0845 643 9975
Protective Packaging Guide
What is protective packaging?
Protective packaging is important for protecting and securing products during transit. Protective packaging can be bubble wrap, loose fill, void fill, silica gel sachets, edge protectors and corner protectors.
Why is it important to use protective packaging?
It is important to use protective packaging for delicate or fragile products, as without it items may get damaged or broken. If products are to be delivered or transported most items should be protected in some way.
What kinds of items/products need to be protected?
The kinds of items/products that need to be protected are fragile products and also items that may be easily scratched or damaged in some way. These kinds of products should be protected with some form of protective packaging.
How do I know which type of protective packaging to buy?
Each type of protective packaging is suitable for a variety of products. For example, if you have a product which is likely to be scratched then Polyethylene Foam Sheeting could be used, as this can be weaved between products and create a barrier of protection.
What size of postal envelope do I need to pack my product?
The size of postal envelope that needs to be used depends on the type of product you are packaging. As a guide we would recommend the following:
SIZE A/000 - Jewellery and watches, SIZE B/00 - Floppy disks, SIZE C/0 - CD’s, SIZE D/1 - DVD’s and Videos, SIZE E/2 - Small giftware, SIZE F/3 - Desk diaries and software, SIZE G/4 - A4 Brochures and literature, SIZE H/5 - Books, SIZE J/6 - Small Clothing and SIZE K/7 - A3 size items
As a general guide:
Bubble Wrap – is ideal for use on fragile products which can break easily.
Bubble Bags – are ideal for use on smaller products which will benefit from being secured together. Bubble bags make access to the contents easy and protect the contents by 360 degrees.
Loose Fill – is for use in larger boxes when there are a number of products as the contents. Loose fill will protect products 360 degrees.
What are silica gel sachets used for?
Silica gel sachets are used to prevent products becoming damaged by moisture. The sachet absorbs water; this then prevents corrosion and mould growth. They can be used with any products where damp or moisture may cause damage.
What type of loose fill or void fill do I need?
The type of loose fill or void fill you will need depends on the type of product you are packaging. Loose fill packaging and air filled bags are useful for smaller products which are to be packaged in a box. Polyethylene foam sheeting is ideal for cushioning and interleaving between products. Foam sheeting will prevent corrosion or scratches taking place.
How do I know whether to use large bubble wrap or small bubble wrap?
Large bubble wrap provides more protection as the larger the bubble, the higher the level of shock absorption during transit. Larger bubble wrap is ideal for cushioning very fragile objects and for using as void fill. Smaller bubble wrap is ideal for protecting smaller or less fragile products. By creating a protective barrier of air, small bubble wrap cushions the product.
View Protective Packaging Products