Key Considerations When Packaging Signage
Before selecting a packaging method, consider:
- Size and weight of the signage
- Material sensitivity (e.g., acrylic, ACM, vinyl)
- Distance and mode of transport
- Environmental impact
- Cost effectiveness
- Labour requirements
- Storage space for packaging materials
Different Packaging Methods
1. Bubble, Card and Staple
Best suited for: Signs under 1000mm x 1000mm,. Great for ACM, acrylic, aluminium, foam and more.
Process:
- Wrap sign in thin layer of bubble wrap for face / print protection
- Fold double wall carboard around with 75mm border.
- Seal with industrial carton sealer (Or quality packing tape)
Advantages:
- Cost-effective solution
- Quick and efficient packaging process
- Lightweight, minimizing shipping costs
- Cardboard components are recyclable
- Minimal storage space required for materials
- Easy to train staff on the process
Disadvantages:
- Limited corner protection
- Higher risk of puncture damage
- Not suitable for large ACM panels due to insufficient rigidity
- Bubble wrap component is not recyclable
2. Heavy Duty Card Casing
Best suited for: Larger panels, high-value signage requiring maximum protection, post & panel signage and large acrylic plaques.
Process:
- Cut carboard sheeting with a 75mm board all the way around.
- Use 75mm strips of the card to add extra edge protection.
- Secure strips and card sheets together with staples or double sided tape.
Advantages:
- Superior overall protection
- Excellent rigidity for large format panels
- Strong resistance to punctures and impacts
- Enhanced corner protection
- Fully recyclable materials
- Efficient storage for bulk shipping
- Professional appearance
Disadvantages:
- Labour-intensive packaging process
- Increased package weight affects shipping costs
- Higher material costs compared to basic packaging
- More storage space needed for materials
3. Polystyrene Casing
Alternative to cardboard casing. Best suited for: Larger signs, post & Panel and trays.
Process:
- Cut 50mm polystyrene sheeting with a 50mm border all around.
- Add polystyrene strips around the perimeter and secure with tape
- Add plastic corner protectors.
- Cover in industrial shrink wrap and use gas torch to shrink to a tight package
Advantages:
- Exceptional protection against punctures
- Ideal for large format panels
- Very lightweight solution
- Excellent void fill properties
- Superior protection during rough handling
- Good shock absorption
Disadvantages:
- Non-recyclable materials
- Complex and messy processing
- Static charge issues during handling
- Workspace contamination concerns
- Environmental disposal challenges
- Customer disposal issues
- Higher storage space requirements
4. Bubble Wrap Pillow
Best suited for: Small signs, multiple small panels
Process:
- Create thick bubble wrap layering
- Seal thoroughly with packing tape
- Add additional corner protection as needed
Advantages:
- Strong protection when properly applied
- Cost-effective for small items
- Very lightweight solution
- Flexible for various sizes
- Good for combining multiple small signs
- Minimal training required
Disadvantages:
- Non-recyclable materials
- Time-consuming application process
- Difficult for customers to unpack safely
- Inefficient for bulk orders
- Storage challenges for packaging materials
- Not suitable for rigid signs requiring structural support
4. Pallet-Based Packaging
Best suited for: Bulk deliveries, heavy signage, multiple sign orders going to an industrial enviroment
Process:
- Stack signs securely on standard pallet
- Add protective layering between signs
- Secure load with strapping and/or shrink wrap
- Protect corners and edges as needed
Advantages:
- Ideal for heavy shipments without increasing costs
- Generally safe and secure on pallet distribution networks
- Minimal additional packaging materials required
- Efficient for bulk orders
- Good protection during transit
- Cost-effective for large quantities
Disadvantages:
- Size limitations due to standard pallet dimensions
- Customer forklift requirements for offloading
- Distance-based pricing unlike flat-fee couriers
- May require special handling equipment
- Not suitable for all delivery locations
- Not cost effective for singular large signs.
Best Practices
Material Selection
- Match packaging method to sign type and size
- Consider journey length and handling requirements
- Balance protection needs with environmental impact
Process Optimisation
- Create standardized packaging procedures
- Train staff thoroughly on each method
- Maintain quality control checks
- Document successful packaging configurations
Environmental Considerations
- Prioritize recyclable materials where possible
- Consider implementing packaging material return programs
- Minimize mixed material packaging
- Look for sustainable alternatives to traditional materials
Cost Management
- Buy packaging materials in bulk when possible
- Track packaging time for accurate costing
- Monitor damage rates to optimise protection levels
- Consider packaging material storage costs
Conclusion
Selecting the right packaging method is crucial for successful signage delivery. While each method has its advantages and disadvantages, the key is matching the packaging solution to your specific requirements, considering factors such as sign size, material, shipping distance, and environmental impact.
Regular review of packaging methods and staying updated with new materials and techniques will help ensure continued success in signage shipping operations.