package edge protectors

Packages face a lot of dangers during transport and storage, and one of these is corner damage, which makes using edge protectors a must. Edge protectors allow the corners of packages to withstand impact, protecting the integrity of items against damage caused by rough handling, especially fragile items.

Edge protectors can come in metal, plastic or cardboard, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

 

Metal

Advantages:

Impact-resistant - Metals are innately durable; they resist heavy impact and are not prone to abrasion, which are common in both warehousing and logistics. This allows them to provide excellent protection for package corners against impact.

Heat-resistant - Edge protectors made of metal have a high resistance to heat. They are not prone to melting or combustion, which can happen in hot environments.

Highly reusable - Because they have high impact resistance, metal edge protectors can last for a long time, making them highly reusable.

Disadvantages:

Expensive - Metal edge protectors are more expensive than plastic, and more so than cardboard. In some cases, using them might not be economical.

Prone to rust - Because they are made of metal, they are prone to rusting, especially in corrosive environments (such as seaside warehouses), unless you opt for the more expensive varieties, which typically have protective coating. Storing them requires moisture-prevention measures.

Heavy - Most metal edge protectors are heavier than their plastic counterparts. This means that using them can make your package a little heavier, which is not good if package weight is a concern of yours.

 

Plastic

Advantages:

Impact-resistant - While not as durable as metal, plastic edge protectors can still provide sufficient corner protection for most packages. They have respectable impact resistance, and they resist abrasion to some degree.

Lightweight - What they lack in durability compared to their metal counterparts, they make up for with their light weight. Use them if you need corner protection while keeping the package light.

Reusable - Plastic edge protectors can also be used a number of times, but not as much as metal edge protectors.

Disadvantages:

Prone to embrittlement - Plastic degrades in quality over time, resulting not only in discolouration but also to embrittlement, making them less resistant to impact.

Prone to melting - Plastic edge protectors have the potential to melt in environments with high temperatures.

Can deform with prolonged use - Continuous use can cause plastic edge protectors to become stretched, bent, and twisted, decreasing their capacity to protect your items.

 

Cardboard

Advantages:

Extremely cheap - Cardboard edge protectors are not as durable as those made of metal or plastic, but they are very economical. Because of this, they are perfect for items where light corner protection is sufficient.

Lightweight - Because they are made of paper, they are also lightweight, and using them won’t add much weight to that of the package.

Disadvantages:

Has low impact resistance - Cardboard edge protectors have low resistance to impact and abrasion. This makes them suitable only for light applications.

Has low reusability - They can be reused, but not as much as metal or plastic.

 

Protective packaging by Hunter Industrial Supplies

Hunter Industrial Supplies offers protective packaging solutions to help you ensure safe transportation and storage of your packages. Our edge protectors, stock cartons, padding and cushioning products and other protective packaging are made of high quality materials for maximum usability at reasonable prices. Visit the Hunter Industrial Supplies website to view our full catalogue, and don’t forget to read our other blog posts for more tips on packaging, industrial efficiency and workplace safety.