Selecting the Right Packaging Material for Shipment

The difference between safely delivered products and damaged products is the use of proper Packaging Material. During shipment, various products are exposed to different conditions and damage inflicting situations wherein the contents need to be packed with suitable packing material if their security is to be ensured. I am sure you would not want the contents to be damaged in any way when they are received at the destination.

The following tips should help you to select the right packaging material for shipment.

·         Evaluate The Storage Needs For The Products

This is the first and most crucial step in the packaging process wherein the product’s characteristics need to be evaluated for understanding the storage environment required for its safe delivery. The key factors that need to be evaluated include dimensions, weight, fragility, shelf life, special storage temperatures (cold, hot, freezing, etc).

·         Consider the Mode of Transport and the Nature of the Transit

Road transport media involve a lot of rough handling and the packaging needs to be durable enough to bear such handling. In the case of marine or air transport, the shipments are usually stacked in groups and then these are kept intact for a major portion of the transit. This means that they do not experience any major forces, except for the ones where the products stored within the package may vibrate in their position and hit against one another.

It is also important to analyse the nature of the journey to which the product would be subjected. Multimodal transports would inflict greater damage to the consignments during handling so the packing material should be durable enough to withstand such wear and tear without compromising the safety of the contents.

·         Check the Inspection Requirements

Inspection requirements play an important part in the selection of required packing materials. At times there may be a single checking requirement. But there are cases when the consignment needs to be inspected multiple times during the transit and this calls for packaging that can be opened and packed without much hassles. If you use a pretty rigid packing material, then it would become quite cumbersome to expose the contents for inspection. So choose wisely.

·         Go Green

With everybody striving to achieve sustainability in their business operations, you should also adapt to the green initiatives wherein the packaging materials used by you should either be made from eco-friendly materials or they should be recyclable. Not only does this increase your contributions towards ecological conservation, but it also reduces the overheads costs due to decreased costs of packing materials. 

Cardboard Boxes Can Teach 5 Learning Dimensions to Kids

Kids have immense learning potential and they are not confined to books or traditional learning methods. They can learn quite a lot by simply interacting with inanimate things. You never know what they might get to learn by simply playing around with a Cardboard Box or a rubber ball. But the fact is that a cardboard box can teach your kids 5 learning dimensions. Hard to believe? Just recollect some memories of your school days when you were taught basic physics with such simple items. Sometimes the simplest of things can help us to understand complex explanations. Let’s take a look at the 5 learning dimensions that kids learn from cardboard boxes. 

Imagination 

No adult in the entire world can match up to the imaginative capabilities of a child. If you find this hard to believe, then just watch them playing around with inanimate things and listen to them as they weave their story around it. A simple branch or a stick could be a powerful wand to them. An ordinary piece of cloth, when tied to their shoulder (like a cape) can make them feel like Superman. Tiny bits and pieces can be used in the most beautiful and creative ways possible.

You don’t have to go too far to analyse this. Give your child one of your used customized boxes and watch as it becomes a castle, a fortress, a ship, a home and various other things. You may have ignored the box after its purpose was fulfilled, but in the hands of a child, the box still has plenty of usage left. Unless the child gets the opportunity to explore his imagination, he won’t be able to develop this key skill which has made common men into masters of their field of work. So the next time you find your kid playing around with common stuff, encourage the child instead of chiding him. 

Spatial Exploration and Awareness Have you ever wondered why kids are naturally drawn into getting inside spaces such as holes or boxes or even small beds? It might be difficult to understand at first, but these are the signs of spatial exploration and awareness. As kids grow, they are naturally inclined into relating their size with that of objects around them. This is the reason behind children constantly testing their relative size with that of objects around them as the ratio keeps changing with age. 

While objects may be more or less constant in size, the child’s physical characteristics change with time and this gains the interest of the children. If you can recall some of your childhood memories, you would understand the reason behind you interest in trying to unlock the latch of the door. Initially, you had to take the support of some kind of a platform to reach it, but as your height grew, not only were you able to unlatch it easily but it also gave you happiness. Let kids explore their space and become aware of the relativity of different sized objects. 

Asensory Experiences 

All of us have become accustomed to providing kids with rich sensory experiences as it is good for the development of the senses. But sometimes, even asensory experiences can be a learning experience. Unless you provide the child with a lack of sensory rich environment, he won’t be able to grasp its importance.

If you consider simple cardboard boxes or even White Corrugated Boxes, the colour is pretty bland and has nothing much to offer, the smell of the material is also subtle in nature, the sound made when you bend the cardboard is also muffled and not “rich” enough to excite your sensory receptors, the smooth sides do not provide much chances for inference and the structure of the box implies emptiness. 

The interesting part about such asensory environments is the way in which children comprehend these things and then go about exploring it. Such experiences help the kids to develop their senses even further. 

Sense of Control 

What is the one thing that is always expected from children when it comes to playing with cardboard boxes? Kids love to hide inside them. In terms of developing a sense of control, the child initially hides inside the box and tempts you into explore every nook and corner. When the time is just right, the child will come out of hiding and startle you. This sense of control requires patience, analysis and proper judgement to achieve the desired effect. All of these aspects are rather difficult to teach with conventional methods, but with these games, you can help the child to understand the things in a better manner. 

Experiencing a Secure Environment 

Irrespective of whether it is a child or an adult, all of us are comforted by the sense of security where we may bundle up. We all need our personal space which we may call our own. For kids, it is the small spaces inside cardboard boxes that they find extremely comforting. This is just a small step in encouraging them to find their own space that not only gives them comfort, but also a feeling of security.

Honey! I Packed My Kids!

So you are planning on relocating. Not a big deal, right? You could say so if you do not have toddlers or kids around. But if you think that managing relocation, especially packing your stuff, with kids around would be a breeze, then you are mistaken. Things could get out of control and you could end up packing your own kids if you are not careful because for them, this is a fun playground and they can hide behind your stuff. They could also damage themselves with sharp tools that are often used while handling different Packaging Materials.

You need to ensure the safety of your children, and you need to manage things in such a way that they do not add to the already existing hassles of moving. You could try to involve them in the packing process and make the entire thing a fun experience. Here are some tips that could help you to make relocation as safe and fun as possible.

Keep Plenty of Lead Time

Do not keep things till the last minute. Keep sufficient lead time and make sure that you plan things ahead of time. Start sorting out things slowly so that when the time comes to pack them up, you would not have to spend a lot of time in organizing things.

Make Sure You Keep Dangerous Materials Out of Reach

Even if you have ordered Relocation Boxes for moving your stuff safely, there are tool such as scissors, knives, etc that could be dangerous if left unattended in the hands of kids. You would not want them to hurt themselves with it. So always keep an eye out for them and the moment you see them playing around with such things, take it from them and keep them out of reach.

Involve the Kids in the Packing Process

Not every item in your house would be fragile or sensitive. Pillows, bed sheets or other things can be managed by kids and they would love to be involved in all the activities. You can even use their help in labelling the boxes. This will keep them engrossed and it would keep them out of harm’s way as well.

Get Ready to Lose Your Slumber

The best time to pack delicate stuff is when children are not around. This would be a difficult thing to manage during the day. So you could carry on your work after they have gone to sleep. But make sure that you work in silence, lest they should wake up and spoil your efforts.

Save Your Kids’ Stuff for the Last

If you pack your kids’ toys and other knick knacks, then it would be difficult to manage them. Keep their things for the last and let them play with their stuff so that you have adequate time and opportunity to organize your packages. 

What Makes Foam Packaging Better than Other Packaging Materials

Sale, storage and shipping of supplies – these are the three most important aspects that are fulfilled by Customized Boxes. Using a general all-purpose box would never give your products the edge that they deserve. In terms of sales, a custom packaging would help your target customers to relate to it in a better manner. They can immediately identify the brand from the packaging itself. This also creates value for the customers which translates into increased sales. Such is the power of custom packaging boxes.

Custom Packages Offer Greater Protection

Custom boxes mean packaging that is specifically designed as per the specifications of your product. This could include details such as dimensions, storage conditions and any other detail that is applicable. You can also create the packaging in such a way that it fulfils the need for storing products collectively. For example, if you manufacture mobile phones, then using a custom box with segments and moulds for holding the product firmly would be a much better option in terms of protection as compared to just putting everything in a cardboard box.

Customized Solutions Boost Sales

Customized packaging solutions encompass a wide range of value added features such as branding, innovative designs, the use of functional or second life packaging elements, or aesthetically appealing concepts. All of this help to increase user engagement as well as value, which have a direct impact on the sales of your product.

Let’s take the example of Coca Cola which has a magnificent red theme running across its cans. You don’t even have to look at the logo. Just the presentation and the overall packaging has generated so much value for the customer that anyone can identify it from a distance. This is the case with single cans. But what if the customer needs more than one? There are packs of 6 or more configurations that just have a Cardboard Sheet with holes to support the top of the cans and a central cardboard handle to provide convenient carrying options. If the company had used a box for such small number of cans, then it would be an expensive affair and carrying it would be a bit cumbersome. But with this new packaging approach, customers can snap a can out of the holder and drink it. Such convenient measures ensure greater sales and Coca Cola can vouch for that.

Customized Boxes Offer Improved Logistics

Custom packages can be a life saver in freight forwarding. Air transport is the fastest and the most expensive of the lot. Now the engine on the aircraft causes a lot of vibrations and shock which can damage the goods if the packaging is not proper. The intensity of this damage is amplified in the case of freight shipment using trains. Damage can also be inflicted due to the way packages are stored in trains. Due to limited space and more shipment units, they have to be stacked up layer by layer to maximize space utilization.

Road transport forms a crucial component of logistics wherein the possibility of damage is even more due to the handling of products and the loading / unloading process being used. The packages need to have proper storage-friendly designs and should be durable enough to protect the contents. Custom packages are designed specifically in keeping with the specifications of the product, so they lower the risk of damage during transit.

It’s All About Adding a New Dimension

Aesthetically appealing packaging designs not only spark instant interest in the products, but they also double the product’s market value. With innovation and creativity, there is no limit to the ways in which packaging may be customized for use. Sometimes a box may not be needed at all. A simple sheet or wrapping material would suffice. But it needs research and a thorough understanding to come up with a good custom design. It is indeed all about adding a new dimension.

How Strong Is A Heavy Duty Cardboard Box?

When you look at the humble cardboard box, you may not be confident of the strength of the material. It is made of paper and you can fold it or modify it with your hands. But do not be under the misconception that these are weak in any way. This is no ordinary packing material. Cardboard boxes are made with flutes which are present between the layers of the material. It is this arrangement which provides immense strength to the packaging material.

Did you know that at one point of time, these corrugated boxes were produced as an attempt to replace the wooden boxes completely? Before you become judgmental, let me clear the air. If you think that you can store heavy products in single corrugated boxes and expect it to bear the weight easily then you are mistaken. The packaging will give away in this case. There are special heavy duty shipping boxes that are designed specifically for heavy duty usage and these usually have three layers of flutes or a single layer of large sized flutes. This particular arrangement makes the material as strong as any piece of lumber.

As is evident from the above explanation, you need to find out the most suitable customized boxes for your specific needs. If you have heavy products then you should go for a tri-layered corrugated box or a dual layer box. For light weighted requirements, a single layered corrugated box would be more than sufficient. The material in itself is durable enough and can hold up to external forces but there should not be any wear and tear or damage on the material as this could prove to be a weakness.

Moreover the design of the box matters a lot also. If you consider an egg, you would believe it to be fragile. But if you were to apply pressure on its ends, then you would be amazed at the amount of force that it can bear. It has been known to support heavy objects when placed in the appropriate balanced position. The same applies to heavy duty shipping boxes. You may not be able to judge their strength by merely looking at it but when you see it in action, you would be amazed at the capabilities of this simple yet durable packaging material. 

How to Protect Your Deliveries When Selling Online

Auction sites and online market places have really made it convenient for the common man to sell his wares. This is even good for small businesses who are on the lookout for low risk ecommerce facilities that could give their products a good enough platform. While these platforms may offer assistance with the logistics, the packaging has to be done by you.

In this business arrangement, you are the seller even if you are an individual wishing to sell out a used product. As a seller, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of the product till it reaches the buyer. In case the product is packaged in a damaged manner or it gets damaged during transit, the cost of the damages have to be borne by you. However, if you do push your luck and send the damaged product to the customer, then it is bound to be returned accompanied by complaints and negative feedbacks which would affect your profile as well as reliability on the platform. Moreover, you would have to bear the costs that were applicable for the particular transactions. With a little precautions and proper packaging, you can avoid all of these hassles completely and in the process, you would be able to make your customer very happy.

How do you understand the packaging requirements for your product? Surely you do not want to just buy heavy duty shipping boxes and stuff your products in it. It would be a fruitless endeavour. Try and understand the specific requirements of the products that you intend to send. This will give you a list of requirements such as fragility of the product, the need for protecting it against static electricity or moisture, specific storage environments, etc. All of these information will help you to come up with the perfect packaging solution that is not only compliant with the specifications of the product, but also with its protective storage requirements.

The next consideration that you need to make is to understand the duration of the packages’ journey. If it is being sent overseas then you need to find the appropriate mode of transport in keeping with the product’s characteristics. There could be temperature or other requirements that would have to be complied with. Moreover, you would have to check whether the packaging is in lines with the international standards for packing and labelling. Even a minor mistake could prevent your product from being shipped beyond national borders.

As soon as you are aware of the possible weaknesses of your product and the risks that are evident during their transit, you can go about coming with the perfect package design. The following is a brief overview of some common products and their packaging requirements.

PRODUCT	PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
	Bubble Wrap	Foam Wrap	Cushioning	Anti-Static	Corner	Moisture
Electronics	Yes	Yes		Yes		Yes
Apparel						Yes
Glassware / Fragile Items	Yes	Yes	Yes
Metals / Corrosive Substances					Yes	Yes
Pictures / Posters (with Frames)	Yes	Yes			Yes	Yes
Heavy Weight Products			Yes
Porcelain Items	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wooden Products						Yes
Books		Yes				Yes

White corrugated boxes (available wholesale) are best for shipping your products as the white background helps to showcase your brand and even displays the labels clearly. By selecting the right package size, your can minimize packaging and logistics costs. Single fluted corrugated boxes are good for light weighted and small items while double fluted ones may be needed for those that require extra protection. Metals and heavy weight products should necessarily be packed in triple fluted corrugated boxes or the ones in which the size of the flutes is big. This should give the package added protection. These precautions will help you to ensure that the product reaches your customer safely and in the best manner possible with minimal expenses being levied on the way.

How to Store Important Documents Properly

It really feels frustrating to see your important documents wither away due to important storage. I am sure you must have experienced this at least once. The problem with important documents is that if they are not stored carefully then you could end up losing valuable information which, at times, may also involve monetary loss. And before you forget, this is not just one document. You could have numerous important documents so it becomes even more mandatory to take good care of them. The following ways should help you to protect your documents carefully and should give you the means by which their management becomes convenient.

Digitizing the Documents

Everyone is aware of the fact that there is limited available space at home or at office. In such cases, digitization offers the best solution where you may either keep scanned copies or you could get the physical copies converted into digital forms. This has been made possible mainly due to the advancements in technology and the increasing affordability of digital storage media.

Did you know that you could get an entire library worth of text in digital form on a chip that’s almost as big as your thumb nail? And with the use of advanced encryption, you can even ensure the safety of your contents. Whenever you need a physical copy, you can always print it. This is a good option when considering the use of legal documents as the original can be stored away safely in a proper environment, while the digital version can be used multiple times as per requirement. The less the document is retrieved, the greater would be the chances of ensuring its safety.

File Storage Boxes

Probably the biggest advantage of getting storage boxes for your files and important documents is that they are very affordable and can be procured easily. They are durable enough to stand the test of time and they also help in sorting out documents and managing them effectively. It may not be a good approach to store them in the confines of your office space so you should consider a separate and independent area that is not frequented. This will allow minimum chances for the documents to be exposed to variations in the environment. Subsequently, the physical wear and tear would also be reduced owing to reduced needs for viewing it frequently.

You could also keep these boxes in your office space if the documents are needed frequently. But in such cases, it is advisable to use customized boxes that have been designed to your specifications. This proves to be an advantage during relocations as the containers have to be moved as they are without having to move the files themselves. This saves a lot of hassles in the process.

Adhering to Best Practices

Best practices are made to help you take better care of the documents. The first and foremost requirement is that the environment in which the documents are being stored should be acid free. Simply placing the documents in Storage Boxes would not be satisfactory. You need to check whether plastic covers or metal containers are required in order to further secure the contents. Light is also capable of causing damage to the documents if excessive exposure is given to them. You need to analyse and find out the best way in which your documents may be stored safely. You could consult the manufacturers for any advice or suggestion as it would be rather helpful for you.