Safely ship books with book packaging

Book packages made of corrugated board can be folded tightly around books and save additional cardboard space with suitable formats. Their advantage lies in the protection of edges and surfaces. It is important that the packaging fits the actual book size and height: A too small packaging presses on the cover, one too large makes the book slip.

Determine the Right Size

Measure the length, width and thickness of the book. For several specimens, measure the complete stack and determine its weight. Note the specified usage area and the maximum filling height of the packaging. Several fold lines often allow different heights, but are not a license for unlimited stacking.

Particularly sensitive protective jackets or collectable expenses require additional surface protection. For heavy picture covers, a durable cardboard box with suitable padding can fit better than a lightweight book packaging.

How to pack a single book

1. Unfold the packaging on a clean, dry surface.
2. If necessary, insert the book into a clean protective sheet. Do not put any adhesive surface directly on the cover.
3. Place the book in the middle and close the inner fixation according to the intended folding lines.
4. Cover the outer wings. The edges should be protected without bending the lid or the back of the book.
5. Press the intended clasp firmly or attach the required packing tape.
6. Attach the shipping label on a flat surface without overgluing the closure and edges.

Send multiple books together

Do not pack books with widely different formats unsecured in a stack. Smaller specimens can scrub on the larger cover or strain its edges. Help intermediate layers and a common fixation. In the case of a heavier package, the ground must be sufficiently resilient.

Fill remaining cavities so that the stack cannot move. Loose decorative paper strips do not replace durable fixation. For antiquarian or particularly valuable books, choice of material and mode of dispatch should be coordinated with the recipient.

Avoid Typical Errors

• Exceed the filling height and set the cap under tension.
• Adhesive tape on protective cover or book surface.
• Reuse a damaged or moist packaging.
• Only take account of the book weight and do not weigh the finished package.

Compare material and shipping costs together

Compact packaging can reduce material consumption and packing time. Whether it also makes shipping cheaper depends on the current tariff limits of the chosen service. Compare the ready-packed outside dimension, weight and transport conditions. For recurring book formats it is worth a pack test with several suitable packaging sizes.