Sealed Air Selects 10 Semi-Finalists in Inaugural Bubble Wrap® Competition For Young Inventors

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., Monday, December 18, 2006 – Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE:SEE), the creator of Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning, today announced that it has selected 10 semi-finalists in the first-ever Bubble Wrap® Competition for Young Inventors

The competition, which encouraged students in grades 5 through 8 throughout the United States to demonstrate their creativity and ingenuity by designing an invention that incorporated the use of Bubble Wrap® cushioning, attracted nearly 800 entries from 38 states. Students were invited to submit original inventions along with a visual and written description that included the name of the invention, the purpose it serves, how it works and how the idea was formulated.

The 10 semi-finalists that were selected are as follows:

Max Aifer, 10, Arlington, Virginia – “Solar-Powered Bubble Wrap® Boat”– Solar-powered boat that requires no batteries and is propelled through the water via small solar panels.
Hannah Barkey, 13, Steamboat Springs, Colorado – “Steamboat Sealed Air Shade” – A roman shade that is insulated with Bubble Wrap® cushioning.
Alex Chalcraft, 13, Gilbert, Arizona – “The Easy Check Chore Chart” – Chore chart that lists a series of weekly tasks and allows children to pop a bubble each time they complete a chore.
Henry Clayton, 13, New Canaan, Connecticut – “Bubble Muffler” – Reduces or muffles the noise level of a drum set without compromising its tonal quality.
Megan Guerrero, 13, San Angelo, Texas – “The Empire State Building: A Three-Dimensional Construction Project” – Three-dimensional puzzle that uses custom-cut pieces of Bubble Wrap® cushioning to build a 2.5 foot replica of the Empire State Building.
Sheldon Keel, 11, Grayslake, Illinois – “Ann T. Stress Doll” – Bubble Wrap® doll that helps “decrease frustrations and increase patience.”
Devin Kilbarger, 12, Mt. Sterling, Ohio – “Bubble Wrap® Seed Incubator” – Mini greenhouse that incubates seeds and evenly spaces them inside individual Bubble Wrap® bubbles.
Patrick Nachtsheim, 12, Shawnee, Kansas – “The Safe Firecracker” – Device that twists and pops Bubble Wrap® cushioning with a crank handle to create a firecracker sound effect.
Cheyenne Rogers, 10, Vandalia, Ohio – “Bubble Wrap® Painters” – Paint rollers and pads that are lined with Bubble Wrap® cushioning to create a textured paint effect.
Grayson Rosenberger, 14, Nashville, Tennessee – “Bubble Wrap® Cosmetic Covering Shell for Artificial Legs in Developing Countries” – Cost-effective, cosmetic skin covering for artificial leg designed to conceal the prosthetic limb and create the appearance of muscle tone.
“Sealed Air and its panel of judges were astounded by the hundreds of outstanding entries we received,” stated William V. Hickey, Sealed Air’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We were truly inspired by the creativity and innovative vision of America’s young minds and how they applied their talents to devise inventions with one of our most beloved and trusted products. The caliber of entries made it very difficult for the judges to select the 10 semi-finalists.”

In early January, three finalists will be chosen from this group and will win a three-day trip to New York City, where the Grand Prize Winner will be announced on Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day, January 29, 2007. In addition, the Grand Prize Winner will receive a $10,000 savings bond, while the 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive $5,000 and $3,000 respectively in savings bonds. The remaining seven semi-finalists will each receive $500 in savings bonds.

Submissions were judged in coordination with the National Museum of Education and were ranked based on their originality, creativity, practicality, benefit to society, marketability and feasibility, as well as overall presentation. Entries received ranged from a Bubble Wrap® saddle cushion and portable candy packaging to an instrument case and fish tank decor.

Bubble Wrap® cushioning was invented by Sealed Air’s founders in 1960 and was originally intended to be used as a type of textured wallpaper. The inventors quickly realized it was actually a superior cushioning material, and Sealed Air is now a global, Fortune 500 company that offers a wide range of packaging solutions, has operations in 51 countries and has annual sales in excess of $4 billion. Sealed Air is widely recognized for its strong commitment to innovation, and continues to be an industry leader in research and development.

The Bubble Wrap® Competition for Young Inventors is sponsored by Sealed Air and administered by the National Museum of Education. For additional information on Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning and the competition, visit www.bubblewrap.com.

Free Shipping Special - 2 Days only!!!

2 DAY ONLY - INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE !!!

We are holding an inventory reduction sale, for TWO (2) DAYS ONLY! From Monday December 18, 2006 at 12:01am EST, to December 20, 2006, at 12:01am EST

Click Here for all the details!

During these two days we will be offering the following:
FREE SHIPPING on select Bubble Wrap Rolls
FREE SHIPPING on all sizes of "Our Brand" Bubble Mailers
FREE SHIPPING on select Metallic Bubble Mailers / Envelopes
FREE SHIPPING on Case quantities of Color Packaging Tapes
Discounted shipping rates for Clear Packaging Tapes

This is BIG! You know this, as shipping on these items can often run up to 20% - 40% of your bill on these items. Be sure to mark these days on your calander.

Please help us spread the word! Really, we need your help, Please post in Forums, Newsletters, and / or your Blog. Tell all of your friends, family, and co workers. The better response we have to this offer, the better possibility we can offer this promotion again.

Thanks Again, and see you on the 18th or 19th ! :)

Jason Archambault

P.S. If you need a reminder when the sale starts, sign up for our newsletter and we will send out a reminder to you. Sign up at the bottom of the Free Shipping page, http://www.fast-pack.com/free-shipping.html

NEW Christmas Holiday Patterned Padded Envelopes

We are happy to anounce our newest padded patterned foam lined envelopes. Many patterns to choose from, aalthough going fast. Once we sell out of a pattern it is being discontinued to make room for new designs for 2007. Limited number still available.

Currently available are our Holiday Themes, later this month many more designs to come. Will include patterns for any occasion. Check back later this month for more designs.

Click here to check out these great new envelopes! :)

Super Fast Shipping, My mailman had fire coming out of his shoes!! Excellent !!

Feedback from our valued Customers October - November 2006, thank you all for your great comments ! :)

"My Customers Buyers Totally Dig the Purple Wrap/Yours will Too!"

"Great Product, Great Service, the only place to buy BUBBLE WRAP, Thank You !"

"Great customer service & quick shipping"

"As Always SUPER Fast Delivery. And..The Best Bubble Wrap In The WORLD!!"

"Always a care free shopping experience.. Love that fast shipping! "

"fast-pack" is a good name- they really are fast!!"

"These people are jet fast!!"

"A really trustworthy company and quick too"

"Fast, safe delivery. 4 paws up"

"I will buy my office supplies ONLY from fast-pack now"

"I defy anyone to beat these people in quickness of delivery"

"FASTEST shipping. Great price on very hard to find purple bubble wrap."

"Perfect every time"

"Lightning quick shipping. Great products with astounding prices. Recommend. AA++"

"Good transaction from start to finish. Thank you"

"We are a repreat customer and our purchase arrived in record time..."

"Very quick shipping. Great product. Thanks. My kids love the color"

"As Advertised and Arrived Quickly. Thanks for the pen too! "

"Perfection in every way."

"Great service. Fast Shipping. Good Product. Can't ask for more"

"Thank You! Great Deal, Fast Shipping! Top Shelf Product!"

"FAST! FAST! Great quality bubble!! Thanks so much!!!"

"Absolutely the best vendor for your shipping supplies!!! Thanks"

"Product exactly as described. Fast shipping. A very pleased customer here!"

"Will not buy anywhere else but Fast-pack for my packing supplies."

"LOVE THIS BUBBLE WRAP"

"BEST COMMUNICATION & SHIPPING"

"Great product & great price. SuperFast Shipping. Pleasure to do business with."

"EZ Transaction! GREAT Product delivered promptly! "

"Great service! Prompt delivery! We'll be back again and again! "

"Super Fast Shipping, My mailman had fire coming out of his shoes!! Excellent !!"

"THANKS FOR THE HIGH QUALITY BUBBLE MAILERS & THE FREE PEN"

"GREAT to deal with - A Wonderfully Positive transaction."

"If you want quality packaging materials delivered fast, shop here!!!"

"excellent merchandise, lightning fast shipping, rated 10++++++"

"Extremely Fast Shipping. Helped us in a Pinch!!!! Thanks a Billion!!"

"My Customers Buyers Totally Dig the Purple Wrap/Yours will Too!"

"THE COOLEST BUBLE WRAP THANKS!!!!!!"

"As always, quick shipping and great bubble wrap!"

"What wonderful packaging so impressed!"

"Loved the purple bubble wrap. Fast Deliver!"

"Another Speedy Delivery-Will Be Back Again-Thanks"

"Fast delivery...nice colored bubble wrap"

"Zippity quick shipping - very pleased ( :>)"

"That's the fastest anyone's ever shipped to me!! "

"Another FAST delivery from a great seller of packing/shipping supplies! "

UPS, FEDEX Ground, & USPS Priority Mail - Dimensional Weight to play large roll in shipping costs during 2007

Hello to All! :)

Over the past few weeks I have been hearing about and researching the new proposed rates for UPS, FEDEX Ground and the USPS. This will affect most every business in some way or another. We thought we would share with you what we have found, so that you can be prepared for the changes and not be surprised when you see your first bill after the new Dimensional rates kick in, in early 2007.

Here is what we know, although we suggest you confirm this information with your UPS representative, FEDEX representative or Local Postmaster for confirmation to be sure all is accurate. Also, from what I read, these new rates are "proposed rates", to take place in 2007.

Looks like in 2007 UPS, FEDEX Ground, and the USPS will change the way packages are measured and billed. All three carriers are implementing a new (new for ground packages) dimensional weight system.

How will this affect sellers? It will greatly affect those sellers that ship larger, lighter items.
Lets look at an example. Lets take a package that weighs 3 lbs and measures 20x20x12. (By UPS, FEDEX GROUND and USPS Priority mail standards, this is currently not considered an oversized package and ships at the 3 lb rate.)

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USPS Priority Mail:
This item can be shipped currently to zone 1 for $5.00, to zone 8 for $9.00. At the new dimensional weight, for the same product, it would be charged at the 25 lb rate! To zone 1, at the current rate a 25 lb package via Priority mail is $17.30, and the same package to zone 8 $47.40.

Here is how the dimensional weight will be calculated for the USPS Priority Mail.:
How to Determine a Priority Mail Dimensional-Weight Price

For rectangular (box-like) items, measure the length, width, and height. The length is always the longest dimension. Round off each individual measurement to the nearest whole inch (20-1/4 inches is considered 20 inches; 20-3/4 inches is 21 inches). Next, multiply the length by the width by the height. The result is the cubic capacity expressed in cubic inches. If the result is 1,728 cubic inches or less, the parcel is less than 1 cubic foot and dimensional weight pricing does not apply. If the result exceeds 1,728 cubic inches, divide it by 194 (the "dim factor") to determine the dimensional weight. Round up any fraction of a pound to the next whole pound to get the dimensional-weight price for the parcel. If the actual weight of the parcel exceeds the dimensional weight, base the price on the actual weight.
Example:
20 x 20 x 12 = 4800
4800 / 194 = 24.74 pounds
24.74 rounded up is 25 pounds

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UPS GROUND:
From the UPS website:
Effective January 1, 2007, Oversize charges for larger packages shipped via UPS Ground services will be replaced with a simpler rate calculation based on dimensional weight. Dimensional weight will only apply to UPS Ground packages measuring three cubic feet (5,184 cubic inches) or larger. Packages measuring less than three cubic feet will continue to be billed based on actual weight. As a result of this change, dimensional weight charges will gradually increase as the package size increases, eliminating significant steps from one Oversize tier to the next.


How To Measure Cubic Size
To determine if dimensional weight pricing applies to your package, you must first calculate its cubic size. Follow these steps:
Measure the length, width and height of your package. Round each measurement to the nearest whole inch. (For example, 1.00" to 1.49" will be considered 1 inch, and 1.50" to 1.99" will be considered 2 inches.)
Multiply the length by the width by the height. The result is the cubic size of your package.


How To Calculate Dimensional Weight
Once you have calculated the cubic size of your UPS Ground package and have determined that it is 5,184 cubic inches or greater, you are ready to calculate the dimensional weight. Divide the cubic size of your package by 194 rounding up to the nearest full pound.
UPS Domestic Ground Service
L x W x H / 194

Billable weight will be based on either the actual weight or dimensional weight of your UPS Ground package, whichever is greater.
---end UPS website---

Lets look at a 20"x20"x20" package. Currently is considered oversized and if weighs less than 30 lbs is billed at the 30lb rate. Currently if it weighs over 30lbs, it is billed at its actual weight.

20x20x20=8000 / 194 = 41.23 So a 20x20x20" package currently billed at the 30lb rate will jump to a 42 lb rate

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FedEx Ground:
From the FedEx website:

FedEx Ground Dimensional Weight Rate Calculation (Effective February 5, 2007)
For FedEx Ground shipments, a rate calculation based on dimensional weight may apply for packages that are 3 cubic feet (5,184 cubic inches) or larger. These packages will be billed based on dimensional weight unless actual weight is greater. Packages smaller than 3 cubic feet will be billed based on actual weight.
---end FedEx Website---

Lets look at a 20"x20"x20" package. Currently is considered oversized and if weighs less than 30 lbs is billed at the 30lb rate. Currently if it weighs over 30lbs, it is billed at its actual weight. 20x20x20=8000 / 194 = 41.23 So a 20x20x20" package currently billed at the 30lb rate will jump to a 42 lb rate

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Here are the links to the delivery services press releases on their websites. The USPS will use dimensional weight for anything over 1 cubic foot, UPS and FEDEX will use dimensional weight over 3 cubic feet.

USPS:
http://pe.usps.com/DMMAdvisory.asp?Dest=dmmadvisory103006.htm

UPS: http://ezsnip.com/x.php?o3

FedEx Ground:
http://images.fedex.com/us/rates2007/DimWeight.pdf?link=4

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I am surprised that this has not been in the media or talked about much online as of yet, not that I have come across. This will affect a large portion of sellers of all sizes. Sellers need to be educated now, as these new rules take effect as soon as in January 2007 for UPS. FedEx Ground February 2007 and the USPS Priority Mail in Spring 2007. Some sellers may be able to break down their offerings into multiple smaller packages, instead of shipping one large package and paying the higher rate.

We suggest that you take this time before the new dimensional system kicks in and measure your packaging and if this affects your business start finding alternative ways to package or ship your product. In some cases, if your product can be broken up into multiple boxes, it may be cheaper to ship this way than one larger box. If not see if your product can be resized.

Sorry to be the bearer of possible bad news. I just wanted to share what I have found out, as it doesn't appear that the carriers are educating us, their clients, about these changes. If I can be of any help, please do not hesitate to send me an email.

Thanks again for being our customer, we appreciate your business very much and wouldn't be were we are now without you!

sincerely,

Jason Archambault
President
Fastpack Packaging Inc.
www.fast-pack.com
www.fastpack.net

P.S. If you would like to add to the above information or would like to a a comment, please feel free to do so by clicking on the comment button below.