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Blog - How to Package Posters and Prints - A Full Guide for E-Commerce and Online Retailers

Packaging Posters and Prints 03 April 2024
In e-commerce, the presentation and preservation of posters and prints during shipping are as crucial as the artwork itself. Anyone who works in operations knows that navigating the myriad of packaging options while staying true to eco-conscious and cost-effective solutions can be a headache.

This guide offers a professional, solution-oriented, and forward-thinking approach to packaging posters and prints, ensuring they arrive in pristine condition, reflecting the values and professionalism of your business platform.

The Poster and Print Market in the UK
The demand for personalised home décor, notably posters and art prints, places these items at the top of the best-selling list in the print-on-demand (POD) market. This trend underscores the profitability and cost-effectiveness of using POD services to create and sell unique wall art. Given this growing interest, mastering the art of proper postal packaging is essential, not just for the safe delivery of these items but also for enhancing customer satisfaction and reflecting the quality of your brand.
Understanding Poster and Print Packaging Needs
The essence of poster and print packaging lies in protection and presentation. Whether it’s an A4 photography print or an A1 art poster, each piece deserves packaging that guards against damage, bends, and environmental elements.

It’s also important that it’s presented well. Recent research conducted by WestRock, for example, revealed the powerful impact of packaging aesthetics on consumer choices, noting that an impressive 72% of participants admitted to buying a product solely due to its attractive packaging.

Combined with this, incorporating eco friendly packaging for art prints not only showcases environmental responsibility but also caters to the growing consumer demand for sustainable practices.

Good packaging, then, is not just about the immediate appeal or the physical protection of the contents; it's an integral part of the brand experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty, reflecting the brand’s ethos and ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Essential Packaging Materials and Techniques
  • Postal Tubes for Rolled Posters: Ideal for A1 to A3 posters, postal tubes provide sturdy protection. Opting for eco friendly, durable postal tubes ensures posters remain secure and rolled without creases. A2 postal tubes, for instance, offer a perfect fit for medium-sized prints, making them a popular choice among online retailers.

  • Acid-Free Sleeves for Art Prints: To preserve the quality of prints and prevent yellowing, acid-free sleeves are paramount. These can be used inside poster packaging tubes or postal boxes to provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and fingerprints. Clear archival bags are also one of the best packaging types for art prints, especially beneficial for high-definition art prints. These bags not only protect the print from dust and smudging but also enhance its presentation, making them an ideal choice for both protection and aesthetic appeal​​.

  • Bubble Mailers and Bubble Wrap: For added cushioning, especially for framed prints or A4 poster packaging, bubble mailers and wraps offer a secure buffer. However, the emphasis on eco friendly packaging for art prints encourages the exploration of biodegradable bubble wrap alternatives to minimise environmental impact.

  • Postal Boxes for Framed Posters: When shipping framed artwork or posters, sturdy postal boxes are indispensable. Customisable to fit various sizes, these boxes, coupled with eco friendly packaging peanuts or paper-based cushioning, such as shredded cardboard, ensure framed pieces are well-protected.

  • Custom Packaging Design: Reflecting your brand through tailored packaging design not only enhances the unboxing experience but also elevates your brand’s perception. Consider incorporating sustainable, branded shipping labels and eco friendly ink for a holistic approach to your packaging strategy.
Best Practices for Packaging Posters & Prints
  1. Measure Accurately: Ensure the postal tube or box is slightly larger than the item being shipped. This allows for protective materials and prevents the artwork from being too snug, which could cause damage when being removed.

  2. Securely Roll and Sleeve: When using tubes, roll the poster with the artwork facing out to avoid creases. Sliding it into an acid-free sleeve before placing it in the tube adds a layer of protection against scratches or moisture.

  3. Cushion Generously: For framed prints or artwork in boxes, use eco friendly cushioning materials on all sides to prevent movement and absorb shocks during transit.

  4. Seal and Label Clearly: Secure the package with strong tape and affix a clear, durable shipping label. Consider adding handling instructions like “Fragile” or “Do Not Bend” to alert carriers to the package’s contents.

If you’re packing something more delicate, adding a layer like tissue paper or a plastic sleeve is crucial to prevent dust accumulation and smudging, especially important for artworks that are sensitive to such elements. Incorporating rigidity in your packaging strategy also is vital for ensuring the art pieces do not bend during transit. Using corrugated pads or adding a rigid backing is an effective way to achieve this.

Regulatory Considerations
The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations from GOV.UK outline the standards that packaging must meet, emphasising the need for packaging to be minimal in volume and weight, suitable for recycling, and reduced in environmental impact. This regulation underscores the importance of using packaging materials for posters and prints that are not only protective but also compliant with UK laws and environmentally friendly​.
Innovative Packaging Solutions from Tidmas Townsend
At Tidmas Townsend, we understand the unique challenges faced by e-commerce platforms in packaging and shipping artwork. Our selection of postal packaging solutions is not just about providing protection; it’s about offering innovative, reliable, and eco-conscious options tailored to your needs. From postal tubes that safeguard your rolled posters to customisable postal boxes, our products ensure your artwork remains impeccable from your hands to your customer's doorstep.

Explore our versatile, premium, and eco friendly packaging solutions designed to make your shipping process as seamless and efficient as possible. View our postal packaging collection and discover how Tidmas Townsend can elevate your e-commerce business with packaging that speaks volumes about your brand's commitment to quality.

Browse our full range of postal packaging here or get in touch for more support.

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