6 common misconceptions relating to industrial packaging

It is not unusual for us to address customer concerns based on misunderstandings or lack of knowledge.    Part of our job as a supplier is to educate our customers on issues and best practices relating to packaging and crating.  Below are some common misconceptions:

Foam is foam:  Many are under the misguided notion that there is no difference between foams with regards to industrial packaging.   There is actually a significant difference between foams.   Foams come in different materials and densities; they can be extruded, and molded or even applied in liquid form.   Each application can require a different type of foam.   Some foam won’t adhere to certain materials.  Some applications require repeated uses and would require foam that is durable and keeps its cushioning properties over extended use.    Sometimes ESD foam is needed.     There are dozens of types of foams that Packnet uses for custom foam packaging.   For more information on foam, view our custom foam application page.

Desiccants are enough:   Many packagers believe that simply putting a good desiccant in a sealed package will prevent corrosion during long term storage or shipping.   Desiccants can help, but they are not fool-proof  unless they are in a heat sealed vapor barrier laminate bag.   For large bulky equipment, one would need to put desiccant bags in several locations to try to keep moisture from the entire product.  Desiccant bags can tear or the wrap can develop small leaks.   Cortec VpCI packaging products offer a near foolproof solution.   The VpCI packaging films and bags actually emit a vapor that saturates the air and attaches to metal surfaces.    View our blog post onVpCI technology.

Any Treated wood is ISPM 15 compliant.  Many people mistakenly believe that any treated lumber is ISPM 15 compliant.   This is absolutely false;   ISPM 15 wood packaging requires a specific type of treatment.   Three types are acceptable:  1. Heat treating, 2.   chemical treating, and 3. Radiation treatment.   Only wood that has the official IPSM stamp can be accepted for international shipping.  Furthermore, the pallet or crate must have the final ISPM 15 marking applied to two opposite sides for het pallet or crate. More information on ISPM 15.

Cardboard is more environmentally friendly than plastic:  When you consider the entire life cycle of both cardboard and plastic, they appear to be about the same.    There are environmentalists that argue either way.    Please read this blog post on how environmentally friendly  is cardboard.    We believe that reusable packaging is one of the most environmentally friendly solutions available today.

Mold on wood is not allowed for international shipments:  Mold is not specifically addressed by ISPM regulations.  Mold is not an invasive species, nor is it likely that mold would spread from a packaging crate to other materials.  Currently mold is allowed on wood packaging for international shipments   More information here.

Corrugated plastic prices track with oil prices:  Everyone knows that plastic comes from oil, so it is only natural that plastic prices would track with oil prices.    While oil is a base component of plastic,   there are a lot of steps in the supply chain.  Each step is uniquely affected by its own supply and demand rhythms.   It is far more likely that supply situations at the resin plants or the converters will influence price rather than oil prices.   Please read this blog post on plastic prices.

Packnet only provides packaging solutions:  We thought we would throw this one in.  Packnet has a number of services it offers in addition to creating and supplying custom packaging solutions.   Our most common services include:  CNC cutting and routing, waterjet cutting, large format die cutting and wood panel cutting.

It is understandable that there are often misconceptions about packaging; something that may seem simple actually has a lot of complexity to it.   Not understanding all the issues related to industrial packaging can cost you time and money.   That is why we believe that using an experienced resource like Packnet is your most cost effective choice for custom industrial packaging and precision cutting services