Laszlo Horvath, director of the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design at Virginia Tech, advises simple, practical steps to reduce holiday shipping damage. He says many senders underestimate how rough parcel delivery can be and recommends a 12-inch drop test as a quick check: if a gift cannot withstand that drop, it is not ready to ship.
Horvath notes that delivery drivers are judged on speed rather than careful handling, so parcels must tolerate impacts and movement. Shipping directly from the retailer is often preferable because products sold through large online retailers are usually packaged to survive parcel delivery and the merchant is responsible if damage occurs. Many merchants also offer complimentary one- or two-day shipping, which can be an added benefit.
While reusing boxes or novel eco materials is attractive, Horvath says current parcel systems are not designed for reuse. For now, corrugated boxes and fiber-based protective materials are the most environmentally responsible choice. He lists several fiber-based alternatives to plastic bubble wrap—cellulose wadding, crumpled kraft paper, crinkle paper, and honeycomb paper—that provide strong protection without plastics.
- Cushioning should feel springy when pressed to absorb shocks.
- Skip the “fragile” label; research shows labels do not change handling.
- Seal all top and bottom flap edges with 2-inch packaging tape.
- Fill gaps so products cannot shift and to lower pressure on the box.
Difficult words
- underestimate — think something is less severe or important
- drop test — simple test dropping a package to check strength
- tolerate — accept or endure impacts or difficult conditions
- merchant — a company or person who sells goods
- corrugated — cardboard with ridged layers for extra strength
- fiber-based — made from plant fibers rather than plastic materials
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of shipping directly from the retailer versus sending a gift yourself?
- How could you apply the 12-inch drop test when preparing a fragile item at home?
- Do you think more retailers should use fiber-based protective materials? Why or why not?
