Guide to Corner & Edge Protection for Shipping

Shipping products, whether across the country or just down the road, can be a nerve-wracking experience. You've spent time and money creating or acquiring your goods, and the last thing you want is for them to arrive damaged. Dents, scratches, and breaks are not just cosmetic issues; they can lead to costly returns, unhappy customers, and a damaged reputation. The most vulnerable parts of any package are its corners and edges, which often bear the brunt of impacts during transit.

At Indigo Supplies, we’ve been in the industrial solutions game since 1998, so we know a thing or two about getting products from A to B in one piece. Based in Wickford, Essex, we’ve seen it all when it comes to shipping mishaps. That's why we’re passionate about providing top-quality packaging materials that you can trust. Proper protection isn't an expense; it's an investment in your products and your peace of mind.

This guide will walk you through the world of corner and edge protection. We'll explore the different types available, what they’re best used for, and how to choose the right solution for your needs. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to protect your shipments and ensure your items arrive in pristine condition, every single time.

Why is Corner and Edge Protection So Important?

When a package is dropped, bumped, or jostled, the force of the impact is concentrated on its corners and edges. Without reinforcement, these areas can easily collapse, leading to damage to the contents inside. This is particularly true for bulky or fragile items like furniture, artwork, electronics, and glass panels.

Here are a few key reasons why investing in quality corner protection is a smart business decision:

• Reduces Damage and Returns: The most obvious benefit is preventing damage. By reinforcing the weakest points of your package, you significantly reduce the risk of items breaking during transit. This means fewer returns, fewer replacement costs, and happier customers.
• Enhances Structural Integrity: Edge protectors add rigidity to your packaging. When shipping multiple boxes on a pallet, they help distribute the weight evenly, preventing boxes at the bottom from being crushed. This allows you to stack pallets higher and more securely, optimising your warehouse and shipping space.
• Protects from Strapping Damage: Securing items with strapping tape or plastic bands is essential for stability, but the tension can easily bite into cardboard boxes or the products themselves. Plastic strapping edge protectors create a buffer, distributing the pressure and preventing the strapping from causing indentations or cuts.
• Improves Professional Image: When a customer receives a well-packaged item that is secure and undamaged, it reflects positively on your brand. It shows that you care about your products and your customers' experience, building trust and encouraging repeat business.

Types of Edge and Corner Protectors

Not all protection is created equal. The right choice depends on the product you're shipping, its weight, its shape, and the level of protection required. Here’s a rundown of the most common types of edge and corner protectors we stock at Indigo.

Solid Board Edge Protectors

When you need heavy-duty protection, solid board edge protectors are the go-to solution. Made from layers of compressed, laminated paperboard glued together to form a rigid L-shape, they offer exceptional strength and stability.

Key Features:

• High Strength: These protectors are incredibly tough and can withstand significant impact and pressure. They are ideal for reinforcing pallet loads and protecting the edges of heavy items like appliances, machinery, and furniture.
• Stacking Strength: By placing solid board protectors on the vertical corners of a palletised load, you dramatically increase its stacking strength. This prevents boxes from collapsing under the weight of other pallets stacked on top.
• Versatility: They can be used on the inside or outside of cartons and are available in various lengths and thicknesses to suit different applications.

Best For:

• Heavy palletised goods.
• Protecting the edges of large, flat items like doors, panels, and whiteboards.
• Adding structural integrity to large cartons.
• Preventing damage from tight strapping.

Foam Edge and Corner Protection

For items with delicate surfaces that are prone to scratching or chipping, foam edge protection is an excellent choice. Made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), foam protectors are lightweight, flexible, and provide superb cushioning.

We offer several types of foam edge protector profiles to suit various needs.

L Profile Foam Edge Protectors

The l profile edge protector is a versatile, right-angled foam strip that’s perfect for protecting the straight edges of frames, mirrors, furniture, and worktops. Its simple design makes it easy to cut to the desired length and apply.

U Profile Foam Edge Protectors

The u profile edge protector is designed to grip onto the edge of thin, flat items. This "U" shape provides a snug fit on materials like glass sheets, metal panels, and wooden boards, offering protection on three sides (top, bottom, and edge). Some U-profiles, like our Nomapack U Tulip Stretch, are designed to grip tightly, ensuring they stay in place without adhesive.

Foam Corner Protectors

For complete cushioning, a dedicated foam corner protector is essential. These pre-moulded pieces fit snugly over the corners of items like picture frames, tables, and electronic equipment. They absorb shock from drops and bumps, preventing dents and cracks. Our foam corner protection is designed to provide maximum shock absorption exactly where it's needed most.

Key Features:

• Excellent Cushioning: The soft, resilient foam absorbs impacts effectively.
• Non-Abrasive: The smooth surface won't scratch or mark delicate finishes like glass, polished wood, or painted metal.
• Lightweight: Foam adds minimal weight to your shipment, helping to keep shipping costs down.
• Flexible and Easy to Use: Foam profiles can be easily cut to size and fitted around products of various shapes.

Best For:

• Furniture with delicate finishes.
• Glass panels, mirrors, and artwork.
• Electronics and appliances.
• Kitchen worktops and cabinets.

Corrugated Corner Protectors

Corrugated corner protectors are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Made from multi-layered corrugated cardboard, they are formed into a V-shape or corner piece that provides a surprising amount of strength and cushioning.

Key Features:

• Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials, these protectors are 100% recyclable, making them an excellent choice for businesses focused on sustainability.
• Lightweight: Like foam, they add very little weight to your package.
• Cost-Effective: They are an affordable way to add a good level of protection, especially for high-volume shipping.
• Shock Absorbing: The fluted structure of the corrugated board provides cushioning against impacts.

Best For:

• Protecting the corners of boxes and cartons.
• Light to medium-weight products.
• Environmentally conscious businesses.
• Use within a larger packaging system (e.g., inside a shipping box).

Plastic Strapping Edge Protectors

These small but mighty protectors are specifically designed to be used with strapping. When you tighten a plastic or metal strap around a pallet or a bundle of products, the force is concentrated in a very narrow area. This can cause the strap to cut into the packaging or the product itself.

Plastic strapping edge protectors are placed under the strap at the corners, spreading the tension over a wider surface area. This prevents damage and allows you to apply the necessary tension to secure your load safely.

Key Features:

• Prevents Strap Damage: Protects your goods and packaging from being crushed or cut by strapping.
• Increases Stability: Allows for tighter, more secure strapping without causing damage.
• Durable and Reusable: Made from strong plastic, they can often be reused.

Best For:

• Any application where strapping is used.
• Palletising goods.
• Bundling items like timber, pipes, or metal beams.

How to Choose the Right Protector for Your Needs

With several options available, selecting the best one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple checklist to guide your decision:

1. What are you shipping?
2. • Heavy and robust items (machinery, large furniture): Opt for solid board edge protectors for maximum strength and rigidity.
   • Fragile items with delicate surfaces (glass, mirrors, art): Foam protectors are your best bet. Their non-abrasive cushioning is essential.
   • Boxed goods on a pallet: Use a combination of solid board protectors for stacking strength and plastic strapping protectors to prevent strap damage.
2. How much does it weigh?
3. • For heavy items, solid board is almost always the right answer.
   • For lighter items, corrugated or foam protectors will likely provide sufficient protection while keeping shipping costs low.
3. What is your budget?
4. • Corrugated protectors are generally the most budget-friendly option for basic protection.
   • Foam and solid board protectors are a greater investment but offer superior protection for higher-value goods. Remember to factor in the cost of potential damages when making your decision.
4. Are there any environmental considerations?
5. • If sustainability is a priority for your brand, corrugated cardboard and solid board protectors are excellent, recyclable choices.

Protect Your Shipments with Indigo

At Indigo Supplies, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of high-quality packaging materials to meet the needs of any business. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing. We even offer a price-beater guarantee—if you find the same product cheaper elsewhere in the UK, we'll do our utmost to beat it.

Our extensive stock of corner protectors ensures that you can find the perfect solution to keep your products safe, no matter what you're shipping.

Ready to give your products the protection they deserve? Don't leave it to chance. Click here to buy edge and corner protection now, or if you need expert advice on the best solution for your specific needs, our friendly team is here to help. Call us on 01268 768 768 to discuss your requirements.