Packing Materials for the Outside Box

All of these are needed to insure that your cookies arrive in the best possible shape.

• inner box

where the cookies are nestled

• materials for cushioning and filler
• topper material

Inner Box

• needs to be sturdy
• should be airtight

Recycled Inner Boxes

• while recycled food cans can be used, the aroma of their original contents may permeate the cookies.

Cushion and Filler Materials

It is best to line the inner box both on the bottom and up its sides. The choice of materials is up to you.

 Choices for Cushion and Filler

• crumbled newspaper

        unprinted newsprint is cleaner on the hands than used newspaper

        will crush under pressure

• paper towels
• styrofoam pellets
• unsalted air-popped popcorn

        pack inside plastic bags

        + cheaper than many other options

        + biodegradable

        - may attract insects

        - may absorb odors

• bubble-wrap
• cornstarch pellets

        + biodegradable

        - melts when wet so use accordingly

• shredded paper

 Layer

• if packing more than one type of cookie put the sturdiest ones on the bottom
• fill box by putting a layer of cookies then a layer of filler/cushion continuing to layer until box is almost full

Topper

• end filling the box with a generous layer of filler/cushion
• there should be no air space in the package
• inside address

as an extra precaution, tape a paper with return and delivery addresses on top of the last layer

Test Your Package

• Before sealing the box, close and shake it. If you feel or hear movement, add more filler/cushioning