You’ve invested in inflatable air cushioning for its space-saving and superior protection. But are hidden operational mistakes silently undermining its performance, leading to preventable damages, waste, and cost overruns?
At PackBest Air Packaging, we know that true efficiency comes from precision in both material and method. Let’s ensure your process is optimized from storage to sealing.
Here are 8 essential operational guidelines for using air cushioning correctly:
- NO-NAIL CARTONS
This is a prime cause of invisible failures. A protruding staple, a sharp edge from a broken corrugated flap, or an old nail in a reused box can easily puncture an air cushion.
Action: Implement a quick pre-packing check. Run a hand along the interior surfaces of your shipping carton. if it scratches your glove, it will shred the cushion. The integrity of the outer container is the first line of defense.
- Precision Inflation
Why It Matters: Overinflating causes cushions to become rigid and brittle, risking bursts during transit. Underinflating leaves cushions flimsy, unable to absorb impacts. Inconsistent pressure leads to uneven protection, increasing damage risk.
How to Do It Right: Different types, sizes, materials, and thicknesses of inflatable cushion packaging, as well as different inflation machines, require varying inflation pressures. At PackBest Air Packaging, we test inflation pressure before shipping and provide customers with suitable parameters to facilitate your subsequent packaging work.
- Maintain a Clean & Conscious Workspace.
Why It Matters:
The environment matters. Dragging rolls of film across dirty, abrasive floors can cause micro-scratches that weaken the material.
Rule: Store air cushion packaging on designated racks or carts. Keep the packing area clean from debris that could be trapped between the film and the product. This is basic, but vital, for material integrity.
- Protect Against Sharp & Angular Products.
Before wrapping these products, add a layer of protective film or tissue paper around the sharp edges—this creates a barrier between the edge and the air cushion. Then, wrap the product with air cushions, ensuring the sharp parts are fully covered. Meanwhile, avoid using sharp tools during the packaging process, as they are likely to puncture the air cushions and invalidate the protection.
PackBest also offers reinforced air cushions with thicker film, such asinflatable air bubble roll or hanging air column bag for products with sharp edges—they’re more resistant to tearing and provide long-lasting protection.
- Store Smart: Avoid Sunlight and Heat Exposure.
UV radiation and sustained high heat are detrimental to most plastics, causing degradation and weakening seals over time.
Storage Rule: Keep unused rolls and inflated cushions in a cool, dry, and shaded area away from direct sunlight, heaters, or loading dock doors exposed to the sun.
By adhering to these precautions, you’ll significantly reduce shipping damage, cut unnecessary packaging costs (no more waste from improper use!), and boost customer satisfaction.
At PackBest Air Packaging, we’re not just a supplier—we’re your packaging partner. Do you have specific questions about using air cushions for your products? Whether you’re shipping fragile electronics, delicate cosmetics, bulky industrial parts, angular items, or corrosive products, our team of experts is here to help. Share your packaging challenges with us, and we’ll tailor a solution just for you!
