Foam Packaging Basics

Learn foam packaging basics to protect your products

Packaging foam is valuable to many different types of businesses. Businesses use it for shipping, packaging, storage and protecting fragile items. Foam packaging basics consists of three main foam packaging forms. Foam packaging manufacturers create it as loose fill, preformed and wrap.

Packing foam prevents items from movement and breakage during shipping. Foam packaging prevents items from damage during moving. Clerks use foam wrap to protect fragile purchases made by customers. When considering how foam packing can benefit your business, think about the following:

1. Which form of foam packaging do you need?

2. What purpose will your foam packaging serve?

3. Will you use the packing foam for shipping?

 

Consider purchasing foam packaging loose fill for light support

You can purchase foam packaging in the form of loose fill items, which many call packing peanuts. This loose fill foam is great for items that need only a small amount of extra support in the box. With loose fill foam packaging, the shape of the item doesn't matter; it fills in the empty space on the sides between the item and the shipping box. Pile them on top of the item to prevent it from falling if someone turns the box upside down.
Try: Purchase loose fill packing foam from foam packaging companies such as Fast-Pack.com, which offers the fill and dispenser. Apply foam fill recycling tips from GreenGuardian.com to reduce the cost of foam packaging.

Choose strong protection with preformed foam packaging

Preformed foam packaging has indentions that match the item, so the item fits inside the preformed foam pieces. The pieces typically go on each side of the item and then fit tightly into the box. This type of packaging provides maximum foam support for shipping and moving fragile items; however, you must customize preformed foam to the item to give the most support. Purchasing foam pieces and cutting them as desired will work with less stability.
Try: S&S Packaging Products offers foam packing material such as preformed corners. You can purchase foam packaging materials like die-cut foam from Protexic Brands.

Use foam packaging wrap with fragile items

Foam packaging wrap creates an additional layer of protection when you wrap it around individual items. When selling glass or other fragile items, use foam wrap to keep items from hitting one another and causing damage. You can wrap small breakable items, computer monitors or television screens to protect them during a move.
Try: Check out foam packaging supplies such as rolls of foam wrap from Bubble and Foam Packaging. Another company that offers these products is PackagingSupplies.com.

 

• Consider purchasing foam packaging in bulk to save money. Save even more by recycling the packing from items you receive.

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