Packaging Tools and Advice*

There are many packaging solutions for the protection of your goods. As your parcel is transported, it may be exposed to adverse environments caused by weather conditions and transport vibrations, so correct packing is vital.

External Packaging

Use a Corrugated Carton
Corrugated cartons are the most common and the most suitable way
to pack your consignments. Whenever possible use a new box. The
more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective
qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect your
consignment. If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in
excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips or corner damage and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other old markings from the box.
Double-wall corrugated cartons provide enhanced strength, which make them far more suitable for the transport of heavy items.

Original Manufacturers Packaging
The original manufacturer's packaging is usually designed for shipments on pallets instead of single piece consignments. Additionally, they are designed to ship the product once, not a multiple number of times. Reusing the original equipment manufacturer's packaging to send the item through parcel delivery network can increase the risk of product damage. Only if the manufacturers box has been specially designed to withstand impact and is in new condition should it be used by itself.

Double Boxing
An option that includes the use of original manufacturer's packaging is double boxing. All electronic equipment should be double boxed. Always make sure that the original packaging is in good condition and that the internal foam is not cracked or broken. Use a new corrugated carton that is at least 15cm longer, wider and higher than the original manufacturer's box. Fill the bottom of the new carton with at least 7cm of cushioning such as loose fill expanded polystyrene 'peanuts' or other suitable material. Do not use crumpled or shredded paper. The original manufacturer's box is placed on top of the cushioning material and in the centre of the new carton, allowing for at least 7cm of cushioning around the remaining five sides of the package. Fill the remaining empty space in the package with more cushioning material.

Padded Bags
It is recommended that protective bags be used to send books, diskettes, videos etc. Padded bags, using recycled paper fibres for protection and a heavy-duty kraft outer is a common choice. A lightweight bag lined with bubble film on the inside to absorb impact is recommended where a stronger bag is desired. Most padded bags can be inserted into a Link Letter or City Pack bag for added security and protection.

Secure Your Package
For the safety and security of your consignment, correct sealing of your box is just as important as proper cushioning. A good seal will strengthen the box. To close a box securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, string or paper over-wrap. A strong polypropylene or PVC “box sealing” tape 5 cm or more in width should be used.

Internal Packaging

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.

* Please note that Paysend will accept no liability for the packaging advice that it provides. The customer remains responsible for ensuring packaging and labeling is adequate for transportation.