The Science of Packaging Cushioning
Packaging cushioning can be a great thing. But sometimes, too much can happen. Cushioning of packaging can be a bit of a challenge, as it can help with shock absorption. However, too much is viewed as wasteful. You do need packaging cushioning. With this, you’ll be able to rustle the packaging about, in order to keep it safe. Think of it like a foam insert that will help with ensuring that the packaging stays all in one place. Doing so can be a bit of a challenge, especially for a lot of people. Shock absorption is a big thing as well. It will help reduce the jostles and shocks, making it a big problem for those who are shipping to places where the packages are not treated as nicely. The best thing for you to do with such packaging, is to make sure that it gets to the customer in one piece. And, with the right void fill, you make that and so much more happen.
The common Mistakes with Void Fill
Void fill offers a lot of common mistakes. Some of these might be easy to spot. Overstuffing is one of them. this is where packaging has the void fill sticking in there far too much, and by stuffing it, it becomes a problem, as it’s all pushed in together. Again, with this, it can sometimes be a little bit hard for people to open it, and it looks incredibly wasteful. On the flip side, you have under-padding. This is where you don’t put enough padding in. this can include padding of the packaging in a manner where it’s easy to hold it, but not enough to protect it. or maybe, the padding isn’t fitting for the environment it’s going into. Both of these result in major issues with the cushioning, and sometimes, finding that right middle ground is the real challenge.
The Different Void Fill Types
You have a variety of different void fill types for you to choose from. Bubble wrap wraps around the item. It tends to be good for items that need the sides to be protected, gut it is a little bit limited. There’s also foam inserts, which are inserts made of foam, placed directly into the item. Again, with this, it tends to weigh a bit more and be seen as a little more wasteful, but a lot of people like this one, simply because foam is strong and it offers extra cushioning. Finally, you have corrugated dividers. These are good for multiple items, separating them, to make it better.
The Use of Smart Sensors
Some companies are also using smart sensors. These are sensors that will tell you if something is banged or jostled, and again, it can be used to help with protection of such packaging. It can measure the impact, so that if you have something messed up, it can be optimized and changed so it won’t be affected during shipping.
How to Optimize the Packaging without Increasing Weight
The best thing to do, is to optimize the packaging so it fits the same dimensions. Using foam is good because it models into the item. Bear in mind, however, that it is not as ecofriendly. However, there are biodegradable foams that will play a part. With a lot of corrugated dividers and the like, adding a little bit of cushion such as paper and the like might also work. Overall, assess how customers like the packaging, and make decisions based on their feedback, in order to foster the ultimate success of the packaging incentive.
Weatherproofing Packaging for Outdoor Deliveries
Making your packaging weatherproof is a great idea. Not just because it’s strong, but also, if the elements get to it, the items won’t be hindered due to rain and humidity. What are the best ways to weatherproof your packaging so that it sticks around for the long haul? Read on to find out.
Poly Bags
They’re simple, strong, and the ultimate moisture barrier, poly bags will do the job and then some. In many climates, especially those with rain and humidity, it could be the solution that you need to protect all your items.Some people put the items inside the poly bags and ship them. While valid, there’s another solution too.
Pairing with Corrugation
Corruption is strong. Many times as well, these boxes are also given a waterproof and weatherproof covering, whether in the form of tape, a varnish, or something else. With a corrugated box over a poly bag, it offers adequate protection against the elements. For many of these packages, they’re doubly covered, and it makes the protective elements so much better. For those who are shipping to far, humid, and wet climates, this type of packaging paired with a box, offers the best and strongest protection out there.
The Right Thickness Matters
Choosing the ideal thickness is important. That’s because, you want to make sure you have a box that’s thick for the journey. If it’s going to be tossed around on a plane or rocked on a ship, it should use a thicker box. For those that are using drone deliveries, also consider the type of box that you use for that too, thick but also small, so it fits on their hands. Sealing methods also play a part in this. hot wax seals tend to hold. You might want to shy away from water-based tapes, because they will break down if things get wet. A soy based tape or something stronger tends to be the ultimate in sealing methods, making it some of the best for an outdoor delivery.
What industries use this?
A lot of industries that ship items to outdoor locations use this. Another, is electronics that are going across the world. If you’re crossing a water barrier, going over mountains, or moving to other locales, the right waterproofing strategies will make it shine.
Having the proper weather-resistant packaging isn’t just a good suggestion, it’s essential. And, with this, you’ll be able to protect your deliveries wherever they go.
Is it worth the money?
A big question with this is money. These items cost a lot, and in many cases, a couple of companies might not be able to buy the big, fancy packaging pieces. But here’s the truth—if you buy it now, you’ll protect the items. In the event of a weather-related packaging situation, you won’t have to worry about replacing it. You also don’t have to worry about angry customers clamoring for you to get their items to them. If it’s traveling great distances, it’s better to bite the bullet and buy the expensive weatherproofing packaging strategies. Now, if you’re local and shipping to areas around that are wet and humid, getting some protection is good. You might not be able to buy all of it right away, but a little goes a long way. All in all, weatherproofing your packaging for outdoor delivery is a solution, and if you want your packaging to stay intact, even if the weather deems otherwise, then it’s time for you to bite the bullet and start to weatherproof your packaging today for great results for your loyal customers.
How to Close the Loop on Packaging Waste with End of Life Solutions
Many times, we think about the item, preparing it, and then shipping it out. But one thing that we don’t think about enough is the end-of-life circumstances. How we’re going to close the loop and put the items back in. Poly mailers are one example of this. used ones, especially at the end of it all, tend to get thrown out. If there’s plastic inside, it makes it even harder. Unlike boxes and other recyclables, these are kind of hard to recycle, but there are a few ways to make this work, and here, we’ll look at new ways to close the loop, and overall reduce such packaging waste.
Make it Recyclable
Or biodegradable. With poly mailers, there are recyclable ones, made from paper and only paper, with ecofriendly adhesives that many companies pride. But, some are now turning to poly bags. These are bags made with a bioplastic to them, and they’re good for shipping, receipts, and then later on recycling this. using this, especially tossing it after, will enhance the experience, and make it better for you. Overall, if you’re wondering if there is a simple solution, this is one of the best ways, and a simple way to change the operating basis.
Encourage customers
Try to encourage customers to be ecofriendly and reduce their waste. Get them to recycle, and tell them that they can compost or recycle their poly bags and mailers. If you have a lot of customers that don’t do this already, then your best solution is to offer incentives. Whether financial, coupons, or other incentives, incorporating all of this will help to return the packaging, making it better, stronger, and more efficient. Your customer incentives play a part. So, make sure you’ve got them in place when closing the loop.
Get industry People Involved
Did you know that you can get industry people involved with recycling? Some brands are turning to influencers and other marketable people to help encourage recycling of such packaging. The result of this: improving recycling infrastructure. It can be a great way to improve the system.
For many people, if they see an influencer or an industry leader recycling, they’ll start to do it too.
Some have even worked with many of the leaders to build facilities that will allow them to recycle better, make people happier, and improve the overall system of operations. When in doubt, look at ways to network and collaborate on this to help with closing the loop.
Does it Work?
Yes, it does. There are countless example sofa companies that changed from their plastic-riddled ways to something that’s more sustainable. It does take a little bit of time to get people on board. Not because they don’t want to, but because it can sometimes take some energy to really make it stand out. If you’re a company looking to influence your customers by doing this, then definitely look into using this.If you’re struggling, always consider reaching out to other brands. Work towards collaborations and opportunities. Educate your audience as well on the importance of using these recyclable means, rather than just tossing it away. You owe it to yourself to have the ideal packaging solutions in place that will shine, feel good, and make everyone happy. Try to today, and see for yourself the ongoing benefits of using this. When you do your part, you close the loop, especially with items. If you’re looking to stand out and succeed, try this today, and watch the results of your actions as they begin to happen today.