What Is Protective Packaging?

Protective packaging is designed to safeguard, cushion, and insulate products from damage or destruction while in transit. It can be made from a variety of materials such as cardboard, plastic, and metal. Protective packaging serves as a primary or secondary packaging component.

Regardless of the material or components used, the ultimate purpose of protective packaging design is to safeguard products from damage or destruction during the shipping process. Protective packaging can consist of various materials, such as cardboard, plastic, metal, and more, and can function as either a primary or secondary packaging component. For instance, a corrugated cardboard box can serve as a primary protective packaging component, while packaging inserts, void fillers, and air pillows can function as secondary components. The goal is always to protect products and ensure their safe arrival at their destination.

Different Types Of Protective Packaging :

1.Air pillows: Air pillows are a type of protective packaging that use air-filled plastic pillows to fill empty spaces in a shipping box. They provide cushioning and help prevent products from shifting during transit, reducing the risk of damage. Air pillows can be made on-site with special machines or purchased pre-filled. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to use, making them a popular choice for e-commerce businesses and other shippers.

2.Angle boards: Angle boards are protective packaging components that are typically made from sturdy cardboard or plastic. They are designed to be placed at the corners of pallets or boxes to help prevent damage from impacts and stacking. Angle boards can also be used to reinforce the edges of boxes and provide additional support during shipping and handling. They are available in a variety of sizes and strengths to meet the needs of different products and applications.
Corner blocks

3.Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is a type of protective packaging material made of plastic sheets filled with small air pockets. The air pockets provide cushioning and protection to fragile or sensitive items during transportation or storage. Bubble wrap comes in various sizes and thicknesses and can be used as a standalone protective packaging or combined with other materials to provide extra protection. It is a popular choice for shipping delicate items like glassware, electronics, and artwork. Bubble wrap is also recyclable and reusable, making it an eco-friendly option for packaging.

4.Corrugated wrap: Corrugated wrap is a type of protective packaging that consists of a sheet of corrugated cardboard material that is wrapped around a product to provide cushioning and protection. The corrugated material consists of a fluted layer sandwiched between two flat linerboard layers, which provides strength and durability to the wrap. Corrugated wrap is commonly used for shipping delicate or fragile items such as glassware, ceramics, and electronics. It can also be used as an additional layer of protection inside a larger shipping box.

5.Packaging inserts: Packaging inserts are additional materials added to a package to protect the product inside during shipping or handling. They can come in many forms such as foam, paper, or plastic and are usually custom-fitted to the product they are protecting. Packaging inserts help to prevent products from shifting, breaking, or scratching during transit, and can also provide additional cushioning and insulation. Common types of packaging inserts include foam inserts, cardboard inserts, molded pulp inserts, and custom-shaped plastic inserts.

6.Molded packaging: Molded packaging refers to protective packaging made from molded materials, such as foam or pulp, that have been formed into a specific shape to fit and protect a particular product. Molded packaging can be custom-designed to fit any product and can be made from a variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, or biodegradable materials like molded pulp. This type of packaging is commonly used for fragile and irregularly-shaped items, such as electronics, glassware, and automotive parts, and provides a high level of protection during shipping and handling. Molded packaging design can also be designed for easy stacking and storage to optimize space during shipping and storage.

7.Packing peanuts: Packing peanuts, also known as foam peanuts, are small cushioning materials made of expanded polystyrene foam. They are commonly used as void fillers in packaging to provide cushioning and protection to the products during transit. Packing peanuts are lightweight, reusable, and easy to pour into packaging voids, making them a popular choice for shipping delicate and fragile items. However, they are not environmentally friendly as they are non-biodegradable and can cause harm to wildlife if not disposed of properly. Alternatives such as biodegradable packing peanuts made of cornstarch or recycled paper are available as a more eco-friendly option.

8.Void fillers: Void fillers are materials used to fill empty spaces in packaging to prevent products from shifting or moving during transportation. They can be made from various materials such as paper, foam, air pillows, or even biodegradable materials. Void fillers help protect products from damage caused by impact, vibration, or compression. Using void fillers also reduces the amount of material needed for packaging, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.