Void Fillers

"Void fillers" are materials used to fill empty spaces or voids in packages or containers. These materials are commonly used to protect the shipped products from damage during transportation. Void fillers can include various materials such as foam, paper, air pillows, and packing peanuts. The choice of void filler depends on the fragility of the product being shipped and the level of protection required. Generally, void fillers should be lightweight, easy to use, and environmentally friendly.

Types of void fillers.

1. Foam peanuts:

Foam peanuts, also known as foam popcorn, packing peanuts, or packing noodles, are commonly used for void-filling in packaging. They're lightweight, easy to use, and provide excellent cushioning. Foam peanuts can be made from two different materials: Polystyrene-based and starch-based.

Polystyrene-based peanuts are made from expanded polystyrene and are available in different sizes and densities. They are typically made from a mixture of virgin and recycled polystyrene, with different colors indicating what they're made of. Green peanuts contain about 70% recycled polystyrene, while white peanuts contain about 30%. Pink peanuts indicate that antistatic material has been applied.

Polystyrene-based packing peanuts can be reused many times, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. To reuse them, collect them in a bag and store them until you need them again. Before reusing them, inspect them for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Reusing these packing peanuts can help reduce waste and save money on packaging materials.

Starch-based packing peanuts are an alternative to petroleum-based polystyrene. They are made from crops such as corn, grain, and potatoes and are eco-friendly and non-toxic. Unlike traditional packing peanuts, these are biodegradable, which means they break down quickly and do not harm the environment. Additionally, the manufacturing process of these peanuts has low carbon emissions, helping to reduce carbon footprints.

However, they do have some drawbacks that you should be aware of.

1. They weigh more than polystyrene-based peanuts, meaning the shipping cost will be higher.

2. The production cost is higher than traditional peanuts.

3. Starch-based peanuts may contain sugar, which can attract bugs and rodents during long-distance transportation or long-term storage.

4. Starch-based peanuts can dissolve in water, which could break down and become tacky in humid or rainy situations.

2. Bubble wrap:

Bubble wrap is a highly versatile and widely used void filler comprising a thin plastic film containing numerous tiny air pockets. These entrapped air pockets make it an ideal option for cushioning and protecting delicate items, as it can easily absorb shocks and impacts. Additionally, bubble wrap is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to work with and adjust to different shapes and sizes of products.

It is available in various thicknesses and sizes, making it an excellent choice for packing and shipping multiple items, from minor electronics and fragile glassware to large furniture pieces and artwork. Overall, bubble wrap is a highly reliable and effective packaging material that will keep your items safe and secure during transit.

3. Air pillows:

They are inflatable plastic bags that can be used as void fillers. These bags are made of lightweight plastic material that can be easily inflated. They come in different sizes to accommodate various packaging needs. Inflatable bags are ideal for filling spaces or package gaps to prevent product damage during transit.

Inflatable bags are also straightforward to use. They can be inflated manually using a simple pump or with the help of a machine. Once inflated, they take up very little space, making them an excellent option for businesses that need to store large quantities of packaging material.

4. Paper:

Paper is a sustainable and eco-friendly option for void filling. It can be crumpled and used to fill void spaces in a package. It is also available in different forms, such as kraft paper or newsprint, and can be used to wrap items for added protection.

5. Custom inserts or partition dividers:

Custom packaging inserts or packaging partition dividers are protective packaging designed to fit an item's specific shape, size, and weight. These inserts can be made from various materials, including foam, corrugated cardboard, or paperboard. They are typically used to protect fragile or irregularly shaped objects during transit, storage, or shipment.

Foam inserts, for example, are made of soft, flexible foam that can be shaped to fit around delicate items, such as electronics, glassware, or sculptures. They provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption to prevent damage during handling.

Corrugated packaging inserts, on the other hand, are made of thick, sturdy cardboard that can be cut and folded to fit the contours of an item. These inserts offer additional structural support and protection for heavier objects like machinery or equipment.

Paper packaigng inserts are another option for custom packaging inserts. They are lightweight and eco-friendly and can be used to protect delicate items such as jewelry or cosmetics.

Custom packaging inserts or partition dividers are versatile for protecting valuable or fragile items during shipping or storage. They can be customized to fit an item's exact shape and size, providing maximum protection and minimizing the risk of damage. They also make appearance appealing, elevating the unboxing experience.

How to choose the appropriate type of void filler

Choosing the appropriate type of void filler is crucial for preventing damage during transit, reducing shipping costs, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Here are some tips to help you choose the suitable filler for your shipment:

1. Fragile items:

When shipping fragile items like glassware, ceramics, or electronics, it's recommended to use bubble wrap or foam peanuts. These materials provide cushioning and can absorb shock and vibrations during transit, which helps prevent breakage.

2. Heavy items or items with sharp edges:

For heavy items or those with sharp edges, you should opt for more durable filler materials like paper-based void fill or air pillows. They provide excellent protection against impact and can withstand the item's weight, preventing it from shifting inside the box.

3. Irregularly shaped items:

Custom inserts are the best option for irregularly shaped items such as custom-made products or decorative pieces. These inserts are designed to fit the object's shape, providing a snug and secure fit inside the box and preventing unnecessary movement during shipping. Choosing the correct type of void filler is essential to avoid damage during transit, reduce shipping costs, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Which Side of the Bubble Wrap Touches the Object?

When packing an object with bubble wrap, knowing which side of the bubble wrap should face the thing is essential.

To protect your product, you should protect the bubbles first. The thin layer of plastic film to which the bubbles are attached works as a protective shield to keep the bubbles from getting damaged by bumps and box edges. Therefore, the general rule of bubble wrap is that the bubbles should face inward toward what you're wrapping. This means that while your product is in transit, all the air pockets will stay intact, providing the most cushioning and protection for your object.

It's also crucial to use enough bubble wrap to cover the object completely and secure it with tape or another fastening method. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your thing arrives safely at its destination.