping your hay out of the elements and ready for your livestock. It is our goal to provide our customers with an excellent product. We are committed to offering the best solutions for your hay storage needs. Call us today to discuss your needs! Our industry-leading experts are waiting to assist you.

FIBC bags, sometimes called Bulk Bags, are typically used for storing and packaging grain, dirt, dry goods, and fertilizer. There are many advantages to using FIBC bags. In a variety of shapes and sizes are the bags offered. These bags offer an affordable and sensible solution to storing your product. 

Advantages Of FIBC Bags

When deciding on Bulk Bags, there are many things to consider. Some of the most commonly discussed advantages of FICB Bags are listed below. 

• Environmentally Friendly-these bags are not only reusable. They can recycle the bags. They are sometimes produced with recycled agricultural products. 
• Variety of Shapes and Sizes-the bags are available in many shapes and sizes. They can be found in the circular, four-panel, baffle, and u-panel shapes. The thickness and durability also vary depending on the weight of the product the bag will be holding. 
• Added Safety Features-there is options available to ensure maximum safety. Adding lift loops to the corners of the bags helps to ensure the safety and accessibility of the bags. Lift loops allow forks to be placed in the corners, ensuring security when moving. 
• Space Saving-FIBC Bags take up minimum storage space due to their customizable size options. You are not paying for more bags than you need. In turn, this saves you valuable money and space. 

Additional Features Of FIBC Bags

There are some customizable options available on an FIBC Bag. Below are some of the choices we find most helpful and cost-effective. 

• Moisture Prevention- By adding a polypropylene liner to the Bulk bags helps reduce the pack’s moisture. Liners can be tabbed into the eight corners or sewn into the seams. This process also aids in the liner coming out of the bag when emptying. 
• Fill Spouts-Fill spouts are available with either the duffle top or spout top bulk bags. Customization for a specific machine is also an option. Discharge spouts are a standard option with Bulk bags. The bags can be constructed in a variety of ways. Some options available include conical bottoms, diaper bottoms, plain bottoms, or fully open bottoms. 
• Customizable-Bulk bags are available in custom colors. Printing options are also offered. 
• HazMat Bags-Certified bulk HazMat Bags are available. 

What You Should Know About The Safety Of FIBC Bags

Some exciting safety features come with FIBC Bags. Working in and around a safe environment is essential to workers and customers. Some of the outstanding safety features offered with FIBC Bags are found below. 

• Each Bulk bag is given a Safe Working Load (SWL). The Safe Working Load determines what weight the bag can safely hold. 
• It is not recommended that bulk bags hold any liquids. 
• HazMat bags are available when storing hazardous materials and marked or labeled in an option approved as an UN-certified HazMat Bag.
• The bags are strong and durable and offer the top security ratios. 

Reach Out To Learn More About FIBC Bags

If you are a company or an individual looking for top quality, reliability, and safety in a Bulk Bag, reach out to our team at Western Packaging. We strive to provide an excellent product that will not let you down. With customizable options, we are sure to help you find the perfect fit for your grain, dirt, or fertilizer storage and packaging needs. 

Storing your products can be an incredibly difficult task. Storing your dry goods is a different beast entirely. If you’re trying to offer your customers the freshest product possible, you need dry good storing options that best fit your specific needs. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when storing dry goods. 

Keep the Right Temperature

When it comes to storing your dry goods, the temperature at which you store these goods is incredibly important. In fact, it might just be the most important factor when it comes to the safety of your dry goods. You should be storing your dry goods between fifty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit. 

Even something as small as an 18-degree increase or decrease can reduce the shelf life of your products in half. That is a massive reduction in shelf life and can cause you hundreds, even thousands of dollars in damages. Storing your goods in cooler temperatures will help reduce respiratory activity. 

Keep in a Well-Ventilated Area

It’s important to keep the storeroom cool is incredibly important but so is keeping your dry goods in a well-ventilated area. Also, ensure that the room has little humidity, no higher than 15 percent. Installing a dehumidifier or an air conditioning unit during the humid times of the year can help keep your storage room ventilated. 

Storing your dry goods 18 inches away from the walls and at least six inches off the floor is also important. Sunlight exposure can lead to oxidation, which will break down many of the nutrients in the food. Storerooms with too much natural light can lead to issues, so use a blackout curtain or tint to cover the windows. 

Keep Good Records

Keeping proper records of your inventory is also incredibly important. This is an essential part of optimal storage. The “use by” and “sell by” dates should always be properly recorded. This is because spotting spoilage with your dry goods is much more difficult than it is with fresh food. Having these labels allows you to know when these products have gone bad. 

Whenever a product goes out of date, it’s important to replace it as quickly as possible. First in first out, also known as FIFO should always be the way your dry goods move to and from the storeroom. This means all the products are as fresh as possible. 

Proper Packaging

It’s important to properly package your products the proper way. Since packaging is our specialty at Western Packaging, we understand the best ways to package your dry goods. Packaging that resists moisture is important and will work well in an airconditioned room or dehumidifier. There are many things you want to keep in mind when choosing the right packaging. 

Bulk bags are a popular option when it comes to storing grain. We also have the option to sew in handles to make for easier transport. Multi-walled bags are good for storing grain and pet food. They come in different styles. Woven poly bags are another good option. You can also print the “use by” and “sell by” dates on these bags. 

We’re Ready to Help

If you need help with your packaging needs, our team at Western Packaging is here. We offer a wide range of packaging services and products to ensure your dry goods are always protected from the elements. Contact us today to find out what it is we can do for you and your storing and packaging needs.

As a business owner or manager, nobody understands the importance of protecting your products more than you. Here at Western Packaging, we offer Wulftec products, some of the best in the industry, to help you protect your investments. Here are some of the benefits of using Wulftec products

Wrapping Machines

We carry a full line of wrapping machines for all of your application needs, as well as conveyor systems. These machines help you ensure that your products are always protected from the elements. This is important as businesses lose thousands, even millions of dollars a year on damaged products. 

Stretch wrapping your packages will help ensure they stay put during transit. Packages sliding around during transit can and will lead to damage – either during transit or after. Investing in a wrapping machine can prevent this from happening, saving your products and more importantly, your bank account. 

Some of the Benefits of Wuftec Wrapping Machines

Understanding the benefits of Wuftec products can help you understand why they’re perfect for you and your specific business needs. Here are some of the benefits:

Corner Protection

Unfortunately, corners are often prone to damage in the transit process. The wrapping machines are designed to detect the corner of each load. Even if the load varies in size or is uneven when it reaches the conveyor, Wulftec will be able to place the corner correctly, time after time. 

Consecutive Machines

We can install consecutive machines. These machines are designed for distribution centers and businesses that have a high output. These machines can wrap multiple loads simultaneously, reduce your labor costs, improve ergonomics, reduce damage and load retention, and improve your productivity. 

Machines for Extreme Environments

We understand that you may work in an extreme environment. Wulftec machines will be equipped with a heating or cooling system that will maximize their efficiency no matter the climate. Whether it’s freezing cold or scorching hot, you will always get 100% out of your stretch wrapper and film. 

Food Distribution

If you use your machine for food distribution, you need that machine to be as clean as possible. These machines are equipped with waterproof motors, quick connectors, and a stainless steel enclosure to protect all the electrical components from being damaged during a wash-down. The machine is also built out of stainless steel, making it corrosion-resistant. 

Hay Industry

The hay industry constantly uses wrapping machines. Here are some of the options Wulftec offers for maximum flexibility:

• Cold and warm temperature packaging
• 30” film carriage
• Rotational speed increase
• Elevating pop-up
• Power sealer
• Automatic film cut and wipedown
• Top platen
• And more

Customized Stretch Wrappers

We understand that every business has its own, specific needs. That’s why we’re able to install customized stretch wrappers. Custom options can help you get the exact wrapping services that you are looking for. We will work with you from the moment you call us to help you get the system that best fits your needs. We want to be sure that you’re getting the most out of your machines. If that means going the extra mile to ensure you get the custom machine that you need, then we are more than happy to do it!

We’re Ready to Help

If you’re looking for Wulftec products or any other wrapping and packaging services, our team here at Western Packaging is here to help! We offer a wide range of services designed to help you with your packaging needs. Reach out to us today to find out what it is we can do for you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Polypropylene bags are an excellent solution for different businesses. Many already sell them at the front where the checkout is located. They are the bright-colored, designed, or logo-branded bags that you see. That is not the only way to find poly bags, and they are made to fit the needs of large industries and their shipping needs. Western Packaging sells poly bags for various industry needs, and they can help you make the right decision for your business. 

What Are Polypropylene Bags?

Polypropylene bags are a type of bag used by many different industries made out of plastic resin. You can get them in woven and non-woven forms, depending on the durability you need. The woven polypropylene bags are designed using a woven technique to provide you with more flexibility and endurance. 

Non-woven bags are sturdier and can keep your product safe. They are not put together in a woven technique. They bond the plastic resin together with a heat press. Both woven bags are biodegradable and help your business reduce its carbon footprint. 

How Long Do Polybags Last?

It is difficult to pinpoint an exact time frame that a polypropylene bag will last. Many different factors can make a difference in the answer. If you use the bag constantly and put it to the test, it may not last as long as one that someone uses less frequently. 

On average, you will be able to use a polybag 37 times before you need to use a new one. These bags are eco-friendly, being reusable, but it is also a financially wise option to use for your business. The longer a product can last you is always a great option for your business. 

Different Types of Polypropylene Bags

There are many different poly bags that you can get for your business. Agricultural businesses use these bags commonly for all storage needs. They can hold feed, seeds, grains, and so much more. 

There are different uses that these bags have, too, such as shipping, shopping bags, and more. Many businesses sell them at the front of their stores as shopping bags. Often they are in bright colors, patterns, or have the logo printed on them. A few examples of the different bags you can purchase for your business are:

• Paper Laminated Polypropylene Bags
• Laminated Woven Polypropylene Bags
• Standard Woven Polypropylene Bags
• UV Sandbags With Tie Strings

There Is Variety

All the poly bags are available in various sizes to fit the needs that you have. Many are small enough to fit little needs, and they range up to large industrial sizes. These bags are designed to fit a variety of conditions that you have for your business. You can rely on them to keep your products safe and withstand the movement that occurs. 

The standard woven poly bags are available in fifty different sizes for you to choose from. You can even choose to have them equipped with a water-resistant barrier. All sizes and styles are in stock and ready to ship out to you most of the time. All poly bags are tear-resistant to add extra protection for you and your business. You can have your logos and information printed directly onto the bags. 

Let Western Packaging Help You Today

If you have a business that can benefit from the use of polypropylene bags, contact Western Packaging today. We would be happy to help you find the one that fits your needs best. Our team looks forward to hearing from you and getting you set up with the right products for your business.

When choosing the proper packaging for your product, you want something that will keep it safe and secure. It is crucial that you choose a durable type of packaging that will survive during transportation and storage. Woven PP bags offer many benefits and are a safe choice for your goods, and Western Packaging can help with your order. 

What are Woven PP Bags?

What is a PP bag? Manufactured by polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer, polypropylene (PP), the bags are more heat resistant and harder than polyethylene with high chemical resistance. Woven polypropylene bags are transparent, so you can clearly see their contents, and are a reliable choice for a variety of applications. 

Woven PP Bags Are Durable

Durability is vital to maintaining the quality of your product. One of the advantages of polypropylene is that this type of plastic is hard and thick, so it will not break easily. known for enduring high temperatures, PP woven sacks will not break down if stored on a hot truck or warehouse over an extended period of time. They are also resistant to chemicals and electrical stress. 

Woven PP Bags Protect Against Pests

The last thing you need is insects or vermin permeating your packaging and infesting your product. Woven PP bags will keep your goods safe from pests, which is especially important if you are packaging grains or food products. Using PP bags will reduce the amount of waste and help secure your bottom line. 

PP Bags Help Control Moisture

Many types of plastic will allow moisture to accumulate within them, which could cause an array of problems. Excess moisture promotes mold and fungus growth and can cause your product to rot. Mold, fungus, and rot will also cause your product to develop a strong odor that can spread to other bags, but woven PP bags will prevent this disaster from happening. 

PP Bags are Safe For Food Products

Woven PP bags meet the required FDA and USDA specifications for food storage. Other plastics are toxic and bleed chemicals into food if heated or scratched. Polypropylene is BPA-free. It is the safe and chosen plastic for most water bottles, yogurt cups, ketchup bottles, and straws. 

PP Bags Are Biodegradable

Going green is essential for any business, especially for the agricultural industry. Woven PP bags are a good choice when you want to choose a plastic that will reduce your carbon footprint. They are environmentally friendly as they can be cleaned and reused multiple times. When these bags are discarded, they will break down more quickly than other plastics. 

Woven PP Bags Are Customizable

Western Packing has you covered no matter what size or quantity of woven PP bags your application requires. Our bags can be printed on to display your logo or any other information you desire. You can easily print important information on your woven PP bags, such as:

• Brand Name
• Product Name
• Contents
• Nutritional Facts
• Instructions
• Serial Number
• QR Code

PP Bags are Economical

These bags are constructed from raw materials that are abundant and readily available. Woven PP bags are not difficult to produce and assemble. This makes them an economical and cost-effective option when deciding what type of bag to choose for your product. 

Contact Western Packaging Today

If your application calls for reliable woven PP bags, contact the professionals at Western Packaging. We are committed to customer satisfaction, and our friendly agents are standing by to help you with your order. We can assist you in choosing the right product for your needs and answer any questions you may have regarding size and quantity. Give us a call today to get your product in the best packaging possible!

Does your business do a lot of packaging and shipping? If so, you need a quality product to ship all your items. Finding a company that can provide this for you is essential for your business. Western Packaging is the company for you! A place that can offer multiple sizes and strengths is helpful, especially if shipping out more than one size or weight of product. Let us teach you a little about these bags. 

The Many Uses For Shipping Sacks

You can use sacks for storage, shipping, packaging, and transportation. There are many bags to choose from. Many companies use shipping sacks to ensure their products get from point A to B. The sacks are created to withstand being handled and shipped without being torn. 

Do you want to add your own message to the bags in which you are shipping your products? You can create custom printed sacks and you can use them for landscaping down to dog food. You can find a shipping sack for your business, no matter what you are selling. It’s vital that you have something to hold up to heavy loads and won’t bust in transit. 

Is There A Difference Between Sacks And Bags?

When you think of a bag, you typically think of a grocery bag or any bag made of flexible material that you can put something to carry around. You can bring household items, books, snacks, and things that aren’t heavy. Bags have been around for many years, helping people carry more items.

What Types Of Sacks Are There Out There?

When looking for a sack, it will depend on what you are shipping or using it for as to what kind you need. Are you using them to send from a warehouse to someone’s home or business? Or are you going to a sleepover and having fun playing games? Here are some of the sacks you can find. 

• Flour Sack
• Gunny Sack
• Money Sack
• Paper Sack
• Sleeping Sack
• Knapsack
• Hacky Sack 

As you have noticed, not all of these bags are for food. Some are for camping, playing, and holding money. With so many options out there, there is a wide variety of things you are able to ship without worrying now. 

Are Paper Sacks Good?

You might have heard of these called industrial paper sacks or multi-wall bags. Don’t confuse these with paper bags that you get at the grocery stores to carry your food in. There is a significant difference between these two types of bags. 

They are mostly used for flour, sugar, cement, building materials, charcoal, seeds, and animal food. Also are made with a high tear resistance in mind. You can also print your logo on these as well. There are inner layers that help provide a barrier against bacteria, moister and more. This is important if sending out food. 

Give Our Team A Call Today

Western Packaging is ready to help serve you with all your packing needs. We look forward to helping you find what is right for you and your business. Providing our customers with top-notch customer service is critical to us. We look forward to meeting you and providing you with quality products. Call us today.