What are the Best Packaging Materials for Shipping?

For businesses shipping products, it's a priority to choose product packaging that is durable and keeps your products well protected during transit. The ideal product packaging materials should also be affordable, keeping operation costs low and providing sustainable options to appeal to environmentally aware customers.

In this blog, we discuss what the best packing materials are for shipping products and how businesses can use the right packaging materials to maximise the efficiency of shipping operations.

How to Pick the Best Packaging Materials to Ship Your Products

The choice of packaging materials depends on several factors that businesses need to assess in order to understand their business shipping requirements.

Protection and durability

The primary function of packaging is to protect products from damage during transit. When selecting packaging materials, businesses should consider:

● Fragility: delicate items such as glassware, ceramics and electronics require protective materials like bubble wrap orpadded mailers. Double-wall, corrugated boxes provide extra security for breakable products.

● Weight: heavier items may need reinforced packaging, such as heavy-duty cardboard or wooden crates, to prevent box failure during handling and transportation.

● Compression resistance: if packages will be stacked during shipping, choosing packaging that can withstand pressure without collapsing is essential. This is particularly important for bulk distribution and palletised shipments.

● Moisture and weather resistance: for products that may be exposed to damp conditions, waterproof or moisture-resistant coatings can prevent damage. Businesses shipping perishable or temperature-sensitive goods should consider insulated packaging.

Size and space efficiency

Using the correct-sized packaging reduces excess space inside the box, which minimises movement and the need for additional void-fill materials. Key considerations include:

● Minimising void space: packaging should fit the product securely to prevent shifting and damage. Custom-sized boxes can help reduce the need for additional packing materials.

● Optimising for shipping costs: many couriers calculate shipping fees based on volumetric weight rather than actual weight. Choosing appropriately sized packaging helps avoid unnecessary costs.

● Stackability: if products will be shipped in bulk, ensuring the packaging is uniform in size and shape improves efficiency during transportation and storage.

Sustainability and environmental impact

Customers are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly packaging. Businesses can reduce their environmental footprint by considering:

● Recyclability: choosing packaging made from recyclable materials, such as corrugated cardboard or paper-based void fill, supports sustainable practices.

● Biodegradable and compostable options: some packaging materials, such as biodegradable packing peanuts or compostable cardboard break down naturally, reducing waste.

● Reusable packaging: where possible, using packaging that can be repurposed by customers adds value and supports circular economy initiatives.

Branding and customer experience

Packaging is often the first physical interaction a customer has with a product, making it an opportunity to reinforce brand identity and enhance the unboxing experience. Businesses should consider:

● Custom printing: branding on boxes or tape helps create a professional appearance and makes packages instantly recognisable.

● Ease of opening: secure but user-friendly packaging, such as tear strips or resealable options, improves customer satisfaction.

● Presentation: adding branded labelling, eco-friendly filler, or thank-you notes can enhance the unboxing experience and encourage repeat purchases.

What are the Best Packaging Materials for Shipping?

The best product shipping packaging is not simply enduring and affordable, it should also be relevant to the products being sent to offer the best protection and optimal customer unboxing experience. Below are some of the various product shipping options available:

Double wall boxes

Double wall boxes provide extra strength and durability for shipping heavier or more fragile items. Made with two layers of corrugated board, these cardboard boxes offer greater resistance to crushing and impact, making them ideal for products that need added protection during transit.

Businesses shipping bulk goods, electronics, machinery parts, or high-value items benefit from the reinforced structure of double wall boxes, which help prevent damage from stacking, handling and transportation. Despite their strength, these boxes remain lightweight, helping to keep shipping costs manageable.

With their combination of strength, versatility, and sustainability, double wall boxes are a reliable choice for businesses needing secure and cost-effective packaging solutions.

BDCM boxes

BDCM boxes are a popular choice for businesses handling large-scale shipping operations. Designed to optimise storage and transportation efficiency, these boxes offer a high-strength structure that withstands stacking and heavy loads.

Manufactured from robust corrugated board, BDCM boxes provide excellent protection against impact and compression, making them ideal for bulk shipments. Their standardised sizing helps businesses streamline warehouse storage and distribution processes, ensuring products are securely packed and easy to handle throughout the supply chain.

Heavy duty boxes

For items that require additional protection,heavy-duty boxes offer enhanced durability and resistance to external pressures. These boxes are typically made from double- or triple-wall corrugated cardboard, providing reinforced strength for heavier or more fragile items.

Heavy-duty boxes are commonly used for industrial equipment, electronics, and high-value goods where standard packaging may not provide sufficient protection. Their rigid structure prevents bending and puncturing, reducing the likelihood of damage in transit. Many of these boxes are also designed with moisture-resistant coatings or reinforced edges for added security.

Custom boxes

Custom boxes offer a practical solution for businesses that need packaging tailored to their exact product specifications. By choosing the right dimensions, businesses can reduce wasted space inside packaging, minimising movement and the risk of damage during transit. This also helps lower shipping costs, as many carriers calculate fees based on volumetric weight.

With ASC Direct’s Boxbuilder tool, businesses can order custom-sized boxes in quantities ranging from 25 to 30,000, making it suitable for both small-scale operations and large distribution needs. The online tool provides an efficient, self-service way to design and order boxes scaling up their volumes to whatever their business requirements are.

Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is a widely used protective packaging material that provides cushioning for delicate or fragile items during transit. The air-filled bubbles act as a barrier against impact, reducing the risk of breakage by absorbing shocks and vibrations. This makes it a reliable choice for businesses shipping electronics, glassware, ceramics, and other breakable products.

Available in various thicknesses and bubble sizes, bubble wrap can be tailored to different packaging needs. Smaller bubbles offer better surface protection, while larger bubbles provide extra padding for heavier or more delicate items. It is lightweight and flexible, helping businesses keep shipping costs low without compromising on product protection.

Many bubble wrap options now incorporate recycled materials or biodegradable alternatives, allowing businesses to reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring secure packaging.

Void fill

Void fill is used to prevent delicate items from shifting inside a box, minimising movement that could lead to damage. Filling empty spaces within a package ensures that items remain secure throughout transit, reducing the likelihood of breakage, dents or scuffs.

Using void fill helps businesses improve packaging efficiency and product security while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Opting for eco-friendly materials also supports sustainability goals, providing a responsible packaging solution without compromising protection.

Why Choose ASC Direct for Your Packaging Materials?

ASC Direct has been supplying high-quality packaging solutions for over 40 years, helping businesses protect their products in transit while keeping costs under control. With a focus on durability, efficiency and sustainability, ASC Direct offers a range of packaging options tailored to meet the demands of different industries.

Whatever your packaging order requirements, we can supply orders from as few as 25 to as many as 30,000 boxes in a single purchase. This ensures businesses can get the exact dimensions they need without excess waste or unnecessary storage costs. Whether shipping delicate goods or heavy-duty products, the right-sized packaging improves efficiency and reduces damage in transit.

Custom branding and design options allow businesses to enhance their packaging with logos, instructions, or fully printed designs, improving brand visibility and customer experience. ASC Direct’s high-tech box-making machinery ensures precision and quality in every order, whether for standard packaging or bespoke designs.

Sustainability is also a priority, with many of our packaging materials being recyclable, biodegradable or sourced from sustainable materials. This allows businesses to meet their environmental commitments while maintaining strong product protection.

Get in touch by calling 800 0731 126 or filling out our online contact form and we will help you find the perfect packaging solution for shipping your products.

 

James Palfrey-Smith is the Commercial Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth.

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