Which packaging is suitable for fragile products?

Glass bottles, electronics, chocolates or ceramics: fragile products place special demands on packaging. Even a small scratch or crack can lead to a complaint. And it leaves a poor impression. So which packaging is suitable for fragile products? Here is what matters.

What does the product need protection from?

First decide what the packaging needs to protect against:

• Breakage and impact: for example glass, ceramics, spirits or cosmetics bottles
• Pressure: for soft or shape-sensitive products such as pastries, chocolates or textiles
• Scratches and abrasion: for high-gloss surfaces, jewellery or electronics
• Moisture and grease: for food or sensitive materials
• Light: for some cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food products

A precise fit is the most important protection

Most damage happens because the product moves inside the packaging. Packaging matched exactly to the product’s dimensions prevents it from sliding and knocking. So measure your product precisely and have a blank sample made. This lets you check the fit before the series starts.

Inserts and inlays

Inserts hold the product in place inside the packaging. They are the key to safe transport:

• Cardboard inserts: die-cut supports or cavities made of board keep bottles, jars or several parts of a set safely apart. They are recyclable and can be disposed of with the packaging.
• Dividers: cardboard partitions stop several products from knocking against each other, for example jars or chocolates.
• Suspending or fixing constructions: keep the product away from the edges so that impacts do not hit the contents directly.

The right type of packaging

• Gift boxes made of rigid greyboard: very stable and pressure-resistant. With a matching insert, ideal for bottles, spirits, jewellery or sets.
• Folding cartons with an insert: economical for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or small electronics. If needed, inside an additional shipping box.
• Corrugated shipping boxes: absorb impacts in transit. Heavier corrugated board suits very fragile goods.
• Food packaging: for pastries, chocolates or cakes. It combines shape stability with suitability for food contact.

The right material

For the retail packaging of fragile products, a strong, rigid board is a good choice. For premium products, laminated greyboard is ideal. For shipping, corrugated board is the first choice. The heavier and more fragile the contents, the stronger the construction should be. Our article GC1, GC2 or kraft board gives an overview of board grades.

Double packing works better

For shipping, the “box in box” principle has proven itself. The premium retail packaging goes into a matching corrugated shipping box. The outer packaging absorbs impacts and scratches. That way the retail packaging reaches the customer undamaged. Read more about shipping in our article The right packaging for e-commerce and shipping.

Combining protection and brand impact

Protection does not mean doing without design. A well-fitting insert in a printed box presents the product like a jewellery case. This is a big advantage for cosmetics, delicatessen and gifts in particular. At the same time, cardboard inserts replace plastic trays and filling material. That is good for the environment and makes disposal easy for the customer.

Checklist for your enquiry

• Product: exact dimensions, weight and material (e.g. glass)
• Main risks: breakage, pressure, scratches or moisture
• Retail shelf, shipping or both
• Number of products per pack (single product or set)
• Quantity and preferred delivery date

Send us your requirements, ideally with a sample of your product. We will develop packaging that protects and looks good, and send you a binding quote within 24 hours.

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