There are many packaging solutions for the protection of your goods. As your parcel is transported, it may be exposed to adverse environments caused by weather conditions and transport vibrations, so correct packing is vital.
Corrugated Cartons
Corrugated cartons are the most common and the most suitable way to pack your consignments. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities, a previously used box may not adequately protect your consignment. If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips or corner damage and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other old markings from the box. Double-wall corrugated cartons provide enhanced strength, which make them far more suitable for the transport of heavy items.
Original Manufacturer’s Packaging
The original manufacturer’s packaging is usually designed for shipments on pallets instead of single piece consignments. Additionally, they are designed to ship the product once, not a multiple number of times. Reusing the original manufacturer’s packaging to send the item through a parcel delivery network can increase the risk of damage. Only if the manufacturer’s box has been specially designed to withstand impact and is in a new condition should it be used by itself.
Double Boxing
An option that includes the use of original manufacturer’s packaging is double boxing. All electronic equipment should be double boxed. Always make sure that the original packaging is in a good condition and that the internal foam is not cracked or broken. Use a new corrugated carton that is at least 15cm longer, wider and higher than the original manufacturer’s box. Fill the bottom of the new carton with at least 7cm of cushioning such as loose fill expanded polystyrene ‘peanuts’ or other suitable material. Do not use crumpled or shredded paper. The original manufacturer’s box should be placed on top of the cushioning material and in the centre of the new carton, allowing for at least 7cm of cushioning around the remaining five sides of the package. Fill the remaining empty space in the package with more cushioning material.
Padded Bags
It is recommended that protective bags be used to send books, diskettes, videos etc. Padded bags, using recycled paper fibres for protection and a heavy-duty kraft outer is a common choice. A lightweight bag lined with bubble film on the inside to absorb impact is recommended where a stronger bag is desired. Most padded bags can be inserted into the plastic pouches for added security and protection.
Secure Your Package
For the safety and security of your consignment, correct sealing of your box is just as important as proper cushioning. A good seal will strengthen the box. To close a box securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, string or paper over-wrap. A strong polypropylene or PVC ‘box sealing’ tape 5 cm or more in width should be used.
Inner Packaging
It’s important that you cushion the contents of your parcel properly. Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need both suitable separation from each other and clearance from the corners and sides of the box. It is recommended that you leave a space of at least 5cm between the outer container and the product inside. This space should be filled with internal protection of some type. The following are the most common purpose-made products to be found on the market:
Polyethylene Bubble Wrap
Made of pockets of air distributed on a plastic film.
Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items from shock, vibration and abrasion.
Used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges.
Polyethylene Foam
For wrapping delicate items where a soft non-abrasive and lightweight cushioning material is required.
Inflatable Packaging (Air Bags)
Used primarily as void-fill materials for lightweight items.
Not recommended for items with sharp corners or edges.
Loose Fill Expanded Polystyrene ‘Peanuts’
Used as a void filling material of cases and containers, for lightweight items.
Overfill the box with peanuts, gently close the flaps, and seal securely.
Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit.
Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of three inches of cushioning be used around the contents.
Engineered Foam Enclosures
Materials may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymers. Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products.
Foam-in-Place
Foam-in-Place, foam sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, is formed by a chemical mixture that expands and forms a protective mould around contents.
The foam forms a mould around any product, supports corners and protects edges.
Corrugated Paper Rolls and Inserts
May be added to the package to increase strength and improve packaging performance.
Crumpled Kraft Wrapping Paper or Newspaper
Used primarily as a void-fill material for light to medium weight, non-fragile items and items that are suitable for such packing materials.
Must be tightly crumpled.
Place at least 10 cm of paper between the item and outer box.
Cushion Wrap
A single faced corrugated paper coated with cohesive.
Ideal for packing of books, CDs, videos etc.
Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the container.
Liquids
Please note that liquids are not to be sent in any transit involving sea / water crossing.
Many liquid containers are not designed to endure the transit process, which includes sorting impact, over-the-road vibration and other kinds of package handling situations. The original manufacturer’s package is usually designed for carriage on pallets, not single-piece consignments. All liquid containers must be securely sealed in order to avoid leaks. Wrap the containers in an impermeable material and add sufficient absorbent material to absorb the liquid in case of breakage. Bottles should be separated using cushioning materials such as foam or corrugated cardboard to prevent them touching each other and sealed in a plastic bag to avoid damaging surrounding parcels.
Source: Packaging Tools
