Packaging Materials for Durable, Thin, Bulky, and Fragile Items
September 25, 2019
European logistics companies use different types of packaging materials and supplies to ensure safe transit and decrease shipping costs. From flat chipboard mailers and bubble mailers to plain envelopes and fold up mailers, packaging materials come in different shapes, sizes, and varieties.
Supplies by Goods Shipped
Bubble mailers are often used to ship items such as books and DVDs while plain envelopes are a good choice when sending cloth goods, apparel, and other items that require little protection. Flat chipboard mailers are used for books, art prints, placemats, and other goods that are shipped flat. Boxes also come in different shapes and sizes, for example, double-wall corrugated, multiple depth, standard, and corrugated cargo boxes and mailing tubes or long boxes. Corrugated cargo boxes are usually used to ship boxed items and machinery while double-wall corrugated boxes are best for heavyweight and fragile items that require extra protection.
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Durable Goods
Durable goods are items that require little protection and support and include things like fashion accessories and apparel. Different packaging materials can be used, including small corrugated boxes, flat chipboard mailers or fold up mailers, and Tyvek envelopes.
Thin and Flat Goods
These are items that require little protection and packaging and include placemats, books, posters, and photos. They can be shipped in mailing tubes, flat chipboard mailers, or fold up mailers. Mailing tubes are also used for mails, brochures, invitations, documents, calendars, and the like. They come in different shapes and sizes, for example, triangular, square, and crimped end tubes. Flat chipboard mailers are used for flat items such as cards and photos and offer added protection. They also come in different shapes and types, for instance, side loading and self-seal flat mailers.
Bulky and Large Items
Bulky items include things like machinery and equipment that require extra protection during shipping. Multi-depth and corrugated boxes are usually used for items that need more cushioning.
Special packaging is required for fragile and oversized items such as vases, machinery parts, ceramics, and crystal. Packaging materials that help ensure safe shipping include polystyrene, packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. Packing paper and bubble wrap help protect fragile items such as vases, plates, and other decorative items. Double-wall boxes are also used for fragile items because they are durable and resistant to tearing and crushing. Boxes that are in good condition /have no dents/ are used for safe shipping.
Other packaging materials that are suitable for fragile items include biodegradable starch peanuts, air pillows, Styrofoam peanuts, foam wrap, and Instapak foam. IFA members use a wide variety of shipping materials for small parcels, unusual and oversized items, and fragile items. The choice of packaging depends on factors such as size, dimensions, and mode of transportation. For example, packaging is not required for grain and liquids that are shipped by sea. Other factors that should be taken into account include waste legislation, storage conditions in distribution facilities, distance, and cost-effectiveness.
