The product, branded Air Wrap, has already received an enthusiastic response from several members of the trade who have latched on to its potential for protecting fragile items in transit.
The patented Air Wrap system – as Wenham Davies Associates of Richmond-on-Thames like to call it – is essentially a double-skinned heavy plastic envelope that can be inflated and deflated using a drinking straw. Inflating the pouch with a few lungfuls of air vacuum-packs the contents while at the same time suspending them in an inflated pocket of air. With the valve secured, the re-useable pouch can be placed in a tightly-fitting cardboard box and is ready for shipping without the need for bubble wrap, foam chips or polystyrene.
Air Wrap is currently being made in a number of different sizes priced at between 69p for a bag measuring 43/8 x 53/4in (11.1 x 14.5cm) to £1.85 for the largest bag for objects less than 141/8 x 147/8in (36 x 37cm).
Clearly aimed at the eBay user, the makers are working with the Jiffy group to produce a version within an envelope that can be addressed and mailed.
The Gazette have seen some samples in action but would very much like readers to test the new product. Airwrap will take a stand at the August Newark fair while up to 500 free sample kits are available to readers on a first-come-first-served basis by visiting the ‘contact us’ section at www.airwrap.co.uk or by calling 01767 677182. Readers who have tried the product are invited to contact the Gazette to give their views on what could be a promising innovation.
New way to send them packing
A PRODUCT design and development company are encouraging the antiques trade to try out an ingenious new packing product they believe is both more effective and environmentally-friendly than traditional methods. Free samples are available to readers of the Antiques Trade Gazette.
