A key aspect of a business’s supply chain is industrial packaging supplies, which are used to store and transport goods from the producer to the consumer. These heavy-duty, versatile packaging materials can be found in a wide range of shapes and sizes, depending on the product being packaged. According to Paramount Packaging, these materials offer protection during shipping and transit from natural deterioration and environmental factors, as well as physical impacts.

As a result, they can help ensure that a product reaches its destination in pristine condition. Depending on the type of product, this could mean anything from spare parts and tools to finished products or raw ingredients for the production of further products. It is important that these items are shipped and stored correctly, as one misstep can cause long-standing damage to both a company’s reputation and its customer’s value perception of the product itself.

There are many different suppliers of industrial packaging, each offering a range of materials and options to suit the requirements of each individual client. For example, Global Industrial offers a wide variety of materials and can provide customized packaging solutions. Other suppliers include Uline, Grainger and International Plastics. Each has its own particular focus and provides a wide range of solutions, with a focus on safety, quality and sustainability.

In general, industrial packaging is used for goods that are used on a large scale or that require more rigorous storage and transportation requirements than typical consumer products. This includes raw materials, semi-finished and finished goods as well as food. However, it also extends to the transport of hazardous waste and medical supplies.

Unlike the light and thin cardboard boxes and other containers commonly used for retail goods, industrial packaging is designed to be strong, durable and resistant to impact damage during shipping and handling. This is because goods are usually transported in bulk, requiring them to be able to withstand a lot of movement over a long distance. This includes rough handling by a warehouse team as well as the potential for bumps and knocks on the road to the final delivery point.

Another consideration when selecting a material for industrial packaging is its ability to withstand varying weather conditions. This is especially true for any product that may be exposed to extreme temperatures, or that requires refrigeration in order to preserve its contents. For example, a beverage that is packaged for consumption would be delivered to consumers in easy-to-handle aluminium cans. However, an industrial-sized version of the same drink might be delivered in a drum or tank to a manufacturing plant where it will be added to other chemicals and liquids for further processing.

The most common types of industrial packaging materials are fluted corrugated cardboard, plastic, and polypropylene. These materials are able to withstand bumps and impacts, and can be easily modified with dividers and other additions. Additionally, these materials can be printed with branding or instructions to make the package more identifiable to its recipient and reduce product theft.