Wall tiles are packed in printed corrugated cardboard boxes, with a set number of tiles per box. The boxes are then either loaded loose on the container floor or stacked on wooden pallets, strapped, protected at the corners and wrapped in plastic film.
Good packing does three jobs: it protects the glaze and edges, it keeps each batch and shade together, and it tells your warehouse and customer what is in the box.
Inside the box
- Tiles are stacked face to back or face to face, depending on the plant's practice and the glaze.
- Glossy and effect glazes may have paper or foam sheets between tiles to stop scratching.
- Panel sets and decor pieces may be packed in their own boxes, with each set complete.
- The box is closed and often strapped, so it does not open when handled.
The number of tiles per box depends on the size and weight. Factories aim for a box that one person can lift and that covers a round area, often close to one square metre. Ask for the pieces, square metres and weight per box for each size on the packing list.
Box markings
Each box should show the design code, size, grade, shade, calibre and batch number. Without these, your warehouse cannot keep batches apart and your customer cannot reorder a match. The full list is in what box markings tile cartons should have.
Palletised or loose
Palletised loading stacks boxes on wooden pallets, with corner boards and straps, and wraps the pallet in film. It makes unloading by forklift quick and reduces handling damage. Pallets add weight, though, which reduces the tiles per container.
Loose loading stacks boxes directly on the container floor. It fits more tiles within the weight limit, but unloading is by hand and boxes are handled more. Our article on pallets versus loose loading for tiles compares the two in detail.
If you choose pallets, wood packaging for many markets must meet ISPM 15, which means heat-treated or fumigated wood with the official mark. Some plants use plywood or other processed wood that falls outside ISPM 15. Confirm the pallet type for your market.
What export packing should include
- Strong corrugated boxes with enough wall strength for the stacking height.
- Corner and edge protection on pallets, and straps around each pallet.
- Stretch film or shrink wrap to keep boxes together and dry.
- Pallets suited to your market's wood packaging rules.
- A packing list per container showing each design, shade, batch, box count and pallet count.
- Secure loading with no gaps that let pallets shift at sea.
Next step
We check boxes, markings and pallets at the factory and supervise loading so each batch is together and secure. To set packing standards for your range, book a free sourcing review.