How many dismantled packaging boxes are lying in your attic or basement? If you are like me, then I must admit I have quite a few in my home. Some hold useless things in them but others have my memories, like photos and memorabilia.

Turning back the clock; England produced the first commercial cardboard box in 1817 and the United States commercialized their box in 1895. Before that we were subjected to heavy wooden crates and boxes which made life rather difficult.

Packaging boxes has become a science. Since the advent of corrugated cardboard the different shapes, sizes and density that is on the market, has afforded the buyer a massive variety to choose from. The main reason one would buy this merchandise is for storage. Whether it be for short-term or long-term, there is a box for every occasion. Considerations like cost efficiency, safety, environmentally-friendly and durability has been addressed by the manufacturers. These vital areas of manufacturing packaging boxes of course, is all passed down to the customer. So our humble brown box has it's rightful place in history, as well as in our homes.

Also, correct packaging must be able to encase your objects in such a way that things like bugs, cold and rain would be obviated. A good rule of thumb is: if you are not sure which packaging would suite your precious statue that you inherited from your great grandpa, then always choose the stronger one. This way you would have peace of mind when it is transported or stored.

Say you want to send precious cargo abroad, then it would be crucial to know if the product you chose is insect resistant, protected against adverse weather and tamper-proof. Always follow your instincts when it comes to your possessions. Rather choose the strongest packaging because it would give you satisfaction to know that your object arrived safe and sound on the other side.

The different styles of packaging has also come a long way. Nowadays one can order a style, shape and color for every occasion. For hard to pack items like photos, artwork and fragile items it's always best to use customized packing boxes. Finding the right box is extremely important. Your packaging supplier will want to know a few things from you before giving you the best solution.

Lets look at a few basic objectives:

*is heat, cold, shock or vibration a factor when considering your packaging

*would you like to preserve self-life when packaging your material

*will your products or objects be grouped together in one package for reasons of efficiency

*do you need communication to the end user on your packaging

*would you want your packaging with special security functions

*would you need to re-pack your products into smaller units

*do you require packaging that will be convenient for the end user to open or stack

Gone are the days when you can just grab an old second-hand box to pack your items. Packaging boxes have become an art form and what a nice way to express yourself, by using well sourced boxes.

Melinda Stockton has been a packaging professional for over 15 years. Find out more on corrugated packaging at her company website about packaging materials.

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