Packaging aids

What are packing aids?

These are materials that increase the stability of packaging or enable it to fulfill its purpose in the first place.

It can be additional security, the closure, protective measures or measures that ensure the cohesion of the individual packaging materials.

Packing aids examples

- Sealing aids are, for example, package string, adhesive tapes or strapping tapes.
- Seals, warning labels, banderoles or adhesive labels can be used as package marking or securing aids.
- Protective aids include flame retardants or desiccants.
- Cushioning materials, such as wood wool, corrugated cardboard, foam, air cushions, corrugated cardboard or polystyrene chips can also be used to better protect the shipment.

What is the difference between packaging material and packaging aids

Packaging materials are materials which are used to pack the goods. These include, for example, cardboard and paper as cardboard packaging or letters, but also plastic, wood and sheet metal in the form of boxes, pallets, displays, canisters and bags. Packaging materials protect and enclose the packaged goods for safe transport and hold the items to be shipped together.

Packing aids, on the other hand, are largely used within the packing materials. They are used to cushion the goods within the packaging, protecting them from damage during transport due to pressure, shocks or scratches.

The functions of packing aids

The main function of packing aids is to secure the goods and sometimes also to label them. As soon as the shipment leaves the warehouse, it must be ensured that the products are handled as specified by logistics and that it arrives safely at its destination.

The most important functions of packing aids at a glance

- Packaging aids protect against dirt, moisture, grease, impacts and craters
- They ensure that the packaging is securely closed
- For labeling the goods with hazardous goods notices or information for special securing
- Packing aids serve as filling material for additional cushioning and supplementary shock absorbers

The backup function

Packaging aids can be used to ensure that the packaged goods arrive safely at the recipient within the packaging. High priority is given to the right filling materials, which prevent the goods from slipping or bumping. By using adhesive tapes and strapping bands, for example, these prevent the loss of goods. Edge protectors prevent the goods in the packaging from being damaged by impacts. The additional use of packing paper, which mainly serves as a filler between the goods and the packaging material, can ensure that they do not slip inside the packaging material, and also provides additional padding for the goods. In addition to packing paper, alternative packing aids are also frequently used, such as air cushions, packing chips and wood wool.

Labeling and advertising

In logistics, labels are often used on the packaging to identify the goods. These have the function of informing about the contents and shipping information. Printed adhesive tapes with warnings can also indicate how the goods should be handled, e.g. with the imprint "Caution glass". In addition to securing the goods, the labels and adhesive tapes used on the packaging can also serve as an advertising medium, for example by displaying the company logo.