Friday's Industry Tips

Hi All,

Welcome back to our "Packaging For..." blog series, where we dive into different industry sectors each week to explore their packaging needs and highlight the products that help them succeed. Over the past few weeks, we've focused on the Antiques sector, discussing how high levels of protection and presentation are essential for such delicate items. Today, we're turning our attention to the furniture industry—a sector known for its unique challenges and a wide range of product types.

We’ve worked with a variety of furniture manufacturers and retailers—ranging from well-known brands to small, independent creators who produce bespoke pieces. Their diverse needs have shaped our extensive product range and custom packaging solutions. This experience has given us deep insights into what works best for this industry, so let’s take a look at some of our top recommendations.

Do you work in the furniture industry? We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s post. Feel free to drop us an email or give us a shout on Twitter @kitepackaging.

Furniture Industry Needs

Many furniture manufacturers, even large ones, often produce their goods by hand on a single production line. As a result, their packaging must be simple to use and highly functional. The process of packaging can be tricky due to the irregular shapes and sizes of furniture, making it essential that the packaging is easy to apply and effective.

The furniture industry includes removals companies, manufacturers, retailers, and small bespoke businesses. Despite their differences, they all share similar requirements:

• Prone to Damage: While many furniture items are made from robust materials, surfaces like tabletops, bathroom fixtures, and flooring are still vulnerable to chipping and scratches. Any damage can lead to returns, which is costly and frustrating for both manufacturers and retailers.
• Returns and Transport Costs: Damaged furniture during transit leads to expensive returns, taking up space and increasing transport costs. In the removals sector, damaged goods can also lead to legal issues and insurance claims.
• Space Constraints: Many companies operate in tight spaces, so quick and efficient packaging is essential. Carriers also need compact, lightweight solutions to maximize space and reduce shipping costs.
• Double Handling: Furniture often goes through multiple hands in the supply chain, meaning the packaging must be durable enough to withstand repeated handling and long-term storage without degrading.

Packaging Solutions for the Furniture Industry

In this first part of our "Packaging For... The Furniture Industry" series, we’ll focus on protecting the most vulnerable areas of furniture—like corners and surfaces. These are the parts most likely to get damaged during transit. Let’s take a closer look at our top recommendations.

Edge and Corner Protection

Corners are one of the most fragile parts of any furniture item, especially when they’re sharp. During transport and handling, they’re more likely to be bumped, scraped, or knocked. That’s why using proper corner protection is crucial. Foam corner protectors are a great choice because they’re made from high-density polyethylene, which offers excellent shock absorption. These protectors are designed to fit snugly over most furniture corners, from tables and flat surfaces to beds and chests, providing fast and reliable protection.

U-channel edge protection is another popular option in the furniture industry. It provides flexibility and strong grip, ensuring edges remain protected even during vibrations and movement. U-channels come in various thicknesses and can be easily cut to size if needed. They’re ideal for wrapping around curved or awkward shapes, like kitchen tops or large cabinets.

L-profile edge protection works similarly but is typically used for standard-sized edges, like those found on doors and cupboards. It offers a secure fit while being easy to handle and apply.

Surface Protection

With the rise of interior design trends, the demand for beautifully crafted and intricate furniture has grown significantly. High-quality finishes like polished wood, marble, and ceramic are now common, and even the smallest scratch can ruin the appearance of a product.

Traditional foam rolls are a go-to solution for surface protection. They can be laid over the top of a product or wrapped around it, offering both surface and edge protection. Our foam rolls are non-abrasive, making them perfect for wrapping mirrors, glass-doored cabinets, or other delicate items.

For more specialized needs, Jiffy’s 'Furni-soft' and 'Furni-guard' materials are excellent alternatives. Furni-soft uses laminated astro bubble for cushioning and features a woven polypropylene layer that won’t mark or rub surfaces. Furni-guard adds a layer of polyethylene, making it waterproof and puncture-resistant—ideal for items stored in damp environments.

Next Week

Join us next week as we continue exploring the furniture industry and take a broader look at its packaging needs. Thanks for reading, and have a great weekend!