How To Choose The Right Shipping Materials For Your Business
For Australian businesses, especially those shipping across Melbourne and interstate, choosing the right shipping materials is essential for protecting products and keeping freight costs under control. With so many options available, it helps to understand what each material is designed for and how it fits into your shipping process.
Getting to know the most common shipping materials
Different products need different levels of protection. Below is a breakdown of popular shipping materials and where they work best.
Kraft paper tape for secure and sustainable sealing
Kraft paper tape is a reliable option for sealing cartons and packages. It creates a strong bond with cardboard, making it harder for boxes to be tampered with during transit. Many businesses also prefer it for sustainability reasons, as it is often recyclable alongside cardboard.
Used with cartons and void fill, it provides a clean and professional finish. If your business ships regularly, pairing kraft tape with quality paper stock from a trusted supplier of kraft paper rolls helps streamline packing and presentation.
Bubble wrap for fragile items
Bubble wrap remains a go-to choice for protecting fragile or high-risk items. It cushions products against impact and vibration, making it ideal for glassware, electronics and delicate components.
Choosing the right bubble size and wrap thickness is key. Smaller bubbles suit lightweight items, while larger bubbles offer more protection for heavier goods. Stocking up on bubble wrap in bulk can also help reduce per-unit costs if you ship breakables frequently.
Pallet wrap for bulk and heavy shipments
When it comes to large or consolidated shipments, pallet wrap is essential. It secures cartons and products to pallets, preventing movement and damage during transport and storage.
Pallet wrap also protects goods from dust and moisture, especially for longer shipping routes. Businesses handling wholesale or warehouse distribution often benefit from sourcing pallet wrap in bulk to ensure consistency and cost efficiency.
Honeycomb paper wraps as a plastic-free alternative
Honeycomb paper wraps are growing in popularity as a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging. The expanded paper structure provides shock absorption similar to bubble wrap while being recyclable.
They are well-suited to retail items, ceramics and gift products, especially for brands wanting to reduce plastic use. You can explore different options for honeycomb paper wraps depending on your product size and presentation needs.
Biofill packing peanuts for lightweight cushioning
Biofill packing peanuts are designed to fill empty space inside boxes and prevent items from shifting. Unlike traditional foam peanuts, biofill options are biodegradable and dissolve in water, making disposal simple and eco-conscious.
They work well for lightweight products or as a secondary layer of protection alongside paper or wrap. You will often find them included within broader protective packaging solutions.
How to choose the right shipping materials for your products
Selecting the right materials starts with understanding what you are shipping. Consider the following factors:
- Fragility and breakage risk
- Item size, shape and weight
- Shipping distance and handling conditions
- Sustainability goals and customer expectations
- Storage space and packing time
For example, fragile items may need layered protection using bubble wrap or honeycomb paper, while heavier shipments benefit from pallet wrap and reinforced cartons. If sustainability matters to your brand, switching to paper-based options can support those values without compromising protection.
Best practices for efficient shipping and packaging
Using the right materials is only part of the process. A few smart packing habits can make a noticeable difference:
- Avoid oversized boxes to reduce movement and shipping costs
- Fill the empty space to prevent items from shifting in transit
- Buy packaging in bulk where possible to lower unit costs
Make shipping simpler with the right supplies at Awesome Pack
If you are shipping daily or restocking for the season, bulk packaging options can keep your supplies flowing and your costs down. Explore our full range of shipping materials or contact us if you need advice or a custom quote. Stock up now and benefit from free Melbourne metro delivery plus flexible Australia-wide freight solutions.