Cushioning & Protection - FAQ
Q. How should I protect fragile and heavy items?
A. The use of bubble wrap is one of the most reliable methods to package fragile and heavy items. This will protect items, ensuring they will not break or chip.
Bubble wrap holds its air longer compared to alternative cellular cushioning materials and it is stronger and more durable as it is thicker. One of the key benefits of using bubble wrap is as you don’t need much to secure an item, less wrap is used which saves money.
It’s also environmentally friendly as it is recyclable at many independent recycling centres and it can be used over and over again without it reducing its effectiveness.
Q. What should I use to fill the remaining space after my products have been packed?
A. Void fill packaging is recommended for filling any remaining space after the item(s) have been packed in their outer shipping cardboard box or container to prevent damages.
Loose fill packing chips are a cost effective method of void fill and offer great protection in transit. The free-flowing nature of loose fill packing chips means that they can be used in any size box to fill the void. They are lightweight and reusable.
The chips are harmless, dust free and easy to dispense and are manufactured to biodegrade in landfills, compost areas, soil or water.
Pillowpax is an alternative product depending on the application.
Q. How should I protect sensitive or delicate items?
A. Jiffy Foam is perfect for protecting sensitive and delicate surfaces. It is ideal for protecting glass, polished surfaces and electronics in transit and storage. It is no-abrasive, moisture resistant and leaves no residue. It is strong, yet lightweight to reduce shipping costs. The way it is manufactured, it protects against impact damage.
Jiffy foam is environmentally friendly and CFC free.
Q. What are Silica Gel Sachets?
A. Silica gel sachets are simply flexible 'containers ' of silica gel, which remove humidity in sealed packages, they absorb water and moisture. They prevent corrosion, condensation, rusting and fungal growth. They are ideal for electronics, precision equipment, leather goods, pharmaceuticals and optics etc. For a well sealed item it is recommended that you use 5 grams per every cubic foot/170 grams per cubic metre of volume, making sure your package is airtight.
Q. What are Dunnage Bags?
A. Light Flex, single trip Dunnage Bags are an easy to use in-transit inflatable load security bag system. They secure and protect freight. Load shifting is one of the main causes of accidents during transit and this can be minimised by bracing the loads in place with Dunnage bags.
They are inexpensive compared to other load securing techniques and can easily and quickly be installed. The one-way valve is reliable and offers a super fast inflating system ensuring consistent correct pressure. Being flexible, you can fill every shape and odd space without damaging your goods.
Light Flex bags are also recyclable.
Q. How should I protect machined parts in an engineering environment?
A. Protective Sleeving provides a practical, efficient and cost-effective solution to the problem of surface damage to components during manufacture, storage and transit.
Available in a range of colour coded sizes, the mesh is flexible enough to mould around irregular shaped items protecting them from knocks and scratches and unlike traditional materials such as wax paper, it can be used again and again.
Manufactured from low density polyethylene in a tubular form in diameters ranging from 5mm to 150mm, Protective Sleeving is resistant to acids and solvents and is unaffected by oils and greases, making it ideal for protecting machined parts in an engineering environment.
Other applications include being used as bottle sleeving and protecting damage prone items such as ceramics, glass, window furniture and furniture legs.
VCI paper is also used for storage and transport. This offers a rust inhibitor property for machined products.
Q. Static is causing me a problem, how can I prevent this?
A. Self seal anti-static bubble pouches can be used for protecting electrical equipment against static as well as transit damage such as impact and shock. Customers use these where static may cause problems. They are pink in colour to distinguish the anti-static from regular protective packaging and the self-adhesive strip makes opening and closing quick and easy.
