How to Package Your Products to Reduce Damage in Transit

An essential guide for safely shipping fragile products.

When it comes to shipping fragile or spill-prone items like wine bottles and paint tins, the risk of damage in transit is high — but it’s also preventable.

With the right packaging design, materials, and techniques, you can significantly reduce breakages, leaks, and returns.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Understand the Risks in the Supply Chain
   Your products might leave your premises in perfect condition, but they face a range of hazards before reaching the customer:
   
   • Rough handling during loading and unloading
   • Stacking pressure in warehouses or courier vans
   • Vibration and movement during transport
   • Environmental factors, such as temperature changes or moisture
   
   Wine bottles are prone to shattering. Paint tins can dent or leak if not properly supported. Choosing packaging that anticipates these risks is key.
   
2. Choose the Right Packaging Materials
   When protecting high-risk items, corrugated cardboard is one of the most reliable, sustainable, and versatile options available. But not all cardboard packaging is created equal.
   
   For effective protection, look for:
   
   • Double-or triple-wall corrugated board for added strength
   • Die-cut inserts or dividers to hold items securely in place
   • Impact-dampening materials to cushion against shock and vibration
   
   At N Smith & Co., all our solutions use durable, courier-approved corrugated board and are crafted with transit hazards in mind.
   
3. Use Inserts and Internal Fitments
   Internal packaging is just as important as the outer box. Without it, your product may shift inside the box, increasing the chance of impact damage.
   
   Wine & Spirit Bottles:
   Custom inserts hold each bottle firmly in place, reducing movement and preventing glass-to-glass contact.
   
   Paint Tins:
   Secure inserts stop tins from knocking together or tipping during transit. For multiple-tin packaging, we offer specially designed dividers that distribute weight and absorb shock.
   
   These inserts are tailored to the size and shape of your product and can be produced in standard or custom dimensions.
   
4. Make Packaging Efficient and Easy to Use
   Efficiency matters — not just in cost, but also in time. Warehouse and packing teams need packaging that is:
   
   • Quick to assemble
   • Intuitive to use
   • Reliable under pressure
   
   Our bottle and paint packaging systems are designed with speed and ease in mind, helping reduce packing time without compromising on security.
   
   Final Thoughts: Reduce Damage, Protect Profit
   
   Every damaged item means lost revenue, extra handling costs, and potential customer dissatisfaction. By investing in intelligent packaging, you’re not just protecting a product — you’re protecting your brand.
   
   Whether you need an off-the-shelf solution or a custom-designed system for your paint tins or wine bottles, we’re here to help.
   
   Speak to Our Experts
   Want advice on the best packaging for your products? We’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your item, your workflow, and your budget.
   
   📞 Call us on 0121 557 1891
   📧 Email us at nsmith@nsmithbox.co.uk