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How Do I Choose the Best Product Packaging Materials?

Esther Ejim
Esther Ejim

The choice of a packaging material to use is one that is both personal and dependent on a wide number of variables. The choice of the best product packaging materials will be affected by the type of product that needs to be packaged. A factor that also affects the choice of product packaging materials to use is the budget of the person or company doing the packaging. It is also affected by the aim of the person or company in terms of what marketing angle it is trying to build into its brand, what message it is trying to pass along, and what it would like to be associated with its brand.

One of the main considerations that affect the choice of product packaging materials is the type of product to be packaged in the sense that the size and constitution of the material will dictate this choice to a large extent. For instance, heavy objects need to be packaged with materials that can reasonably withstand their weight, while sharp objects need to packaged carefully so that they do not hurt anyone. In the same sense, fragile objects will also be packaged with such materials that ensure the integrity of the product will not be compromised through its destruction even before it gets to the final consumer. Even liquid objects or powdery substances all require their own special types of packaging materials.

Cardboard packages.
Cardboard packages.

Another important factor that affects the type of product packaging materials that a manufacturer or company will use is the type of message or marketing angle it is trying to build into its brand. For instance, some companies have created a corporate image that is based on responsibility and ethical considerations regarding nature and the responsible use of materials from nature. Companies like that often stress the fact that they do not use animals in the testing of their products, so the logical continuation of this theme of responsibility would be to use materials that would not be harmful to the planet, such as those that were recycled or sourced in ethical manners. Another consideration for the choice of product packaging materials would be the message that the company is trying to pass along. If the company’s success is based on the exclusivity of its products, then this lavish theme would be extended to a calculated choice of expensive product packaging materials that will blend into the image of the company.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

@raynbow- I have found that wrapping fragile items in soft cloths keeps them safe when shipping them. Though not a traditional packing material, cloth provides soft cushioning which is very important when it comes to shipping breakables.

Ocelot60

@raynbow- I have shipped many glass objects over the years, and you definitely have to be careful when you pack them. What may seem like good product packaging materials could be inefficient after your packages endure miles of travel and multiple handlers.

To be on the safe side, I prefer to use a combination of packaging materials when I ship glass items. I start by wrapping each piece in paper, then I cover them with bubble plastic wrap. I use boxes or heavily padded envelopes to put the items in for shipping. When I use boxes, I also line them with foam beads or pellets for extra protection.

It's also important to make sure that the tape you use to secure boxes or envelopes is durable enough to last until your items get to their destinations. Regular tape is not good enough in my opinion, so I always use the kind that is specifically labeled for shipping purposes.

Raynbow

I have some glass items to ship, and I'm wondering if plastic wrap with inflated bubbles or foam packing pellets will work best to ensure that they arrive safely.

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    • Cardboard packages.
      By: Scanrail
      Cardboard packages.
    • Placing polystyrene beads in cardboard boxes are helping when packaging fragile products.
      By: Unclesam
      Placing polystyrene beads in cardboard boxes are helping when packaging fragile products.
    • Newsprint is sometimes used to pack fragile items.
      By: caimacanul
      Newsprint is sometimes used to pack fragile items.
    • Tape is important to make sure packages are secured before sending.
      By: FirstBlood
      Tape is important to make sure packages are secured before sending.