How to pack a parcel for shipping? 4 rules for safe packaging

Whether a parcel arrives intact at the addressee depends primarily on whether it has been well packed. Inadequate handling during transport is also important, but less so. Of course, it is possible for it to be damaged in the warehouse or by the courier, so it is important to pack it in such a way as to avoid this.

You only need to know the 4 rules of proper packaging to know how to protect your parcel from possible damage. We present them below.

How do you pack a parcel safely?

How do you pack a parcel to make sure it is safe as it travels from the sender to the recipient? Follow these 4 rules and you can be sure that your parcel will arrive whole.

Use strong and weather-resistant packaging, i.e. cardboard or foil, for packaging. The box should be made of thick corrugated cardboard with 3, 5 or 7 layers. Such cardboard boxes will withstand even light falls from heights, as well as transport and sorting. It is best to use new packaging because you can be sure that it is not damaged. Of course, you can use one that has already been used, but make sure that it is not damaged in any way.
Make sure that the filling is suitable. You can use the commonly used bubble wrap, polystyrene chips, sponge or the eco-friendly Flo-pak filler. By using a carton f iller, the items will not move during transport. It is not in every case necessary to use a filler, e.g. when sending books, clothes or toys. However, there are some items that cannot do without a filler, i.e. cosmetics, glass items or electronics.
Remember to close the parcel well, so that it does not accidentally open during transport. Cut boxes, which remain closed even without the use of packing tape, are very useful. For other boxes, tape protection is necessary. Paper adhesive tape can be used to make the shipment environmentally friendly. Ordinary office tape is not very strong and may peel off.
Don’t forget to label the packaging accordingly. This involves sticking on warning labels, such as “Caution glass!”, “Top, bottom”, etc. Of course, such stickers are used if the consignment is indeed fragile. It is also important to affix the correct address label. This will ensure that the parcel reaches the addressee quickly and that it is not lost in action. Include the name of the addressee, as well as the exact address including postcode, premises number and, just in case, the telephone number for the courier. If you are using a package that has been used before, check for an old address label that may confuse the courier.

Carton filler

What filler should I use to pack my parcel? There are several possibilities. You can use the commonly used bubble wrap – now also available in an eco-friendly version, as well as polystyrene chips or sponge. An ecological alternative is the natural filler Flo-pak, paper cuttings, sawdust or even ordinary wrapping paper.

Bubble wrap does an excellent job of protecting the contents of the parcel from shocks and scratches and protects against other external factors (moisture, water, dirt). It is also waterproof. It is also available in an eco-friendly version – made from up to 50% recycled material. There is a choice of small and large bubbles. It is easy to wrap objects of different shapes. It is most often used to wrap glass objects, books, larger items such as furniture, household appliances, electronics and household appliances. It is also used to protect the inside of cardboard boxes. Instead of bubble wrap, air-filled cushions and perforated foil in a tray are also used.

Another even more environmentally friendly carton filler is Flo-pak. It is great for securing and stabilising the contents of a parcel and for filling empty spaces. This filler is lightweight, economical, strong and 100% ecological. It is also ideal for securing heavier items. It is completely biodegradable when exposed to water and air within 9 to 60 months. It does not produce any toxic substances. It is made from 100% corn starch. RAJA offers Flo-pak Green and Flo-pak Natural filler. This filler is up to 5 times more antistatic than polystyrene chips.

You can find all the products you need for proper and safe shipment preparation here.