Product Vulnerabilities and Shipping Conditions
Driving on rough terrain, flying with lots of turbulence or sailing on choppy seas can make shipping conditions harsh, which is why it's so important for product companies to design effective protective packaging that successfully copes with these vulnerabilities. Different products have different attributes that require specific packaging details and solutions; for example, ceramics, electronics, and glass bottles need additional care, especially when they are in transit.
You must think about the movement and impact that the products could face during the shipping process. Assess your products' weight, height, overall size, and fragility, as this can help you pick the right packaging solutions. Lastly, you must consider the many different shipping conditions, as this can affect product protection; for example, shipping in humid conditions will require more moisture-resistant materials, and goods shipped across rough terrain or unsuitable routes need durable packaging to prevent any potential damage.
Selecting the Right Materials
When designing protective packaging for various products, it's essential to make sure you select the right materials for the job. There is a broad range of packaging materials to choose from to help tightly hold your goods or belongings and keep them safe in transit.
One of the best methods of packaging materials and products is through vacuum-formed packaging. Vacuum-formed protective packaging can be made up of numerous materials to help create protective structures that are ideal for more fragile items. These materials are usually chosen according to their strength, ability to conform and secure the shape of the packed item, and protective qualities.
Some of the most commonly used materials for vacuum-formed protective packages include PE (Polyethylene), PS (Polystyrene), RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), and PP (Polypropylene). PE is mostly used for its flexibility and shock-absorbing ability, making it perfect for a number of different products, whereas PS is rigid and lightweight and is typically used in electronic packaging.
Using RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) for packaging is an environmentally responsible choice, as it reduces waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. RPET packaging maintains the strength and versatility of traditional plastics while supporting a circular economy, making it an excellent option for businesses aiming to minimise their environmental impact.
PU foam (Polyurethane) is known for providing cushioning, which is best for custom inserts for more fragile items like medical devices, electronics, and glassware. For packages that are much larger, heavier or more solid, many companies opt for HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) as it is a strong material offering plenty of structural support.
PC (Polycarbonate) is a transparent material with lots of impact resistance, whereas EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) is flexible, soft, and effective at absorbing shocks. This makes it perfect for more sensitive items like electronics or jewellery.
When choosing a material, consider the strength and weight of the product you wish to pack and the packaging materials themselves. Opting for lightweight yet durable materials is essential for reducing shipping costs without compromising on the protection of the items.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Designing suitable, cost-effective protective packaging is an important starting point for any medium—or large-scale business. This way, you can offer high-quality products and shipping without skyrocketing costs that damage your profits. By using recyclable protective packaging, like Bio-plastics and Bio-poly alternatives suitable for specific products you sell or ship, you can save on resources and reduce the number of returns you may receive.
You should always begin by exploring packaging systems that use as few materials as possible while offering the necessary protection. Packaging that fits or slots neatly into its place and takes up all the possible space, such as box inserts, clamshell packaging, and transit trays, are some of the best ways to reduce unnecessary resources.
When purchasing the packaging materials you need, the best thing to do is invest in large bulk purchases; this will help save costs in the long run.
Storage and Transportation
One of the most important parts of designing useful packaging that will protect your items is understanding transportation methods and storage. When you store and transport products well, they will remain intact and safe throughout the journey ahead. You must think about where and how these goods will be stored and any other aspects like stacking or temperature changes.
Transit trays are an excellent idea for protective packaging, aimed at securely holding and transporting items during shipping, handling, and storage. These trays are usually made from moulded pulp, plastic and foam and help prevent any damage as they offer cushioning and stability. Transit trays are a popular choice used in many industries, such as automotive, electronics, retail, and pharmaceuticals, to protect valuable, fragile, or delicate items as they are transported from one place to another.
These trays suit the specific product shape. Their snug fit minimises the item's movement and reduces the risk of abrasion or impact. Some trays come with feature compartments, moulded shapes, or dividers to place individual or multiple items. Transit trays are perfect for stacking and efficient storage. They also make sure all products arrive at their destination in good condition, which reduces the need for repairs due to shipping damage or additional packing.
To improve the handling process, the best thing you can do is provide clear instructions and labelling on your packages. Businesses can work with transport partners to ensure packaging solutions offer the best possible protection during transit, keeping products safe and customers happy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to protective packaging there are a few mistakes that you can make and should strive to avoid, as recognising these will help you create the best and most effective packaging. One common error is packaging that does not suit or fit the product you wish to ship or store, as this leads to a lack of proper protection.
Another fault is neglecting the environmental impact of packaging materials. This is excusable if you don't have the funds or resources to find and use eco-friendly options; however, consumers are now a lot more stringent of large companies in terms of their climate impact.
You'll be happy to know that there are lots of eco-friendly materials used in vacuum-formed protective packaging. Some of these involve biodegradable plastics like PLA, which is made from renewable resources, and rPE, which is made of recycled plastics. Moulded pulp is made from natural fibres and recycled paper, which is another cushioned alternative, alongside recycled HDPE and plant-based foams made using starch or soy.
Using these materials in vacuum-formed solutions can boost your company's reputation. To add to this argument, over-packaging leads to increased costs and unnecessary waste. Transit trays are one of the best packaging designs that use a minimal amount of materials while still fully protecting your items.
Lastly, businesses that fail to update or test new packaging methods can lead to ineffective or outdated solutions. Businesses should strive to explore new materials and the most effective ways to enhance product protection whenever they can.
For more information on how our protective packaging services can meet your needs, contact us at Plastics By Design. Our team is ready to assist with your specific requirements and provide high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
