Once product fragility is determined, the packaging designer should next consider the handling and transportation environment the product will face.
To establish the amount of shock the product may encounter, it is necessary to determine the height from which the product may be dropped. Drop heights are generally established by the product’s weight, which usually reflect how the product will be handled.
The chart below shows typical drop heights for products of various weights, and may be used if you lack specific information about the handling likely to be encountered in your product’s particular distribution chain.
| Weight Range (lbs) | Type of Handling | Drop Height (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-10 | 1 person throwing | 42 |
| 10-20 | 1 person carrying | 36 |
| 20-50 | 1 person carrying | 30 |
| 50-100 | 2 person carrying | 24 |
| 100-250 | Light equipment | 18 |
| 250+ | Heavy equipment handling | 12† |
†NOTE: Palletized products may receive drops of up to six inches.