Versatile Packaging Strategies Include Cello Wrapping, Over-Wrapping, and Cigarette Tuck Wrapping

Packaging strategies encompass a variety of approaches chosen by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers based on their individual needs. Merchandising goals, for example, weigh heavily on packaging decisions enabling sellers to present goods in consumer-friendly ways which lead to steady sales.

Materials and sourcing also play large roles in packaging decisions, especially for smaller products with low retail value.

And keeping goods protected during shipment and display are additional considerations when selecting packaging methods, calling upon options suited for a wide range of retail products.
As producers bring goods to market, professionals help them design and implement prudent packaging protocols. Some of these include widely used cello-wrapping, over-wrapping and tuck wrapping strategies.

Picture source: Getty images 483512227

Over-Wrapping, Flow Wrapping, and Cello Wrapping
This highly versatile packaging approach is used across countless industries to provide protection and aid merchandising efforts. The general term, over-wrapping, refers to several commonly used methods which provide sleek outer OPP (oriented polypropylene) film packaging for wide-ranging products.

Fin-Seal packages, for example, furnish familiar enclosures for many consumer categories. The process uses materials like polypropylene (OPP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to securely seal package contents in clear or printed wrappers of various standard and custom sizes.

A “Fin” seal is the best way to detect that a vertical form, fill and seal process has been used to package an item.
Over-wrapping, flow wrapping and cello wrapping are interchangeable terms that define a packaging that has been wrapped, and they all will have the same characteristics: a package width that hugs the product, a “crinkly” film feel that can either be clear or printed, 2 end seals and finally one “Fin” seal that runs along the length of the product in the back, middle of the package.
This high-speed packaging method is used for candy, snack items, potato chips, disposable lighters, baseball cards, air fresheners, Trident gum, promotional mail, M & M candy and many other cookie and candy bar packages.

Fin-Seal wrapping is also effective for adding a protective outer layer to flats, like coupons and other printed materials, which can be distributed by mail once sealed and still receive the flat rate fee.

Over-wrapping, flow wrapping and cello wrapping all use and OPP film that does NOT possess any shrink properties, but there are many variations of OPP film that can be specified based on the application and specific product being wrapped.

Typical thicknesses (gauge) of film run from 70ga to 200ga, otherwise stated .7mil or 2mil respectively. Then barriers or added layers of film can be laminated into the OPP for protection from moisture, air or odors that could compromise or contaminate the product being wrapped.

Pet food would be one example where an odor barrier could be used to keep an odor from escaping from inside the package. Foil would be used as a layer to protect against moisture and oxygen for better shelf stability.

Packaging professionals with experience bringing diverse products to market are well-equipped to tailor cello wrapping jobs to meet the required standards of protection and merchandising, without exceeding budgetary limitations.

Special materials approved by the FDA are used for food-related overwrapping projects, as well as medical-grade wrap, which cover instruments and other goods for the health care and pharmaceutical industries.

Consult with a contract packaging professional to assist you in choosing the right film and structure for your next overwrapping project.

Picture source: Getty images 150786899

Cigarette Tuck Wrapping
In addition to overwrapping methods used to create bag-type enclosures and cellophane pouches, the process can also be used to add sleek exterior packaging to boxed goods, like candy, tea, and health and beauty products.

The tuck-and-fold method, most commonly associated with individual packages of cigarettes, furnishes a neatly-sealed enclosure, which sometimes incorporates tear-tape to simplify opening.
Perfume and cologne bottles are commonly packed in cardboard boxes, before being tightly sealed using a tuck cello-wrapping. In addition to keeping scents under-wraps, the process keeps boxes from becoming marred during shipment or becoming “shop-worn” in retail environments.

Tuck-and-fold overwrapping is also incorporated as a tamper-resistant feature, furnishing visible confirmation that packages have been opened.
Selecting the preferred over-wrapping strategy for your products starts with answering a few questions.
 – Are there food-contact requirements associated with the goods you’ll wrap?
 – How large will a typical production run be for the product?
 – Is shelf-stability guiding your packaging decision?
 – What are your merchandising objectives?

Answers to these and other questions help packaging professionals dial-in your over-wrapping project, meeting your standards with cost-effective wrapping solutions.