What it is
Shock-protection requirements connect product fragility, impact severity, orientation and package dynamics without prescribing a cushioning material.
When it is relevant
Relevant for fragile, high-value or calibrated products and for parcel networks, manual handling, transfers or known drop exposure.
Risks and problems addressed
Drops and impacts can fracture parts, shift assemblies, overload mounts or create cosmetic damage even when the outer package looks intact.
Product characteristics that matter
Provide mass, dimensions, center of gravity, weak points, orientation, allowable acceleration or damage threshold, protrusions and internal moving parts.
Logistics and environmental factors
Define handling height, package mass, parcel sorting, forklift interaction, transfer count, route modes and whether the pack is shipped singly or unitized.
Information a packaging supplier needs
Share fragility evidence or unknown status, product restraint needs, route profile, package levels, damage criteria and the validation objective.
Common mistakes
Do not choose foam thickness from product weight alone, overlook bottoming-out, or validate a prototype with a route unrelated to actual distribution.
Relevant standards and regulations
ISTA procedures and ASTM Committee D10 publications are possible starting points for distribution testing. The suitable method and acceptance criteria must be selected for the real product-package-route system.
RFQ
What a useful specification contains
Share fragility evidence or unknown status, product restraint needs, route profile, package levels, damage criteria and the validation objective.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether shock-protection packaging is relevant?
Relevant for fragile, high-value or calibrated products and for parcel networks, manual handling, transfers or known drop exposure.
What should I give a packaging supplier?
Share fragility evidence or unknown status, product restraint needs, route profile, package levels, damage criteria and the validation objective.
Does PackNavi choose a packaging technology here?
No. PackNavi captures conditions, required outcomes and open points. A suitable technology must be engineered and validated for the actual product and supply chain.
Sources and references
Primary and official sources are preferred. Always check the current source before acting.
- Committee D10 on PackagingASTM International
- Packaging test proceduresISTA