Can a parcel be sent without a carton?

The cardboard box is the most common packaging for the contents in question, used as a courier parcel. However, this does not mean that it is the only option facing potential shippers. Much depends on the size, weight, and overall dimensions of the item being sent. For smaller items, a courier foil pack, a bubble envelope or even a paper bag may work well. What is worth knowing about each of the packages?

What does shipping without a cardboard box involve?

Both standard and non-standard shaped, sized items usually fit into corrugated cardboard boxes. However, there are times when some goods cannot be placed in even the largest, bulky cardboard boxes. What should you do in such a situation? Send the consignment in some other way than in a cardboard box.

The most important step is to adequately secure the items for transport, using e.g. foil packs or stretch film.

There are two ways to send goods without a cardboard box. The first is to wrap the contents repeatedly with ecological wrapping paper or stretch film (the fastest, associated with non-standard, large-size shipments), and the second is to place the item in bubble envelopes (items with low weight and dimensions).

What packaging for shipping instead of cardboard? Bubble envelopes

Wondering how to pack a parcel without a cardboard box? There are alternatives. Bubble envelopes (bubble envelopes) are ideal for shipping smaller items. They can be purchased in two standard colours (white and brown). Their great advantage is their low price and general availability. Packers value them for their time-saving properties. It takes a while to pack an item into a bubble envelope – as opposed to searching for the right box, filler or security accessories.

Stretch foil – ideal for shipping bulky goods

Stretch foil is a packaging material with a wide range of applications. The principle of its use – instead of cardboard – is simple. All you need to do is to wrap the goods to be shipped with it (repeatedly) and then cover its surface with an additional layer of packing tape. Experts recommend that a layer of – albeit thin – bubble wrap be placed under the stretch film. This interesting combination will increase the resistance of the transported items to mechanical damage, moisture and dust.

The most popular type is black stretch foil – ideal for packing parcels and pallets. There are also coloured and transparent versions.

What are the characteristics of foil packs?

Boxes, cartons, foil packs – what to choose for parcel packaging? Let’s focus on the last point. Foil wraps are ideal for packing small items for shipment. They are most often used by clothing shops sending clothes, accessories. Foil packs can be sealed in two ways. Most of them have a ready-made layer of adhesive tape, while for others you need to use heat sealers. Well-sealed foil packs protect the interior from mechanical damage, contamination, moisture.

They are most often the outer layer of protection. However, they can also become an inner layer. Then the foil packs are wrapped in bubble wrap and carefully sealed with packing tape.

Packing paper – security for small items

Another way to send a parcel without a cardboard box is to use eco-friendly, specialised kraft wrapping paper, on a roll. If this is not enough protection, it is worth getting cardboard dividers – with these you can create an imitation of cardboard packaging, perfectly adapted to the dimensions of the goods being sent.

Shrink film – food packaging

Food packaging is an important, often unnoticed activity. Cardboard boxes, foil packs or stretch film are not used for this. Thefood industry requires the presence of so-called sh rink film (learn about the advantages and uses of shrink film). It is somewhat similar to stretch film in its properties – it easily adapts to the shape and size of the packaged food, effectively protects the goods from moisture, dirt and slipping off the pallet. In addition, it is flexible, durable, non-toxic, environmentally friendly and biodegradable. It is indispensable in the food, confectionery and catering industry.

Pouches and paper bags

Paper sacks, pouches and bags are another seemingly unnoticeable type of packaging. They can be used for packing bulk goods (both light and heavy), food, shopping. Their use is based on their properties – durability, strength, resistance to tearing, bursting, moisture, unfavourable weather conditions.

The voluminous products in question are not only bulk foodstuffs, but also all granulates, vegetable waste and even mechanical parts. Thanks to the reinforced and expandable bottom, the paper bags can accommodate many goods.

Paper and plastic bags for food packaging usually have a characteristic opening with a flap for easy opening. They can be closed using safety pins, tape or adhesive lozenges.

You should not forget the diverse uses of pouches and bags in companies – whether in the food, catering or pharmaceutical sectors.

At RAJA, you will find exceptionally robust and strong paper bags, made of semi-stretch and eco-friendly kraft paper. Their construction influences easier packaging – they have a flat bottom and side tabs.

How to send irregular items without cardboard?

Packing an irregularly shaped parcel – without using cardboard – is not difficult. You just need to know a few basic steps:

1. Secure the sharp edges of the item you are sending, e.g. with tape or wrapping paper, bubble wrap.
2. Surround the entire contents with a thick layer of bubble wrap. It is most important to place this material at the bottom of the consignment to cushion any possible drops of the consignment from a height.
3. Wrap the entire consignment with opaque (preferably black) stretch film.
4. Label the parcel with warning stickers, e.g. regarding non-standard weight, high vulnerability of the package to damage, falls.

Not only cardboard boxes – other packaging at RAJA

The RAJA company takes care of a wide assortment. The flagship products that can be purchased in this online shop are cardboard packaging (e.g. cardboard tubes, cardboard boxes with automatic bottom, adjustable height, flat, long, reinforced) – there is no denying this. However, this does not mean that this is where the offer ends.

At RAJA, there are secure foil packs, courier and deposit envelopes, foil envelopes for parcels (often used when sending clothes). The aforementioned packages are watertight and have self-adhesive closures.

The shipmentof smaller items can be carried out using a bubble envelope – there is no shortage of these at RAJA. These packages are available in many sizes and colours. They can be personalised. What is more, they are made of ecological kraft paper. The RAJA company is committed to ecology and environmental protection, which sets it apart from other packaging companies.