Packaging Ideas to Protect Your Fragile Products

As a seasoned packaging and printing firm, we at ClipnBox understand every little detail required for fruitful packaging. This process does not involve wrapping an item in a cardboard box. Instead, it involves providing the appropriate fit, material, style, and internal design that protects the packaged item and delivers it safely to its final destination. Moreover, gone are the days when functionality was the only requirement of the customers. Today’s customers want a fusion of functionality and attraction. Thus, the packaging must be impressive enough to win their hearts and influence their family, friends, and acquaintances to opt for the same product.

In the current times, the packaging of a product does not just reflect the stature of the product’s parent company in the industry but also demonstrates the reputation of those buying it. We have significantly talked about adding to the appeals of the cardboard-based packaging boxes in different articles. This article will focus mainly on improving the security and the presentation of the boxes from the inside. Did you know that our boxes’ internal look so beautiful that our clients do not bother covering it? They use various transparent tools to cover these bases and provide this packaging style as open boxes to their customers.

The box interiors are created to look vivid using colorful fillers, which have many names in the industry. Some other terms used for them in the packaging and retail sectors include;

1. Box cushioning
2. Packaging filler
3. Shipping padding
4. Void fill, etc.

Let us discover what these are, why there is a need for these fillers, and what options are available to the packaging industry clients.

What are Box Fillers?

Box fillers will remain recognized as the stuffing inside the boxes, no matter which term is used to describe them. Because of this stuffing, which comes in various forms, the consignments, items, and versatile products reach their destination safely after damage-prone shipping and transits. Apart from providing protection, these tools have other tasks as well. They are readily used in corrugated shipping boxes to add to their ability to mitigate the effects of impacts. The current subscription or mailer boxes also use these fillers to give a unique look that helps them carve their name in the customers’ minds. There were limited options available for the void fillers in the past, but currently, several options are available for the packaging clients.

These fillers are selected based on their;

1. Practicality
2. Appeals
3. Expense
4. Sustainability, etc.

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We encourage our clients to reach out to us when they need these fillers for their packaging. Even if we might not have any of the options available to us, we at ClipnBox are capable enough to conveniently arrange them for our clients. Packaging is a passion for us, and we keep trying to improve ourselves with every order. We also offer void fillers in green material. Let us study the different fillers by their names. As we study these fillers we will also try to understand their impact on security, appearance, and the environment. We already know that;

1. Fillers are added to the empty spaces inside the packaging and shipping boxes to make the fit of the items more compact.
2. They take up the extra space to minimize bouncing and other impact effects.
3. Fillers add to the unboxing experience by making the package impressive.
4. They are now customizable via printing and packaging techniques to add branding elements.
5. Fillers offer an end-to-end brand experience for the customers, which helps them associate better with the products and the company.

So, let’s get started, but wait first, let us determine the conditions that require the packaging boxes to add fillers.

When do Custom Packaging Boxes Need Box Fillers?

During our discussion with our clients, we have realized that most of them believe that they need the box or void filler when their products are delicate or fragile. They think that fillers will help keep them safe. While it is true, safety is not the only task of the stuffing, as explained before.

We present to our clients how they can use these fillers to augment the visual appeal of their products. Not just this; we always ask our clients who manufacture or market items with sharp corners to make use of them. Most accidents happen when these items price even the sturdiest packaging.

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Our experience in this field has taught us that packaging must be safe for products and those handling and receiving it. Fillers fill up the space, adding an extra layer that makes it difficult for penetrating. Some other scenarios for box fillers include;

1. Weighty items
2. Multiple items packaging
3. Boxes that are too big for products, etc.

The Versatile Types of Box Fillers Available in the Markets

1. Packaging Paper

There are several varieties of packaging paper, and it is the most widely used type of filler in the packaging industry. It can be crimped up and scrunched easily to fill out the spaces in boxes. If the boxes are loose or too big, the packaging companies make paper balls to insert and make the fitting compact for the items. The items are wrapped using this paper for additional protection and then placed in packaging boxes like mirrors or photo frames. This filler is available in many sizes. For enhanced visual appeal, decorative styles ad wrapping techniques get the job done. Finishes accessories like dried decorative flowers and twines add to the spectacular attractions of the final look. The best salient feature of this filler type is its biodegradability and recyclability.

1. The cost of this filler type depends on;
2. Paper grade and thickness
3. Cushioning ability (texture and indentation, etc.)
4. Personalization, etc.

The different kinds of packaging paper include;

a) Newsprint

It is easy to crumple and ball up this paper type. It fills up the air pockets easily to keep the products safe during transit. It also offers a chic and modern finish when used as wrapping paper on items.

b) Kraft

This paper type is further categorized based on its thickness. It is used both as a product wrapping paper and as a filler. Most e-commerce business entities use it for packaging. The thinner Kraft packaging paper is more pliable and used for wrapping odd-shaped items. The thickest paper in this category is also postal approved, which makes it ideal for shipping. It is not easy to make balls from this paper, but it provides maximum strength to the packaging boxes.

c) Indented Kraft

The indentations of this paper add to its visual appeals. This paper type also provides a cushion to the products wrapped in it. In most cases, it is the perfect substitute for bubble wraps. Business companies looking for greener packaging solutions prefer it over bubble wraps. The bumps on this paper add a nostalgic look. There is a misconception that standard Kraft paper can provide 100 percent protection. It is not true that thicker or indented Kraft is more effective while using lesser material. As a result, many business entities find this paper type more pocket-friendly.

d) Bogus

This paper type is an amalgamation of Kraft and newsprint. It makes this paper type more pliable and absorbent. This paper is more effective than the simple Kraft paper and is perfect for packaging that requires moderate protection.

Packaging paper usage is widespread for;

1. Various sectors in apparel boxes, candle boxes, etc.
2. Adding a rustic look
3. Enhancing unboxing excitement
4. Encouraging green packaging solutions

2. Custom Box Internal Inserts

Customized box inserts are mostly cardboard-based. They come in standard cardboard and recycled cardboard material. These are considered a must for packaging when;

1. The packaged product has several accessories (e.g. mobile phones)
2. The packages product is a luxury product (e.g. jewelry)
3. Delicate products need packaging (e.g. glass-based items or fragile pottery, etc.)

The inserts are crafted when the cardboard is given specific shapes that can support or present the product to its best. These inserts stop the movement of the multiple items and accessories packaged inside the box altogether. Some consider them as a substitute for the box fillers, and others take them as a filler type.

3. Custom Tissue Paper

Whenever e-businesses or the brick and mortar businesses are looking for luxury packaging, they ensure to add this tissue paper type to their packaging in one way or another. They create a memorable unboxing experience. In some cases, the brands use fragrant tissue papers to enrich this experience for their customers. Most apparel companies layer the items with tissue papers to prevent wrinkling during transit when delivering them folded. Customizing the tissue paper is easy using the latest printing techniques, which print the branding elements, making it more visible. This technique is very effective in remaining on top of the minds of the customers.

Some brands that deliver locally and make conscious efforts to minimize packaging as a greener solution use customized tissue papers to wrap their products and use custom stickers to seal their parcels. It helps them save money and emerge as a green business entity. Remember that this paper type is unsuitable for protection and used for presentation and packaging products that are not prone to damage or need delivery locally.

4. Shredded Paper and Cardboard

The packaging of every product is unique according to the products that the different companies manufacture and market. The real challenge for us at ClipnBox is providing each of our clients with something new that is suitable according to their preferences and product requirements. To meet this, we offer shreds of different materials discussed below;

Ornament Paper Shred

When companies are seeking great ways to present their products, this shred type comes in very handy. Countless subscription boxes, e-commerce entities, and even brick and mortar companies rely on it to give their packages a ‘wow factor. The shred type is selected according to the product type. If the packaging requires protection, the heavy-duty paper is chosen for shredding, which offers a close fit for the items and makes them look amazing simultaneously. The great thing about this shred type is that it can be used by green companies as well. It is available as post-consumer and biodegradable material. To make things better, shredding in indented material is also available. Some businesses love the organic and rustic look of the shred in beige, but others customize it according to their brand colors.

Paper Shred

The total consumption of paper in the versatile American sectors amounts to eighty million tons annually. That is a lot of paper. Not just in weight but in terms of the resources being consumed to produce this paper as well. That’s too many trees, too much power, and too much of all resources used in the papermaking industry. Thus, the packaging industry is trying to use the different papers already in the markets to fulfill the packaging requirements. Paper is classified according to various categories and sorted to customize and operate according to packaging and printing companies’ packaging preferences.

Cardboard Shred

Countless items may seem small but are very heavy to package. Cardboard shred is a requirement in many heavy item packaging. It is a great way to encourage recyclable solutions in the packaging sector. Some organic brands also prefer this shred over others because this cardboard is recycled multiple times and has reached the end of its product cycle. The cardboard shred is excellent for items that require box filler with some strength and structure.

5. Peanuts

These also go by packing or packaging peanuts or fill peanuts in the global packaging industry. Some know them from their chemical formula, i.e. Polystyrene (foam balls). Although they offer reliable protection for packaging, these peanuts are harmful to the environment. Apart from this, many customers complain of them being extremely messy and difficult to clean up. They tend to cling or stick to other items around the house. Unlike the delicate customized tissues and shreds, they do not look appealing to many. To store these difficult to recycle peanuts, the recipients will have to make room as they cannot be deflated or flattened.

There are certain companies now offering packaging peanuts manufactured from corn waste or other material. They are accessible to the marketers and manufacturers selling delicate generic products that come in all sizes and do not require customization. Although this option is not harmful, it still poses all other challenges mentioned above.

6. Air Pillows

They are sometimes also referred to as inflatables. It is another option that does not go well with the health of our planet. It is mainly used only once and effectively minimizes the effect of impacts on the packaged products. However, many do not think that they do much to add to the appeals of the products. The high-end luxury brands see it as lazy to package their products in too big boxes and then make up by adding air pillows. One attribute of these fillers is that they can be ordered flat and stored in the same manner.

7. Bubble Wrap

Did you know it was invented as an option for wallpaper? The inventors of this wrap wanted to seal air between two layers of plastic. The idea did not do well in the markets but was used by the packaging industry to provide cushioning for delicately packaged items during transit. These wraps can adhere to the things and do not need to be taped or stapled for clinging. Today some packaging companies are discouraging the use of these wraps because they might prove difficult to recycle.

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