How to Choose the Right Packing Supplies for Fragile Items

Fragile items require extra padding and protection to ensure they arrive undamaged. Whether you’re shipping glass makeup tubes or fine chinawares, some tips can help protect your products.

When packing fragile items, it’s best to use foam sheets and bubble wrap from a reliable packing supplies company New York. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink can bleed and cause damage.

Boxes

When packing fragile items, the right boxes are essential. Ensure the box is properly sized and has a snug fit to prevent shifting during transit. Boxes should also be sturdy and marked as fragile to let shipping carriers and handlers know the package requires careful handling.

Consider using a corrugated insert to help strengthen the box. Foam inserts are a good option for packaging jars or bottles and provide cushioning without taking up too much space. For bulkier items, you can try bubble wrap or packing paper.

If you’re going green, biodegradable options like cornstarch or mushroom paper are great for fillers and dividers. They’re eco-friendly, cost-effective, and versatile, making them an excellent addition to your packing supplies.

Bubble Wrap

The first step when packing fragile items is to use bubble wrap that can easily be secured with packaging tape. Bubble wrap can protect delicate surfaces from scratches and is also a great way to fill space in the box for additional cushioning.

You’ll also need to make sure that you use good-quality packing tape when sealing your boxes. This can include plastic or paper tape, depending on your preferences and the type of product you’re shipping.

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A final thing to note is that it’s important to label your packages clearly when shipping fragile items. This can help ensure your package arrives safely and is treated with care. You can use a fragile stamp or add “FRAGILE” in big letters on all sides of the box. This will let the delivery company know that the item needs special handling. They’ll be more likely to take their time and be gentle when handling the package, ensuring it doesn’t break in transit.

Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts, also known as popcorn foams or packing noodles, is another form of standard loose-fill packaging and cushioning materials that can be used to protect fragile items. Like bubble wrap, they are effective at immobilizing the item in a box and restricting shifting that could damage the product during transit.

They are especially useful for oddly shaped items such as lamps, holiday figurines, and crystal vases that are difficult to pad tightly with paper or other packing materials. They can be paired with bubble wrap for optimal protection.

While some people may try substituting packing peanuts with old newspaper, this is not advisable because the newspaper is much thinner than typical packing paper, and the ink can bleed onto the item. Alternatively, you can use biodegradable packing peanuts crafted from corn starch and dissolved in water rather than petroleum-based polystyrene. These are a more eco-friendly option that is growing in popularity.

Packing Paper

When shipping fragile items, you need to pack them properly so that they can endure the bumps and bruises that might happen during transit. You can start by choosing a custom box 10-25% larger than the product. Line the box with packaging paper, green wrap, or 100% recycled ornament paper shred to protect its contents. Add void fill like Flexi-Hex air sleeves, green wrap, or loose-fill packing peanuts to keep the item secure and cushion it from shifting around in the box.

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It’s also important to label the package as fragile so that shipment handlers know to be gentle with it. Finally, use plastic or paper packing tape to seal the box so that it stays securely shut. You can combine packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and packing paper for a safe and professional-looking package that will give its recipient a great unboxing experience. It’s also eco-friendly, biodegradable, and available at most home improvement stores.