Wrapped around sturdy items like pots, hand tools, or car parts, newspaper works well to prevent scratching or rattling around in the box.
Newspaper is widely used during moves for wrapping dishes. Newspapers provide only modest protection. Anyone packing fragile materials with newspaper should understand that he is relying on the carrier's using care in the handling.
Newspapers readily transfer ink to anything they contact. Never use newspapers in contact with non-washable items like cloth dolls, frosted glass or fine statuary. Never use newspaper for packing if the items are going to be stored for a long time before unpacking. The ink smudges become fixed and may not wash out. You can reduce the ink transfer problem, slightly, by using newspapers which are several weeks old.
We see newspaper used occasionally for commercial shipping jobs. It makes a shabby appearance.
Shredded newspaper provides moderate packing protection for light items, but the ink transfer problem remains. Shredded newspaper is so heavy that the increased shipping cost may cancel most of the cost savings. (Consider reserving it for local shipping only.) It, too, looks a little shabby for commercial shipping. |