Shipping fragile goods requires greater care, both in choosing the right packaging materials and accessories and in applying appropriate marking systems to the packages, to provide clear instructions to those handling the shipment.
Materials and accessories for safe packaging
Compared to the shipment of sturdier goods, shipping fragile items requires special precautions and a careful selection of suitable materials and accessories to keep the products in good condition.
Packaging for fragile goods must be strong and appropriately sized to prevent damage and maintain the products in excellent condition throughout transport.
The most common and widely used polyethylene packaging for fragile shipments is certainly bubble wrap, a cost-effective solution that protects goods from shocks and movement. Known as air bubble film, it protects products without adding unnecessary weight to the package.
Ideal accessories for cushioning and filling the spaces between items during all transport and handling phases are polystyrene chips, which absorb impacts and vibrations, ensuring the integrity of the goods.
To ensure even safer packaging for fragile shipments, it can be useful to use accessories such as quality indicators:
- humidity indicators, to monitor the humidity level inside the packaging and prevent deterioration of delicate goods;
- shock indicators, capable of detecting and recording impacts or incorrect handling of fragile goods;
- tilt indicators, which show whether the package has been overturned or tilted by at least 90°, turning red when activated.
Marking systems for fragile goods packaging
When organizing a fragile goods shipment, it’s important to pay attention to the information provided to those handling and transporting the goods.
Since fragile items can be handled by several people during transport or storage, clearly displaying international symbols indicating how the packages should be handled is essential to maintain their quality.
A package containing fragile goods should include the following symbols:
- Fragile, represented by a stylized glass, sometimes with a crack, usually accompanied by the word “FRAGILE”;
- Keep dry, shown with an open umbrella and raindrops, indicating that the goods must not be exposed to rain or water;
- Handle with care, represented by two stylized hands holding a cube, symbolizing a box;
- This way up, depicted by two upward-pointing arrows and a horizontal line, indicating which side of the package must face up during handling;
- Protect from sunlight, illustrated with a house and sun rays above it.
Depending on the type of fragile goods, the packaging will vary, which is why it’s essential to have marking systems suitable for each surface.
At Flexpack, we offer high-quality continuous inkjet markers, which are practical, ensure quick drying, and can be used on various packaging materials.
The ink distributors can be:
- refillable brushes with reservoirs;
- rollers with tanks and pump systems to adjust the ink flow.
Ensuring secure packaging and the right accessories helps significantly reduce the risk of damage to fragile goods during shipment.
Contact us for advice on the most suitable materials for your delicate goods!
