Packing Peanuts vs. Bubble Wrap vs. Packing Paper
Every shipping center needs packing materials that ensure package contents arrive at their destination safely. The materials shipping centers use to secure products are called void fill, and three common options dominate the industry. Most operations use either packing peanuts, bubble wrap or packing paper — but which product is superior? Let's look at what makes each packing material unique.
Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts have been an industry standard for years. The most common packing peanuts are small Styrofoam pieces that protect shipments by absorbing shock and preventing motion. Shipping centers use packing peanuts because they are light and inexpensive, meaning they add little weight to a package and have minimal impact on shipping prices. When poured into a box, they migrate to all areas and don't need to be manipulated into small voids.
While packing peanuts are popular, they aren't the most efficient option. Securing an item requires large quantities of packing peanuts which can take a substantial amount of room to store, and they are prone to making messes that waste time and frustrate customers. However, they are becoming more earth-friendly as many of them are now being made of starch, making them biodegradable and recyclable.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap comprises two layers of thin polythene film with a series of air pockets that are capable of securing the most fragile objects during transit. You'll find this material with bubbles of various shapes and sizes, each optimized for different situations. Larger bubbles provide the greatest amount of impact protection. Smaller bubble provides more surface protection. New innovations like bubble pillows provide even greater cushioning and can be recycled after popping the bag and releasing the air.
Because bubble wrap uses air to protect shipments, the material adds very little weight to a parcel. It's also easy for the end user to unwrap, throw away or even reuse for other applications. While bubble wrap costs a bit more than packing peanuts, it's a hassle-free product that many shipping centers find to be worth the price.
Packing Paper
Kraft packing paper is a plain brown paper material made from wood that's turned into pulp during the kraft process. The resulting material is a recyclable, biodegradable paper that can be packed densely into a shipping container to secure its contents. Kraft packing paper is available at a lower cost than other options, which offsets the moderate amount of weight it adds to a shipment.
The best way to use packing paper in commercial settings is by investing in a void-filling machine that dispenses the material directly into the desired package on demand. This way, you'll fill the package as densely as possible in minimal time and with less physical strain on your shipping center staff.
Conclusion
Bubble wrap offers the best combination of protection and versatility at a low price, making it the best option for most shipping centers. Packing paper is also a viable, eco-friendly option for businesses ready to invest in a paper void fill machine. Though packing peanuts will secure shipments successfully, they are less efficient, more wasteful, and require more storage space than other packing supplies at your disposal.
Learn More About Protective Packaging With Compack USA
Compack USA has packing products that help businesses save time and money through faster packing processes and safer product transport. We offer affordable rates on bubble wrap, kraft paper and void fill machines, so contact us online to discuss how our products can improve your shipping center.