Beyond Bubble Wrap: How Modern Transit Systems are Redefining Sustainable Collection Care

For decades, the standard protocol for relocating fine art and heritage collections has relied heavily on a predictable trio of materials: tissue, polyethylene foam, and vast quantities of single-use bubble wrap. While effective at absorbing physical shock, the traditional "wrap-and-discard" cycle presents severe financial and environmental long-term costs for institutions.

As heritage organisations globally commit to tighter net-zero carbon targets, conservation and collection care teams are shifting their focus toward sustainable, circular alternatives. The challenge, however, remains absolute: sustainability cannot come at the expense of preventative conservation standards.

Resolving the Workflow and Waste Dilemma

During a major gallery rehang or collection move, the hours spent measuring, cutting, taping, and subsequently un-boxing traditional packing materials add massive operational strain. Furthermore, the adhesive residues left behind by packing tapes often degrade transit wrap, rendering it instantly destined for the landfill.

To address this, Conservation Resources has introduced artPAKK® Reusable Transit Bags to our Moves & Protection portfolio. By transitioning from single-use plastics to a multi-layered, structural envelope, institutions are reporting up to a 70% reduction in packing prep times, alongside a near-total elimination of soft-packing waste.

The Science of Microclimate Buffering

Physical impact is only one of the hazards collections face during transport. The hidden threat is thermal shock—the rapid drop or spike in temperature when an object moves from a climate-controlled museum environment, across a cold loading bay, and into a vehicle. These rapid temperature swings quickly destabilise relative humidity (RH) within the packaging, threatening sensitive paint layers, historic wood panelling, and tensioned textiles.

Environmental chamber testing reveals that the 3-layer bonded polypropylene structure of the artPAKK® does more than cushion impacts. It behaves as a thermal buffer, slowing down the rate of heat transfer. Because the inner lining is a breathable, pH-neutral material with a documented 80% moisture absorbency rate, it helps stabilize the internal microclimate, mitigating the risk of condensation forming on the surface of the artwork.

Case Study: Streamlining an Institutional Collection Move

During a recent relocation project involving over 400 framed mid-century oil paintings and mixed-media works, a prominent regional museum replaced its standard bubble wrap procurement with a graded inventory of artPAKK® bags.

The findings highlighted three core operational advantages:

1. Elimination of Tape Hazards: Because the bags utilise an integrated internal hook-and-loop closure, the risk of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes accidentally coming into contact with historic frames or surfaces was entirely mitigated.
2. Adaptable Volumetric Packing: Couriers utilised the bags in two distinct configurations. For vehicular transport on specialised racking, air was sealed inside the bags to provide maximum cushioning. For secondary phases involving high-density crate packing, air was expressed out prior to sealing, allowing frames to sit flush and saving valuable crate space.
3. Long-Term Material Inertness: Backed by rigorous material testing against chemical attack and common metals (showing total compatibility with copper, mild steel, and lead substrates), the collection care team safely transitioned the works directly from transit into temporary archival storage without needing to unwrap and rehouse the items.

Finding Your Perfect Fit
From small sketches to monumental canvases, there’s an artPAKK® designed for your inventory.

💡 The Conservator’s Sizing Tip: Choose a size 5cm to 8cm larger than the total outer dimensions of your frame or object to allow for easy loading.

📐 The artPAKK® Size Guide

🖼️ Small to Medium Works
Perfect for standalone drawings, photography, prints, and small historic frames.

Size 1: 35cm x 40cm

Size 2: 50cm x 60cm

Size 3: 70cm x 92cm

Size 11 (Square): 70cm x 70cm

🎨 Large & Gallery Formats
The standard for mid-to-large oil paintings, textiles, and standard museum crating.

Size 4: 92cm x 92cm

Size 5: 112cm x 86cm

Size 6: 112cm x 112cm

Size 7: 132cm x 100cm

Size 16: 120cm x 180cm

🐋 Monumental & Special Layouts
Tailored for panoramic landscapes, oversized portraits, and sweeping contemporary works.

Size 8: 132cm x 160cm

Size 9: 150cm x 150cm

Size 10: 150cm x 200cm

Size 12 (Wide): 132cm x 70cm

Size 13 (Tall): 100cm x 200cm

Size 14 (Panoramic): 60cm x 160cm

Size 22 (Oversized): 200cm x 200cm

Conclusion

Investing in reusable, conservation-grade packing infrastructure represents a fundamental shift in how we approach collection care logistics. By choosing materials engineered for longevity, chemical stability, and thermal resistance, heritage professionals can simultaneously safeguard their collections and fulfil environmental obligations.

Explore our full range of sizes and technical specifications in the Moves & Protection category.