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Shipping fragile items can be challenging for many business, as even minor bumps or drops during transit can lead to items being damaged or broken. Choosing the right packaging supplies is essential to safeguard and protect your products to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. Here we will take a comprehensive insight to help you selecting and using the best packaging materials for fragile items and how to pack them properly.
From protective bubble wrap to the eco-friendly Hivewrap to air cushions - picking the correct packaging for fragile items involves choosing the right materials for the size, shape and material of the item (or items) being packed and shipped.
But the first step is to mark your box with a warning label so the courier clearly knows that the item is fragile or contains glass.
It’s essential to mark packages containing fragile items clearly to ensure they’re handled with care. Even the best-packaged fragile items can be damaged if they’re dropped, stacked improperly, placed under heavier items, or positioned upside down.
A wide variety of labels are available to communicate these needs effectively. Simple “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” labels are helpful, while items requiring a specific orientation benefit from “This Way Up” indicators, often using recognisable icons like arrows or glass symbols. This visual messaging is especially valuable for cross-border shipments, where language barriers might otherwise prevent careful handling.
When it comes to protecting your packages, choosing the right protective packaging is key. There is a variety of packaging materials available, each suited to specific types of fragile items depending on their size, shape, and texture, as well as the distance and conditions they’ll encounter during transit. The right combination of materials ensures that delicate items remain safe, whether they’re traveling locally or internationally.
As we have discussed in previous blogs, there are two types of protective wrapping available. The traditional bubble wrap or the eco-friendly hivewrap - find out more about the two here. These types or packaging are perfect for wrapping around an item that is deemed as fragile as they easily mould around any item. They are lightweight in design, shock absorbent and ideal for all fragile packaging needs.
Another type of packaging is air cushion packaging which will help protect more fragile items in the post. By providing a pillow of filmed air that is inflated, air packaging is perfect for packaging electronics, pharmaceuticals, bottles & ceramics as it offers a extra layer of shock absorbent protection.
Fragile packing tape offers a dual benefit: it securely seals your package while clearly marking it as fragile. This combination of strong, adhesive tape and “fragile” labelling makes it an essential part of your fragile packaging toolkit. Made from durable polypropylene, this eye-catching tape helps minimize damage and returns by alerting couriers, shippers, and warehouse staff to handle the package with care.
A final, vital piece of protective packaging to consider is the actual box you use to send an item. The box is just as important as the interior padding and the exterior warnings. It might pay to invest in high-quality, sturdy boxes to provide a solid outer layer of protection - such as double walled boxes. It is also important to look at a box that is just slightly bigger than your item(s) so that there is a small bit of room for reinforced padding and corners. View our range of postal boxes here to see what we can offer.
Packing fragile items securely starts with choosing a sturdy box that’s appropriately sized. Double-walled boxes provide extra durability for heavy or delicate items, ensuring they’re well-protected during transit. Begin by wrapping each item individually in bubble wrap, hivewrap or air cushions, securing it with tape to prevent shifting. For items with delicate surfaces, consider adding a layer of foam sheets before bubble wrapping for added cushioning.
Next, line the bottom of the box with padding materials such as ZigZag shredded paper or bubble wrap. Place the wrapped item in the centre of the box, filling any remaining gaps with more padding to prevent movement. The goal is to cushion the item on all sides without overpacking.
Finally, seal the box with strong packing tape and apply “Fragile” labels or use fragile packing tape to indicate careful handling is required. For extra-sensitive items, consider adding tilt or impact indicators, which alert recipients if the box has been mishandled. With these steps, fragile items can be packed securely to minimise damage during shipping.
Protecting fragile items requires thoughtful planning and the right materials. By using quality boxes, proper cushioning, and secure wrapping, you can ensure that your delicate items arrive intact. Whether you’re shipping glassware, electronics, or any other fragile product, choosing the right packaging supplies is a crucial step toward customer satisfaction and brand reliability.
Here at Parcelsend UK, we can offer you a wide range of high-quality packaging supplies to meet all your shipping needs. Contact us today to learn more about our packaging solutions and find the best option for your business.
