Warehouse & Packaging

FAQs

How do I choose the right packaging supplies for shipping or distribution?

The first step to choosing the right packaging supplies is in understanding the type of items you’re handling. Fragile goods will almost always require protective materials such as bubble wrap or honeycomb paper, while general items may only need kraft or lining paper to fill up any empty space in a mailer or shipping box. 

The size and weight of your products will also influence your choice of cartons, mailing boxes, or satchels. This is true of fragile materials, as well - it’s a good idea to pack these into compact cartons and make use of filler to limit movement and any risk of damage.

You’ll also want to be mindful of how the goods move through the supply chain. Longer transit times, multiple handling points, and routes that are known to be rougher (e.g. dirt roads, semi-paved trails) may require more durable materials and secure sealing. 

For this type of transit, make sure you’re making use of heavier duty sealing and packing tapes, utilise fragile tape so you know which boxes or mailers to handle with greater care, and pad fragile shipments with bubble wrap or other shock-absorbing filler. For palleted shipments, take full advantage of pallet stretch wrap, shrink wrap, tape, and other materials that will keep the shipment securely in place. 

What is the difference between bubble wrap and pallet stretch wrap?

The difference between these two types of wrap is pretty simple. Bubble wrap is a popular packaging wrap that helps protect fragile and high-value items from damage - whether it’s wrapped around the item itself or used to provide cushioning in a mailer or courier box that is larger than the item itself. Bubble wrap can be used around pallets for extra protection, but this will often depend on the palleted items themselves.

On the other hand, pallet stretch wrap is purpose-designed to be used on bulked items that sit on a pallet. Made of plastic film, it has an elasticity that allows it to be stretched for a snug, secure fit around the entire pallet, ensuring all items stay in place. Sometimes, people may wrap bubble wrap around the items first and then secure it further in place through the use of pallet stretch wrap.

Which packaging supplies are best for protecting fragile or high-value items?

For fragile and/or high-value items, you’ll want to invest in packaging supplies that primarily create a protective barrier around those items and help absorb the shock of any potential falls or sudden movement during transit. 

Without a doubt, one of the most common and effective packaging options to this day is bubble wrap. It can be secured around fragile items to offer exceptional shock absorption and can also fill up empty space in a box to prevent excessive movement during transit. For smaller shipments, such as a single fragile item, satchels and mailing bags, as well as mailing envelopes that feature an interior bubble wrap layer are a good choice.

If accounting for space is important (e.g. being able to ship a fragile item in a smaller box or envelope for lower shipping costs), then honeycomb paper is another great option. The hexagonal structure of the paper provides a sturdy, protective barrier that can cushion fragile items such as ceramics, electronics, and glassware. Because it is less bulky than bubble wrap, it can be more ideal for space saving. It’s also a more eco-friendly option than bubble wrap, often being 100% recyclable or even biodegradable.

What essential warehouse products are needed for efficient packing and dispatch operations?

An efficient packing and dispatch setup is all about having the right mix of protective materials, outer packaging, and tools. Protective options such as bubble wrap, kraft paper, and pallet protection (such as pallet stretch wrap) help reduce the risk of damage during transit. The range of available cartons, mailing boxes, satchels, and envelopes ensures you can pack different product types appropriately.

Sealing products like packing tape, along with tape dispensers, make securing cartons a breeze. It’s best to have a range of packaging supplies on hand to improve speed, reduce packing errors, and support smoother day-to-day operations.

How do I choose the right packing tape and carton sealing products for heavy-duty use?

For heavy-duty applications, you’ll want a packing tape that provides strong adhesion and durability. Heavier cartons or high-value goods typically require wider or reinforced tape to maintain a secure seal during handling and transport. Consistent application is also key here, which is where tape dispensers can help ensure even pressure and reliable sealing.

Environmental factors should also be considered, as some tapes perform better in cold, humid, or dusty conditions. For larger or heavier shipments, tape can be used alongside additional securing methods such as strapping or pallet wraps to improve overall stability and limit product movement during transit.

Are eco-friendly or sustainable packaging supplies available for warehouse operations?

Yes, there is a wide variety of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging supplies that you can use for your warehouse. These include items such as lining paper, kraft paper, as well as many packaging and mailing boxes. Most of these are 100% recyclable, and a significant number are also entirely made from recycled materials, meaning no new trees were used during their production.

You’ll also find environmentally conscious packing and packaging tapes, including some made from 100% recyclable paper and compostable materials that can break down naturally after use. These include the UBIS Paper Tape 4800 Environmental and Monta 860LG Industrial Compostable Packaging Tape. 

There’s also a selection of eco-conscious courier bags that are made with a biodegradable additive that allows them to break down in landfills. One such example is the Protext EcoPure Courier Bags, which can be used to send light, medium, and heavy goods.

Other packaging items, such as bubble wrap, include degradable options; and honeycomb paper is made with 100% recyclable paper.

What products are recommended for securing pallets and large shipments safely?

You’ll find many of the products best-suited to securing large shipments or pallets are included in our Pallet Protection category. These include a sizeable selection of professional pallet stretch wrap, pallet bags, pallet caps, as well as bundling film and hand or pallet straps.

Stretch wrap and bundling film are commonly used to bind several items together securely to significantly minimise movement during transit. These are often wrapped around an entire pallet or piled large shipments. When properly wrapped, they have an adhesive-like quality meaning that the wrapping is very unlikely to move once finished. This can be further secured through the use of packing tape, hand straps, or pallet straps.

Pallet bags are what you place around a fully-wrapped pallet or bulk of items for additional security, while pallet caps are typically a film of plastic placed on top of the pallet of items to protect them from environmental factors such as water and dust. 

When these are used in conjunction with one another, they result in a well-secure pallet or larger product shipments