Goods represent value – for this reason, they must be secured as best as possible. A well-thought-out and sophisticated goods security is doubly relevant in this context – after all, this term can be understood in at least two ways: On one hand, the term goods security is used when it comes to securing goods in retail and elsewhere against theft. On the other hand, goods security can also mean, in the broadest sense, the most thoughtful packaging of goods to prevent damage during shipping. This article provides initial insights into both areas.

Goods Security Against Transport Damage

For some goods, it is sufficient to simply pack them in a box to send them on their way to the recipient. However, this is more the exception than the rule. Since the journey a package takes from sender to recipient can be quite rough, and packages are not immune to bumps, falls, or other impacts, many goods need additional securing. Here, one can distinguish between goods security that occurs inside the box and one that provides even more intensive protection from the outside.

Inside a box, filling and cushioning materials are often used to prevent transport damage and thus for goods security. These must meet several criteria to fulfill their purpose while being cost-effective, efficient, and practical. For instance, attention should be paid to the low weight of filling and cushioning materials to prevent postage costs from skyrocketing due to packaging material alone.

The range of products in the area of filling and cushioning materials is very diverse. Filling and cushioning materials can include simple packing paper, which, when crumpled, prevents goods from moving uncontrollably in a large box. Corrugated cardboard offers similar protection. Depending on the goods, more intensive goods security in the package may be required: bubble wrap, foam sheets, wood wool, packing peanuts, and the like could be used. Additionally, packages containing multiple items are often equipped with inserts for goods security: they can separate already individually and neatly packed goods from each other, reducing the risk of them colliding during transport. There are also packaging solutions specifically designed for shipping certain goods. An example in this context is beverage packaging, where a separator is already integrated to prevent bottles from colliding. Additionally, so-called bottle sleeves made of flexible corrugated cardboard are suitable for packaging bottles.

The exterior of a package can also be equipped with additional protective equipment for goods security. A prime example of this is edge protectors, which, when attached to the outside of the package, can protect the package itself at particularly sensitive points and, of course, its contents. Furthermore, the use of reliable and possibly particularly strong adhesive tape plays a role in goods security in the broadest sense: it is used to seal a package, preventing accidental opening of the box and loss of the goods inside to some extent through the appropriate choice of adhesive tape. Strapping bands are also suitable for sealing and additionally reinforcing packages.

Many other options are available to ensure goods security inside the package and intensive protection of the package exterior. They do not, of course, offer protection against theft – here, a different type of goods security comes into play, which is often used in retail.

Goods Security Against Thieves

With goods security installed for theft protection, even an ordinary consumer frequently comes into contact, albeit only incidentally: one can even occasionally see it – for example, while strolling through stores. There are, for instance, dye packs attached to clothing that can only be removed with the appropriate tool without staining the garment. If such a dye pack bursts because the thief tries to improperly remove it after stealing the goods, the goods become unusable – a good deterrent effect, as the theft attempt results in no usable outcome. Authorized removal of the packs by store employees without negative consequences for the goods occurs at the checkout after payment. Another example of protection against thieves is electronic goods security systems. Labels are used here that trigger an audible and possibly visible signal when leaving a store if they have not been deactivated during payment. The benefit of goods security for theft protection is obvious: if appropriate devices are visibly attached to goods for customers, this alone could deter attempts to steal goods. If systems are used that allow for more or less invisible goods security, thieves could ideally be stopped at least during the execution of their plan. Subsequently, the goods could then be secured. In addition to the options mentioned here, there are other possibilities in the area of goods security for theft protection: dealing with all these in detail is undoubtedly part of responsible and economic business conduct.