What kind of protective packaging supplies should you be using?

How do you know if you are you using the most effective and efficient protective packaging for your product? 

Learn the differences between all the important protective packaging solutions, and how and when to use each one in our guide. 

What are the different types of Protective Packaging?

We've pulled together this helpful guide on the main types of protective packaging materials on the market today to introduce the range of options available, and help you identify the right solution for your packaged product.

1. Loose fill

Loose void fill products are primarily for using as the name implies, for filling larger voids in packages where the product is significantly smaller than the box or there are multiple products to be packaged together in one box. While it holds some protective properties it is not designed ultimately for product protection and still allows for a degree of movement and migration within the box and so is best used with products that are not very fragile or easily broken or damaged.

The main types of void fill are:

• Polystyrene or EPS chips or 'peanuts'
• Starch or Biodegradable Loosefill

These products are relatively cheap, extremely lightweight and can work well for irregularly shaped products.

2. Paper voidfill

Crumpled Kraft paper can be used as both a void fill and as protective packaging product for light to medium weight non fragile items. The level of protection varies with the weight of paper used and how it is crumpled.

This is more environmentally friendly than its plastic alternatives. It is versatile and uses less space than the Loosefill mentioned before.

3. Cardboard

Shredded corrugated card is another product like paper that can be used as both void fill and for its shock absorbent protective qualities again on light to medium weighted products that are not too fragile. The added benefit of this though is that it can be made out of your own cardboard waste packaging! Making it a super environmentally friendly option.

There are a variety of cardboard shredders on the market that vary based on the type of void fill properties you want and the amount of cardboard you want to process. While they will make up their cost in not having to purchase materials it would be wise to choose an energy efficient one to maximise on its environmental benefits.

4. Bubble wrap

Is probably one of the best known protective packaging materials and much loved for its therapeutic benefits of bubble popping. It is still widely used as it provides a versatile cushioning with high shock absorbing qualities. Smaller 10mm bubble wrap is good for smaller product wrapping while 20/25mm bubble wrap is more suitable to larger products.

The benefits of using bubble wrap include its versatility, and the fact that it can be used to wrap a variety of different sized and shaped products and it's clean and lightweight. 

5. Air Bag cushioning

Inflatable airbags use air pressure to secure and 'brace' the products inside their containers they are extremely shock resistant and usually puncture resistant. There are many different types of inflatable airbags on the market making them equally versatile however as they are usually inflated at the site of packaging they use less space in storage than their bubbly brothers. It is also a relatively cost effective solution and generally uses less material than bubble wrap.

6. Polyethylene Foam sheeting

It is a very versatile wrapping solution it is also very soft providing excellent surface protection. It is very suitable for wrapping very lightweight products however due to the sheet like property and the need for proper wrapping it is quite a labour intensive option making it less cost effective however there are instances where only this polyethylene sheeting will do.

7. Block and brace packaging

Block and brace packaging works by preventing an item from moving from the centre of the box therefore protecting it on all sides from any direct impact this is the preferred packaging solution for high tech, valuable or heavyweight products. The material used for block and brace vary immensely and will differ for different products and affect the protective capabilities of the packaging.

Types of Block and brace packaging include;

• EPS (polystyrene) inserts, mouldable, lightweight, low cost but can crack and not as resilient as some others, disposal issues, design cost for each product.
• Polyethylene foam inserts, low density Cell foam, is a more expensive option. But provides superior shock absorbing and vibration protection good for high value and fragile items.
• Moulded pulp, made from 100% recycled paper it is durable, flexible and environmentally friendly.

8. Impact Indicators

Visible and connected impact labels are used throughout the supply chain to deter and detect damage through impact, tilt and temperature. Our new product range has the monitor you need to detect, or even prevent, costly damage to shipments and equipment. The indicators we have available include:

• ShockWatch 2: The ShockWatch 2 can be used to indicate whether fragile products have been dropped during transit or in storage. If the product has been mishandled, the ShockWatch will turn red in the middle section, which will mean further inspection is needed.
• ShockWatch RFID: Deters, detects, and diagnoses damage throughout the supply chain through a UHF RFID tag that can communicate an impact to an RFID reader without the need for visual inspection.
• TiltWatch XTR: A single use tip indicator used to monitor goods that must remain upright. It can be used to provide evidence of mishandling if tipping occurs during shipment. The TiltWatch has a greater than 80° tilt detection, is tamper proof, and will not activate under normal handling.
• TiltWatch Plus: Indicates whether there has been a tilt to the left or to the right, the degree of the tilt, or if a complete overturn has occurred. 
  
  

Wholesale packaging supplies from Swiftpak

Swiftpak is a packaging supply company with over 30 years experience in choosing the right packaging supplies if you are looking to improve your packaging operation or need advice on the right packaging supplies for your products, please get in touch with our packaging experts and we will be happy to advise.