Using cardboard sheet dividers is one of the simplest steps you can take to safeguard fragile items in transit. At a leading London wine merchant, fitting bespoke sheet separators halved breakages on glass bottles. Good news, this is easier than it sounds. You only need a few simple tweaks to upgrade your packing line.
Benefits of sheet dividers
Cardboard sheet dividers create organised compartments that keep products from colliding. They work especially well for:
- Glassware, perfumes and spirits
- Mechanical parts and electronics
- Cosmetics like creams, oils and powders
By preventing direct contact, you’ll reduce damage claims and returns. These dividers also let you pack more densely (saving on box size) and cut material waste compared with bulky foam inserts.
Selecting grammage and material
The key to protection is matching the divider’s strength to your product’s fragility. Grammage (paper weight) usually ranges from 300 g/m² to 700 g/m². The table below shows common pairings:
| Grammage | Typical use | Material option |
|---|---|---|
| 300 g/m² | Light cosmetics, small flasks | white pure wood, kraft brown |
| 500 g/m² | Standard glass bottles, vials | kraft brown, brown recycled |
| 700 g/m² | Heavy or very fragile products | kraft brown, laminated |
For sensitive items prone to abrasion, choose a plastic-coated finish. If eco credentials matter most, look for recycled or unbleached kraft board (it also sheds less dust).
Customising for your products
You don’t need costly tooling to get a perfect fit. Most suppliers use adjustable cutting tools that require no extra fees. When you customise:
- Specify case interior dimensions and cell count
- Set each cell size to match your product footprint
- Confirm tolerances (±1 mm keeps items snug)
A tailored divider stops movement without over-tightening, so you avoid stress damage to delicate surfaces.
Installing and using separators
Getting sheet dividers in place is straightforward:
- Slide the first panel along one interior wall.
- Insert the cross panels to form a grid.
- Place products into each cell, then add a top panel.
You can reuse sturdy dividers several times (just check for wear or wetness). Good news, you won’t need special training—anyone on your packing team can master these steps in minutes.
Embracing sustainable dividers
Cardboard dividers score high on eco-friendliness. They’re made from renewable fibres, and most grades are fully recyclable. Compared with plastic trays or foam inserts, they:
- Cut carbon footprint (no petrochemicals)
- Reduce landfill burden (easy to recycle)
- Offer low-dust handling (better for clean rooms)
For more on carton separation, see our guide to cardboard box dividers.
Recap and next steps
- Choose the right grammage for your items.
- Custom-cut panels to your case dimensions.
- Slide and cross-lock panels for a snug grid.
- Reuse dividers and recycle at end of life.
Pick one product line to pilot these dividers this week. You’ll likely see fewer breakages and lower packaging spend within days. You’ve got this.
Frequently asked questions
What are cardboard sheet dividers?
They’re flat panels cut and slotted to form grids inside boxes, creating individual cells for each item.
How do I choose the right grammage?
Match the paper weight to your product’s fragility and weight. Lighter items work on 300 g/m², while heavy glass or automotive parts need up to 700 g/m².
Can I reuse these dividers?
Yes. Durable grades last through multiple cycles, just inspect for bends or moisture before reuse.
Are they fully recyclable?
Most dividers use recyclable board (kraft, recycled white). Always separate any plastic coating before recycling.
How do they differ from cardboard box dividers?
Sheet dividers slot into the interior to create custom cells. By contrast, cardboard box dividers are fixed inserts that usually match a standard tray or crate.