Four ways to protect fragile items in transit
We all know how it goes. You finally click ‘buy’ on an item that’s been in your online basket for weeks. You’ve opted for super quick delivery (because we’re all much more impatient than we’d care to admit) and the day finally comes when you can hold the purchase in your hands. But when you open the box…disaster. It’s broken.
Product breakages happen, it’s a fact of life. But it costs time and money to replace damaged products, and has an impact on the supply of saleable goods. It also leaves customers with the disappointment of receiving broken items.
To protect fragile items in transit, such as bottles, glassware and crockery, requires packaging that provides cushioning but retains its shape during shipment. This will ensure your product can survive multiple impacts throughout its journey.
If you’re thinking of selling fragile items online or already stock a large selection of delicate goods, below are some examples of protective packaging that can help save your product from turning into a shattering headache.
From teapots to champagne flutes
Geami WrapPak® is an excellent way to protect fragile items in transit. It’s 3D honeycomb outer paper interlocks to secure the wrapping, and provides cushioning that retains memory and absorbs multiple shocks. As it’s light and flexible, it gives you the ability to mould the paper around irregular shaped items – like handles and spouts on a teapot for example, and multiple pieces can be packed into the same box. Lining your box with additional cushioning (with a large bubble wrap or an on demand product like New Air I.B. quilt) will provide a very high level of shock protection.
Drop resistant suspension
For the shipment of individual items, Korrvu® packaging uses two layers of highly resilient film to suspend items in the box. This provides consistent protection, even after repeated drops. A range is also available to ship bottles, either individually or up to three at a time. A pack specifically designed for the shipment of spirits has been created in partnership with UPS, certifying the safe delivery of your product. Should you experience damage in transit, UPS will pay for the damage claim*.
Using Air to protect…anything
Inflatable packaging solutions, like Airsac, mould themselves around your items to provide maximum protection and absorb multiple shocks. These nifty bags protect wine, champagne, beer, pharmacy bottles, jars and electrical goods and come in a wide range of sizes. They are also ideal for protecting mugs, vases, ornaments, glassware, lamp bases, camera lenses, crystal balls… The list is virtually endless. Simply inflate them on demand and they are ready to use in seconds.
Going plastic free
Flexi-Hex® is a plastic free, biodegradable concertina style honeycomb protector ideal for bottles or items with a similar profile. Simply stretch the honeycomb shroud and slide it over the product you need to protect, then pack into an outer box.
If you need help finding the right packaging for your fragile products, Macfarlane Packaging are here to help. Why not contact us today?
*Subject UPS’s Standard Terms and Conditions and successful account set up process for alcohol shippers.