Whether you’re sending a product or a homemade item, you want to make sure it gets where it needs to be safely and correctly. At Tripak we don’t want you to put a lot of effort into your item for it to be damaged once it is received, which is why we wanted to talk to you about some of our dos and don’ts for packaging.
As your parcel makes its journey, it will be surrounded by thousands more, passing across a lot of machinery and it may even have products stacked on top of it which is why it needs to be prepared!
Packaging Dos:
- Just use a simple cardboard box to pack your item safely.
- Make sure to choose a box that is just the right size, so there isn’t much space between the item and the side of the box.
- Use enough cushioning to protect your item.
- It is important that your item doesn’t touch the side of the box.
- Seal the box with reinforced paper tape.
- Finally remove any old parcel labels.
Packaging Don’ts:
- Make sure you don’t use a box that is old, worn out or already damaged.
- Ship any prohibited or restricted items.
Choosing the Correct Box
Even if you follow these tips, they won’t work if you don’t choose the right box. Boxes come in all shapes and sizes, which is why they’re the most popular and suitable type of packaging for sending items safely - here are some tips to make sure you get the correct one:
- Wooden boxes are great for providing solid protection, but make sure that the corners are well protected, and the box hasn’t splintered.
- If you’re sending heavier items, use heavy-duty double-layered cardboard.
- Try to avoid using tubes and cylinders, as these can roll around, increasing the risk of damage.
The Importance of Protection
After choosing the right box for your item, you need to make sure that your item is protected from the inside as well, therefore choosing the right cushioning is also very important - here are some tips to help:
- You want to make sure that there is a small space of roughly 5cm between your item and the sides of the box.
- You don’t have to use any special kind of cushioning, you can use all kinds of everyday materials, from bubble wrap to scrunched up newspaper, as long as it absorbs the shock or movement in transit.
- If you’re sending liquid containers, they need to be sealed securely to prevent leaks during transit. Make sure to wrap the container in impermeable material, surrounded by absorbent material.
- When sending multiple items make sure to separate them with cushioning materials to make sure they don’t clatter against each other.
Before you can send your item, you need to make sure that it is sealed correctly. Don’t use any string around the edge of the box, as it is possible that string can cut through the package and damage the parcel. We recommend that if you’re using reinforced paper tape, use two strips to seal the box and to overlap the end of the box by 8cm. However, if you’re using standard adhesive tape, seal the box using 6 strips.
We want to make sure you use the best possible solutions when sending out your parcels, which is why we provide bespoke solutions, from stretch wrapping to edge protection and palette hoods. We also provide risk audits for any customer looking for that extra piece of mind.
If you need any help or advice on what product to use when sending out items, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we would be happy to help!