Packaging materials: types and uses

protective packaging


Packaging materials are necessary for any supply chain. Choosing it correctly reduces space in the warehouse and facilitates the transport of goods.

As we have seen in different entries on our blog, the packaging is everything necessary for conditioning the products that will be shipped. This is to temporarily protect and/or group them, thinking about their handling, transport and storage.

In other words, it is the process by which merchandise is temporarily stored in packaging that will protect it; while it reaches the final point of sale. These packages allow us to have lasting product protection before the different external factors can damage the merchandise, such as the weather, transportation, accidents or final transfer.

Now, these packages can be made of different materials. And each of them may work better for certain types of products. In this sense, and to help you better choose your packaging for your packaging process. In this post, we'll talk about the different materials that can be used for packaging:

  • Paper
  • Carton
  • Metal
  • Textile
  • Madera

Paper

Paper protective packaging is a versatile and cost-effective method of transporting, protecting and preserving a wide range of items. It is designed to be strong yet lightweight and can be customized to meet specific product or customer needs.

This material is mainly used for packaging products that give off more moisture. Among the main types of packaging paper are:

  • Kraft paper. It is a very common packaging paper and is extracted from wood pulp. It is used above all to make bags for shops or to package products; it works wonders thanks to its resistance.
  • Grease-resistant paper. It is obtained by special refining of the pasta (usually sulfite pasta). It is a protective container for fats and, especially, to wrap food.
  • Sulfurized paper. It is similar to grease-resistant paper; however, this type of paper is more water-resistant. It is also known as parchment paper and is used to wrap or package products or foods that give off more moisture.

Carton

Cardboard is a material obtained from the superposition of layers of paper. In turn, cellulose fibers are extracted directly from wood or recycled paper. Although they share an origin, cardboard is distinguished from the paper by being superior to the latter in thickness and grammage.

And what is the grammage? It is the weight of a square meter of paper or cardboard expressed in grams (g/m2). In the packaging industry, it is considered that; the greater the grammage of cardboard, the more resistance and safety it will offer during the storage and transport processes. The main types of cardboard for packaging are:

  • Corrugated or corrugated cardboard. It comprises a combination of two sheets of paper called "layers" glued to a sheet of corrugated cardboard. These three layers form a series of arches that are connected; are well known for their ability to support heavy weights.
  • Cardboard. Cardboard is a material that is halfway between cardboard and cardboard: it is thicker and more resistant than the first but thinner and more pliable than the second. It stands out for its flexibility and for the good printing results it provides.
  • Compact cardboard. Compact cardboard is made by pressing several layers of paper, so recycled paper predominates in its manufacture. It is quite rigid and widely known in the binding sector.
  • Papier-mache or gray cardboard. This is achieved by mixing paper pulp and plaster, which results in a very rigid type of cardboard that is immune to moisture. Its applications in the field of packaging are circumstantial. For example, in boxes of electronic items.

Metal

In packaging, metals are usually found in containers, indicated for international transport. This type of packaging, being bulky, offers a great load capacity. 

Also, it is worth mentioning that metal is a resistant and solid material; Therefore, it offers a guarantee to the transported products. 

Finally, it should be noted that although they are reusable, they are not biodegradable. It's also important to remember that they can turn brown, and subjecting them to high temperatures is not advisable.

Textile

The textiles used for packaging and packaging come from vegetable fibers such as

jute, fique, hemp, cotton and sisal. They are normally used to make bags and sacks,

and their purpose is to store bulk products. Some of its main benefits are:

  • Low cost.
  • High availability in the market.
  • Phytosanitary control.

Madera

This may be the favorite packaging material for many mainly because one of its most remarkable features is that it provides special protection, ideal for moving heavy goods.

In addition, this material is so personalized that it is usually created according to the client's needs. And in addition, it is designed with an organic material that preserves durability and allows its customization for company advertising.

The main types of wood packaging are:

  • Wooden boxes. It is one of the most requested products for transporting goods and storage. This is because the wooden boxes fully guarantee the perfect condition of the merchandise, avoiding any damage.
  • Wooden folding boxes. Folding boxes have a high level of functionality and profitability.
  • Removable boxes. These boxes can not only be disassembled, but in addition, they can be used for other uses. 
  • Cardboard boxes reinforced with wood. This type of packaging is highly recommended both for air transport and for non-refundable packaging, or, what is the same, for single use. This is because they are, in addition to stackable boxes; and, therefore, very suitable for long-term transport or storage.
  • Wooden cages. Cages are one of the most requested types of packaging for transporting large-tonnage goods. Its structure has been designed in such a way that it allows one to see its content and avoid any damage.
  • Wooden cribs. Wooden cradles are often used to transport heavy goods, especially cylindrical ones. The type of load it must contain in its manufacture and the necessary support conditions are considered.

A good strapping system is ideal for any of the packaging materials

If you still do not have a defined packaging process or want to optimize the one you already have, remember that strapping is the best option. In addition, the automatic strapping process will save you a lot of time. This means that your productivity will increase.

At Britwrap, we provide the best protective packaging all over the UK that will solve your packaging needs.

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