Anyone operating a mail order business will benefit by using the right materials to protect goods during transit. Customers rarely give repeat business to a company after receiving an item that is damaged on arrival due to being poorly packed. Money saved by not having to replace broken goods will more than make up for an investment in packing materials. Here are some options for safeguarding products within packaging boxes.
Tissue paper sheets are widely used for wrapping glassware, china, crockery and delicate gifts items. In addition to providing protection, it adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation of packaged goods. White machine glazed tissue paper is economical for general purpose use and is made of 100% recycled material. Use machine finished acid free tissue paper sheets for wrapping items that are prone to tarnish such as jewelry and silverware.
Kraft paper in rolls or sheets is an inexpensive, traditional wrapping material. It can also be wadded up and used to fill space in boxes around irregularly shaped items. This brown paper made from pure wood pulp is naturally strong and durable. Recycled kraft paper is slightly less resistant to tearing, but suitable for most applications. Colored and patterned kraft paper is also available.
Foam wrap made from closed cell polythene is the best way to protect glass and polished wood surfaces from marks, scratches and abrasions. It is frequently used to separate components of flat-pack furniture. The foam is lightweight, flexible and easy to cut to the required length. It is sold in rolls of various sizes and thicknesses.
Bubble wrap has long been used to cushion fragile items. It’s available in many different sized rolls and is easy to cut to length. Even odd-shaped goods can quickly be wrapped in as many layers as necessary. Businesses can show their customers that they are taking steps to protect the environment by using biodegradable bubble wrap. This product has been designed to decompose quickly in landfill and leave no harmful chemicals in the soil.
Polystyrene loose fill chips, more commonly known as packing peanuts, offer many advantages. When poured into a box, they instantly fill in the space around a product. They interlock to form a matrix that surrounds items throughout their time in transit. Because they are so lightweight, they can help to minimize shipping costs. The downside is that loose fill chips are not popular with customers. They tend to make a mess when an item is unpacked.
Expanded polystyrene sheets can be used to line boxes to provide extra protection for the contents in case the package is dropped or crushed. They are ideal for use as cushioning between layers of products within the same box. Different sizes and thicknesses are available. Environmentally minded customers will appreciate the fact that EPS is fully recyclable and contains no harmful CFC gasses.
In many cases, the best protection for items in packaging boxes is achieved through a combination of materials. A glass vase may be wrapped in tissue paper, covered in bubble wrap, then placed in a box filled with loose fill chips. A small appliance may be wrapped in polythene foam and packed in a box lined with polystyrene sheets. Most businesses that sell packing materials are happy to help mail order companies find the best total packaging solution for any product.
