Types of Void Fill Packaging
Those in charge of shipping operations need high-quality materials to cushion their products. When you're moving merchandise, it's vital you use the right type of void fill packaging to stop movement in transit, and to absorb bumps, vibrations and impacts. Anything can happen to your supplies during transit, so staying up to date with the latest packaging products in your industry keeps you one step ahead.
Impress your clients by using void fill packaging solutions to help goods arrive in one piece. Here's what you need to know about the types of void fill packaging products on the market and which varieties are appropriate for your applications.
What is Void Fill?
When you can't find the perfect-sized box for certain products, void fill products can help fill the empty spaces inside for an ideal fit. The goal of void fill packaging solutions is to create a soft barrier around merchandise. To avoid goods shifting around in a box where they can break, professionals use void fill products. As a result, customers are much more likely to receive their products intact and in working order.
A Variety of Void Fill Packaging Types
In the end, you know your inventory better than anyone else. Providing your team with the best resources for shipping goods ensures your clients have a pleasant unboxing experience once orders arrive.
There are multiple types of void fill packaging materials you can use. Review the information below to select the most cost-effective packaging products for your industry:
1. Air Pillows
Many consumers open up a shipping box and see air pillows inside, which are sealed-off pouches filled with air. These are made using thin sheets of plastic film. A machine forces air inside the plastic pouches and high levels of heat close off the openings. There's a great deal of flexibility when using air pillows as a packaging solution since they take on different sizes and shapes depending on the application. Additionally, they're easy for warehouses to store; for example 1 roll of air pillows can give the same volume as multiple rolls of bubble or multiple bags of peanuts.
2. Kraft Paper
This is one of the most user-friendly void fill varieties. Available in a natural brown color, you can crumple up kraft paper to take up extra room in a container.
Further, workers can tear off void fill paper sheets of any size to suit the product they have to ship. Some businesses use kraft paper and tape to completely cover goods before they position them inside a shipping box. That step provides complete protection for delicate goods. As a bonus, kraft paper is a sustainable and recyclable option.
3. Bubble Wrap
If packaging materials make a popping sound when you press on them, it's likely bubble wrap. This packaging solution does an excellent job of preventing scratches on delicate items. Essentially, bubble wrap is made up of plastic film sheets with small air-filled pockets along the top. Covering merchandise in bubble wrap suspends it from the bottom of the box, which is effective when shipments bounce inside a truck or aircraft. Large 1/2" bubble is excellent for cushioning and some applications of voidfill, Small 3/16" bubble works well for surface protections and interleaving.
4. Foam Sheets
When you need to protect items such as furniture, composites, glass or vinyl, you can use polythene foam on the roll. Stack more than one item inside a box and place the void fill packaging between units to reduce scratching. For increased customization, workers can cut foam sheets to the sizes they need or make pouches to encase a product. Unroll foam sheets to ship items featuring screens, buttons and other delicate features.
5. Packing Peanuts
At one time, packing peanuts were one of the most common void fill packaging products in shipping containers. Fast and easy to dispense, Peanuts are good for filling voids that are small and inaccessible to other voidfill materials. Also, starch derived peanuts are fully bio degradable. However, this void filler can be messy, and static electricity causes them to stick to clothing, carpets and goods inside the box. Today, packing peanuts are less popular, as you have access to less wasteful and more protective void filler materials, you also need large areas to store if you have a high usage.
The Value of a Void Fill Machine
Many warehouses use void fill machines to expedite the packaging process. This equipment gives workers a way to retrieve packing supplies quickly, as it holds large rolls of material for your applications. Load the machines with the correct type of void fill packaging material, and your employees can access paper films, air pillows and similar supplies instantly.
Choose an automated void fill machine type to keep up with demand in high volume applications:
- Air void fill machines: Inflate and seal air pillows at workstations and into integrated hoppers for ergonomic. Users can create air pillows on-demand to reduce waste.
- Paper void fill machines: Grab strips of void fill paper directly from the roll. Paper void fill machines distribute crumpled and fan-folded paper pads for maximum efficiency.
TheBoxer® Void Fill Paper and Dispensers
While void fill machines are useful for large operations, some companies do business on a much smaller scale. These small businesses can streamline the packing process by using TheBoxer® void fill paper and dispensers. TheBoxer® saves warehouse workers from having to crumple paper by hand — instead, employees can use TheBoxer® to package low-volume orders efficiently.
Simply pull void fill paper from the roll, fold it and place it inside a container. TheBoxer® void fill paper is available as a sustainable alternative to traditional bubble wrap and other plastic void fillers, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Plus, you can purchase cardboard box dispensers or reusable metal dispensers to meet your needs. TheBoxer® void fill paper ships in 1500 foot rolls for your busiest days on the line.
Advantages of Using TheBoxer®
Use TheBoxer® void fill paper and dispensers to enjoy the following benefits:
- Eliminate the use of plastic in the workplace.
- The void fill material is made with 80gsm recycled paper.
- You can use TheBoxer® for e-commerce and mail order packing.
- The refillable dispensers are height- and angle-adjustable.
- Employees can place cardboard dispensers on a packing bench.
TheBoxer® is an effective void fill packaging solution for businesses that need to streamline their packing processes but don't want to invest in more comprehensive equipment.
Shop Compack USA Void Fill Packaging Solutions Today
The professionals at Compack USA can help you heighten productivity with user-friendly void fill packaging products. Protect your bottom line year-round with our quality packing solutions. To get started, shop our available products and contact our experts with any questions.
