Short answer: most winter packaging problems come from three things: tape adhesive that's too stiff to grab, stretch film that's lost its stretch, and supplies stored in the coldest part of the building. Fix storage first. It's free.
1. Carton tape that won't hold
Symptoms: flaps pop open overnight, tape peels off in a trailer, cases fail at the customer.
- Store tape and boxes warm. Bring a day's supply into a heated area before use.
- Use a cold-temperature tape for docks and trailers that stay cold. Acrylic and specialty hot melt formulations hold better at low temperatures.
- Press it down. Firm pressure from the case sealer or a hand roller matters more in the cold.
2. Stretch film that snaps
Symptoms: film breaks on the wrapper, loose tails, loads that shift in transit.
- Keep rolls off the cold floor and away from open dock doors.
- Reduce pre-stretch or carriage tension a little during cold months.
- Ask about films formulated for colder conditions if breaks continue.
3. Boxes and condensation
Moving product from cold storage into a warm, humid space causes condensation, and wet corrugated loses strength. Give pallets time to acclimate before stacking high, and consider moisture-resistant board for cold-chain items. In summer, the same humidity problem shows up in hot, damp warehouses.
Quick winter checklist
- Move tape, film and boxes away from dock doors.
- Check case sealer pressure and tape type.
- Adjust wrapper settings for cold film.
- Let cold-storage loads acclimate before stacking.
Fighting winter failures now? Ask for a cold-rated tape or film quote, or see our tape and strapping and stretch film.