The complete guide to anti-static packaging

Electronics and technology have an important presence in the world today, especially with the increasing popularity of ecommerce. In this complete guide, we will explore every aspect about Anti-static packaging that is so essential in the electronics industry.

What is Anti-Static packaging?

Anti-static packaging comes in a few different forms that all resist static. These forms can usually be identified by colour with silver being for metallised PET film and other plastics, and pink or black for polyethylene.

Anti-static packaging materials include bags, tubes and stretch film.  They work by preventing static electricity from building up and discharging, which often results in damaged electronics and increased costs. Did you know that sometimes it only takes as little as 30 volts to cause damage to electronics? This is why it is important to use anti-static packaging when shipping electronic devices

What are the benefits of Anti-Static packaging?

According to studies done by industry experts, up to 33% of electrical product loss is caused by static. This shows how even the smallest charge is enough to cause tiny electrical components in particular, to fail.

The benefits of anti-static packaging include:

• Reduced damaged goods: They prevent static electricity from building up and discharging which causes most damages.
• Reduced costs: With your electronics being better protected, there will be less chance of damage and so you will be saving money that would have been spent on repairs.
• Increased efficiency: The lack of damaged goods will result in a higher efficiency as you will have to deal with less returns.
• Increased customer satisfaction: Save customers being frustrated about damaged products and having to wait for a new item.

Different types of anti-static packaging

Now you know the benefits, let’s explore the different types of anti-static packaging.

Static-Dissipative

Static-dissipative bags and tubing are also known as pink anti-static or pink-poly due to their colouring. They are an economical option that provide protection against any static dissipation. These bags are best used for non-critical applications where shielding against static fields is not as important.

The humectant additive in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pulls water molecules from the air, creating a shield of protection around the packaging, reducing the chances of damaging static.

Anti-Static bubble bags from Swiftpak

If the items you intend to ship are a uniform size, you may find yourself cutting down the bubble wrap rolls to fit the product which can be both laborious and time-consuming. This is why anti-static bubble bags exist! They come in a range of sizes with a self-seal strip for easy and effective sealing.

Anti-static bubble bags stop static charges from being produced and are suitable for holding non-sensitive compounds such as nuts and bolts.

Anti-Static bubble wrap from Swiftpak

The standard bubble wrap can create static when being used which can cause damage to motherboards and computer chips. That is why it is vitally important to choose anti-static bubble wrap when shipping electronic products.

The only difference between anti-static bubble wrap and conventional bubble wrap is that during the manufacturing process an agent is added to anti-static bubble wrap to create the anti-static properties. The chemical releases an electrical compound that prevents the collection of electrostatic charges on the bubble wrap.

At Swiftpak we provide Anti-static bubble wrap that does not produce static charges and prevents static discharge to contents, making it the ideal choice for sensitive electronics. This bubble wrap is also lightweight and conforms to the shape of your product, helping to reduce postal costs.

Static-Shielding

Static-shielding bags and tubing – also known as transparent metallic shielding – are semi-transparent and metallic, protecting sensitive products from electrostatic fields. These bags consist of three layers: The outer-layer is low-charging and static dissipative, the second conductive layer contains metal and suppresses electric fields, and a layer made of polyester provides tear and puncture strength.

These types of bags can come in two forms:

• Metal-in bags: more durable and less expensive, with the metal layer buried within an inner portion of the bag.
• Metal-out bags: a better option for more rapid static-dissipation. They are more expensive but provide more protection by placing the metal layer nearer to the surface of the bagging.

Metallised bags from Swiftpak

Metallised bags provide protection against ESD and are perfect for packaging electronic products that are sensitive to static, such as integrated circuits, CD drives, hard drives, and much more. These bags have been manufactured from metallic polyester and laminated anti-static polyethylene.

It is important to not fold or crease these bags as it can cause a breakdown in the quality of the shield protecting your sensitive products.

Black Conductive Tubing

Another form of static control for packaging is called ‘black conductive’. Usually available in tubestock and lay flat bagging, black conductive tubing is made of a single layer of conductive material (carbon-load polyethylene) that protects its contents from the build-up of isolated static charges.

Anti-static packaging from Swiftpak

When your company is trying to ship electronic goods, the last thing you need is for these products to arrive at their destination damaged. From this guide, you can probably see the benefits anti-static packaging provides for the electronics industry, and why it is so important to protect these sensitive products.

At Swiftpak, we provide a range of anti-static packaging to help you protect your electronics from both transit damage and electrostatic damages. To find out more, contact our packaging experts today and they will be happy to help find the right packaging solution for you.