Key packaging considerations for the automotive industry

Despite the global chip shortage causing a drop in all recent car production, over 500,000 cars have been produced in the UK alone in 2021. With an average of 30,000 parts per car, that’s a lot of packaging needed to guarantee safe deliveries!

Automotive parts are extremely valuable, come in various shapes and sizes, and often contain fragile components. Because of this, a number of considerations must take place when selecting the ultimate packaging solution.

In this article, we explore these considerations one by one to help you maximise the protection of your automotive products during transit.

1. The weight of your product

The weight of your automotive parts will have a huge impact on the packaging you should choose. Meaning the heavier the items you’re manufacturing, the more durable the packaging will need to be – pretty obvious, right?

When dealing with heavier items, you’ll want to think ‘outside the box’, literally. Not only must you ensure the box design and material grade are adequate for the weight of your product, but the sealing method and palletisation must also be spot on.

Thankfully though, it’s not rocket science. Again, the more your automotive components weigh, the more durable your sealing and palletisation must be.

This could consist of a reinforced tape with a cross weave fibre, combined with a strong, machine applied stretch wrap for maximum load and weight retention.

2. The type of protection needed

The type of automotive part you’re shipping will directly affect the type of packaging you’ll need to keep it safe and secure.

For instance, if you’re shipping and storing metal parts over long periods, packaging that promotes anti-corrosion is essential. In this case, VCI paper and other barrier films can be used to shield your metal components from environments that trigger rusting.

Scratch or mark prone surfaces like glass also need extra attention. Components like windshields or plastic trims for interiors may need a film or foam protection to defend against any imperfections.

3. Security during storage & transit

Like in any industry, when shipping high value goods, security during storage and transit is a big deal. In fact, many businesses use packaging to enhance the security and safety of their goods.

From simple security tags and seals, through to tamper-evident tapes and innovative bespoke boxes, there are many packaging solutions to help deter access to your package.

You can also increase the security of your shipment by avoiding the use of too much branding and information on the outer package. Thieves are less likely to target your shipment when they don’t know what the contents is.

Automotive packaging solutions from Swiftpak

When looking to optimise your automotive packaging solution, it’s best to seek advice from a trusted packaging expert.

At Swiftpak, we understand that your automotive products must arrive in perfect condition, and on time, every time. We have the industry experience and knowledge needed to provide personalised packaging solutions that guarantee protection and go the extra mile to support your business whenever and wherever you need it.

If you’re looking for an expert packaging supplier to deliver personalised protection for your automotive or aerospace products, contact Swiftpak today - we’d be more than happy to help.