Businesses have a variety of packaging materials to choose from when shipping their products. This can be a blessing and a curse, as the options can be overwhelming, but it also means that businesses can find the perfect packaging material for each product. Some of the most popular packaging materials include cardboard, foam, and plastic. However, there are other materials available that businesses may not have considered before. For instance, have you used pallet wrap before? This is a great material for keeping a pallet of goods together and waterproof.
Here is a list of common materials in addition to pallet wrap that is used by businesses shipping goods. This can be across the water or inland.
Contents
Cardboard
Cardboard is an excellent packaging material for commercial shipping. It is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective, making it a go-to packaging option for many businesses. Not only that, but cardboard is also 100% recyclable, so businesses can rest assured knowing they are doing their part to protect the environment.
A cardboard box can also be flat-packed so that it can be stored easily and used again. So, it can have another purpose without needing to be thrown away afterward. This is in addition to the recycling approach in terms of its material.
Another good thing about cardboard boxes is that they can come in a range of sizes to suit different-sized products. As well, you can fit many products inside when the right inner packaging is used to protect them from knocking together and damaging each other. That would be the equivalent of an own goal and so something preventable.
Foam
Foam is another packaging option that businesses often turn to. The material has excellent shock-absorbing properties, meaning it can provide extra protection for goods in transit. It also comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, so businesses can find the perfect fit for their needs.
When it comes to shipping consumer electronics, especially fragile devices, the choice of packaging can be as critical as the product itself. Foam inserts and padding can be customized to snugly fit around delicate components, ensuring they arrive at their destination unscathed. Besides foam, you can read more here to learn more ways to safely package electronic devices.
Additionally, foam packaging is lightweight but still offers superior cushioning, making it a great packaging material. If you are looking for inner packaging, then foam is extremely useful to go inside a cardboard box. Anything that cushions is helpful in that respect.
Plastic
Plastic packaging is also commonly used for commercial shipping. It is lightweight, waterproof, and offers excellent insulation against extreme temperatures. Additionally, plastic packaging is typically more difficult to tamper with than other packaging materials, so businesses can rest assured knowing their goods are secure in transit.
Plastic packaging is also good for direct product to package contact. For instance, if you run a cannabis business, then you want to ensure that your product is placed in something secure and won’t affect the product. It’s important to note that some airtight packaging does not always block odors, but a handful of plastic-based packaging can be smell-proof, which is why it is used quite a lot.
If you want that extra protection, then plastic may be your way to go. There are, after all, plastic alternatives that can still think of the environment, as we will discover next.
Alternative packaging materials
In addition to the packaging materials mentioned above, businesses can also look into alternatives such as bioplastics and paper packaging. These packaging materials are environmentally friendly and offer unique advantages, such as being compostable or customisable. Additionally, these packaging materials are becoming increasingly popular due to their sustainability features.
All companies are now needing to think more about the environment. This is not just out of concern for the planet, but because their customers will be of this mind and so only want to use an eco-friendly company. This includes the packaging that the products come in as well as the products themselves. They come as a package as far as customers are considered.
When it comes to packaging goods for commercial shipping, businesses have various packaging materials available to choose from. From cardboard and foam to plastic and bioplastics, there is sure to be a packaging material that meets the needs of every business. Businesses should consider all of their options carefully before deciding to ensure they get the most effective packaging material for their products. For instance, if wanting to package many products together on a pallet, have you considered pallet wrap?
