Types of Protective Packaging for Shipping

Items are shipped out every single day all over the world. They are carried from place to place in parcels or packages, but these containers themselves are not considered protective packaging. Protective packaging refers to materials specifically designed to shield shipped items from physical damage. During the shipping process, packages are often dropped, mishandled, and moved from place to place. As such, there are many instances where packages could be subject to damage. Protective packaging materials for shipping are used to ensure that damage is kept to a minimum, if not eliminated entirely. The most common types of protective packaging are packing peanuts, padded divider sets, bubble bags, packaging foam, and packing paper. Let's take a look at each.

Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts, also known as foam peanuts, are a common type of protective packaging. While they are a foam-based product, they are technically made from Styrofoam and therefore differ from other foam products. They resemble a peanut shell and are similar in size, hence their name. Packing peanuts are included with items in bunches, primarily serving as filler to protect fragile items from moving around in a package. Packing peanuts make use of empty space and closely surround the items they protect by creating a cushioning effect. Packing peanuts can also be used for holding nails in place, in addition to other unique applications.

Padded Divider Sets

Padded divider sets are padded, compartmentalized boxes used to organize and protect items being shipped. They consist of a padded surface over their entire bodies and extra padded covers for added protection. They come in many sizes, but are best tailored to holding smaller objects. Padded divider sets offer optimal protection when mailing out multiple items, dividing them between small walls or three-dimensional compartments. They help ship incompatible items in one package, allowing you to avoid having to ship items separately.

Bubble Bags

Bubble bags, or bubble wrap bags, are a type of packaging made of bubble wrap. Bubble wrap comes in many forms, but bags are the most common. Bubble bags are a bag-like formation made of continuous air-filled sacs that cushion items wrapped in it. Folder-shaped bubble bags feature an adhesive strip to make mailing easier and offer the dual benefit of protection and packaging. The small bubbles take significant pressure to pop, helping keep the items they protect safe.

Packaging Foam

Packaging foam is the most prominent packaging category, comprising a broad range of products that can be cut or shaped into whatever form is needed. It tends to be denser and larger than packing peanuts, meaning items encased in packaging foam are better protected. There is no definitive shape for packaging foam, though common shapes include sheets, sponge rolls, foam rolls, and egg crates. Packaging foam is measured by firmness. It has a diverse makeup, meaning there is rarely one standard material.

Packing Paper

Packing paper is a specialized paper used for protection. It is much denser and sturdier than normal paper, coming in forms such as butcher paper, kraft paper, and others. It was originally created for storing meat and fish, but is now used to protect a wide array of packaged goods. Packing paper is used in tandem with tape or another type of adhesive to ensure it remains in place.

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1. jacob miller
2. Posted on April 27, 2021
packaging and shipping products