Packaging & Delivering

Pallet Packaging

Pallet packaging refers to the method of consolidating goods on pallets (made of wood, plastic, or metal) and securing them with stretch film, strapping bands, or other fixtures to facilitate mechanized handling, transportation, and storage. In the glass products industry, pallet packaging effectively improves loading/unloading efficiency and reduces the risk of breakage caused by manual handling.

Currently, there are three types of pallets:

• Wooden pallets (most commonly used, cost-effective, strong load-bearing capacity, but must comply with ISPM15 fumigation standards for export).
• Plastic pallets (moisture-resistant, corrosion-resistant, suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries, but higher cost).
• Metal pallets (high load capacity, suitable for heavy glass products, but expensive).

For glass products, wooden pallets are the most common choice. Standard pallet dimensions are 100 x 120 x 220 cm (W x L x H). A 20GP container can hold 20 pallets, while a 40GP container can hold 40 pallets.

Pallet packaging is most suitable for standard cylindrical, square, and small-to-medium-sized glass bottles, provided that sufficient cushioning, stable stacking, and secure fastening are ensured. For special bottle shapes (e.g., irregular or overweight bottles), which are prone to tipping and unstable stacking, it is recommended to use customized inner liners + individual carton packaging combined with pallet transportation to minimize breakage rates.

Carton Packaging

Carton packaging is a common industrial packaging method primarily used to protect glass bottles from damage, contamination, or external environmental factors during transportation and storage.

• Carton: Typically made of corrugated cardboard (single, double, or triple-layer) to provide cushioning and support.
• Inner lining materials: Foam pads, cardboard dividers, bubble wrap, etc., to secure bottles and absorb impacts.
• Auxiliary materials: Tape, strapping bands, labels, etc.
• Applications: Suitable for transporting glass-bottled products such as food (e.g., alcoholic beverages, drinks, condiments), pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Packaging Process

Preparation

• Inspect cartons: Ensure they match the bottle dimensions (with buffer space) and are free from damage or moisture.
  • Inner lining: Use dividers or foam molds based on bottle shape to ensure each bottle has a secure slot.
  • Clean environment: Prevent dust or debris from contaminating the bottles.

Packaging Steps

Step 1: Bottom cushioning
Lay a foam or corrugated board (5-10mm thick) at the bottom to prevent impact damage.

Step 2: Layered arrangement

Single-layer stacking: Place bottles vertically with dividers between them.Multi-layer Stacking: Add cardboard or foam between layers (max. 3 layers to avoid excessive weight).

Step 3: Void filling

• Use bubble wrap, shredded paper, or airbags to fill gaps and prevent movement during transit.

Labeling & Storage

• Attach labels: Mark with "Fragile," "This Side Up," "Keep Dry," and product information.
  • Stacking: Do not exceed weight limits; avoid compression (recommended "井"-shaped stacking).

A safer packaging approach:

• First, pack glass bottles into cartons or blister packs, then stack them on pallets to reduce direct collision risks.
• Use cushioning materials: Add foam/cardboard between layers and bubble wrap between bottles.
• Limit stacking layers: Generally ≤5 layers (height ≤1.8m) to prevent bottom-layer breakage.
• Double reinforcement: Secure with stretch film + strapping bands to prevent loosening during transit.

Although this method is more costly than standalone carton or pallet packaging, it significantly reduces breakage rates.Choosing the right method depends on product type, transportation mode, and budget considerations to ensure safe and cost-effective delivery.