At BiGDUG, we understand the importance of ensuring your stock is well-protected when shipping to customers. You need your customers to receive their orders in perfect condition for repeat business. Many businesses will ignore this aspect of the delivery process or may be unaware of how fragile their goods can be while in transit. So we’ll highlight the perfect Protective Packaging solutions for each situation within this guide to keep your stock safe and your customers happy.
What is Protective Packaging?
Protective packaging refers to types of material that help keep items safe during handling, storage and transportation. The main purpose is to prevent damage from knocks, shocks, vibrations and rough handling. It includes standard, widely-used materials, such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and corrugated cardboard. But it can also include more specialised protective types, such as foam inserts, edge protection, air pillows, Instapak foam, and silica gel/packets.
Item Factors to Consider
There are lots of protective packaging options to consider. The way to know which is the best solution for your business is to assess the items and stock that you will be packing and shipping. You will need to reduce the effects of impacts and knocks while in transit. Protective packaging is used to ensure stock remains safe and in perfect condition. So, with that in mind, which is the most suitable for your situation?
Fragility
Fragile items require an ample amount of protective packaging to avoid damage. Depending on the area of fragility, you may opt for the old reliable bubble wrap or a specialised protective foam designed to cradle delicate components.
Weight
Lightweight items may not need as much cushioning as heavier items due to being less prone to impact damage; however, it is always good to be safer than sorry! In these scenarios, air pillows or crumpled paper can be enough to deliver a sufficient amount of protection.
Shape & Size
Considering both the shape and size of the item needing to be delivered is also vital. You’ll encounter both regularly shaped and irregularly shaped products for shipping, with the latter often requiring extra care and attention to ensure safe packing.
Environmental Impact
With environmental concerns growing and becoming more important each year, businesses are becoming more environmentally friendly. Ensure your business is also at the forefront of this movement by choosing to be eco-friendly; not only do you help promote a positive environmental influence on the world, but it can also double up as a unique selling point for your business!
Top 5 Types of Protective Packaging
There are several options available when it comes to protective packaging. Although some solutions will apply to many scenarios, each type of packaging is also one-of-a-kind for its specific use. For example, we all know that bubble wrap is great for a variety of packing uses. But it might not be the optimal choice for a simple task such as filling space to avoid item shift; you may opt for a void fill type of packaging instead. With each type offering unique pros and cons, understanding these can help you decide which is the most suitable for your business. You may even combine two different types of protection!
Void Fill
The biggest benefit to choosing a void-fill packaging type is to prevent items from shifting, moving, and becoming damaged during transit by providing stability and cushioning. Within void-fill products, there are several to pick from such as packing peanuts, packing chips, and paper. You are better off going with these smaller pieces than bubble wrap if you need to fill smaller, confined spaces in a delivery box.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap will be the go-to in most cases with its ability to absorb shocks, vibrations, and bumps while keeping movement inside the packaging to a minimum. Bubble wrap can be trusted to deliver customer orders in one piece no matter how rough the transit is! Plus, its affordability makes it a standout choice.
Air Pillows
If you need bubble-wrap-quality protection but don’t want the difficulty of storing bubble wrap, air pillow protective packaging is a great alternative. With it taking up less space you can save money on storage costs and inflate the air when needed. A solid solution to increasing packing efficiency and reducing waste!
Packing Paper
Packing paper is great at adding a feel of personal touch to deliveries. This can help build a stronger brand reputation by showing customers the extra care you’re putting in. Delivered in easy-to-use rolls for fast packing! The packing paper, when packed well, can act as a void fill while offering some protection to the contents.
Silica Gel Packets
These packets of silica gel are important in keeping products dry. By absorbing and holding atmospheric moisture, the packets prevent the product from being affected by condensation, corrosion, fungus etc. Protect your stock today by keeping it dry and moisture-free!
Why Choose BiGDUG for your Packaging Supplies?
At BiGDUG, we have over 20 years of experience helping businesses save time, money, and space! We supply hundreds of company necessities that help improve warehouse storage, office workflow and customer happiness. Browse our Protective Packaging range for new ways to elevate your business to the next level!
Contact Us
We have a whole BiG Packaging Blog dedicated to sharing advice for your workspace and warehouse solutions. Go and discover new ways you can optimise your business! If you need further help, please feel free to contact us via email, call us, or by using our live chat facility.