Packing Peanuts and things you may not know
What are Packing Peanuts?
Packing or foam peanuts are frequently used as packing material to fill empty spaces in cardboard boxes during shipping. They possess significant protective capabilities, making them a popular choice for packaging purposes. Packing peanuts acts as a cushion, protecting your items from damage.
Packingacking peanuts are made of?
Around 1965, Dow Ch, occupying the gaps within the Boxemical Company, introduced polystyrene peanuts made entirely from new polystyrene tar. However, starting in the mid-90s, peanuts made from 100% recycled polystyrene became available. These peanuts are typically green and consist of 70% or more recycled polystyrene, while white peanuts are made from 70% or more virgin gum, and pink peanuts are anti-static.
How packing peanuts in previous years was made?
In the mid-1990s, environmentally friendly packing peanuts made from starch were developed. These peanuts are composed of starch derived from crops rather than petroleum-based polystyrene. Starch-based peanuts are biodegradable and can dissolve in water. One well-known brand of biodegradable peanuts, Biofoam, is produced using grain sorghum, while other brands utilize cornstarch. Biodegradable foam peanuts do not possess an electrostatic charge, an advantage over polystyrene. Furthermore, if swallowed, they are safe for both humans and animals. However, they have drawbacks, including limited versatility, increased weight, dust creation, and higher cost.
Packing peanuts. Which material is good?
Polystyrene
Packing peanuts composed of polystyrene, or Styrofoam, are a more lightweight option. However, they are hard to disintegrate. After transfer, they can wind up in a landfill or coasting around the sea for numerous years.
Biodegradable starch-based
Biodegradable starch-based packing peanuts might be an all the more ecologically agreeable alternative; however, they have their impediments. With a higher weight than customary packing peanuts, the eco-friendly rendition expands shipping costs.
Why are packing peanuts a Certain Color?
The color and shape of packing peanuts sometimes indicate what they are made of and who made them. Often green means they are made of 70% or possibly more recycled polystyrene, while white is 70% or more virgin (not recycled) resin, and pink peanuts have had an anti-static agent applied to them. This color coding does, however, sometimes vary by Company.
- Green Packing Peanuts = 70% or more recycled polystyrene
- White Packing Peanuts = 70% or more non-recycled polystyrene
- Pink Packing Peanuts = anti-static has been applied
Advantages of using Packing Peanuts
There are several advantages to selecting packing peanuts:
- They are an economical option, providing a cost-effective solution.
- They offer greater flexibility than bubble wrap, as they allow for complete submersion of an item.
- Packing peanuts can accommodate parcels of various sizes without the need to search for differently-sized cardboard boxes.
- They contribute to insulating items, reducing their vulnerability to temperature fluctuations.
Disadvantages of using Packing Peanuts
They are packing peanuts used to have a negative reputation, as they were deemed wasteful and prone to spilling out of packages upon opening. However, significant progress has been made, and today, eco-friendly packaging peanuts are entirely biodegradable.
How to Use Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts are commonly used as a protective cushioning material when shipping or packing fragile items. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use packing peanuts effectively:
- Gather your materials: You will need packing peanuts, a box or container, and the item you want to protect.
- Prepare the box: Choose a sturdy box appropriate for the size and weight of the item you are packing.
- Fill the bottom of the box by placing a layer of packing peanuts. It will create a cushioning base for your item.
- Place the item in the box: Carefully place it in the center, ensuring it is well-centered and not touching the sides of the box.
- Fill the remaining space: Begin filling the empty spaces around the item with packing peanuts. Use enough peanuts to ensure the item is surrounded and cannot move or shift during transit.
- Shake the box gently: After filling the box with packing peanuts, give it a gentle shake to see if the item moves or shifts. If it does, add more peanuts to secure it in place.
- Close and seal the box: Once satisfied with the packing, seal the box securely with packing tape. Make sure all seams are properly sealed to prevent any peanuts from escaping.
- Label the box: It's a good practice to label the box as "Fragile" or "Handle with Care" to alert handlers to take extra caution while handling the package.
How to Dispose of Packing Peanuts
If you purchase packing peanuts that are completely biodegradable and compostable, you don't have to worry about what to do with them. You can add them to your compost or dissolve them in your home. These peanuts break down rapidly when exposed to moisture and warmth, minimizing their chances of ending up in our oceans and lakes and contributing to pollution.
However, this doesn't mean you must dispose of your packing peanuts. If you have a storage solution, you can reuse them whenever you need to pack or ship items. Additionally, packing peanuts can be utilized in various creative ways. Here are a few examples of how your packing peanuts can be useful:
- Use them to fill bean bags, toys, and chairs for cushioning.
- Employ them as insulation in your cool box or cooler to enhance temperature control.
- Fill the bottom of planters with packing peanuts to improve drainage and prevent soil compaction.
- Engage in arts and crafts projects with your children, incorporating packing peanuts into their creations.
Price of Packing Peanuts
Packaging prices for peanuts can vary depending on many factors, such as quantity, brand, and where you buy them. The average bag of packaged peanuts can range from $10 to $30. However, checking with local packaging supply stores or online retailers is always a good idea to get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. At Best2buy.reviews, we have listed the best products in terms of price and positive customer feedback on Amazon. It saves you time and budget.
