Packaging Tools and Advice*
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.
External Packaging
Use a Corrugated Carton
Corrugated cartons are the most common and the most suitable way
to pack your consignments. Whenever possible use a new box. The
more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective
qualities, so 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 Manufacturers 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 equipment
manufacturer's packaging to send the item through parcel delivery
network can increase the risk of product damage. Only if the
manufacturers box has been specially designed to withstand impact
and is in 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 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 is
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 a Link Letter or City Pack bag 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.
Internal Packaging
Provide Internal Protection
It's important that you cushion the contents of your package
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 (a foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in
packets, that expands and forms a protective mould around
contents)
- Foam-in-Place 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
package 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, CD's, videos etc.
These packaging methods will protect your items from
product-against-product damage and shield them from the shock and
vibration that can be transmitted from the exterior of the box to
its contents in transit. Make sure you use enough cushioning
material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the
container.
Note: Fragile objects such as electronics, glass and ceramics
require special packaging with added cushioning and/or a double box
for safe carriage.
Liquids
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
manufacturers 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.
* Please note that paysend will accept no liability for the
packaging advice that it provides. The customer remains responsible
for ensuring packaging and labeling is adequate for transportation. |