According to an industry report, 90% of all parts produced never come into market only because of ESD issues. The producers want to minimize ESD failure as much or more than you, the customer, as each failed part is a loss to them. Keeping that in mind, ESD-safe packaging is very important.

There are ESD-safe and ESD-resistant materials. They perform various things. ESD-safe materials are made in a way that they are not likely to produce a static charge under normal circumstances. They neither offer security against static-discharge nor do they contribute to it. Examples of these are pink ESD bubblewrap, ESD-safe polyethylene bags and containers. The pink poly bags are very handy for wrapping up circuit cards and parts having razor-sharp edges and points. The thick non-static generating material saves the ESD-resistant container from any harm.

ESD-resistant bags and containers are created of a conductive material which saves electrostatic and electromagnetic charges from getting to the parts. Generally they are made of black, carbon-impregnated plastic or a dark, silvery conductive plastic film.

ESD-safe as well as ESD-protective materials are labeled with an ESD warning.

In order for parts to be saved by an ESD-resistant container, the parts must be covered by a conductive layer completely. Bags are required to be sealed or folded over for best possible security, fold the open edge over couple of times and containers must have the exterior protection hooked up as well. Holes, tears, cuts or other openings in the container will reduce its performance and raise the risk of ESD damage.

However, keep in mind that nothing is ESD-proof. A lightning strike or power spike can damage anything.