Packaging Materials

Packaging materials are derived from a number of sources and depending on what type of product you are shipping will dictate what packaging materials you will use. Styrofoam peanuts, kraft paper, foam, and suspension methods are just a few packaging materials used to ship goods.

One of the more popular packaging materials is encapsulated-air plastic sheeting. This method is commonly referred to as "bubble pack" and involves encased air bubbles within plastic sheeting to protect items from shock during travel. Bubble pack is an ideal packaging material for lightweight items, and it is advantageous because it can be shaped to wrap around any size product.

For heavy equipment, transit cases are a better choice. Used primarily by the military, aerospace industry, and tradeshows, transit cases are premier packaging materials because they are reusable and constructed of heavy material to protect even the most delicate item during shipping.

By Michelle Burton