Blog Archives - Page 7 of 17 - Western Packaging

28 Sep 2021
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Benefits Of Using Hay Sleeves

Keeping your horses and cows fed throughout the winter months can be tricky. You need to store up enough feed to last through the cold months but may not have the space to do so. Hay Sleeves from Western Packaging keep your forage protected from the elements without taking up space in your barn.

What is a Hay Sleeve?

After harvesting your hay, you need a place to store it. Building a bigger barn or shed to store all the fodder you need is a considerable expense. You can safely leave your forage outside and protect its health and longevity with a hay sleeve. These breathable covers safeguard your bottom line and keep your livestock fed all winter.

Why Use Hay Sleeves?

Once you have put in the hard work of harvesting your grass, the last thing you want is for it to go to waste. When moving bales from where they are produced to storage areas and feeding areas, some product is lost. Hay is also lost when kept uncovered or not stored properly. Using hay sleeves makes your fodder last longer.

Sunny, cool, and dry conditions are best for storing fodder. Humidity, heat, and rain lead to the growth of bacteria and disease, deeming your fodder unsafe to feed livestock. Hay sleeves protect your forage from harsh climate conditions.

When adequately protected, the fodder will stay fresh for a more extended period of time. Leaving hay out in the open will make it susceptible to rot and vermin. The best solution is to use breathable hay sleeves to ensure that moisture and rodents don’t have a chance of getting in. Breathable hay sleeves will leave you with the least amount of waste possible.

Hay Sleeves for Every Need

Whether you are baling ryegrass, timothy, alfalfa, or wheat, hay sleeves will help you store it safely for longer. We understand that when you roll grass, your bale sizes may vary depending on what you need them for or where you plan to store them. Our hay sleeves are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your specific need. Whether you have a four-foot-wide rectangular bale or an eight-foot-wide round bale, Western Packaging hay sleeves have got you covered.

Are Hay Sleeves Expensive?

While not as cheap as traditional twine used for baling, hay sleeves are affordable. Unlike twine, they decrease the amount of waste you will experience. Hay sleeves are efficient and effective in protecting your product and your wallet. Hay sleeves may cost more upfront than other products that claim to protect fodder, but they save you money in the long run with their unique ability to reduce loss.

Hay Sleeves Save You Money

Your hay is destroyed when it is not stored correctly away from the elements. When exposed to excess moisture or too much sun, you lose fodder to:

Mold
Mildew
Rot
UV deterioration
Infestations

Lost hay results in lost money and hurts your bottom line. As you already know, losing hay is an additional cost when you have to find a way to dispose of it. Western Packaging’s breathable hay sleeves save you money and protect your bottom line.

As a farmer, we know protecting the environment is essential to you. Our hay sleeves protect your hay and the environment. They are eco-friendly as they can be reused and recycled.

Contact Us Today to Order Your Hay Sleeves

Western Packaging hay sleeves help you cut down on overall cost and help you save hay. Our hay bale sleeves are made with material that is breathable and does not sweat. Hay sleeves can be custom-sized and printed with your desired label. Contact us to order your hay bale sleeve from Western Packaging today.

27 Sep 2021
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IS BOPP Plastic Recyclable?

When choosing the best packaging for your product, there are many factors to consider. You want to make sure your product will be kept fresh and your label can be clearly printed on the packaging. You also want to lessen your carbon footprint whenever possible. BOPP Bags (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Bags) from Western Packaging are useful for many types of industrial and agricultural product packaging. In addition to BOPP recycling being easy, BOPP bags are cost-effective and also weigh less than other packaging alternatives.

What are BOPP Bags?

What is BOPP? Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) is a stretched polypropylene film that is applied as an additional layer to a woven polypropylene bag. Polypropylene or polypropene is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer that has high impact resistance. Biaxially oriented polypropylene is a durable material that is used to package products such as:

Fertilizers
Grass seed
Rock salt
Pesticides
Rice
Minerals
Concrete mix
Sand
Bird seed
Pet food
Deer corn
Other animal food products.

BOPP plastic is trusted for packaging heavy items because it does not tear easily and is waterproof. BOPP material is strong and durable. It is manufactured by weaving and then laminated using organic materials. Its strength is due to the use of high-quality materials in its manufacture.

The film on BOPP packaging allows for clear and customized printing to be applied to both sides of the bag and on the gussets. These woven bags hold up to the wear and tear of loading and transport. The strength of BOPP bags keeps your product safe from contaminants, microbes, and airborne pollution. You don’t have to worry about anything getting in or out of your BOPP bag once it is sealed.

The Differences Between BOPP, OPP, and PP

OPP and PP bags are also used for packaging and are often confused with BOPP. All three have the basic polymer, polypropylene, in common, but they are manufactured differently. BOPP, Polypropylene (PP), and Oriented Polypropylene (OPP) each have different characteristics and uses.

The Benefits of Using BOPP Bags

There are many benefits to choosing BOPP bags over other options. They keep your product fresher for longer and will not break during the shipping and handling process. The crystal-clear coating means that you can see your product and verify its freshness. Other BOPP uses that make it a good choice for your business are:

Durability
Water-Resistance
Compatibility with automated bagging systems
Easily customizable
UV light resistance
Recyclable

Is BOPP Plastic Recyclable?

Is BOPP recyclable? Is BOPP biodegradable? Many people ask, “Is polypropylene eco-friendly?” BOPP plastic bags are environmentally friendly even though they are not biodegradable. It is able to be reused and recycled. It can actually be recycled many times over while still maintaining its value. Eliminating waste and recycling boosts revenue and decreases your company’s carbon footprint. This is why biaxially oriented polypropylene recycling is a huge benefit to using BOPP plastic bags.

The Environmental Working Group rates polypropylene as a low to moderate hazard. The dope-dyed method of printing bags does not require water and thus requires no wastewater disposal. This is a cost saver for your business and better for the environment.

BOPP Plastic is Cost-Effective

BOPP woven sacks are easy to obtain at a relatively low cost. Their integrity and strength keep your product safe and reduce loss due to seepage. Your product will have a longer shelf life as BOPP bags keep moisture out as well as protect from sun damage. BOPP plastics weigh less than paper bags as they use few layers. Weighing less means more affordable shipping costs. using fewer layers than paper bags, BOPP options weigh less which saves on weight and shipping costs.

Contact Us Today

Our team’s extensive experience with agricultural plastics and machinery allows us to deliver high-quality shipping and packaging supplies. Our products include FIBC bulk livestock feed bags, BOPP bags, woven poly bags, stretch film, hay sleeves, and more. Western Packaging is committed to providing the best solutions whether you need grain bags or wholesale bulk bags.

31 Aug 2021
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Why Even A Small Company Would Benefit From An EBS Printer

In today’s culture, businesses must keep up with the newest technology in order to stay relevant with their consumers. Every business can benefit from the use of an EBS printer for labeling and creating barcodes. This handy little tool has a variety of uses and will make life and labeling a lot easier.

What is an EBS Printer?

EBS printers are handheld inkjet printers that have the ability to print on many different materials. EBS printers make it possible to print directly on:

Plastic
Paper
Wood
Metal
Glass
Concrete
Textiles such as shirts or blankets
Cardboard
Shrinkwrap
Tape

You will no longer have to go through the hassle of lining up your print on a label. You can get rid of labels completely and print directly on whatever you need to. These hand jet coders replace outdated marking tools such as stencils, oil boards, spray paint, stamps, ink rollers, and markers. These handheld units can print letters, numbers, barcodes, and logos up to 2.2 inches tall.

How Can My Company Benefit From Using an EBS Printer?

When your company implements an EBS printer, it increases efficiency, improves accuracy, and automates your labeling process. This device allows for fast, high-quality printing anywhere you may need it. The speed with which it functions will help keep costs down and save you and your employees time and hassle. You can now quickly and easily mark your products with any details you may need, such as:

Lot number
Batch number
Expiration date
Bar code
Company logo
Size or dimensions
Quantity

Is An EBS Printer Easy to Use?

This lightweight EBS printer is as easy to use as a label maker. You don’t have to be computer savvy to use this handheld tool. The touchscreen on the unit is user-friendly. Simply type in the information you want to print, and you’ll be on your way.

You also have multiple colors to choose from and different ink types. You can print in red, blue, white, yellow, and black ink. However, once you use one ink color, you should not switch colors on that unit without proper cleaning. There are different ink options to choose from based on your needs. The types of ink available are:

Acetone-based Ink

The most common type of ink is acetone-based.
Durable and water-resistant.
Not meant for outdoor use and exposure to the sun’s rays.

MEK UV Ink

Can take direct exposure to sunlight on nearly any surface
Only available in black

Ethanol Ink

Food grade ink
Available in colors including blue, red, and brown

How is the Battery Life of an EBS Printer?

The battery life of an EBS printer is typically long enough that you shouldn’t have to worry about your unit not running due to a low battery. You should not need to charge the unit until 16 to 20 hours of use. At this point, a charge indicator light will illuminate. Be sure only to use the provided wall charger to charge your EBS printer. The unit should be fully charged after two to three hours.

What Type of Maintenance Does an EBS Printer Require?

You may be used to a big, clunky copy machine that is always getting jammed. These old machines require an expensive service contract to keep them working. EBS printers are easy to maintain. A daily flush with a simple cleaning solution is all that is needed to keep these printers in prime condition.

Contact Us for Your EBS Printer Needs

If you are ready to be out with the old and in with the new, call Western Packaging today to get your business started with an EBS printer. We deliver high-quality shipping materials and packaging supplies. We are in the business of packing and shipping in the most efficient way possible.

16 Aug 2021
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What Are Bulk Bags Used For?

Bulk bags are commonly used to store dry goods. They are sturdy and strong enough to hold the load. If you are in the market for bulk bags, Western Packaging can supply you with great products. Our company is happy to help you with all of your agricultural needs.

What Are Bulk Bags?

Bulk bags are designed to help you secure your products. The design, the loops at the top, offer a stress-free ability in loading up a trailer. They can also be stored on the shelves of your warehouse and can be used as additional storage spaces for less commonly used items.

The bags are designed to be used one time for shipping loads. Some bulk bags are designed with a different ratio and can be used more than once. Some of the other names that people use to refer to bulk bags are:

FIBC’s (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers)
Big Bags
Jumbo Bags

What Can Bulk Bags Hold?

There are a large variety of substances that can be stored in bulk bags. With these bags being able to hold anywhere from 500 to 4,000 lbs, and in some cases more, they are the perfect solution to large loads. It is typically all dry goods that they are used for.

When deciding on the bulk bag style and design you need, you need to consider what you’ll be storing in one. Everything from chemicals, pharmaceuticals to agricultural products can be stored in bulk bags. Some other examples are:

Sand
Flour
Ash
Fertilizer
Dry Beans
Plastic Granules
Coffee beans
Gravel
Grain

How Are Bulk Bags Made?

FIBC bags are strong, durable, and lightweight to make the best solution to shipping your dry goods. Not only is it a more economical way to ship items, but it can also save your company money. They are not designed to be waterproof or resistant, but can be equipped with a poly liner to help deter water.

These large shipping bags are made out of polypropylene resin. The plastic is woven together to create a strong bond. You can purchase these bags in different sizes to best fit the needs you have.

Who Uses Bulk Bags?

Many shipping companies will use bulk bags for loading and unloading. Due to the simplicity and ease, they give to the process. Food grade companies will use the bags to ship items in bulk, along with construction companies.

Wood and paper companies will use these strong and reliable bags to transport pieces of wood. There are specifically designed FIBC bags designed to be fireproof that can be used to transport petroleum-based products. All in all, these bags are extremely beneficial to a variety of different businesses.

Contact Western Packaging Today

If you want to purchase bulk bags, contact Western Packaging today. We are a reputable and reliable company for you to do business with. It would be our pleasure to answer any questions or concerns that you have. If you need advice, one of our knowledgeable employees can surely help you.

29 Jul 2021
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Who Would Benefit From An EBS Printer?

Does your business do a lot of shipping and labeling? If you find yourself doing label after label, you should consider investing in an EBS printer. It can make your business life so much easier. Western Packaging has put together this article with all the information you need to know about how EBS printers work. Plus, all the ways that your business can benefit from one of these machines.

What Is An EBS Printer?

An EBS printer is a portable device that can be carried by hand to any location that you need. In the long run, these devices can save you money in printing supplies. You are taking out the need for the labels in general, as you can print directly onto the surfaces.

It is a time saver for employees and allows them to get their jobs done faster. By having the device on the employee, the printer can be taken straight to the object needing a label and print onto it. The EBS printer can print numbers, letters, symbols, and logos.

What Surfaces Can Be Printed On?

EBS printers are convenient for people who do a lot of printing. It can print directly onto almost any surface that you need it to. For example, some of the different surfaces that you can print on are:

Cardboard
Metal
Plastic
Wood
Textile
Concrete
Poly Woven Bags

The size of the surface doesn’t matter either, which is an advantage to having to use a stationary printer. It is a great way to cut down on packaging, as you can print logos and information directly onto the product.

Are EBS Printers Affordable?

On average, you will spend around $3,000 or $6,000 on an EBS handjet printer. If you calculate the expenses you have in printers, paper, ink, and other supplies you need to print through the year, it can save you money. The upfront cost is high, but over time it will most likely equal out to save you money if your company does a lot of printing.

Benefits That Your Company Can See

Companies are all in when they see ways that they can save their company money. Time is money when in the business world. So, if you are saving your employees time with helpful equipment, it saves you money.

Companies have been using these printers for years, and they continue to be a preferred method of portable printing. Some of the other great benefits of an EBS handjet printer are:

It Is Ultra-Light
Battery Is Included
Boosts Productivity
User Friendly
Conservative Ink Usage
Over 100,000 Characters

Companies That Would Benefit From An EBS Printer

There are a variety of businesses that could see significant benefits from investing in an EBS handjet printer. These little devices are ideal for companies big and small. As long as you do enough printing to make the cost make sense for your business, it is a great tool to utilize.

The devices are equipped to print barcodes, expiration dates, product codes, and so much more. Some examples of some of the industries that use these devices or should be using them are:

The Military
The Technology Field
Pharma Companies
Agricultural Businesses
Petroleum Fields
Industrial Companies
Construction Sites

Contact Western Packaging For More Information

If you are interested in investing in an EBS printer for your business, Western Packaging can help. Our staff is knowledgeable and trained to help you with all of your needs. If you need any advice or information before purchasing, feel free to contact us. It would be our pleasure to help you with anything that you need.

30 Jun 2021
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What Should I Look For In Produce Packaging?

Do you package and sell produce? In order to preserve your produce and make the most of it, you need to have proper packaging. When you choose a packaging that is best for the needs that you have, you are going to benefit the most. Western Packaging is a wholesale packaging company that can help you with all of your packaging needs.

What Are The Four Factors to Consider In Packaging?

There are many things to consider when choosing the right packaging for your produce. You want it to not only be economically right but also be the best option for sustainability. There are four factors that you can use to help you make the best decision, and they are:

Manufacturing
Supply Chain
Business
Brand and Marketing

Most of the time, when you purchase produce, it will be in a loose plastic package or a vacuum-sealed one. Plastic or poly bags are often less expensive than other packaging options and are sold in readymade pouches or on rolls of film. Vacuum sealed is going to preserve items longer. Where you purchase your packaging is a personal decision made by the company. You want to make sure you are making the right best decision for your company.

What Are The Three P’s In Packaging?

When you are shopping for packaging for your produce, it can be a little stressful. Not in a bad way, but you want to make the right decision. There are many things that you are thinking about and considering. The three P’s that we recommend you consider are:

Perceived Value & Use
Product Protection
Printed Marketing

Protection of your produce is very important. Product packaging is pointless if it has an exquisite design that promises customers it was built just for them but can’t get from your facility to the stores without getting damaged. You don’t want your produce to arrive damaged at the store. This would not be good for business.

What Should Be Included In Product Packaging?

Research is important to do before you make a final decision on the packaging you choose. Look around and get some recommendations. This will help you know the pros and cons of different products. When you have made your decision, you have to make sure you can include everything you need in it. Some of the information that is provided on the packaging is:

Functional Benefits
Brand
Product Type
And More

That goes for vegetables and fruits as well. The company name and other information is oftentimes located on the packaging. The items that are not prepackaged obviously do not have this information.

What Packaging Is Best To Use?

The type of packaging that you use highly depends on what you are packaging inside of it. Everything is going to survive and thrive better in different types of materials. Doing some research and knowing the type of material you are looking for, will be much easier to make a decision.

There are a variety of types that you can choose from. Some of the options that you have are:

Glass Packaging
Flexible Packaging
Paper Packaging
Fiberboard Packaging
And More

Most Commonly Used Produce Packaging Materials

It’s a good rule of thumb to treat your items as you would treat yourself when it comes to the materials you select to package your product. The right space for the right package significantly impacts the final result. Just as you wouldn’t want to live in a house that is either too big or too little, your product also deserves an adequately and comfortably sized area to reside as it is packaged, shipped, and eventually sold. Let’s examine some of the more commonly used food packaging materials.

Paper

Environmentally friendly but not reusable. Although they won’t keep food fresh for long, paper bags, cups, and plates are good for temporary use. Paper items should only be used once.

Glass

It is non-reactive and suitable for safely storing leftovers because it won’t leech anything into food items. Glass containers are also safe to use in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Glass can be heavy, which is a drawback. It also breaks easily.

Metal

Durable, non-reactive, and recyclable are some beneficial qualities of aluminum and stainless steel. Metal, on the other hand, transfers heat and cold, thus, it might not preserve food at the proper temperature. Over time, some metals may also develop dents or begin to rust.

Plastic

Cost-effective, portable, and versatile. A variety of sizes and forms are available for plastic containers. However, some plastics are not environmentally friendly and can leach toxins into food. Find plastics with the recycling codes #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), or #5 (PP) and those that are BPA-free.

Fresh produce is best packaged using clamshells, bags, and containers made of plastic, allowing visibility while shielding the product from damage and extending shelf life. To prevent the buildup of too much moisture, perforated bags also allow for airflow.

Choose The Design Carefully

The design that you choose for your packaging is very important. Even when it comes to your produce. What is seen on the outside is what tells people about your product. Overall, you will have more success with package design if you keep your target audience at the forefront of your design. Consumers will become confused and lose faith if there is a mismatch between the materials you choose or the style of your package, and the message of your brand. Some produce doesn’t come in a pre-made package, but several items do.

Some of the things that you should think about when choosing your package design are:

Have An Idea About What You Want Your Product To Portray
Make The Design Resemble Your Vision
Inspect The Packaging Thoroughly Before Giving Approval
And Much More

Staying Within Your Packaging Budget

It’s critical to consider your budget while selecting food packaging. Packaging prices can vary greatly depending on the product and type of material. Generally speaking, plastics are the most cost-effective material choice, while more environmentally friendly options like recycled materials cost a little more upfront.

For your packaging requirements, think about establishing and sticking to a budget. Obtain price quotes from many vendors to compare and identify the most competitive offers. Purchasing in bulk or using generic packaging over customized packaging may allow you to save money. Consider using simple, flexible packaging that can be utilized for various products if price is a factor. By doing this, waste and the requirement to purchase unique packaging for each item are decreased.

Contact Western Packaging For More Information

If you are in the market for produce packaging, call Western Packaging now. Our staff would be happy to help you make the best decision on packaging for your business needs. We will give you any advice or information that you are needing. Don’t hesitate to call, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

15 Jun 2021
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What is Silage Wrap?

Silage is the makeup of hay bales and other products. Many farmers know what silage is, but understanding silage bale wrap uses can be new for many. Farmers will use silage wrap to contain the loose particles and keep them in an airtight wrap. It is a way to preserve the feed needed to feed the animals in the winter months. Western Packaging is a great company that can help you with silage wraps.

What Is Silage Wrap Made Of?

Similar to hay sleeves, stretch film, and other products in that category are silage wraps. These wraps are made from synthetic materials to minimize exposure to harmful contaminants. Silage wraps are designed to keep your grass and clippings as fresh as possible. Over time, while stored in silage wraps, the wrapped hay bales will be the perfect fodder that you need in the winter.

One of the best perks of using silage wrap is that it is environmentally safe to use. It is one hundred percent biodegradable. Farmers are usually happy when they can find products that are great for use and great for the environment.

Why Should You Use Silage Wrap?

There are many great benefits that you can see from using silage wrap on your farm. Bales that are left uncovered and exposed to weather elements tend to spoil. This is why it’s so important to know what’s silage used for. Because this leads to having to toss out bales that you could have profited from. When you use silage wrap, you can keep pests and other rodents out and off of your bales. It creates a lot less waste ending up in landfills when you use silage wrap. That is because it is recyclable.

It Saves You Money

Silage is a way to reduce costs in the winter months and still feed your stock their needed nutrients. This way, they don’t lose the necessary nutrients during the winter months. Using silage wrap will help you protect that and make sure that you can preserve it in the proper ways.

Are Silage And Hay The Same Thing?

Silage and hay are two different components when it comes to farming. Silage is not a preferred feed compared to hay. It contains a lot more sugar and is not as palatable for animals as hay. Hay can sometimes be a hit-or-miss harvest, depending on the weather that has been had. Silage is easier to come by because the weather is not as much of an issue. Hay is rolled and stored via hay bale wrap to feed during peak months of harvest. Silage is stored for later use in the winter months.

How Is Silage Made?

Farmers will use silage to feed their cows and other livestock in the winter months. It is important to have the silage in an area where air cannot get to it; that is where silage stretch film comes in handy. Silage is made by following these steps:

Gathering Grass Clippings
Compacting It To Keep Everything Tightly Together
Allowing It To Ferment
Storing It In A Silo, Preferably

A common complaint of silage is the smell that it has. There are many different smells that you will encounter on a farm. Silage is fermented; most items that are fermented have a very distinctive smell. The scent of silage is often referred to as sour butter.

Contact Western Packaging Today

If you are looking for a great company to purchase silage wrap from, contact Western Packaging now. Our staff is very knowledgeable about our products and can help you make the best decision on wholesale products for your farm. Call today and talk to us about what you are looking for. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

01 Jun 2021
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Is Agricultural Waste A Problem?

When we think of global warming and pollution, we often blame large corporations and vehicle emissions. It’s rare that we connect farming with pollution. Agricultural pollution is on the rise and accounts for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. But to figure out how to solve the agricultural waste problem, it’s important to understand what agricultural waste is and how agricultural waste does harm the environment.

What Is Agricultural Waste?

Agricultural waste is products disposed of by small and large farms, factories, poultry, and dairy farms. These products are both unintentionally and intentionally disposed of. There are several different types and examples of agricultural waste.

Green waste– this type of waste is considered to come from organic plant matter. Leaves, crop waste, and other materials that decompose.
Pesticide and feces runoff– pesticides and manure are known to leech into the soil. This not only has the potential to damage soil fertility but also other habitats, animals, and bodies of water. Throughout history, there have been many reported instances of pesticide runoff along with animal feces leaking into surrounding water supplies.
Gas emissions- Factories and farm machinery produce gas emissions that damage the atmosphere. Methane gas is also produced by the feces of animals, in particular cattle. Livestock emissions are responsible for 14 to 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

How Does Agricultural Waste Impact Us Locally?

Los Angeles, CA, is an example of how emissions affect local areas. Though most of the pollution created in this region is from high traffic, overpopulation is a classic example of pollution effects. The city has its own weather patterns that are different from surrounding areas. This is theorized to result from pollution. Agricultural trash can produce similar results.

Not only can this type of pollution damage the quality of the air we breathe but the water we drink. Feces and chemicals are often pumped into holding ponds that have the potential to contaminate groundwater. This can affect local areas and cause numerous health issues. These holding ponds can sometimes overflow resulting in catastrophic damages.

How Does Agricultural Waste Impact Us Globally?

Globally, we know that waste creates air pollution which damages our atmosphere. These gases from large factory farms, which are one of the direct causes of agricultural waste, release greenhouse gases known as methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. The greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere causing numerous damages like:

Global warming
Low air quality
Respiratory complications
Smog
Violent weather
Wildfires
Melting polar ice caps
Issues with food supply

What Can We Do To Reduce It?

There are many efforts we can make as individuals and collectively as a planet to address the agricultural waste problem. The leaders in the agricultural industry are required to apply certain management practices to reduce environmental damage. However, it is not enough. Here are some ways to help:

Recycling is one effort all of us can make to help reduce trash. By doing so, we can significantly reduce landfill waste and emissions.
Write your state representatives- there is not as much regulation over agricultural garbage as one would think. Despite the numerous lawsuits and movies made, water contamination regulation needs tremendous attention. Emerging contaminants (ECs) are materials within the water supply that are difficult to measure. Hormones, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals are examples of this. There is little to no regulation on how much of these are allowed in the water. We need to do better as a country.
Supply and demand- if we as a society create a shift in the needs the supply would change. For example, if we stopped buying a certain produce or meat product in the industry, we default.

Contact Us Today

At Western Packaging, we are continually developing products that help improve methods for farmers and contractors. We share the goal of reducing agricultural waste by developing products that save time, energy, and resources. Give us a call today!

21 May 2021
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How To Store and Ways To Use Hay

Hay is not just for horses! There are many uses for hay around your farm, yard, or even your business. Using hay is a sustainable resource and good for the environment, but many people find themselves asking what to do with hay.

The Many Uses of Hay

Surprisingly, there are many uses of hay. Not only is it a great food source for horses and other livestock, but you can use it throughout your farm. It is a great material to use in your chicken coops to help your hens’ nest. The material also helps keep the ground dry by absorbing moisture. It is easy to change out and helps keep your coops more sanitary. Here are some other hay uses that you might want to try:

Nesting and bedding areas for animals
Weed and unwanted plant smothers
Path or trial lining
Cover up mud patches
Create walkways
Flower beds
Seating if it’s in bale form
Cover newly planted grass seed
Use for Fall decorations
Hayrides

Using it in your gardens and flower beds helps replace the need for mulch. Hay helps to keep the roots of your plants and crops from drying out or being damaged by weather. In the summer months, it also helps keep the roots of your plants cool and the soil moist. It keeps the weeds at bay by smothering out many annoying plants that may try to overrun your garden. If you need to clear an area or patch of land, you might want to think about using hay to smother out and kill the plant life.

How To Use Hay Around Your Yard

Certain types of hay can germinate or spread seeds, so it’s important when using it in your gardens or flower beds that you use mulch hay so that it does not do this. If you were to utilize the kind that does seed, it would eventually grow into more grass. This would cover your garden and destroy your flower beds.

This material is a great way to line walkways, driveways, and gardens. Covering your soil with hay helps lock in moisture. This also attracts decomposing organisms like worms to your garden. It is also great to put in your compost pile.

Best Ways To Store Hay

Hay storage is often a tricky thing as it takes up a large amount of space. You have to store it inside a dry space that won’t be exposed to moisture. It usually lasts for about three years when stored properly.

It is best to store hay bales inside a large barn or shed. Keeping it out of the elements will ensure it lasts and retains as many nutrients as possible. If you do not have a barn or shed large enough you can always store it outside on pallets under a tarp. Keeping it off the ground and fully covered from rain is crucial. Here are some creative ideas on how to store hay:

On raised wooden pallets
Underneath tarps
In an old airplane hanger
In an industrial shipping container
Create an industrial-sized hammock or netting between trees
On top of a fence under a covering

Contact Us Today

Need help storing your hay? Please contact Western Packaging today! They have some amazing experts who can assist with all of your hay packaging needs. Western Packaging has some wonderful products that help you save money and conserve your supply. Anything from bulk bags, Bopp bags, stretch film, hay sleeves, and much more.

Storing and packaging are not always easy to do. Some people lack knowledge and resources, while others have an issue with space. Getting creative with the way you use and store hay will help you make the most of your product.

09 May 2021
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Can Agricultural Waste Be Reduced?

There are always ways that you can observe and reduce waste. It can’t be completely gotten rid of but can be improved. You may not even realize some of the ways you can do this until you take a step back and think about everything. If you are in the agricultural business and want to reduce waste, Western Packaging can help.

What Is Agricultural Waste?

Many things can fall under agricultural waste. From all the supplies you need to purchase to run the farm to the items you lose due to weather. There are a lot of things that you can reuse to save you from having to purchase additional items.

Some examples of agricultural waste that can build up are:

Empty Containers
Empty Feed Bags
Saw Dust and Crop Residue
Animal Waste
Unreliable Hay Protection
Oils, Pesticides, and Chemicals
And So Much More

Ways To Reduce Agricultural Waste

It can be challenging to find ways that you, the farmer, can reduce your agricultural waste. Instead of automatically throwing things into the trash, stop and consider what ways you might be able to use it still. When you are working on discovering all the ways, think about the three R’s, which are:

Reduce- Limit Purchases and Only Buy What Is Needed
Reuse- Items Can BE Used For More Than One Purpose
Recycle- Sort Your Trash and Be Mindful Of What You Are Throwing Out

It is good for the earth to reduce the amount of waste that we have, but finding ways to reuse it will save you money. There are so many items that are used that can be repurposed for another use on the property. You should also look for the items that will help to reduce the amount of lost harvest you have. Here are some examples:

Plastic Containers Bought- Repurpose Them For Feed Scoops Or Pots For Plants
Recycle- REcycling As Much As You Can Will Have Great Benefits For You And The Environment
Agricultural Stretch Wrap– Keeps Moisture and Weather From Ruining Hay
Feed Bags- Reuse These Bags For Trash Bags, Barriers In Gardens, and Much More
Wooden Pallets- Shipments Arrive On Pallets, You Can Reuse Them For Fires, Fences, and More
Bulk Bags– Bulk Bags Can Be Reused Over and Over, Then Used For Storage
Hay Sleeves– Hay Can Spoil or Rot With Twine, Hay Sleeves Can Reduce Your Waste
Composting- Instead Of Throwing Out Waste, Try Composting It For Plants

Why Is It Important To Reduce Agricultural Waste?

Aside from the financial aspect, reducing agricultural waste is a way to be green for the environment you live in. The customers you have for your brand or business will appreciate someone whose conscious of waste reduction. Landfills are filling up at an astonishing rate, and we should always be looking for ways to slow this process down.

Some of the products that are disposed of can cause harm. The pesticides and chemicals need to be disposed of properly so they don’t end up in rivers and streams. Animals and people can both suffer consequences when that happens. It is important for everyone and everything around you that you limit the amount of agricultural waste you produce.

Look To Western Packaging For Help

For help with sustainable products that can help you reduce the amount of agricultural waste you have, call Western Packaging. Our team members are educated and outstanding with customer service. It would be our pleasure to talk to you about all the products we offer. We look forward to speaking with you in the future!