How to pack parcels safely?

Correctly packing and securing the parcel is the key to success, especially in the e-commerce industry. The answer to the question “how to pack parcels” is therefore very simple – just secure yourself with the right materials, e.g. cardboard boxes, parcel fillers, foils. It is better to secure your parcel many times over than to worry later that you have not done enough. How to pack parcels safely – we suggest!

What dangers lurk for parcels?

An improperlypacked and inadequately secured parcel can quickly become damaged during transport, e.g. by shock, crushing. Weak, unstable packaging is likely to tear, with many negative consequences, e.g. loss of contents. If the package is not properly protected against moisture, the interior will quickly become wet, e.g. in the rain or as a result of a change in temperature (from low to higher).

However, there are independent factors (e.g. an unfortunate accident, road traffic collision) when even the most tightly packed parcel can be damaged. Such events are – fortunately – rare.

How do I pack my parcels? The right packaging as the basis

Parcels are most often packed in cardboard boxes, bubble envelopes and foil packs. These are the most important answer to the question “how to pack parcels safely”. The choice of packaging depends mainly on the size and weight of the product to be shipped.

What should a cardboard box for shipments have?

Cardboard boxes tend to be used for larger items. The type of corrugated cardboard from which the packaging is made is of considerable importance. Most commonly we are dealing with:

• three-ply cardboard,
• five-ply paperboard,
• seven-ply paperboard.

The cardboard boxmust be of optimum size – neither too large nor too small. Any empty spaces between the edge of the cardboard and the item must be filled as quickly as possible with so-called parcel fillers, so that the product does not move sideways or tip over during transport. This is particularly important for fragile, glass or porcelain items.

If the cardboard box is too small, there will be pressure between its sides and the item. This is another problem for delicate and fragile items – there is a high probability that they will not survive prolonged pressing.

When is it recommended to use bubble envelopes?

How do you pack smallparcels safely? The answer is simple – put them in a bubble envelope. These packages are specially protected on the inside (with shock-absorbing bubble foil). On the outside, however, they are covered with thick, durable paper. They are only suitable for small and lightweight items, e.g. books, documents, catalogues. They have many advantages.

Bubble envelopes enable quick and convenient packaging. They are difficult to tear. The combination of thick paper and bubble foil provides a durable, tough, moisture-, shock- and impact-resistant layer. By using them, there is no need to resort to other protections such as packing tape and parcel fillers. In addition, they are distinguished by their low weight, which contributes to the subsequent overall cost of the parcel.

How do you pack parcels? Types and characteristics of parcel fillers

Parcel fillers take up empty space. They are the ideal way to protect the products being transported from movement or damage. The most popular fillers are paper airbags, polystyrene chips, bubble wrap. A good filler cushions the shipment for about 5 cm between the carton wall and the contents.

Reusable, flexible polystyrene chips are a fairly lightweight filler, made from foamed polystyrene ESP. They are characterised by their resistance to moisture and tensile, crushing strength. They are great shock absorbers that absorb pressure, shock, pressure on the parcel. Polystyrene chips are particularly suitable for securing irregularly shaped items.

An alternative is S-shaped polystyrene fillers, which tightly fill the space between the packed item and the carton. They are distinguished by similar properties to the previous type. Such fillers are most often used to protect fragile and delicate items.

Air cushions are distinctive bags, filled with compressed air. They are environmentally friendly, biodegradable – made from recycled paper. They are an ideal substitute for foil air bags, which have similar properties (good cushioning, pressure and shock absorption, parcel stabilisation).

How to pack parcels safely? Basic guidelines

Each type of item is secured slightly differently in parcels. Delicate products should be surrounded by bubble wrap several times. This will prevent possible mechanical damage and moisture. If there are several fragile glass items in a carton, it is best to deal with each one separately. Use bubble wrap, fillers and warning labels to indicate that the item is extremely fragile (e.g. the classic “FRAGILE”, “GLASS” sticker ). Every valuable, fragile item should be immobilised.

If you are dealing with heavy, large products, use polystyrene blocks, through which you surround the products on all sides (it is especially important to protect sharp edges). Soft packaging materials (e.g. paper swabs, bubble wrap) are of little use here – they will not protect the heavy interior.

If you have to deliver a parcel with sharp objects, be sure to use special protectors for pointed corners.

How do I pack shipments of bottles and artwork safely? A few steps

Shipping liquid or fragile bottles is done slightly differently. Place each one in a waterproof, fully sealed bag. This will protect the contents from damage if any of the glass and oblong packaging accidentally breaks during transport. The bags are also a safeguard for the courier, who will not come into direct contact with the glass after a broken bottle.

How can shipments of sensitive products (e.g. electronics, artwork) be packed safely? Here, the situation is slightly different. Each item to be shipped should be placed in specially dedicated boxes, such as a Fix box.

How do I pack packages? Strapping tapes and dispensers as essentials

Packaging tapes and disp ensers are very important accessories when securing a consignment. They should be selected according to the size, weight, size of the parcel, as well as the conditions of transport, type of packaging.

The RAJA shop has no shortage of packaging accessories – parcel fillers, labels, cardboard boxes of various sizes and weights, as well as distinctive adhesive tapes and dispensers.

How do you complete a shipping label?

The shipping label mainly contains information about the recipient. Basic messages and contact details should be included there, such as:

• destination country
• addressee’s name, possibly the name of the company to which the parcel is being sent,
• addressee’s address (street, house number, postal code, city),
• e-mail address and telephone number of the addressee.

The shipping label should be placed in a clearly visible and legible position on the widest side of the box and in the top right corner. Such paper is adhered with (preferably transparent) adhesive tape. It is important that you do not inadvertently cover the addressee’s barcode – then it may not be scanned correctly during the sorting process, which will cause problems with package delivery.