3 Best Ways to Protect your Packages

There are many misconceptions about the best ways to keep your packages safe during transit and no, the answer is not more bubble wrap. Inefficient packaging is the main culprit of an overabundance of packaging waste. Many of these inefficient packaging include styrofoam which is not recyclable and ends up in landfills. Here are 3 of the best and most responsible ways to protect your packages.

1. Proper Sizing

Bubble wrap and other cushioning materials are great to help keep your packaging safe, but it also increases the cost of shipping. Reducing the use of void fillers will reduce the size of the package which then decreases the shipping costs. RJ Rose our friendly neighborhood FedEx delivery man says his best tip would be to make sure the item is actually snug...the less the packaging moves the higher chance it won't die. This is all easily achievable with custom sizing.

"Protective packaging is crucial to the integrity of your products arriving safely or in multiple pieces." ~ Brian MacMillan, Yebo Packaging Specialist    

2. A Sharpie Pen or Fragile Sticker

It may seem like the simplest thing to do but identifying the package as containing fragile items is a very important way to keep it safe. That way couriers are able to be mindful of how the package is carried. A common misconception is your local mailman is rough with packages, but most packages break in the distribution centers before they make it onto your local courier's truck. Of course, not all mail couriers are careful with your package so make sure your box says fragile if you are concerned about the contents breaking.

3. The Right Protective Insert Material

The most important way to secure your product safety is by choosing the right material. From double wall corrugated to folding carton, it's important to know the difference. Also, understanding which materials to mix and match can drastically change the structural integrity. With so many options it can be hard to navigate through it all but here’s our guide to choosing the right protective packaging insert and partition materials.

INSERTS

Inserts are a dynamic way to display and protect products. Custom designed inserts offer the ideal unboxing experience and the highest level of protection. We are able to design inserts using the same material your box is made of or other alternatives like foam. Determining the right material for your insert is important to ensure the integrity of the product arrives safely.

Cardboard/Corrugated

Economical and lightweight, corrugated material is the most commonly used material for shipping packaging. Adding additional stability to packaging it's able to handle even the most strenuous of travel all while protecting the most fragile of items. Due to its high converting speed, this makes it great for quick project turnaround. Able to be printed on, cut, glued, and laminated. It’s also recyclable for easy and responsible disposal.

Folding Carton

Folding Carton is made out of paperboard and is our most popular option. It's the most economical insert and flexible material. It can be printed on, laminated, cut, folded, and glued efficiently. Frequently used for less bulky packaging that is ideal for retail shelves. Its customizable flexibility and allows for embossing, foil stamping, and textures. A folded carton elegantly displays the product in its packaging entices consumers to purchase and projecting a higher product value.

Chipboard

Chipboard is cardboard's closest relative and not to be confused for corrugated. Unlike what its name implies, it is not made from wood, but usually recycled paper. Do not let the thought of a recycled paper insert deter you from this underutilized material. It is great for oddly shaped items that will require intricately designed inserts, also when combined together it can form a strong material.

Foam

For maximum durability look no further than our foam. The natural cushioning is ideal for the most delicate of products during transportation. Attaching a felt, velvet, or printed top to the foam adds the grandeur of the unboxing experience.

Rigid

As its name suggests this is a sturdy material. Providing products with a sleek and sophisticated look makes it a favorite material for high-end brands, like Apple and Louis Vuitton. Owing to the fact that it’s a wide array of customizable features from board color to textural lining, this material also allows for the best unboxing experience. Options like magnetic closures aren't available with any other material.

PARTITIONS

Have a product you need to ship, but also keep the product from rubbing against each other's fancy label or damaging each other's finish. We make partition sets both assembled and in the case of cardboard partitions in short and long partition legs that need to be assembled. Assembled partition sets can be made in many different chipboard thicknesses and colors. Decorative partitions are just as important as ones made only for protection.

Cardboard/Corrugated

Corrugated partitions enable the highest level of protection for packages. They also increase the crush and stacking strength of the box by strengthening its internal structure. By adding this partition, it allows for products to not require individual protective wrapping. Partitions using corrugated board, are quick and easy to assemble and then place inside the box it is intended for.

Chipboard

Plain brown chip is the least expensive partition material and is more visually appealing. It is a thinner material than corrugated yet it is perfect for a shipping protection application. It allows for more product to be placed in the package.

About the Yebo Group

YEBO! is a custom box and packaging company located in Orange County that services a broad spectrum of manufacturing, distributing, and marketing companies. In fact, we've serviced clients from local start-ups to global brands. We've made this a hallmark of our success by partnering with our clients. Simply put, we're not just a vendor but a qualified extension of your marketing team. To learn more about custom protective packaging, call (800) 356-0267 or email info@yebogroup.com.