As you’re sure to know, void fill is the padding, cushioning or paper that is added to a container to fill empty space and further protect items. It serves a couple of important purposes – it protects your goods in transit and it can also compliment the presentation of your product or brand message.
There are a wide range of different void fillers available, so it’s good to know what your options are when choosing the best one for your parcel. In this blog we take a look at the most commonly used void fillers and which applications they’re best suited to.
Packing paper
Packaging paper can be used in various ways including being crinkled up to fill the space or ‘void’ around your goods, to wrap what you have packed, to give corner protection and to present your goods in an attractive way. When working with packing paper you have the option to use it in all these ways, or select the ones that are best suited to what you are packing and transporting.
It comes in various thicknesses allowing you to choose the level of protection that would be best suited to your packaging – keeping in mind the void that you need to fill and the amount of protection your goods need.
Packing paper also has the advantage of being recyclable and compostable - a great benefit in our current environmentally conscious market.
If you're after something with a little more protection and strength, opt for corrugated cardboard. This is a great option for wrapping larger goods, or wrapping goods of an irregular shape.
Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is a great option, particularly for fragile items. It offers reliable protection and is available in a range of sizes to cushion your products against stock and vibration during transit. Easy to wrap around awkward packages and products, its ideal for extra cushioning or scrunching up for void fill.
Bubble wrap is also made from low density based polyethylene resins, which means it is able to be recycled at any flexible plastics recycling facility.
Inflatables or Airwave Pillows
This void fill consists of small plastic pillows of air that can fill in spaces in boxes quickly and easily. As they primarily consist of air, they are extremely light, and when not in use they are able to be stored un-inflated and flat.
Inflatables can be made easily by your business with the help of a purpose-built machine. An inflatable making machine produces air cushion chains which are perfect to fill cavities and form an intermediate layer to protect your goods during transportation. When using a machine such as the Airwave Pillow Machine, the 20µm film is perforated for easy separation and made of 100% recyclable material.
Another inflatable option are Instapak bags which inflate around the item you're packing. This provides ultimate protection as the items are unable to move around in the box, making it a great solution for anything super fragile or has an unusual shape.
Pop Starch Loose Fill
This void fill is completely environmentally friendly - made from expanded starch, Pop Starch is 100% compostable and biodegradable making for no disposal costs. The non-static properties allow for easier handling and reduced labour time. Pop Starch is great for use in protecting fragile, sharp and pointed items or edges, and easily fills in the void around your items – simply pour it in the packaging box and watch it fill in the gaps.
Where to get your void fill?
Primepac offer a range of logistics and void fill options and sizes, to fit your budget and your business needs. You can view the range on our website or contact us if you would like more information on selecting the right void fill for your packaging types.
