Packaging Supplies - What Are The Different Packaging Supplies & Materials
What are Packaging Supplies?
When people talk about packaging, what usually comes to mind are boxes and envelopes. While both products play an important role in sending out letters and packages, there are a lot more factors involved. Packaging supplies are everything and anything that help secure your products and ensure they safely reach their destination. These can be packaging materials inside boxes such as packaging peanuts, gummed tape to seal boxes, or bubble wrap for exterior protection.
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Mailer Boxes |
Shipping Boxes |
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Packaging Materials To Go With Your Boxes
After picking the right box to use, you’ll need to package, seal, and protect the items while in transit, in storage, or both. You also have to determine what kind of packaging materials your product calls for. Is it fragile? Is it perishable? Will the postal service be handling the delivery or will your customer pick it up themselves? Answering these questions gives you a better glimpse of the supplies and materials you need. Every one of these have their own distinct advantages. Select one that fits your needs best.
Cushioning materials – These are used to protect your products while inside a box.
- Bubble wrap – Best used for fragile and odd-shaped products
- Packing peanuts - Lightweight cushioning option that prevents shifting while in transit. For an eco-friendly alternative, opt for biodegradable starch peanuts.
- Foam sheets – Add protective cushioning to off-size items but also add bulk to your packaging.
- Air pillows - Lightweight and cost-effective way to provide cushioning, especially for big items.
- Shredded paper – An eco-friendly alternative to the other cushioning materials. You can use recycled paper to minimize cost.
Tapes - Once your products are safe and snug inside their custom boxes, you need to seal them for safety.
- Packaging tape – Heavy duty packaging tape works best for general purposes.
- Filament tape – This kind of tape is reinforced with fiberglass strands for added strength and protection.
- Gummed packaging tape - Water activated tape is extremely strong and durable. Bonds with carton material.
- Tamper-evident tape – This tape has a security feature that shows if your package has been tampered with.