Dunnage.

01: Dunnage and insert options
02: Choosing container inserts
03: Why work with GWP?

Many of these can be further customised not only to match the size you require, but with additional specialist properties.

For example, anti scuff Bubbleboard can be used to protect delicate surfaces, whilst VCI coating can be applied to corrugated cardboard dividers to prevent corrosion of metal parts during transit.

Please continue reading for further info on how to choose the right dunnage option for your business

Please use the links below for further information on the full range of dunnage and reusable packaging insert options you can source through GWP.

If you are not sure however what the most suitable option for your business would be, please speak with a member of the GWP team who will be happy to provide free, impartial advice.

The number of different dunnage options can initially seem quite daunting. How do you select the correct returnable packaging inserts for your business or specific application?

There are actually a number of differing factors that can influence which option will be most successful.

This can include – but is not limited to – order volumes, size, shape and value of the items to be transported or handled, the environment it will be used in and, of course, your budget.

Please continue reading below for a brief overview of how you can choose, or alternatively download the detailed guide that provides additional information.

Correx® dividers are a good all round solution for virtually any application.

Tooling and unit costs are relatively low compared with other options, although additional costs can be incurred through increased assembly times. They can be supplied in various configurations, as well as different colours and ESD safe versions.

They only provide simple cells however which can limit protection for higher value items, and are effective only in single layers (as they do not retain their shape once removed from their outer container).

Vacuum formed trays are the best option when usability and protection are required.

Being tailored to the shape of the products or components to be handled / transported, the completely eliminate movement. This can protect from surface scuffs and scratches, as well as mis-handling in general.

They are also great for usability, as being a single piece of material can be easily stacked and layered within a single outer tote.

Saying that, they are only really suitable for mid to high volumes due to the very high tooling costs.

Correx® inserts are effectively half way between Correx® dividers and vac formed trays. Formed from a single piece of material with shapes specific to the parts / components cut out from them, they offer increased protection against movement but whilst maintaining lower unit costs.

Saying that, they are more expensive (and less versatile) than plastic division sets, whilst not offering the same level of protection as vac formed trays. They are also not as competitive cost wise in high volumes.

Foam dividers / inserts incur no tooling charge (although there is usually a small machine setup cost – insignificant compared with tooling) and offer excellent levels of protection. This can include cushioning protection against impact or mishandling.

However, the individual unit costs are high (meaning they are suitable only for lower volumes) and they can “shed” material (creating dust) over prolonged, repeated use. Whilst ESD grades are available, increased potential for surface contact can increase the risk of shorting and damage.

Corrugated cardboard dividers are the lowest cost solution when looking at tote inserts. As with Correx® dividers, they can be supplied in a number of configurations, and do help with organisation and damage prevention in transit.

Due to the nature of corrugated cardboard (being less hardwearing than plastic materials), reusability is limited and they are generally only used for single trip applications.

They can also shed particles (as with foam), and are not resistant to moisture etc.

So why should your business trust GWP with your crucial supply chain packaging?

Well, for starters, GWP Correx® have more than 25 years’ experience in supplying a huge range of manual handling and returnable packaging products. As well as becoming the largest independent converter of Correx® in the UK, we can also offer your business the widest range of dunnage and returnable packaging inserts from a single supplier.

Besides this, by sourcing your outer totes and containers alongside any inserts and dividers, this also ensures much greater compatibility – and therefore improved efficiency, protection and costs.

Besides a wide range of stock products available on very short lead times, you can also have any Correx® product tailored to your exact requirements. A team of Correx® specific designers will be on hand to guide and advise you at every stage of the design process.

All of this is coupled with a genuine focus on customer service, including a dedicated account manager offering detailed knowledge of not only the product you require, but of the challenges your industry faces as well.

If you haven’t seen the dunnage or returnable packaging inserts you require for your business or application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A team of advisers will be happy to help with free, impartial advice and no obligation quotes as appropriate.