When shipping products that require defect-free protection, you need to consider all the factors that are apparent . . . and those that aren’t so obvious.

Various products shipped need protection against electrical charges

The electronic and microelectronic equipment industry is perhaps the most affected by the issue of electrical charges. The shipment of electronic materials and equipment requires special attention to counter the electrical charges that can build up in packaging and affect the goods being transported. Consequently, it is essential that the packaging solution you choose can protect electronic products against all types of charges, such as static charges created by the contact of the items being shipped during transport.

In addition, static charges that result in a build up of electrical charges on the product being shipped can also affect other types of materials such as flammable gases or liquids. As a result, this factor also needs to be considered when planning the packaging solution for goods in these categories.

In short, many products are more sensitive to electrical charges than you might think and warrant proper protection. Packaging solutions that apply to all of these situations require the use of electrostatic discharge (ESD) components to prevent electrical build-up due to friction during transport.

What is electrostatic discharge and when does it occur?

For electrostatic discharge to occur, two materials must be brought into contact and then separated. First, this creates an exchange between the two materials and generates an electrical potential difference between them. The progressive accumulation of this electrical energy is called triboelectricity.

When there is a break in contact between these two materials, electrostatic discharge can occur when they next come into contact with each other, creating a passage of electric current in an extremely short period of time to re-establish electrical equilibrium. This is what happens when you touch an object that has electrical conductivity after accumulating charges by walking on a carpet, for example.

Otherwise, ESD may occur due to a process called electric induction. This occurs when an electrically charged object is placed near another object. If the second object has electrical conductivity but is insulated, it can accumulate a charge but is unable to discharge when it comes into contact with the ground (floor). Then, as is the case with triboelectricity, the object can deliver a flow of electricity to the next contact with a conductive element and create the discharge of static electricity.

Countering ESD with antistatic packaging for shipping

The use of antistatic material to package all types of products sensitive to electrostatic discharge helps to inhibit triboelectricity and ensure that the products you ship remain intact.

At Creopack, we are a leader in custom packaging solutions and we are committed to designing a solution with special attention to our customers’ requirements. We can offer you a packaging solution that can significantly reduce your company’s losses due to electrostatic discharge.

Using antistatic protective foam and any other element required for the packaging of your product, Creopack offers all kinds of packaging solutions for the e-commerce industry, including the shipment of high value-added technological products.

We will gladly meet your ESD protective packaging needs. Contact us for more information.