As the art world gears up for the bustling September fair season—from Frieze Seoul to The Armory Show and beyond—artists and galleries are already deep into planning, inventory, and logistics. One of the most critical (yet often overlooked) elements of art fair preparation is how artworks are packed and transported. Traditionally, this has involved layers of bubble wrap, tape, cardboard, and plastic sheeting—all time-consuming, bulky, and wasteful. But now, with sustainable innovations like ArtPakk, there’s a better way to protect your art while saving time, money, and the planet.
The Problem with Traditional Art Packaging
When shipping or transporting artworks, galleries often rely on materials like bubble wrap, foam corners, glassine, and custom crates. While effective, this method is:
- Time-Intensive: Wrapping each piece individually and securing protective layers is a laborious task that can eat into valuable prep time.
- Expensive: Single-use materials and custom packaging add up quickly, especially when dealing with large inventories or international travel.
- Wasteful: After one use, most materials are discarded—contributing to landfill waste and carbon emissions associated with plastic production and disposal.
In short, traditional packaging is increasingly incompatible with the fast-paced, eco-conscious demands of today’s art fairs.
ArtPakk is a reusable, padded art bag designed specifically for the safe and efficient transport and storage of artworks. Each bag is made with a breathable, moisture-wicking inner lining and a durable, tear-resistant outer shell. Available in a wide range of sizes, ArtPakk bags offer a ready-to-go solution for framed works, prints, panels, and more.
Unlike conventional materials, ArtPakk is:
- Reusable: Each bag can be used again and again, eliminating the need for constant repurchasing and reducing waste.
- Eco-Friendly: The materials are engineered to wick away moisture and maintain consistent internal climate conditions, preventing mold and humidity damage without the need for plastic.
- Time-Saving: Simply slide in the work, close the Velcro flap or zip, and you’re done. No cutting, taping, or bundling required.
Why Switch to ArtPakk for September Art Fairs?
1. Streamline Your Logistics
September fairs mean tight schedules and fast turnarounds. ArtPakk bags drastically cut down packing and unpacking time, allowing your team to focus on presentation and client engagement instead of bubble wrap and tape.
2. Protect Your Investment
Whether you’re flying a €10,000 print or a six-figure canvas, the risk of corner damage, surface abrasion, or condensation is real. ArtPakk’s padded interior and breathable lining help regulate moisture and temperature, preventing common travel-related issues.
3. Project Professionalism
Collectors and institutions are increasingly conscious of sustainability. Showing up with sleek, reusable packaging signals that your gallery is forward-thinking and environmentally responsible—a subtle but powerful impression in a competitive fair setting.
4. Save Money in the Long Run
Although the upfront cost of ArtPakk bags may exceed that of bubble wrap or glassine, their reusability means the savings add up quickly. One bag can replace dozens of single-use wrappings, especially for galleries doing multiple fairs per year.
5. Storage Ready
After the fair, unsold artworks can be placed directly into storage without needing to re-wrap or re-box. ArtPakk bags are ideal for short- and long-term storage, making post-fair logistics smoother and more efficient.
Best Practices for Using ArtPakk at Art Fairs
- Pre-measure and order early: Ensure you have the correct sizes for each piece well in advance. ArtPakk offers a size guide and custom sizing options for larger works.
- How to pack: Simply open the velcro strap at the top and slide your artwork into the bag. It’s that simple. Ensure the fit is snug without exerting too much pressure onto the artwork itself. Where needed, our artPAKK straps make carrying the artworks easy and stylish.
- Label externally: Use removable labels or color-coded tags to identify works inside each bag without needing to open them repeatedly.
- Educate your team: Train staff on how to load and seal the bags properly to maintain their condition and effectiveness.
ArtPakk and the Future of Art Handling
With sustainability now a top priority across the art industry, solutions like ArtPakk are quickly becoming the new standard. They align with global goals for reduced plastic use, lower carbon footprints, and smarter logistics—while offering artists and galleries a practical, professional way to move and protect their work.As you prepare for September’s fairs, consider making the switch. You’ll save time, reduce waste, impress your clients—and most importantly, safeguard the art that matters. Contact our team via info@artpakk.com or call +44 (0)1245 95 69 17 and discover our reusable, sustainable art packaging supplies,