How to Buy It

When buying corrugated packaging, there are a few things to keep in mind and consider:

1. What is the purpose of the packaging?

• Is the carton simply for protection during transportation of product and then immediately discarded?

• Would the carton serve as storage for a continuous use product?

• Will package be used as a point of purchase / point of sale advertising?

• Should the packaging be reusable / returnable?

2. What product am I putting in the carton?

• What is the product's weight, value and density? (50# of BB's or 50# metal block)

• Is pilferage a concern?

3. How soon do I need my corrugated packaging?

• Is lead time adequate for a custom design and manufacturing?

4. Will the carton be printed?

• Should your company name or product information be on the box?

• Will the box have advertising impact -- either retail or wholesale?

• Are general handling/shipping requirements necessary (fragile, UP arrows)?

• Is the product hazardous?

5. If used for shipping, how am I going to ship the carton?

• Will product be shipped individually (UPS, US Postal Service) from customer, or will it go bulk to end destination?

• How will boxes be palletized? Will loads be double / triple stacked in transit or in storage?

• What environmental conditions will the box be exposed to (humidity, salt air, heat, cold)?

• Is returnable / reusable packaging required?

6. Will my product need additional inner-packing for cushioning?

• Can the product rub / bump together?

• Is the product available to customize a packaging design?

• Will the product bear its own weight?

• Will slots for each piece speed packing and quantity control?

7. Is my product hazardous?

• Some products are considered stable individually but when bulk shipped they are deemed hazardous. Example: hair spray - 1 can is not a problem but when it is shipped in pallet loads UN testing is required.

8. Is my product food?

• Will food contact the carton?

• Will food be bagged first?

• Will products be refrigerated?

• Will your goods be stored in a humid or refrigerated environment? You may want to consider Waterproof Adhesive (WPA) / or Water-Resistant Adhesive (WRA).

• Are vent holes or gaps on flaps required?

• Are wax or grease resistant coatings required?

• Are water-resistant liners needed?

• What markings must be on the outside of the carton? Requirements vary from state to state.

9. Corrugated comes in different grades. What board grade will my package require?

• All of the above will determine the best material for your product.

10. Can WPC help me redesign my package to be more effective?

• We have the knowledge, experience, education and training to create the best corrugated packaging for your needs! Learn more about our Custom Design Packaging services or Contact Us today.