§    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.