Which tubes are suitable for international shipping?
International shipping poses a particularly big challenge for shipping companies. Goods have to travel longer distances and are usually transferred several times along the way. Not to mention the temperature fluctuations and humidity to which the goods are exposed. The right packaging is always crucial here. The packaging solutions used for domestic shipping are not sufficient for international transport.
Sleeves, for example, offer a good solution. They provide excellent protection for sensitive products such as plans, posters, rods, and profiles. There is a wide variety of sleeves available. Not every sleeve is suitable for the same product. There are a few things you should bear in mind here. In this article, we reveal which sleeves are particularly well suited for shipping.
Why are special sleeves so important for international shipping?
The distances involved in shipping within Germany are usually short. The processes are also not as complicated as for international shipping. There are a few differences here. You should be aware of these and, above all, take them into account. International shipments take a long time, with goods usually stored in containers and transported by plane. They are also often transferred between warehouses and means of transport. During transshipment, they are repeatedly subjected to shocks and pressure. It is also possible that the goods may become damp. Normal shipping cartons quickly reach their limits here. In this case, tubes offer outstanding protection. Their round shape and sturdy construction provide greater security for long and sensitive products. Solid cardboard tubes with thick walls are particularly ideal. They withstand pressure and moisture well. They are also easy to seal and can be used multiple times. This makes them sustainable.
What you should consider when selecting materials
The material plays a key role in international shipping. With solid cardboard tubes, you benefit from a number of advantages. They are extremely sturdy and environmentally friendly. It is also fully recyclable. It has a very high compressive strength, which means that its contents remain well protected. You don't have to worry about possible dents, breaks, or creases. In addition, coated solid cardboard tubes are much more resistant to moisture.
Solid cardboard tubes are available in several different sizes. For particularly heavy or sensitive goods, we recommend tubes with a wall thickness of at least 3 millimeters. These ensure maximum stability. They are suitable for long transport routes and can withstand heavy use. This means your goods are always well protected.
The main types of sleeves for export
There are several different types of sleeves. We will now show you which ones are best suited for export.
Mailing tubes with PE coating
Mailing tubes with PE coating are perfect for export. Thanks to the additional PE coating, your contents are optimally protected against moisture. Rain and damp containers are no problem for shipping tubes with PE coating. You can be sure that your goods will arrive safely at their destination. This type is particularly well suited for export to tropical or coastal regions, where the risk of water damage is particularly high.
Cardboard tubes
Another option for export is the use of hard paper tubes. These are characterized by their particularly high robustness and resistance. When heavy metal or plastic parts need to be transported, there is always the risk of impacts or excessive pressure. This is exactly where hard paper tubes offer you the perfect protection.
Quarter and half sleeves
Profiles and moldings can be secured with quarter and half shells. They provide a very simple covering. The item does not shift inside quarter and half shells. They are particularly useful for bulky or sensitive surfaces.
What are the advantages of solid cardboard tubes?
Solid cardboard tubes are also available, and these offer a number of advantages when it comes to international shipping:
high compressive strength
Protection against kinking
reusable
environmentally friendly
good moisture resistance
easy to close
customizable
Select the appropriate size and wall thickness
The correct dimensioning of the sleeve plays an important role in preventing damage. A sleeve that is too large allows the contents to slip around, while one that is too small will not fit or will crush the item. When it comes to international shipping, the length should always be exactly right. Be sure to pay attention to the diameter when purchasing. For sensitive or heavy products, a thicker wall thickness is advisable. The sleeve should be selected so that the contents are snug but not too tight. Optional additional filling material, such as edge protection, can also be used. This can increase the level of protection.
Closure types for safe transport
In most cases, the reason for transport damage is inadequate sealing. Bear in mind that the stresses involved in international shipping are significantly higher. You should therefore ensure that you use secure and robust closures. For example, you can use additional adhesive tape. At UPA, this can also be customized with your own print, allowing you to draw attention to your brand. At UPA, you will find many different closure solutions. These can be customized to suit your specific application.
Special considerations when shipping to different climate zones
When shipping internationally, different climatic conditions affect the packaging. Heat, cold, or high humidity can damage the contents. Choosing the right type of tube is therefore crucial. This ensures that the goods remain protected even under extreme conditions. Here are a few examples:
The correct dimensioning of the sleeve plays an important role in preventing damage. A sleeve that is too large allows the contents to slip around, while one that is too small will not fit or will crush the item. When it comes to international shipping, the length should always be exactly right. Be sure to pay attention to the diameter when purchasing. For sensitive or heavy products, a thicker wall thickness is advisable. The sleeve should be selected so that the contents are snug but not too tight. Optional additional filling material, such as edge protection, can also be used. This can increase the level of protection.
Tropical and humid regions
In this case, a moisture-resistant coating is very important. PE-coated solid cardboard tubes or water-repellent seals protect the contents very well in such regions.
Cold regions
Condensation can form in the transport container in cold climates. A combination of sturdy solid board and additional inner packaging is recommended here to prevent moisture damage. Here are a few more tips for international core shipping:
Select the correct wall thickness
Observe moisture protection
use a secure closure
order the right size
add edge protection
Use filling material
Plan for multiple uses
Sustainability and reuse
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, especially in the B2B sector. Solid cardboard tubes can be reused multiple times. They are also 100% recyclable. This conserves resources and reduces packaging waste at the same time. They are also lighter than many metal or plastic alternatives. This means you can save money on transport costs. Reusability not only saves companies money. Customers can also see that you care about the environment.
The right sleeve makes all the difference
When shipping internationally, you should not skimp on packaging. Solid cardboard tubes offer optimal protection for long, fragile, or heavy goods. They are sturdy, environmentally friendly, and can be customized. With the right wall thickness, a secure closure, and, if necessary, a moisture coating, your products will reach their destination undamaged, even after long journeys. At UPA-Pack, you will find a wide range of high-quality tubes. These are perfect for international shipping.