Choosing the right packaging material isn't about luck. It's the difference between a product arriving intact and one arriving broken. And between a repeat customer and one who leaves a negative review.
In this guide, we'll explain all the packaging materials available, what each one is for, and when to use it. No beating around the bush, just concrete facts. If you already know what you need, you'll find a direct link to our catalog at the end of each section.
Cardboard Boxes: The Foundation of Everything
All packaging starts with the box. But not just any box will do for any purpose. Here are the important differences:
By Flute Type
| Type | Thickness | Strength | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Wall | ~3 mm | Up to 15-20 kg | Light shipments, standard moves, storage |
| Double Wall | ~6 mm | Up to 30 kg | Heavy items, fragile items, pallet stacking |
By Use
| Box Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Self-assembly | E-commerce — assembles without tape, professional finish |
| Postal | Shipments with courier — standard sizes for SEUR, MRW, GLS, Correos |
| Moving | Homes — various sizes, reinforced, stackable |
| Archive | Documents and office — with lid, standard folio size |
| Custom | Special products — custom manufacturing |
At TeleCajas, we have over 200 box sizes in permanent stock. Shipping boxes from €0.15/unit and complete moving kits from €19.99.
Bubble Wrap: Protection Against Impacts
Bubble wrap is the most well-known protective material — and for good reason. Each bubble acts as an individual cushion that absorbs impacts without adding significant weight. Essential for fragile items such as tableware, glass, electronics, and ceramics.
Types of Bubble Wrap
| Type | Bubble Size | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Small Bubble (10 mm) | Fine cushioning | Small parts, delicate surfaces, wrapping dishes |
| Large Bubble (25-30 mm) | Strong cushioning | Screens, paintings, furniture, appliances |
A trick: the bubbles always go inwards, touching the object. This way, each bubble acts as a shock absorber. The other way around, you lose half the protection.
Rolls available in our bubble wrap collection. From 10 m² for small shipments to factory rolls by the pallet.
Void Fill and Protective Materials
The box protects the outside. But what goes inside the box is what prevents the product from moving, hitting the sides, or being damaged by vibration. These are the most commonly used void fill materials:
Polyethylene Foam
Sheets or rolls of light, flexible foam. Ideal for separating items inside a box, protecting delicate surfaces (wood, glass, stainless steel), and filling gaps. 2 mm foam is sufficient for surface protection; 5 mm or more for actual cushioning.
Crinkled Kraft Paper
The most sustainable void fill. It is crinkled and placed in gaps to prevent the product from moving inside the box. Biodegradable, recyclable, and inexpensive. Perfect for e-commerce that wants to convey an ecological commitment.
Shredded Paper and Packing Peanuts
Fill large spaces quickly. Paper shreds are the eco-friendly option; polystyrene peanuts (the classic white pellets) provide more cushioning but are not easily recyclable.
All void fill and protective materials are available in our fill and protection section.
Packaging Tape and Adhesive Tape
Tape is what keeps the box closed — and what indicates if someone has opened it before. It's no minor detail in professional shipping.
Main Types
| Type | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Transparent Polypropylene | General use, most economical |
| Brown Polypropylene | Kraft boxes, discreet sealing |
| Printed "FRAGILE" | Shipments with fragile contents |
| PVC | Cold warehouses, difficult surfaces |
| Low-noise | Offices, shared spaces |
| Customized | Branding + anti-tamper security |
The standard width is 48 mm, compatible with all dispensers. 66-meter rolls. All in our packaging tape and adhesive tape collection.
Stretch Film for Palletizing
If you move goods on pallets, stretch film is essential. It keeps boxes together, protects against dust and moisture, and prevents movement during transport. Cost per pallet: cents.
Available Formats
| Format | Use |
|---|---|
| Transparent Manual (50 cm) | Manual palletizing, warehouse without a stretch wrapper |
| Black Manual (50 cm) | Loads requiring opacity or UV protection |
| Minifilm (10-12 cm) | Bundling packages, securing lids, order preparation |
Automatic quantity discounts, up to 25%. Consult our stretch film collection.
Corner Protectors and Edge Protection
Corners are the most vulnerable point of any package. A blow to the corner of a painting, mirror, or screen is often fatal. Cardboard corner protectors reinforce these critical points at minimal cost.
They are especially used for: screens and monitors, paintings and mirrors, disassembled furniture, pallets (to prevent the film from cutting box edges), and large appliances.
Search for corner protectors in our catalog: cardboard corner protectors.
Quick Guide: Which Material for Each Situation
| Situation | Materials you need |
|---|---|
| Small e-commerce shipment | Self-assembly box + kraft paper for void fill |
| Fragile item shipment | Double wall box + bubble wrap + foam + void fill |
| Complete move | Pack of various sized boxes + tape + bubble wrap + marker |
| Warehouse palletizing | Stretch film + corner protectors + tape |
| Screen/painting shipment | Flat box + corner protectors + large bubble wrap + foam |
| Tableware and glassware | Small boxes + small bubble wrap + foam dividers |
| Long-term storage | Archive boxes with lid + desiccant (if humidity is present) |
Frequently Asked Questions about Packaging Materials
What are the most commonly used packaging materials?
The most common packaging materials in Spain are: cardboard boxes (single and double wall), bubble wrap, polyethylene foam, kraft paper for void fill, adhesive tape, and stretch film. For professional shipments, they are complemented with cardboard corner protectors and specific void fill material. At TeleCajas, all these materials are available with 24-hour shipping throughout Spain and Portugal.
What packaging material is best for fragile items?
For fragile items, the most effective combination is: bubble wrap wrapping each piece (small 10 mm bubbles for delicate items, large 25 mm bubbles for large objects), foam sheets between pieces to prevent them from colliding, and crinkled kraft paper or packing peanuts to fill the remaining gaps inside the box. For screens, paintings, and mirrors, cardboard corner protectors are essential.
How much do packaging materials cost?
Prices at TeleCajas (VAT included) start from: cardboard boxes from €0.15/unit, bubble wrap from €0.39/m², tape from €1.20/66-meter roll, foam from €0.25/m², and stretch film with discounts up to 25% for quantity. There is no minimum order, and shipping is free for orders over €30.
What packaging do I need for shipments from my online store?
For e-commerce, the basic materials are: self-assembly boxes in 2-3 sizes that cover 90% of your products, kraft paper or packing peanuts for void fill, and tape to seal. If you ship fragile products, add bubble wrap. The box should leave a 2-3 cm margin around the product for protective void fill. At TeleCajas, you will find e-commerce shipping boxes and all complementary materials.
Where to buy packaging materials in Spain?
TeleCajas is an online store specializing in packaging materials based in Seville. They ship to all of peninsular Spain and Portugal within 24-48 hours. They work with over 200 box sizes in permanent stock, bubble wrap, foam, tape, stretch film, and corner protectors. Prices include VAT, no minimum order, and free shipping for orders over €30. More than 80% of their customers are businesses — they have customized B2B prices for recurring orders.
What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging?
Primary packaging is what directly touches the product (for example, the wrapper of a bar of soap). Secondary packaging groups several primary products (the box containing several soaps). And tertiary packaging is for transport and logistics (the pallet wrapped in film that arrives at the warehouse). In e-commerce, secondary packaging (the shipping box) and internal protective materials are the most relevant.
Are TeleCajas packaging materials recyclable?
Yes. Cardboard boxes, kraft paper, and corner protectors are 100% recyclable in the blue bin. Bubble wrap and stretch film are polyethylene (LDPE, code 4), recyclable in the yellow bin. Polyethylene foam is also recyclable. If you are looking for more ecological void fill options, crinkled kraft paper and shredded paper are biodegradable.
