Kansas City Packaging Supplies
March 6, 2024
When you’re shipping any package, your number one priority is that it arrives safely and intact. Shipments can take a beating while in transit, and without preventative measures, contents are at a greater risk of sustaining damage. Although you can’t control who transports or delivers your items, you can better protect your packages with the right materials.
Protective packaging supplies come in all shapes and sizes, but among the most common are packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and kraft paper. All these options are easy to use and economical, while providing necessary cushioning and shock absorption for boxed and bagged contents.
That being said, these materials have unique qualities and serve different purposes in the world of packaging. So which one is right for your next shipment? Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and kraft paper rolls, so you can make an informed decision.
Packing peanuts are among the best packing materials for filling empty voids and preventing movement during the shipping process. Made using expanded polystyrene, otherwise known as styrofoam, packing peanuts are extremely lightweight and among the most affordable solutions. Their unique shape allows them to interlock for optimal security when a package is closed.
Packing peanuts also offer an element of insulation, making items less susceptible to fluctuations in temperature. If you’re sending perishables, however, it’s better to use cold packs to keep goods from spoiling.
Although packing peanuts are some of the oldest packaging products on the market, they can get a bad reputation from more sustainably minded shippers. Biodegradable alternatives have grown in popularity in recent years to meet this consumer demand. Eco-friendly loose fill generally has the same benefits of standard wholesale packing peanuts, but completely decomposes in commercial landfills.
Bubble wrap is an excellent packaging solution for fragile and breakable items. The plastic sheeting contains hundreds of evenly spaced air pockets that absorb shock and keep wrapped contents protected from damage. Different shapes, sizes, and types of bubble wrap are available to suit a range of applications.
Small bubble is typically 3/16-inch and primarily used for light- to medium-weight objects, while large bubble’s oversized, 1/2-inch cells are ideal for general purpose padding and taking up empty box space. For shipping electronic items, opt for an anti-static bubble, which stops static discharge in its tracks during transit. Bubble bags also offer a quick and easy way to pack items without the hassle of wrapping them.
It’s important to note that bubble wrap isn’t the best packing material if you’re shipping sharp or heavy objects. You risk popping air bubbles in these cases, which causes the material to lose its efficacy. Additionally, cutting and taping standard bubble wrap can be a more time-intensive process. If you’re looking to speed up your shipping operation, you may benefit from other supplies.
Kraft paper rolls offer incredible versatility for a wide variety of shipping tasks. Whether you need material for wrapping, interleaving, cushioning, or filling voids, you’ll be hard pressed to find another high-quality, all-in-one solution. Not only does kraft paper have multiple applications, but it’s also durable, lightweight, user-friendly, and naturally biodegradable.
Kraft paper is manufactured using the kraft process that was developed by Carl F. Dahl in 1879, which converts wood into wood pulp. “Kraft” is derived from the German word for strength – the exact attribute that makes this material a favorite among shippers to this day. Unlike regular paper, kraft paper’s fibrous content makes it more hardwearing and resistant to tearing.
Avoid kraft paper rolls if there’s a chance your contents could leak during shipment. Moisture can impact the integrity of the paper, leading to unwanted movement or damage.
Now that you know more about the specific use cases of packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and kraft paper rolls, you may be wondering where you can find the best packing materials. Instead of searching the city for the items you need, shop from a manufacturer and distributor of shipping supplies.
By doing business with a specialty retailer, you’ll get better quality products at better prices. If you run a large shipping operation, you may be able to save even more money when you buy items in bulk. Be sure to ask about discount rates when you place an order.
For more information about packing peanuts and more near you, contact a top-rated business for wholesale shipping materials.
