Coronavirus, the current pandemic, has made many supermarket shelves clear of their essentials and other supplies. This condition has made people reset to online shopping and receive the product at their doorsteps. People who are not users of Amazon are now directed toward these e-commerce websites. There are many reasons for it. Firstly, shortage of essentials in the market, and secondly the risk of getting an infection. The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus makes online retailers hard to meet the customers' demands. As per the CNBC recent report, the next day and the same-day delivery services provided by Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart are facing delays in some regions of the state because of health issues.

Importance of packaging:

Both retailers and customers are concerned about the spread of the virus via packaging. Now leading e-commerce platforms are taking necessary precautions to add extra protection. Online buying can add the extra layer of novel coronavirus protection since it restricts direct contact with a considerable number of individuals. Online shopping seems the safest option in this current situation. But there is one question that is worrying most consumers. Could these online shopping trends lead to the spreading of the virus via packages and emails? Experts have done their research, and it has shown that product boxes are helpful for safely sending the products.

Shipping Boxes & COVID-19

Self-isolation and social distancing increasingly become a norm (and, in various cases, the government order) during this current pandemic. As per the government order, most Americans are avoiding the crowd at the grocery store and Costco and switching to online shopping. But do you know the customized shipping boxes in which item arrive is sterilized? There are chances that several people touch the box- the person who packs the items places the food in the restaurant to-go boxes and the individual who handed you the box or bag. There is a long list of the people involved from the time of placing the order until you deliver at your doorstep. How much precaution can you take? Is there any way to deliver and receive the article safely? Many guidelines were issued to help customers in this regard.

In the guideline to disinfect and clean homes with confirmed and suspected cases of a novel virus, the CDC says, "coronavirus remains on the surface from hours to days" Their lifespan depends upon various factors like temperature, humidity, and material type. Most online retailers use cardboard boxes for shipping the article because of several advantages. But on the other hand, it is essential to understand how long the virus remains on the corrugated shipping boxes. According to the Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory study with the National Institutes OF health and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the novel virus could remain on the cardboard material for 24hours. This is news of relief for most businesses.

But you can't rely on this figure because it is based on the limits-scale study. It is best to take precautions. But there is one thing clear after these studies that are new virus's life span is less on the corrugates material than the plastic containers. Moreover, the designs of the boxes are also a major factor in preventing the spread of the disease.

The use of handles on these boxes helps minimize the interaction of the workers with the packaging. A flip-top closure design is another option for resisting the entry of dust particles. Smudge-free lamination on the packaging is also helpful for improving the authenticity of the boxes. If you want to make sure that your products must reach safely to the customers, you should use protective designs. Many companies are also using additional packaging layers to take no risk. Waxing the packaging is also a famous solution for many companies these days to not let any particle sit on the boxes.

Is it Necessary to Disinfect Packaging Boxes?

As per the CDC, advice on protecting yourself from the coronavirus does not include package disinfecting. CDC platform generally recommends washing your hands and maintaining social distancing. In COVID-19 spread guides, CDC says there is not a clear picture of how this virus spreads, but it though spreads via respiratory droplets. There are chances that infected people might touch the surface and transfer the virus there. So it is necessary to disinfect the cardboard package surfaces. For getting better results, you can also print the details about disinfecting on these packages. It will help in enhancing the trust of consumers. They will love ordering from your brand because of the exceptional designs and protective measures that you are taking for the boxes.

Safety Guidelines for Receiving & Sending Packaging

There are specific guidelines by the WHO that you must follow when receiving and delivering the package boxes:

• When you receive the package, it is best to disinfect the cardboard packaging in the open space.
• Suppose it is best to keep these boxes outside the home because the lifespan of the virus on the cardboard material is around 24 hours.
• After unpacking, it is necessary to wash your hands with water and soap.
• While delivering or receiving the package, make a habit of wearing a mask.

In a Nutshell: Receiving Packaging in COVID-19

The CDC took guidelines from the previous virus because of its poor survivability; the chance of spreading from packaging is low. But still, it is essential to take mandatory precautions while receiving ad sending the articles. Whenever visiting the courier service office, do not touch the surfaces unnecessarily and wash your hands regularly.