What are the Common Materials Used in Packaging?

Most of the things we use on a daily basis are shipped from all over the world. Even when we buy something from a store, it is packs somehow. Packaging protects things from getting damage and makes it easier for you to carry them or move them. This is why packaging plays an integral role in commercial moving companies and our everyday lives as well. There are many materials that can use for packaging, and each one of them has its pros and cons. You may not have to do the packing daily, but you must know the process if you want to start a business or move from your current residence. Here is a list of some of the common materials that are use in packaging. A detailed overview is share for each of them, along with the pros and cons. So, let’s have a look.
Types of Packing Materials
Packaging materials play a lead role in the safety of our belongings during a move. They are usually divides into three types depending upon their nature.
- Recyclable Materials
Such types of materials can use again and again as some chemical methods can process them. There are several materials that we use on a daily basis, but we throw them away after using them. Such materials are then recycles and become premium packaging materials. Papers, plastic, and cardboard are the three most common packaging materials made from recycles raw materials.
- Reproducible Materials
These materials consist of renewable natural components and can renewe whenever needs. For example, you can always use the sugarcane plant to make bioplastics, which are then use in packaging.
- Biodegradable Materials
Such materials that can broke down into components within 90 days and don’t leave any harmful residue are called biodegradable materials.
Common Packing Materials
1- Paper or Cardboard
Cardboard and fiberboard are widely use by a variety of commercial moving companies around the world for packing their items. Paper is the chief component in making other packaging materials like paper labels, cover bags, etc. Cardboard is thicker and stronger than ordinary paper. It is more often use in the major part of the packaging. They can be customize in different sizes according to the need and can cover bigger equipment easily. Milk and juices are normally packs in cardboard, and other items like cereals and food can also packs in cardboard. Cardboard protects the product way more than an ordinary paper covering.
2- Aluminum Foil
Foil made of aluminum is another commonly use packaging material. It comes with large metal sheets that are rolled on a paper roll. These foils have a sticky side that easily covers the material. Aluminum foils are widely use in the food industry because they don’t stick to food and seal food residue well. However, they don’t hold moisture well; hence if you are transporting food, this isn’t a good choice.
3- Glass
Although polyethylene and plastic are mostly use in the packaging industry, glass containers still have great importance. The beverage industry mainly uses glass as the prime packaging material to store their beverages. Furthermore, glass packaging is also use in the food and cosmetic industries. However, if you are planning to transport your belongings using glass packaging, it is not a good idea. Glass can easily break during the move and can cause damage to your items. Although glass is a renewable material, many industries prefer it.
4- Plastic
Another famous and widely used packaging material around the world is plastic. It is recyclable material; on average, 350 million tons of plastic are produce yearly. This material can range from storing smaller items to heaviest items; hence, commercial moving companies primarily use it. It is strong, easy to carry, and above all, a flexible material option which is why it is prefers. It keeps your food safe and is opaque. This means you can easily see what is store inside the plastic covering.
Furthermore, plastic provides incredible resistance to heat and chemicals. It can molds into various shapes depending upon how it is needed. Typical examples are plastic bags and plastic containers.
5- Wood
Wood was one of the first packaging materials and is still very common today. Commercial moving companies near you use wood for storing heavy or delicate products that require a good hold and extra strength. Types of wooden containers include crates, strong and large barrels, wooden boxes, wire crates, pallets, and rails. Since these containers are made by joining several wood planks, you might also require fasteners such as nails.
The materials shared above are some of the most common ones used for packaging nowadays. There are other materials as well, but normally these are use as they are cost-friendly and easily available.