Export Packing Made Simple
Getting the right packaging materials to transport items safely by couriers around the UK is an art in itself. If you need to send them abroad, however, whether you’re exporting goods or moving to a different country, there is a whole new range of things you need to think about, not least the extra number of bumps and knocks your parcels are almost certain to suffer en-route. Standards for shipments can vary from country to country but some things that will be relevant to them all will be:
- Weight
- Size
- Contents
- Quantity
One of the major things you need to be aware of is the set of regulations governing the use of wooden boxes, crates and pallets as part of your export packing. Chief among these is the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No 15 (ISPM 15), developed by the International Plant Protection Convention to prevent the international transport and spread of disease and insects that could negatively affect plants or ecosystems.
Any wood materials more than 6mm thick need to be debarked and then heat-treated to a minimum of 56oC for a minimum of 30 minutes or fumigated with methyl bromide. Once this has been done, they get stamped with an internationally recognised mark of compliance, known widely as the ‘wheat stamp’.
Cardboard Boxes
The minimum strength of cardboard boxes you’ll want to use for export packing will be double wall. That doesn’t mean however that they’re flimsy or can’t hold much weight. Here at Davpack our range of heavy-duty double wall boxes are specifically designed to be extra hard wearing with excellent crush resistance and a maximum capacity of 40kg. On top of that, they’re designed to fit on standard pallets whilst being level and not having any overhang. Alternatively, if you have taller products or want to double up on the protection on the sides of your products you can always opt for our double layered telescopic boxes. If you are looking for the next step up with cardboard boxes, triple wall boxes are what you’ll find, with an extra wall of fluting and kraft paper to offer more protection and padding around your product.
Wooden Crates
If your products are heavier or need even more protection, then our popular range of no nail plywood boxes can hold up to 200kg, withstand several tonnes worth of pressure and can withstand many knocks and bumps as well as more extreme climatic conditions, making them a popular form of export packing. On top of being able to hold great weight and withstand a lot of impacts, plywood boxes can be put together without nails. Simple to put together by inserting the lugs into the correct slots and locking them together with the help of a mallet. As they are made from plywood, our crates aren’t affected by ISPM 15 standards.
Pallet Boxes and Pallets
If you find yourself needing to ship particularly heavy items or large amounts of boxes you might want to consider using pallets or pallet boxes to make it quicker, more efficient, and safer to handle and transport. Items like our palletised cap and sleeve boxes are designed specifically to make packing heavy items easier as the box can be built up around the items once placed upon the base and pallet. If you would rather opt for pallets by themselves our press wood and plastic pallets are extremely strong and are compatible with the international standard for phytosanitary measures no.15, meaning that you will have less hassle when exporting!
So, before you package your products to be exported and rolling the dice, why not give us a call on 01332 821200 for some advice to help you with whatever dilemma you have. With over 50 years’ experience in the packaging industry, we’re sure we can help guide you to the best solution.
Rick Stanford
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