Most businesses use twine and cord packing materials for shipping. The retail food industry needs twine material in meat markets, delis and restaurants. Retail outlets and general stores carry the product for customers. No doubt, a majority of homeowners and renters have a ball of twine or cord somewhere in their dwelling place.

Twine packaging materials typically come in cones, tubes, reels or balls. Choice of textiles include cotton, polypropylene made of foamed monofilament that offers resistance to moisture and natural material like hemp, sisal and jute. When ordering twine or cord consider the following:

1. Choose shipping twine or packing cord by type of packaging—light, heavy or industrial.

2. Determine construction characteristics of the twine or cord needed by diameter, material and tensile strength.

3. Look for suppliers and distributors that match the size of your order from small to large with discounted pricing based on quantity.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate packaging cord

Cord offers stronger packaging materials. Basically, its constructed with several multi-plied yarns twisted together.

I recommend: Select either natural or polished 1 to 2 mm hemp cord at Hemp Basics, LLC. Buy 1/2 or 5/8 inch coils of polyester cord strapping for hand tied packaging with discounts based on quantity at Packaging Place, Inc. Buy 1 to 24-plus cases with tiered discounts of white extra heavy grade 1/8 inch diameter cotton braided cord/twine for butcher shops, delis and other business uses at PackAndSeal.com.

Find packaging twine by type and strength

These products come in various lengths, colors, material and plies.

I recommend: For industrial applications see 110 to 360 lb. tensile strength tying twine at Office Depot, Inc. Get discounts on 3 or more twisted Sisal 1 and 2 ply twine at Uline. Go to Red Tag Supply then select “View Details” for white poly or brown sisal twine. For industrial synthetic strapping twine that replaces steel banding check out the descriptions and get a quote from Indeco Products Inc.

Get non-degradable polypropylene tying twine

Polypropylene twine stands up against the elements. It's strong, moisture resistant and doesn't rot.

I recommend: Atlantic Paper & Twine Company carries tying twine with special pricing for large quantities. Get customized service and orders for polypropylene twine by submitting your requirements at Brace Twine. See the selections of polypropylene tying twine with up to 10,500 feet per case and discount pricing at Cutting Edge Packaging Products. Get discounts with orders of four or more for plastic twine up to 10,500 feet at Paper Mart.

Consider manufacturers of packing twine

Work directly with a manufacturer of cord and twine packaging materials. These companies provide standard, bulk and specialty orders.

I recommend: Go to Consolidated Cordage and check out their list of twine packaging materials that includes cotton, cotton/polyester, polypropylene, sisal and jute. Order 1 to 3-ply split or spiral-wrap monofilament tying twines by the carton or pallet from the manufacturer at Bridon Cordage. Click Trio Manufacturing Company, in business since 1899, for information about their tying twine, especially meat tying, envelope and florist twine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  These companies have representatives ready to answer all your questions. Compare prices or ask for a sample before placing a large order.