You might not realise just how many challenges your parcels can face on their journey to your customer. Packages can get knocked, stacked carelessly, left in damp storage facilities and subjected to a lot of vibration along the way. That’s why getting the cardboard packaging design right from the very beginning is the best way to keep products safe from damage.
Choose a Snug Box Size
Make sure there is enough room for products to be cushioned within boxes. Aim for a minimum of 1 inch clearance around each item, filling any excess space with suitable void fill or packaging materials. Also, ensure that the packaging is of a suitable size, avoiding the use of over-sized boxes that are prone to collapse.
Add Internal Fitments for Impact
Dividers, corner pads and foam inserts can be used to protect individual products from impact. These are usually die-cut to size by your cardboard packaging supplier and hold products such as glass, ceramics and goods with protrusions firmly in place within the main box.
Check the Stacking Strength Rating
Many parcels will be stacked on top of one another within a warehouse or a van. It is crucial to ensure the packing case has a sufficient box compression test (BCT) rating for the intended stacking height, and taking into account the total weight that will be on top of the packing case. Large or heavy products would benefit from a packing case made from double-wall board for added strength.
Consider Moisture-Resistant Treatment
Standard boxes are prone to deterioration in damp conditions. Such conditions are not uncommon for deliveries travelling in unheated vans or loading bays. This will enable them to maintain their strength during wet-weather delivery runs. For cardboard packaging with protective treatments, //capscases.co.uk/services-2/sustainable-cardboard-packaging offer a range of sustainable cardboard packaging solutions.
Use Clear Handling Labels
Fragile stickers and orientation arrows on boxes can make a big difference to how a parcel is handled. By placing them on at least two sides of the box they will be visible regardless of how it is stacked. And make sure that the print is large enough so that it can be read quickly.
A little thought at the specification stage can go a long way to preventing unnecessary damage claims.