Packaging Advice

When it comes to international shipping, packaging is critical, regardless of the product being shipped. Therefore, we have put together this guide to packaging advice for international delivery to help ensure your products arrive perfectly every time. Additional considerations include weight (influencing shipping cost and load), security and shape.

Essentially, any business/Individual shipping internationally should ensure products are securely contained in adequate packaging that is robust enough to withstand movement and pressure, but lightweight and space efficient enough to be cost effective.

Packaging Tips for International parcels

Cardboard boxes are the most popular outer packaging for international shipments due to their relative robustness yet light weight. To properly protect any products within a box, it is vital the box is in good condition and sturdy enough for the job. Therefore, it is advised to not reuse boxes that have already been used for international delivery unless their condition is perfect, as any rips, dents or weak points may be compromised and unable to withstand freighting.

Investing in decent cardboard boxes for international delivery is a worthwhile spend, especially for heavier shipments which require double walled boxes.

If the exterior packaging is compromised during international delivery, or even receives a few knocks, it is important the product is safe regardless. Shape and material are crucial; aluminium tubes are notable for durability and strength whereas plastic bottles are only robust depending on the plastic type they are made from. Businesses who know their products will be shipped overseas should consider how their product packaging facilitates or inhibits this and choose product packaging accordingly.

It is common for international delivery packaging to be padded out with packing peanuts, foam pads or air cushions. By filling empty space, there is fewer chance products will move around and potentially get damaged. Even if a product is not particularly deemed breakable, it could still get dented or scratched if it can move around. Fragile items should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap and given an extra layer of protection.

Generally, with international delivery, the heavier the shipment, the more it will cost to ship. For a business, this means shipping costs can quickly add up when sending products internationally. By carefully selecting the right packaging, businesses can keep costs down. Cardboard is popular due to its light weight but relative sturdiness and can be padded with air pockets which add no weight. Plastic packaging is often used for non-breakable shipments such as clothes, advantageous as the space and weight requirement is reduced significantly, however the thin plastic offers less protection.

It is important products are delivered in perfect condition and untampered with. The seal on packaging plays an important role in showing if a package has been opened prior to arrival. Popular options for increased seal security include fortified tape that requires scissors, branded tape that cannot be easily replaced if opened, or a peelable strip as part of the cardboard box.