Ensure Damage-Free Ecommerce Packaging

As more products are being shipped to consumers’ doorsteps, packaging plays a key role in this market’s success. Take a look at ways companies can ensure products arrive undamaged. Distribution Center Testing  Many consumer product goods (CPGs) companies are using special testing techniques to ensure any package inadequacies are caught prior to shipping. This includes simulating package performance on the following:

• Environmental conditions
• Vibration scenarios
• Drops and compression changes

By using these testing procedures, CPGs are better able to choose the right ecommerce packaging materials ahead of time and avoid damage issues. This also results in lower shipping costs overall and enhanced brand impression among consumers. ISTA Testing As cited in Packaging Strategies, the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) also has implemented testing standards for CPGs to follow. In particular, these standards serve to better understand the full supply chain and what packages undergo during shipping. For example, one of the standards includes testing products that are delivered to an ecommerce distribution center but then are re-boxed and re-shipped with other products in a larger box. Meeting these standards is key, given that the likelihood for damage is greater in this aspect of the supply chain.

Adhesive Testing In addition to the chosen package substrates, the adhesive plays a critical role in the package’s ability to withstand ecommerce demands and arrive to a consumer undamaged. As a result, it’s important to use an adhesive that has undergone extensive performance testing, such as:

• IOPP (Institute of Packaging Professionals) test method T-3006
• Fiber tear test
• SAFT (shear adhesion failure temperature) test

Bostik formulates adhesives that exceed this testing criteria and works directly with customers to ensure our products meet their specific packaging needs. For more information on how our adhesives aid in ecommerce packaging, call 800-7-BOSTIK, or visit www.bostik.com/us.