Have questions about our products, we recommend that you look at our Frequently Asked Questions. If you still have questions, please contact us and we will be more than happy to help!

How do I get replacement parts and/or service for my Better Pack machine?

Your local authorized distributor is fully trained and stocked to provide service and parts. Contact Us if you don't know your local distributor and we will give you that information for the United States as well as world wide.

Important Service & Repair Note: Be sure you are purchasing Authentic Better Packages parts and supplies from an Authorized source. When servicing a Better Packages product, only genuine Better Packages replacement parts should be used. Parts from other sources will void all existing warranties and any UL, CE, CSA certifications. Parts not manufactured by Better Packages may also create a safety hazard as well as diminished product performance.

Whom do I contact to buy a Better Pack machine?

Better Packages dispensers and carton sealers are sold and expertly serviced by a global certified distributor network. Contact us if you need to know the name of your local distributor.

How old is my machine? Is it worth repairing?

Almost all Better Pack machines are identified by a serial number. Give this serial number to your local distributor and they will tell you the year the machine was manufactured. We can also provide that information if you Contact us. Your distributor will also be able to estimate the cost to repair your machine versus the benefits of purchasing a new machine.

Should I buy a manual or an electric tape dispenser?

The answer to this question depends upon your applications. In all cases the electric dispenser will be easier to use, faster (more productive), and will provide more consistent performance. The electric dispensers do require 115 volt (220 volt for Europe) electric power while the manual dispensers do not. Generally manual dispensers are used in low volume and occasional use applications, while electric dispensers are used in higher volume environments. Electric dispensers cost more than manual dispensers initially but higher productivity and performance usually offset this higher cost. Better Pack dispensers have a useful life of at least 8 to 12 years, so the "cost per carton sealed" is insignificant over the life of the machine. It is best to consult with your local authorized Better Packages distributor for a complete answer to this question.

What is the best method to use to seal corrugated cartons?

The answer depends upon your application. While Better Pack dispensers and water-activated tape provide the best, most secure seal under almost all conditions, your application may be better served by some other method. Click on About Carton Sealing for further information on all methods of carton sealing.

Isn't gummed tape an old fashioned way to seal corrugated cartons?

Yes and no. Gummed tape or it's more modern term Reinforced Gummed TAPE (RGT) has been around a long time, more than 80 years. But that doesn't mean it still isn't the best method for many applications. In fact the packaging industry is experiencing a resurgence in the use of (RGT) for many reasons. Some of these reasons are:

• greater use of recycled corrugated makes the carton more difficult to seal with pressure sensitive tape because the fibers are shorter and the surface has a more "waxy" texture.
• many companies consider tape made primarily from paper and starch to be a more environmentally responsible alternative than tape made from plastic.
• tamper evidence and product security has become increasingly important to shippers.
• the cost of gummed tape per package is usually less expensive, than the cost of comparable pressure sensitive plastic tape per package.
• water activated tape can actually strengthen your cartons allowing you to use a wider range of corrugated materials.

I thought pressure sensitive plastic tape was less expensive than water-activated gummed tape. Isn't this true?

No, it is not true. But it is also true that 3-inch wide plastic tape is about the same price per foot as 3-inch wide reinforced gummed tape. Remember that, in many applications for hand applied plastic tape, your packer will use two strips, not one, of 2-inch wide plastic tape. That quickly makes the cost-per-carton sealed more expensive than 3-inch wide reinforced tape which never needs a second strip across the same seam. On a comparative strength basis, most plastic tapes are about as strong as paper gummed tape. Reinforced water-activated tape is stronger, capable of heavier loads, than either plastic tape or paper tape. We always recommend you consult a Better Packages professional for a review of your application.

Can I use water activated tape on case sealers?

Water-activated tape can be used on Better Packages BP3000CS or BP3000AFF Case Sealer. BetterSeal Secure Tape® is recommended to optimize the performance of your BP3000CS or BP3000AFF Case Sealers as well as all Better Packages water-activated tape dispenser.

Is there a difference in different brands of Poly Tubing?

Yes. There are many different brands of poly tubing available and there can be a significant difference in quality. At Better Packages we produce a U.S. made poly tubing to a high degree of quality. We insure that our Best Seal® Poly Tubing is within tolerance specifications. Some imported poly tubing can have a lower quality and will actually be much thinner than specified.

Which water activated tape should I use?

Though any water activated tape can be used in the Better Packages tape dispensers, we recommend for low and medium weights cartons that you use our BP Better Seal Secure Tape®. This style tape is a unique and high quality product only available through Better Packages. It is available in kraft and reinforced styles.

What are the key ways to seal a corrugated carton?

The key ways to sealing cartons are pressure sensitive tape, water-activated tape, hot melt glues and staples.

What difference does it make what type of tape I use?

Reinforced water-activated tape is stronger and can be applied in a hot, cold, dusty or dirty environment. Pressure sensitive tape is adversely affected in extreme environments. It is not as secure as water-activated tape and is easier to pilfer.

What is water-activated tape?

Water-activated tape (WAT) is a form of paper tape with a water-based chemical adhesive that is reactivated by water. Water-activated tape can be found in plain Kraft paper for light cartons or with multi layers of paper and re enforcements for heavy parcels. When the water-activated adhesive is applied to a carton, a capillary action bonds the tape to the carton. This permanent bond is tamper resistant and / or evident. WAT is not affected by dirt, dust oil or extreme temperature environments.

What is pressure-sensitive tape?

Pressure sensitive tape (PST) is a surface mount form of tape with a dry adhesive applied to the film to adhere to cartons. PST adhesives can be made from natural rubber, hot melt glues or acrylic chemicals. Natural rubber is the best but most expensive and can be used from 0 to 150 degrees F but can yellow with age. Acrylic is good on temperatures from 32 to 140 degrees F and will not yellow. Hot melt is the lowest-cost material and generally works from 40 to 120 degrees F.

What type of packages can I secure with water-activated tape?

Water-activated tape is used to secure corrugated cartons and paper or cardboard shipping envelopes.

Are there certain cartons upon which water-activated tape is not typically used?

Yes. These include consumer type glossy, printed cardboard containers, where the sender's logo might be covered because water-activated tape is not of the see-through variety.

What type of companies use water-activated tape?

Virtually any company can use water-activated tape to ship its products. These include firms in food, clothing, health care, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, electronics, public safety, jewelry, furniture, homeland security, defense industries and many others, wherever responsible security is needed

If price is a concern, what is the best way to seal a carton?

There is very little difference between the price of plastic tape and water-activated tape. The best method for sealing cartons will depend upon the specific needs of your company and what you are shipping. For example, if you ship heavy or valuable items, reinforced water-activated tape might be the best choice because it provides a stronger, more secure seal than plastic tape. Click here for more information on sealing methods, or contact your local Better Packages distributor to discuss your carton sealing needs.

What about productivity?

For high speed case sealers, pressure-sensitive tape sticks faster because water-activated tape takes a brief moment to penetrate the carton. However, for lower speed in-line operations and hand applications productivity of the water-activated tape dispenser is superior to the pressure sensitive tape handgun. Also packers usually use more pressure sensitive tape than water-activated tape in sealing packages. This is particularly true when using the PST handgun. The decision of which tape to use should be based upon many factors that your packaging professional can assist you in determining.

Are there safety issues to consider?

Opening a carton sealed with pressure sensitive tape or water-activated tape both may require a knife unless the water-activated tape comes with the patented BP E-Z Pull Tab®. For tape application, Better Packages dispensers are safer because they use the highest quality components and are UL-approved. Users of a hand gun to apply pressure sensitive tape may suffer from repetitive motion injury or carpal tunnel syndrome.

What about security?

All pressure sensitive tapes can be defeated with a heat source like a blow dryer. Unknown to the shipper or receiver, packages can be opened and re-sealed. Besides goods being removed from cartons due to theft, unwanted materials could be placed inside creating possible security or health risk. If water-activated tape cartons are compromised during shipment there is generally evidence showing a compromise has been made to the carton and it's contents.

But couldn't a second layer of water-activated tape be placed over the seam of an opened carton to disguise the fact that the carton has been opened?

Yes. But that would take time and would discourage casual theft. In addition, water-activated tape may be printed (when manufactured or at application) with the logo of the sender, making it more difficult to over-tape. Pressure sensitive tape cannot be printed upon after it is manufactured. Also since most pressure sensitive tapes are readily available package compromise is very easy.

Are there new developments in tape security?

Yes. The BP E-Z Pull Tab® is one development. Besides making a carton easier for a customer to open, it also makes a package tamper-evident. Also there is now technology to apply an invisible code to water-activated tape that can be read in only black light. This code is only known to the shipper and receiver. It is a further guarantee of high security during shipment.

Can you print on sealing tape?

Water-activated tape can be branded during the application (dispenser or case sealer) or at time of manufacturing. Pressure sensitive tape can be branded only at time of manufacture.