Protective packaging is a must have when shipping any product, but with so many options available which one do you use? We’ve unpacked everything you need to know about protective packaging to help get your products safely from A to B.
Protective packaging put simply, is a packing material used to protect your products from damages during transit, handling, and storage. It’s an essential part of any packaging solution because replacements are expensive and damaged products lead to waste, increasing our impact on landfill — it’s also not a great customer experience.
What should you consider before choosing a solution?
So, you’re ready to find the solution that will protect your products in transit, but you’re unsure where to start? Well, before you go all-in on choosing a solution, you should ask yourself five questions.
What are you protecting your products against?
Consider what your product is and how it handles to ensure you find the most suitable solution. For example, is it fragile but heavy, does it scratch easily, or does it need to stay cold? Asking yourself these questions can help you pick a solution that is both effective but not excessive.
Where is your product going?
How far do you intend on shipping your packages? Will it only be within your state, across the country, or across the globe? Longer journeys will endure more handling and will benefit from a more rugged protective packaging solution.
How much storage space do you have available?
Packaging can require a lot of storage space, particularly protective packaging such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts. So, when choosing a solution, it’s important to consider how much space you have available to store your protective packaging as well as the minimum order quantity (MOQ) from your supplier.
How important is the ‘unboxing experience’ to your customers?
The ‘unboxing experience’ is quickly becoming an essential for B2C eCommerce businesses. Especially with 40% of customers regularly posting interesting packaging or unboxing videos on social media and over 90,000 people typing ‘unboxing’ into YouTube each month. Visit our eCommerce page for some tips and tricks to enhance your unboxing experience!
Is sustainability a priority?
In 2018, over 5 million tonnes of packaging was used in Australia and only half was recycled. Using sustainable packaging where you can, is one of the best ways to improve this statistic and reduce our impact on landfill.
On top of that, sustainability is becoming more important to consumers. In fact, 74% of consumers are willing to pay more for a product with sustainable packaging. So, where possible choose recyclable, reusable, or compostable solutions. Visit our eco-friendly page to learn more about our sustainable packaging solutions.
In addition to the questions above, when choosing a protective packaging solution you need to find the right balance for it to be a cost-effective investment. You want to be able to use as little as possible while still being effective and avoid over-packaging, as it can sometimes end up costing you more than it saves you in damaged goods.
What are the different types of protective packaging?
When it comes to protective packaging there are many options available, and Signet, are continually innovating to provide new solutions for online retailers. In the eCommerce space, there are five different types of protective packaging solutions based on the type of protection you’re after.
Surface protection
Do you need to protect from aesthetic product damage such as scratching or scuffing, or just trying to keep your products clean from dust and debris during transit? Then a surface protection product is what you’re looking for.
This is a lightweight protective solution that typically comes in the form of a ridged paper to wrap the product and ensure it stays looking like new for your customers.
Seed gifting business, Sow ‘n Sow use Signet’s Own Kraft Wrapping Paper as surface protection for their online orders, adorned with a Sow ‘n Sow sticker and have achieved a 100% plastic-free packaging solution.
If you're looking for surface protection, Signet recommends Kraft Wrapping Paper, Newswrap, and Tissue Paper.
Protective wrap
A protective wrap product is one of the most common protective packaging solutions. It’s designed to be wrapped around fragile products and provides cushioning and padding from knocks and drops. You would find this product in the form of Bubble Wrap or its eco-friendly alter ego, Geami. Geami is a die-cut kraft paper that expands to form a protective 3D honeycomb structure which provides the same cushioning characteristics of Bubble Wrap, without the plastic.
Natural animal health business, Shy Tiger saved 92% on packaging costs and eliminated transit damages by protecting their glass bottles with Geami.
If you're looking for a protective wrap, Signet recommends Ranpak Geami Exbox Mini for small order volumes, Geami WrapPak for larger order volumes and Bubble Wrap for your traditional protective packaging.
Void Fill
As the name suggests, Void Fill is the solution to fill any voids in shipping cartons or mailing boxes and prevent items from moving around in the box while in transit. Some common void fill materials are kraft wrapping paper, BioFill packing peanuts and Air Pillows.
Naked Harvest, an all-natural supplements company, introduced FillPak as their void filling solution and managed to increase their order volume by reducing packing times by 25%.
If you're looking for void fill, Signet recommends Kraft Wrapping Paper and Newswrap for smaller order volumes and BioFill, Ranpak FillPak TT and FillAir Air Pillows for larger order volumes.
Padding/Cushioning
Sometimes when you’re dealing with heavier fragile items you need to bring in big guns. Padding and cushioning products sit in and around heavier, fragile items to prevent breakages in transit. This is typically used for products such as automotive parts, ceramics, and larger electronics.
Bespoke ceramics boutique, Winterwares, eliminated transit damages and cut their cardboard usage by 50% through implementing Signet’s highly protective cushioning solution, PadPak.
If you're looking for protective padding, Signet recommends Ranpak PadPak, Poly Foam, and Instapak.
Insulation
Protective packaging in the cold chain industry is imperative. If it’s insufficient, you risk food spoiling and creating waste or putting consumers’ health at risk. To ensure temperature control it’s important to use an insulative packaging material such as foil insulated bubble.
Boutique chocolatier, Little Cocoa, switched to Signet’s Own Foil Insulated Mailer Bags to preserve their product quality during transit and have since had zero non-compliance reports.
If you're looking for cold chain protective packaging, Signet recommends Foil insulated Carton Liners, Mailers and Bubble Wrap, which can be used in conjunction with Signet's Own Cold Gel Packs.
If you're shipping or even storing products, protective packaging is a necessity and having the right solution can help you eliminate damages, reduce costs and improve your customer experience.
Get started today and shop our range of protective packaging solutions. Still unsure? Our customer service team can help you find the right product to fit your needs. Call 13 7446, email sales@signet.net.au, or Live Chat with us at www.signet.net.au.
