What Protective Packaging Should I Use?
To ensure your parcels arrive safely at their destination, you need more than just a good cardboard box and tape. This is where protective packaging comes in. There are various protective packaging solutions available, each with its own uses. From bubble wrap to protective mailers, let’s delve into the different protective packaging materials you could use when posting your items.
- What is Protective Packaging?
- Bubble Wrap
- Loose Void Fill
- Kraft Paper
- Shredded Cardboard
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Air Bags/Pillows
- Polyethylene Foam Sheeting
- Corner and Edge Guards
- Shop Protective Packaging with Schott Packaging
What is Protective Packaging?
Protective packaging is used to shield items from shocks and vibrations that may cause damage to your items during transit. These materials can either be used to wrap items to provide extra cushioning or fill voids to restrict the item from moving around. Let’s take a look at the most common types of protective packaging and how they are best used in the packaging process.
Bubble Wrap
We all know and love bubble wrap. Its ability to mould into different shapes to fit any item makes it a good option for most people who handle various types and sizes of items. The individual air bubbles also provide high shock-absorbing qualities, ensuring your item is protected from any unexpected bumps in the road during transit. From large bubble wrap, ideal for larger items such as furniture, to small bubble wrap, perfect for smaller fragile items, bubble wrap is a highly versatile protective packaging solution that is popular for a reason.
Strengths of Bubble Wrap
- Good for Cushioning Items
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Reusable
Weaknesses of Bubble Wrap
- Not Environmentally Friendly: Bubble wrap is commonly made from plastic that is not biodegradable or recyclable.
- Space Consuming: Comes in large rolls that are bulky, so it may be difficult to store.
- Expensive: The cost of bubble wrap can be higher than the alternatives.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Bubble Wrap and How to Use It to get the most out of your bubble wrap!
Loose Void Fill
Loose void fill is primarily used to fill large voids between the cardboard box and the item. It can also be a good option if you want to put multiple items in one box. Although loose void fill is classed as protective packaging, it doesn’t actually offer much protection. As this form of void fill is loose, it doesn’t stop items from moving around in the box during transit, so it is best used with products that are not fragile or can be easily broken.
Strengths of Loose Void Fill
- Relatively Cheap
- Lightweight
- Great for Irregularly Shaped Items
- Reusable
Weaknesses of Loose Void Fill
- Negatively Impacts the Environment: Most loose void fill is non-biodegradable, but there are eco-friendly alternatives.
- Produces Static: This protective packaging can cling to items.
- Space Consumption: Loose void fill comes in large quantities, so accommodating it may be difficult.
Kraft Paper
Using kraft paper as void fill can be more effective and less messy than loose void fill. By crumpling sheets of kraft paper, you can achieve void fill that is able to hold items in place more effectively than loose void fill. You can also use kraft paper to wrap around items and provide an extra layer of protection and cushioning. Kraft paper is best used on light to medium weight items and is typically less prone to damage.
Strengths of Kraft Paper
- Recyclable
- Biodegradable
- Non-Static
- Versatile
Weaknesses of Kraft Paper
- Moisture Sensitive: Kraft paper does not work well in environments of high moisture.
- Limited Cushioning: Compared to other protective packaging materials, kraft paper offers less protection, particularly for fragile items.
- Less Protection: Kraft paper may offer less impact resistance and can be easily punctured when used as wrapping.
Shredded Cardboard
Shredded cardboard is another void-fill material that can effectively fill any gaps in your parcel. The cardboard material allows for greater shock absorption than other void fill materials, providing greater protection for your products. This protective packaging is particularly good as you can create your own cardboard void fill out of any scrap or damaged cardboard packaging by either using a pair of scissors if you are posting a personal parcel or with a cardboard shredder if you are a business. This makes shredded cardboard an extremely eco-friendly packaging option!
Strengths of Shredded Cardboard
- Extremely Eco-Friendly
- Cost-Effective Solution
- Provides Extra Cushioning Unlike the Alternatives
Weaknesses of Shredded Cardboard
- Can Be Dusty and Messy: Shredded cardboard can create small dust particles, making it messy to handle.
- Not Suitable for Fragile Items: Although shredded cardboard does offer some cushioning, it is not suitable for fragile or valuable items.
- Not Aesthetically Pleasing: For a business, using shredded cardboard may look visually unappealing and convey a level of unprofessionalism compared to alternatives.
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard can be used in various ways to ensure items are protected during transit. For example, you could wrap items, add additional padding around the cardboard box, reinforce weak points in the packaging, or create inserts and dividers that can be placed in multi-item parcels. The uses for corrugated cardboard in protective packaging are endless, making this one of the most versatile options, ideal for those who handle various types and sizes of items that are not extremely fragile.
Strengths of Corrugated Cardboard
- Durable
- Extremely Versatile
- Cost-Effective
- Eco-Friendly
Weaknesses of Corrugated Cardboard
- Structural Integrity: Corrugated cardboard can lose its structural integrity when folded and bent too many times and become weak when exposed to moisture.
- Limited Protection: Corrugated cardboard doesn’t offer the same level of protection as other protective packaging materials, particularly for fragile items.
- Bulky to Store: Corrugated cardboard is commonly purchased in rolls that can be hard to store.
Air Bags/Pillows
Air pillows have gained popularity over the years, with major companies choosing to use them as their go-to for void fill. Unlike other void fill, air pillows can keep items confined in one place, making them more effective in bracing items and protecting them from damage. Air pillows can either come pre-inflated or as a machine roll. Machine rolls require a specialised Air Pillow Machine to inflate the bags, which can save you space in your facility.
Strengths of Air Pillows
- Lightweight
- Reusable
- Recyclable in Most Cases
- Efficient Use of Space
Weaknesses of Air Pillows
- Punctures: If the air pillow is punctured during transit, your item will no longer be protected for the rest of the journey.
- Expensive: Air pillows can be more expensive than the alternatives, especially if you include the initial price of an Air Pillow Machine. But inflating your own air pillows can also save you money in the long run.
- Space Requirement: You may need a large space to inflate your air pillows.
Polyethylene Foam Sheeting
These soft and versatile foam sheets offer a good surface protection solution for those looking for more specialised protective packaging. Although they can be used for almost any item, they are more commonly used to wrap more fragile items such as electronics, glassware, ceramics, or as void fill. However, this product has clear environmental implications as it is made from plastic that cannot biodegrade, and it is not always accepted in recycling facilities as it is hard to recycle without the correct equipment.
Strengths of Foam Sheeting
- Exceptional Cushioning
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Resistant to Water and Chemicals
Weaknesses of Foam Sheeting
- Environmental Impact: As mentioned earlier, this product is difficult to recycle, which can contribute to long-term environmental pollution.
- More Expensive: Large foam rolls can be more expensive than other options, especially in higher-density variations.
- Difficult to Store: As the foam comes in large rolls, finding an area to store them can be difficult.
Corner and Edge Guards
Corner and edge guards are typically used to reinforce the cardboard box or protect items. For items more prone to damage or with distinct edges, corner and edge guards can be used at a product level to absorb any shocks that may cause damage. For example, you could use corner and edge guards on a mirror to prevent damage to the frame and, consequently, the mirror itself. Businesses that handle pallets could also use edge guards to protect goods from damage caused by strapping or other external damages.
Strengths of Corner and Edge Guards
- Enhanced Protection
- Versatility
- Cost-Effective
- Simple to Use
Weaknesses of Corner and Edge Guards
- Localised Protection: Although effective, corner and edge guards only protect the corners and edges of an item, meaning additional measures will also need to be used.
- Improper Fit: Not all corners and edges will be the same size, so finding the correct-sized guard may be difficult.
Shop Protective Packaging with Schott Packaging
At Schott Packaging, we offer a range of Protective Packaging to suit all items. From awkwardly shaped items to simple rectangles, we have a packaging solution for you. If you prefer a more eco-friendly approach to packaging, why not take a look at our Eco-Friendly Packaging range today?
Complete your packaging with Packing Tape and Cardboard Boxes and take advantage of FREE UK Delivery on orders over £50!
FAQs
What is the best protection for packaging?
The most commonly used protective packaging is bubble wrap, and it’s easy to see why. With its ability to mould into different shapes and high level of protection, bubble wrap is the most commonly used protective packaging for a reason. However, it does come with some negative environmental impacts such as most bubble wrap being made from plastic that is not biodegradable or recyclable. It could, therefore, be a better idea to use eco-friendly alternatives to reduce your environmental waste.
How do I choose the right packaging for my product?
With such a large range of protective packaging available to you, it can be hard to know which is best for your particular items. Some key things to consider when choosing the best protective packaging for your needs are:
- How fragile is the item you are packaging?
- What is the size of the item?
- What is your budget?
- Is there an eco-friendly alternative?
What packaging is better than plastic?
Kraft paper and corrugated cardboard are good alternatives to plastic packaging. They offer protection against unexpected shocks and vibrations during transit and are also biodegradable, recyclable, and reuseable! For more plastic alternatives, take a look at our range of eco-friendly packaging materials today.
