Composite plastic or silicone moulds for casting plant pots deform, dent or tear very easily on intercontinental journeys if they aren’t packed properly. A single light dent, or a corner weighed down for a long flight, can throw the mould completely out of shape and ruin every pot cast from it.
To help workshops and individuals ship plastic moulds to Canada intact, here is a professional 5-step packing process based on the hands-on experience of warehouse technicians.
1. Clean the moulds and check their surface
Before packing, make sure the moulds are completely dry and free of dust. Grains of sand or bits of plastic left on silicone can leave permanent marks when the moulds are pressed together in the box.
For flexible silicone moulds, dust the surface lightly with talcum powder so the silicone doesn’t stick together because of temperature and pressure changes in the aircraft hold.
2. Nest the moulds to prevent deformation
This is the most important step in keeping the moulds in their original shape.
- Flexible silicone moulds: Never fold or roll them up to save space. Fill the inside of each mould with old newspaper, bubble wrap or soft foam. This keeps it fully rounded so it doesn’t collapse or dent under pressure.
- Rigid composite plastic moulds: You can stack moulds of the same size inside each other (nesting). However, put a sheet of thick cardboard or foam between each layer to avoid scratching the surface and stop them sticking together under air pressure.
3. Wrap in stretch film and bubble wrap
Once the inside of the mould is supported, wrap PE stretch film around it to hold the filling in place. Then wrap at least 2 to 3 layers of bubble wrap around the outside.
Tape the corners firmly so the bubble wrap doesn’t come loose. For plastic moulds with protruding lugs or sharp corners, cut small pieces of cardboard to cover those corners separately, so they don’t pierce the outer carton or scratch other moulds.
4. Choose a strong carton and fill the gaps
Use a sturdy 5-ply or 7-ply carton instead of an ordinary thin box.
- Put the heaviest, largest moulds at the bottom and the smaller, lighter ones on top.
- Fill all remaining space in the box with packing peanuts or shredded paper. When the box is sealed, shake it gently. If you can’t hear anything moving inside, it’s packed properly.
- Seal the top and bottom of the box with tape in an H pattern for extra strength.
5. Declare to customs and apply shipping labels
When shipping plastic moulds to Canada, an accurate customs declaration helps your order clear quickly at CBSA. On the declaration, describe the product clearly in English: “Plastic molds for flower pots” or “Silicone molds for concrete crafting”.
Avoid a vague “plastic items”, which can easily lead to an inspection hold. Also add “Fragile” or “This Side Up” labels on the outside of the box so handlers take care when moving it.
Shipping plastic moulds to Canada with Soleil Transportation
If you are looking for a safe, fast and affordable way to ship from Vietnam to Canada, Soleil Transportation is a partner you can trust. We offer:
- Competitive rates: Door-to-door air shipping to Canada from just $16/kg. For small parcels of moulds, you can choose ePacket from just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
- Fast transit: Goods fly direct, with an average transit time of 7–12 business days depending on the location.
- Import duties included: Our Vietnam to Canada service includes import duties, so the recipient in Canada doesn’t face customs hassles.
- Professional packing support: Basic packing in a carton is included in the service fee. For heavy industrial mould shipments that need a pallet, we offer wooden crating.
Before shipping, check the size and weight of your mould parcel. Contact Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or email the box dimensions to info@soleiltransportation.com for the most accurate quote and help setting up online tracking for your order.
