Simple Packaging Tips

General tips

• Always use a strong rigid carton.
• Use a carton made of high quality corrugated cardboard preferably double walled to ensure strength, durability and protection.
• Avoid using a carton more than once as its strength and therefore the protection it offers is reduced the more times it is handled.
• Choose the correct size of carton to match the contents. Underfilled boxes are likely to collapse, and overfilled burst open.
• If the carton is underfilled use padding materials such as polystyrene chips and shredded paper to fill it out.
• Wrap all items separately within the carton with protective cushioning such as bubble wrap.
• If possible ensure no items are touching the walls of the carton.
• Seal the carton with strong tape designed for shipping - everyday sellotape is not sufficient.
• Ensure the carton is sealed securely with the flaps taped down along the middle and on both ends over the corners.
• When putting the carton together use strong staples or tape to ensure the base is secure and will not come open in transit.
• Many goods are shipped in the manufacturer's original packaging which is not always suitable for an overnight parcel system.
• Items such as boxes of CD's, DVD's and video tapes need to be packed with cushioning material around each item.
• Goods being sent in an Expresspak also need to be protected just as much as those in a carton. Expresspaks are designed as means of carriage, not protection.
• 'Fragile' and 'Handle with Care' labels are no substitute for good packaging - they are for information only.
• If you can hear or feel the contents of the carton moving inside then they are not packed properly.

Liquids

• Liquids must be shipped in leak-free containers packed with lightweight protection.
• They must also be in a leak retaining protective plastic bag.
• Damaged liquids can cause contamination to other customers' goods.

Wine

• All wine must be shipped in a carton approved by interlink express.
• Once approved the standard terms and conditions will apply.
• The approval should be arranged through the Sales or Account Executive functions.

There are two wine carton manufacturers whose products have been approved by interlink express. They are:

Saxon Packaging - 01502 513112

The WineBox Company - 020 7737 4040

The following range of products have been approved:-

BX12, M1, M2, M3, M6 & M12, M/MAG, PP1, PP2, PP3, PP4, PP6, PP12, PPMAG & PP/S

To view these products visit www.winebox.co.uk