Long and flat products often contain exposed edges, large surfaces and extended unsupported sections.
Products such as doors, furniture panels, steel sheets, steel plates, aluminium profiles and laminate boards may require protection during factory handling, storage, loading and transportation.
Rather than covering the complete product with unnecessary packaging, businesses can use targeted protective profiles around the areas most exposed to impact, scratching, strapping pressure and contact with other products.
Eltete Malaysia provides recyclable laminated carton-board profiles designed to protect products of different shapes during shipment, handling and storage. The available range includes Edgeboard, U-Profile, Flatboard, Wrap Around Edgeboard and Packaging Profiles.
Why Are Long and Flat Products Difficult to Protect?
Long products may contain edges that remain exposed across a large section of the load.
Flat products may also have broad surfaces that can come into contact with:
– Other products in the same bundle
– Strapping materials
– Pallet surfaces
– Carton walls
– Container floors or walls
– Warehouse handling equipment
– Internal packaging components
The correct solution depends on the shape of the product and the type of protection required.
Eltete states that individual profile sizes and quality options can be matched to each application. This means the packaging should be selected according to the actual product rather than using one standard protector for every load.
1. Use U-Profile for Three-Sided Edge Protection
Eltete U-Profile is designed to cover three sides of a product.
Its channel-shaped construction can surround an exposed edge and help protect it against scratches, impacts, shocks and vibrations. Eltete also states that U-Profile adds minimal additional volume and weight to the load.
U-Profile may be considered for products such as:
– Doors
– Steel products
– Shower doors
– Furniture
– Long panels
– Boards
– Fragile equipment
– Other products with exposed edges
These applications are identified on Eltete Malaysia’s official U-Profile page.
How U-Profile Protects Long Products
A long product may not require a complete outer box around every surface.
Instead, U-Profiles can be placed along the edges that are most exposed to impact or contact. The profile’s central section covers the end of the product, while its side walls protect the adjoining surfaces.
This arrangement can be suitable when the objective is to:
– Protect a long finished edge
– Reduce direct contact between products
– Add a shock-absorbing layer
– Hold selected parts of the product together
– Avoid adding a large amount of packaging around the entire item
Eltete describes U-Profile as a three-sided protector that can also help hold a product together.
U-Profile for Uneven Shapes
Not every long product has a completely straight or consistent edge.
Eltete FlexProfile is a U-Profile option designed to protect uneven shapes. Punched-out sections can also allow a U-Profile to be converted into a frame around a suitable product.
These options may be evaluated when the product contains:
– Curved sections
– Uneven dimensions
– Rectangular corners
– Changes in shape along its length
– Several connected edges requiring continuous protection
The final profile should fit the product without creating excessive pressure on a sensitive surface.
2. Use Flatboard for Flat-Surface Protection and Separation
Eltete Flatboard is a laminated carton-board product designed as an alternative to selected applications involving hardboard, MDF and chipboard.
Eltete’s official company profile describes Flatboard as a strong product available in different sizes and qualities, allowing it to be used for a variety of packaging requirements.
Flatboard may be used where a flat protective or separating layer is required.
Possible applications include:
– Separating products or layers
– Protecting selected flat surfaces
– Reinforcing a packaging section
– Creating protection beneath strapping
– Dividing bundled products
– Supporting top or bottom protection
– Protecting selected contact areas
– Strengthening a transport package
Eltete’s official Flatboard information identifies separation, strapping protection and package strengthening among its applications.
Flatboard Between Product Layers
Long or flat products are sometimes transported in bundles.
When several products are placed together, their surfaces may come into direct contact. Flatboard can be positioned between the layers or groups to create separation.
For example, Eltete states that Flatboard can be used to separate aluminium profiles during processing. The position of the board can vary according to the product length, profile shape, surface and bundling method.
A similar assessment can be performed wherever flat separation is required within a packaging configuration.
Flatboard Beneath Strapping
Strapping helps secure products, but it can place concentrated pressure on the area beneath it.
Flatboard may be positioned between the strap and a suitable flat surface as part of the packaging design. This creates a wider contact area and helps separate the securing material from the product.
The correct board thickness, width and position should be selected according to:
– The product surface
– Product weight
– Strap position
– Required pressure distribution
– Load arrangement
Handling conditions
The objective is to protect the required contact area without adding unnecessary material throughout the complete package.
3. Use Edgeboard for Straight Edges and Corners
Eltete Edgeboard is an all-round transport packaging profile that can be positioned externally around pallet corners or internally inside boxes.
Eltete identifies Edgeboard as suitable for palletisation, stabilisation and unitisation. It can also add stacking strength when used inside packaging.
For long and flat products, straight Edgeboard may be considered for:
– Long exposed corners
– Straight product edges
– Strapping contact areas
– Pallet corners
– Bundled sheets
– Carton reinforcement
– Unitisation of several products
– Supporting a rectangular outer packaging structure
– Edgeboard for Steel Sheets and Plates
Eltete’s official company profile states that straight protective profiles are used for strapping and corner protection for long steel sheets and steel plates.
The same source also identifies aluminium, laminate-board and forest-industry products as applications using similar Edgeboard packaging for long objects.
This demonstrates how straight carton-board profiles can be applied along extended industrial edges rather than being limited to conventional carton corners.
The final profile should be selected according to the product dimensions, weight, surface, strapping method and expected handling conditions.
4. Select the Profile According to the Required Protection
U-Profile, Flatboard and Edgeboard do not perform exactly the same function.
Choose U-Profile When:
– Three sides of an edge require protection
– A long edge must be surrounded
– The product requires shock-absorbing protection
– A door, panel or furniture component has exposed edges
– The product has an uneven shape requiring FlexProfile
– A protective frame is required around selected sides
Eltete presents U-Profile as a three-sided solution for protection against impact, shock, vibration and scratching.
Choose Flatboard When:
– Two products require separation
– A flat surface requires protection
– A layer pad is needed
– A strap contacts a flat surface
– A packaging wall requires reinforcement
– A wide protective strip is more appropriate than a corner profile
Eltete positions Flatboard as a flat laminated board with applications including separation and packaging reinforcement.
Choose Edgeboard When:
– A straight corner requires protection
– A palletised load needs stabilisation
– Several packages must be unitised
– A long steel sheet or plate needs corner or strapping protection
– An outer carton requires vertical reinforcement
Additional stacking strength is required
Eltete identifies these as central functions of Edgeboard within transport packaging.
5. Combine Different Profiles Where Necessary
Some products contain a combination of flat surfaces, long edges and vulnerable corners.
A complete packaging configuration may therefore use more than one Eltete product.
For example:
– U-Profile along exposed product edges
– Flatboard between individual product layers
– Edgeboard beneath straps or around outer corners
– Honeycomb Board for cushioning or internal support
– A Paper Pallet beneath the complete load
Stretch film or strapping for unitisation
Eltete’s Transport Packaging Solutions concept combines different products according to the customer’s packaging needs. The company’s main products can be used together with stretch film and plastic or steel strapping to create an optimised transport packaging system.
Each component should have a clear function.
Adding multiple materials that perform the same role may increase packaging volume without improving the intended protection.
6. Protect the Product During Every Logistics Stage
Packaging should not be designed only around the final transportation stage.
Long and flat products may be handled several times before reaching the receiver.
Manufacturing and Packing
Products may come into contact with work surfaces, machinery or other components during production and packing.
Flatboard separators or U-Profiles may be positioned before the products are bundled or placed into an outer package.
Warehouse Handling
Long products may be moved, stored or stacked before shipment.
The packaging configuration should keep the selected protectors in position and provide any required reinforcement during internal handling.
Strapping and Unitisation
Bundles may require plastic or steel strapping.
Flatboard or straight profiles can be positioned at suitable contact areas, while Edgeboard can support the unitisation of the complete load.
Transportation
The product, protective profiles, pallet and securing materials should remain one complete system throughout transportation.
Unpacking
The receiver should be able to identify and remove the packaging components without unnecessary complexity.
Eltete’s packaging approach focuses on reducing material and using recyclable components while maintaining the required protection.
7. Avoid Overpacking Long Products
A large or long product does not automatically require a large quantity of packaging material.
The better approach is to identify:
– Which edges are exposed
– Which surfaces may touch one another
– Where the straps will be positioned
– Whether the product requires full enclosure
– Whether a Flatboard separator is sufficient
– Whether a U-Profile can protect only the vulnerable edge
– Whether Edgeboard is required for unitisation or reinforcement
Eltete’s official company profile explains that its solutions can be tailored by combining different components to optimise strength and material use. It presents application-specific optimisation as an alternative to overpacking.
Reducing packaging material should not mean leaving the product unprotected. It means assigning a clear function to every component.
8. Review the Supporting Base
Long and flat products may also require a platform beneath the load.
Eltete Paper Pallets can be produced according to the exact packaging requirement. Different dimensions and heights are available so the pallet can be selected according to the product, handling method, destination, strength, space and cost expectations.
When reviewing the base, consider:
– Product length and width
Load distribution
– Required handling direction
Product overhang
– Position of the supporting points
Strapping arrangement
– Container or truck dimensions
The receiving operation
The supporting base and protective profiles should be evaluated together rather than as separate packaging decisions.
9. Test the Packaging Before Regular Use
A new packaging design should be assessed before it becomes the standard configuration for regular shipments.
Eltete states that a suitable packaging profile is selected following a study of the individual application and its strength requirements. Its in-house capabilities include compression, bending and strapping tests when required.
Testing may be particularly important when:
– Replacing a wooden protective component
– Reducing the amount of packaging material
Changing the profile dimensions
– Introducing a new strapping position
Protecting a sensitive finished surface
– Bundling several long products together
– Changing the pallet or supporting base
Combining U-Profile, Flatboard and Edgeboard
The trial should reflect the actual product, packing method and expected logistics conditions.
Practical Packaging Process for Long and Flat Products
Step 1: Measure the Product
Record its length, width, thickness and external shape.
Step 2: Identify Vulnerable Areas
Locate exposed corners, edges, surfaces and strapping contact points.
Step 3: Determine the Required Function
Decide whether the application requires:
– Three-sided edge protection
Flat-surface separation
– Corner reinforcement
Strapping protection
– Internal support
Pallet stabilisation
– Complete enclosure
Step 4: Select the Protective Profile
Consider U-Profile, Flatboard, Edgeboard or a combination of products.
Step 5: Review the Supporting Base
Confirm whether the load requires a Paper Pallet, another pallet solution or an alternative supporting structure.
Step 6: Plan the Securing Method
Determine how strapping, wrapping or other materials will hold the complete system together.
Step 7: Produce a Trial Package
Check whether each component fits the product and remains correctly positioned.
Step 8: Test the Final Configuration
Evaluate the required compression, bending, strapping and handling performance before full implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What packaging can protect a long product?
The correct packaging depends on the product’s shape and exposed areas. Eltete provides U-Profile for three-sided protection, Flatboard for flat separation and reinforcement, and Edgeboard for straight corners, unitisation and strapping protection.
What is the difference between U-Profile and Flatboard?
U-Profile surrounds three sides of an edge. Flatboard is a flat laminated board used for selected surface protection, separation and reinforcement.
Can U-Profile protect doors?
Yes. Eltete identifies doors as an official application for U-Profile. The profile can be positioned over exposed door edges during handling, storage or transportation.
Can U-Profile protect uneven products?
Yes. Eltete FlexProfile is designed to protect uneven shapes, while punched-out corners can convert selected U-Profiles into frames.
Can Flatboard be used between products?
Yes. Flatboard can be used as a separation layer. Eltete specifically identifies the separation of aluminium profiles as one of its applications.
Can Edgeboard protect long steel sheets?
Yes. Eltete’s official company profile states that straight profiles are used for strapping and corner protection for long steel sheets and steel plates.
Can these profiles be combined?
Yes. U-Profile, Flatboard and Edgeboard can be combined with other Eltete products according to the complete packaging requirement. Each component should perform a defined protective or structural function.
Are Eltete protection profiles recyclable?
Eltete states that its laminated carton-board protection profiles are 100% recyclable.
Should the packaging configuration be tested?
Yes. Eltete selects packaging profiles according to the individual application and can provide compression, bending and strapping tests when required.
Protect Long Products with Targeted Packaging
Protecting long and flat products does not always require a heavy or fully enclosed packaging system.
U-Profile can protect three sides of exposed edges. Flatboard can separate surfaces and reinforce selected flat areas. Edgeboard can protect straight corners, support strapping and help unitise the complete load.
By combining the correct profiles according to the product, handling process and destination, businesses can create a transport packaging system that provides targeted protection while avoiding unnecessary material.
Contact Eltete Malaysia to discuss a customised packaging solution for doors, furniture panels, steel sheets, aluminium profiles, laminate boards or other long and flat products.
