Chapter 5 Packaging

5.4 Common Packing Materials and Determinants

5.4.1 Common Packing Materials

Exceptfor the cargo in bulk, such as grain, coal and ore, and the nude cargo, such assteel bars and wood, most goods need adequate packing for the purpose oftransport and sales. In order to avoid damage that occurred during transit inocean transportation, strong packing is needed to withstand rough handling.

(1) Plastic Materials

Plasticsare used because they are easy to shape and color, cheap, flexible, goodinsulator of heat, light weight, high strength-to-density ratios, hygienic,no-rusting, and good resistance to acids, alkalis, and solvents.

(2) Aluminum

Aluminumis made from bauxite (it takes about 4kg of bauxite to produce 1 kg of purealuminum). Pure aluminum is a soft, silvery white, relatively light metal,which conducts heart and electricity easily. It is used for cans and foil.Thick foils constituted a complete barrier to all gases (thinner ones havepin-holing). Aluminum can be recycled. Producing new aluminum cans from usedones saves up to 95% of the energy needed to produce cans from raw materials.

5.4.2 Determinants of Packing

In order to maximize the function of packing,decision has to be made with careful consideration for different factors. Somevariables are key to the choice of packing.

(1) Cargoproperties

Cargoesof different properties may require different methods of packing. Typicalcharacteristics such as nature, value and fragility have great impact onpacking of goods. For example, apples can be consigned in cases or boxes whilecement may be shipped in five-ply or six-ply bags or containers.

(2)Transport mode

The useof various transportation modes may have some implication for the packing ofcargo. For instance, air transport encourages palletized consignments withcargo strapped to it throughout the transit, and packing materials light inweight. For ocean freight, strong and durable packing are always preferable.

(3)Customs of statutory requirements

Customsor statutory requirements are another affecting factor for packing. While usingcertain kind of packing, exports must be sure that the material and pattern ofpacking used strictly comply with the regulator requirements of the importingcountry.

(4)Weather conditions

Packingmust take the weather condition in transit into account. If great variation intemperature is expected during the course of the transit, packing must bedesigned to permit the cargo to breathe and avoid excessive sweating.

(5)Ease of handling and stowage

Awkwardlyshaped cargoes are usually packed in regular shape containers such s cartons,cases to facilitate cargo stowage and handling.

(6)Insurance

Whencargoes are to be covered by insurance, there are likely to be some conditionsimposed on the packing. For example, cargoes which are particularly fragile orare more likely to be subject to damage may have to conform to a prescribedpacking specification.

(7)Cost of transportation

Tominimize transportation cost, size, shape and strength are the three mainconsiderations in proper packing. In addition, a shipper need consult hisshipping agent in order to ascertain the mode of packing in order to secure afavorable rate of freight.