Environmental conditions can take a toll on your packaging. You never know what conditions your products are going to travel through. Damage to your packaging poses a risk for the items that are inside. They can be damaged before they even arrive to customers. Western Packaging can help you make the best decisions for packaging your products.
Key Takeaways
- Environmental factors like UV rays, heat, rain, and snow can weaken or damage packaging, affecting the safety and integrity of products.
- Packaging that cannot withstand these factors may lead to product damage, financial loss, and dissatisfied customers.
- Investing in the right packaging materials—like moisture barriers and UV-resistant options—can prevent environmental damage and preserve product quality.
- Understanding your product’s journey, including transportation and storage conditions, is essential for choosing appropriate packaging solutions.
- Western Packaging offers reliable and durable packaging options specifically designed to meet environmental challenges.
What Are Environmental Issues With Packaging?
The packaging that your items are in can get damaged by environmental elements. They will most likely be indoors and outdoors several times, both shipping and storing at the final destination. They have the potential of experiencing several different weather changes, such as:
- UV Rays From Sunlight
- Heat
- Rain
- Snow
If environmental issues will have a negative effect on your packaging, this can be a real problem. It will affect your bottom line, as well as your relationship with your customer. Damage to the items that are inside of the packaging isn’t going to leave a very happy customer when they receive it. Some of the environmental conditions that packages can experience are explained below.
Water Damage
You never know when it is going to rain while your package is in the shipping process. When it is raining outside, your package may get wet. While slight moisture may not be detrimental, significant water can damage the packaging. As well as the product inside.
You also have to consider where the package is being stored when it arrives at its location. Soil, dirt, fertilizer, animal feed, and more are oftentimes stored in outdoor locations. If the items that you have inside of your packaging will be impacted by getting wet, this can be a big problem. An investment in packaging that can withstand moisture occurring can help.
Sunlight Damage
When packages are in transit, they are subject to many elements of the weather. Sunlight is one of them, and which it also generates heat. This can be a problem for a couple of different reasons. The package can fade from the UV rays and cause it to not be legible.
Many items are stored in outdoor locations. Stores that carry animal feed and gardening soil, usually store them outdoors. When the packaging that is used cannot withstand the sunlight and heat, that is not a good scenario. It is a good idea to have proper packaging that can withstand these types of scenarios.
Temperature Fluctuations
Besides sunlight and water, temperature swings can impact packaging integrity. Packaging materials can expand and contract due to changing temperatures, especially when moving from cold storage to warm environments or vice versa. Over time, this can cause cracking, warping, or weakening of the packaging structure. If your products are sensitive to temperature—such as food, pharmaceuticals, or certain chemicals—this can also impact the product quality itself.
Humidity
High humidity levels can lead to condensation forming inside or outside the package, which can encourage mold, mildew, and even corrosion in certain products like metal parts or tools. Packaging designed with moisture-wicking layers or desiccant packs can help control internal humidity levels and protect sensitive products.
Pests and Contaminants
Outdoor storage not only exposes packaging to the elements but also to potential pests. Rodents, insects, and birds can chew through packaging, contaminating or damaging the contents. Using durable packaging with reinforced materials can help protect against pest damage.
Industry Examples Where Packaging Must Withstand Environmental Conditions
- Agriculture: Seed, fertilizer, and feed bags are often stored outside where they are exposed to rain and sunlight. Heavy-duty woven polypropylene bags with UV protection are essential in these environments.
- Construction: Sandbags, cement, and other construction materials need packaging that can resist tearing, moisture, and sunlight while being stored on-site.
- Food Distribution: Fresh produce and frozen goods require packaging that controls temperature and humidity throughout transport and storage.
- Chemical Products: Industrial chemicals may need special barrier films or liners that prevent moisture ingress and resist temperature extremes.
How To Better Protect Your Packages
You need to ensure that your packaging can hold up to the environmental conditions it is in, you need to do what you can to protect them. Western Packaging has options for you to best protect your packages. Some of the options that they have are:
- Laminated Woven Polypropylene Bags That Have A Moisture Barrier
- UV Sandbags With Strings To Better Withstand Sunlight
- Hay Sleeves To Help With Moisture Control
- And More
Sunlight, heat, and water can damage your packaging and the products inside. When the right packaging is used for the environment in which it is being used, your products are better protected. Customers will be much happier with the appearance and the quality of the items as well.
The Role of Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Environmental challenges don’t just impact packaging performance; they also bring up concerns about sustainability. Many businesses are moving toward packaging solutions that are both environmentally friendly and durable enough to withstand harsh conditions. Western Packaging offers options that are recyclable, reusable, and made from sustainable materials, helping you reduce your environmental footprint without sacrificing product protection.
For example, laminated woven polypropylene bags are not only highly durable but also recyclable. By choosing packaging that balances durability with sustainability, you can protect your products and support eco-conscious business practices.
Let Western Packaging Help You With Packaging Needs
Western Packaging can help you with the proper packaging for your products. We are a reputable company that can provide you with the products that you need for packaging. If you have questions about what is best for you, one of our team members would be glad to assist you. Please contact us.