Winters can be harsh. Wind, snow, salt and freezing temperatures can take their toll, and not just on humans. Delivery services don’t stop during the deep freeze, meaning your packaging and your customer orders will spend time outside being tested by the elements. That’s why it’s important to create winterized packaging strategies to keep your products safe during any outdoor travel time. Luckily, with packaging there’s rarely ever only one way to pack something right—so let’s look at the packaging supplies that’ll help you develop smart winterized packaging.

Bubble Cushion

Bubble is so versatile that it’s even beneficial to use in wintery conditions. The combination of plastic sheeting and air-filled bubbles creates a barrier between a product and the surrounding box walls. This helps repel moisture and keep the product nice and cozy. As ever, remember to keep the bubbles against whatever it’s protecting.

Packing Paper

Kraft paper can both replace or supplement bubble cushion in creating winterized packaging. As a high-volume, cost-effective packaging material, you can literally afford to use a little more—it can be wrapped around a product multiple times, helping to create yet another barrier between moisture and your valuable products.

Chipboard Sheets

If your shipment runs the chance of sitting on a snow-covered surface for any amount of time, consider using chipboard sheets as a barrier against potentially snow-soaked box walls. Place a sheet or two in the bottom of your corrugated box, add in your product, and then add another sheet or two on top for good measure. The stiff and dense material will help add more layers of protection against moisture damage during shipping.

Cold Temperature Packing Tape

Standard packing tape adhesive can freeze in winter temperatures, leaving your box unsealed and exposed to moisture. Cold temperature packing tape is formulated to survive extreme weather, ensuring shipping cartons are kept closed during any frigid trips.  Switch to it early on during the winter weather change, and you’ll rest assured that no sudden drops in temperature will punish you.

Hand Stretch Wrap

If you’re really concerned about your product’s chances, consider wrapping the final shipment in a layer of hand stretch wrap. Stretch the protective film, then wrap it around your packaging. The tension and quality construction of the film will create a strong, tight seal around everything. It’s especially useful for protecting mailing tubes that are shipping posters or other paper-based goods.

Poly Mailers

Mailers are a key part of any e-commerce shipping strategy, but paper-based mailers are particularly vulnerable during the winter months. Switching to poly mailers will help mitigate the risk of moisture damage, thanks to their polyethylene film. Courier bags (poly mailers without bubble cushion lining) will handle plenty of items just fine, but poly bubble mailers (poly mailers with a built-in bubble cushion lining) will up the protection factor. Just ensure you’re sealing them correctly to keep as much moisture at bay as possible.

When winter comes roaring in, make sure your shipments can withstand the assault. Gather your favourite packaging choices and create the winterized packaging strategy that works best for you. With the variety of packaging supplies you’ll find here at The Packaging Company, your wintertime shipments will arrive safe and dry. Your customers will definitely thank you for that.