This is the method I use to pack ceramics for posting. It uses everyday card and paper materials collected at little to no cost. Once the parcel reaches the customer, all of the packaging can be put in the recycling or compost bin or reused.
Materials:
Tissue paper
Corrugated cardboard
Rubber bands
Brown paper bags
Egg cartons
Cardboard box (the sturdier the better)
All of these materials can be sourced from reused packaging. Start sorting and storing any clean packaging materials for future use and get friends to donate their packaging as well. Cafes and shops are a good source of egg cartons and cardboard boxes.
I use a layering system, starting from the ceramic and working my way out. The more precious the item the more layers.
Layer 1: wrap the mug in tissue paper.
Layer 2: cut a strip of corrugated card long enough to wrap around the piece and with overlap on either side. Cut slits down both lengths of the corrugated card.
Roll the corrugated card around the pot and secure with a rubber band.
Fold down the cut edges so they form an overlapping layer over the rim and base of the pot. Roughly secure with another rubber band. Wrap each individual ceramic piece that’s going in the parcel in this way.
Layer 3: rip up paper shopping bags into pieces and scrunch into balls of different sizes
Layer 4: Line the cardboard box with egg cartons, cut and squash them to size. Depending on how delicate your piece is you may decide to line all sides of the box with egg cartons, or some sides, or maybe just the top and base.
Now you are ready to pack your ceramics. Place them in the centre of the box and fill all air pockets with the scrunched paper balls. Make sure there is a buffer layer of packaging between pieces if your parcel has multiple pieces. Place a layer of packaging on top (egg carton or paper balls) and seal the box.
This method does require a box that is quite a bit bigger than the ceramics, however the layering up of packaging provides good lightweight protection that is plastic free and affordable.
Layer 5: for extra protection for very very precious items you can double-box your parcel. Follow the steps above and then put your box into a second larger box that is well lined with more firm packaging materials such as egg cartons, scrunched corrugated cardboard, polystyrene panels or very thick corrogated card boards. Larger parcels will also need a really good sturdy cardboard box rather than a bendy thin one.
Alternative materials:
Tissue paper: brown wrapping paper, gift wrap
Corrugated cardboard: recycled bubble wrap
Brown paper bags: packing peanuts, wood wool, newspaper, shredded cardboard
Make handwritten thank you cards and care cards by cutting plain or coloured card