Void Fill – Which One Is Best For You?
Have you made the mistake of shipping an item in a box or package that still had a lot of room in it? If you have, you’ve probably heard about it from an angry customer who has received a damaged shipment from you.
Unfortunately, products and items come in all shapes and sizes, while our options for shipping tend to be boxes, envelopes and wrapping, which means that the items your shipping are not necessarily going to magically ft into your box.
However, there is something you can do about it for your packages preparation.
If you ship boxes and packages regularly, you’ve probably figured out that the missing piece of the puzzle is void fill.
What Is Void Fill?
Void fill is the extra packaging inside your box, package, parcel or envelope that fills out the gaps and keeps the items you’re shipping safe and secure inside the shipping packaging that you’re using.
By filling out the extra space, you’re giving your products additional support and helping to avoid the items themselves having to absorb shock from impacts that happen throughout the shipping process.
The shipping and delivery world is fast paced and relies on many different people handling your packages, so it’s inevitable that they face some wear and tear along the way.
Void fill is the best way to ensure your products are shipped safely and you can avoid damage and breakages.
So, how do you choose which void fill is the best option for your shipping needs? Well, we’re going to give you an overview of the most popular void fill options to make the decision a lot easier.
What Kinds Of Void Fill Are There?
Here are the 3 most common types of void fill available now for packages and shipping.
1. Biofill Loose Fill
Loose fill, also known as packaging peanuts, is one of the most common types of void fill. The traditional packing peanuts were made from polystyrene and had a very negative impact on the environment.
However, these days, you can actually get loose fill packaging peanuts that are called biofill, which is biodegradable. They are biodegradable because they are made from corn starch. So, you get the benefits of protecting your products while also not having a negative impact on the environment.
There are advantages and disadvantages of using biofill loose fill. The advantages include the lessened environmental impact, and the small sizes of the actual pieces of loose fill means that it can go inside any kind of packaging and provide protection. It’s also very lightweight, which means it’s not going to impact the weight of the package you’re sending.
The disadvantages of biofill loose fill is that it takes up a lot of space when in it’s not in use, so you do need to have room for it. It can also be a real pain if you spill it or split the bag it comes in – those lightweight packing peanuts will go everywhere. It also can be cost a lot to transport the packing peanuts themselves as they take up a lot of space. It’s also not recommended to use this type of void fill for very fragile items like those made of glass.
2. Air Cushions And Pillows
A great option for providing protection and keeping your packages packed tightly is air cushions and packaging pillows. They look like mini pillows and come in a wide range of sizes. They make a great packing void fill option as they can absorb shock from impacts really well, as the air transfer ensures the air from an impact is pushed away from the item rather than towards it.
There are plenty of pros to using packing air pillows, such as they actually come deflated, and you can inflate them as you need them with a very small machine. This means that storage of the pillows is very minimal. They are very cost effective because they come deflated and you use on a needs basis. They are also super lightweight, not adding weight to your packages.
There are some downsides however. Choosing this option does mean that you need to invest in a machine to inflate them, though these machines are very affordable. They also aren’t a great choice environmentally. The pillows can be recycled, however not by the end user in their home recycling.
3. Packaging Paper
You may have come across this in packages you’ve received or sent. Sometimes it might look like scrunched up paper, sometimes it might look like a beehive. Packaging paper and paper bubblewrap are great environmentally friendly options. Just using packaging paper on its own doesn’t necessarily require a machine to use, the need for a machine will depend on the number of packages that you’re shipping each day or week. However, to use paper bubblewrap you do need a machine for that one.
Some of the advantages of these options are that the general storage of the paper takes up little space. You also use it on a needs basis, so that you can create the paper void fill as you need it. The paper used in this process is also biodegradable, compostable and recyclable. You can use it for all kinds of items that you’re shipping as well. With automatic dispensers, it is also very fast and easy to use.
There are less disadvantages when it comes to using recyclable paper. It may not be the best option for very heavy items; however, often very heavy items will require a few different protective options. The other main disadvantage is that if you’re filling larger voids with the bubblewrap paper, it can be more time consuming.
Which Void Fill Option Will You Choose?
If you are ready to package your parcels and get them on their way, then you need to make a decision about the best protection option to suit your needs. At Melbourne Packaging Supplies, you can choose from a wide range of protective packaging options to suit you today. Protect your packages with the right void fill from Melbourne Packaging Supplies today.
