Have you ever heard the word void fill in the packaging industry? What exactly does void fill mean in packaging?

Well, void fill is literally what its name signifies. It simply means the material packers use for filling the empty spaces in the box after placing the item during packaging. Many corporations use different types of void fills to protect their goods during the entire supply chain procedure.

No doubt, that all the void fills perform excellent protection functions but still users have their own preferences. Here, in this article, you’ll come to know about different types of remarkable void fills. Hope so they’ll inspire you to choose some for your business and packaging needs.

Let’s not waste our time and delve straight into the post.

What Is Void Fill?

Before getting into the deeper details of each void fill type, let’s understand the purpose of this packaging. Primarily, void fill packaging is a material that functions as a cushion for your products during their transit.

Generally, packers place the void fill in the leftover space between the product and the container walls. It is pretty softer and safer than the walls of the container. Thus, void fill prevents your products from breaking when they strike them during a shaky or bumpy journey.

6 Common Types of Void Fill

Now, let’s proceed to each type of void fill in detail. Below are some major ones;

1.Air pillows

Air pillows are among superb inflatable airbags in air packaging. They are rapidly getting fame in the packaging industry due to their outclass performance. It’s pretty likely that you have seen three to four air pillows tucked inside the box of goodies you have received from Amazon. Is that so?

Yeah, of course! You must have seen them in case you have ordered some product from there or some other large eCommerce store.

Usually, air cushion machines are used to fill the air in the airbag films to generate air pillows of various shapes and sizes. Typically, the machine inflates them and later seals them with the help of heat. However, you may get already inflated air pillows from the market or online stores.

Moving towards its role, air pillows serve an excellent function of block and bracing. Also, they are well known for their ease of use, compact storage, and custom sizing.

2.Kraft Paper

We all are pretty well aware of the papers but kraft paper is a special type of brown paper. Kraft paper is also a type of void fill material. Besides void fill material you may use them for making the cardboard boxes. Mainly, it’s popular for its thickness and sturdiness so it perfectly stands by your packaging requirements.

You’ll be glad to know that it’s super easy to use kraft paper for void filling. All you need is to crinkle the paper and fix it in the empty spaces of the box. Whereas, you may use a paper cushion machine for this purpose. This machine will surely increase the productivity and efficiency of your task.

On the other hand, you may also use kraft paper for wrapping the products. Especially, it is ideal for wrapping up fragile objects for the sake of their safety. On top of that, packers and customers love to use this void fill due to its eco-friendly nature. Yes, kraft papers are 100% recyclable. Therefore, they offer a compelling unboxing experience for your clients by delivering safe and sound items.

3.Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is another common void fill material that most people use for packing products. Almost everyone among you might have experienced popping the air pockets on the bubble wrap. However, besides just providing an amusing diversion, this void fill serves a lot more. Normally, this void fil material consists of plastic sheets that exhibit numerous small air bubbles across the sheet.

Specifically, the main aim to use the bubble wrap is to prevent the objects from scratches. So, they are usually used for protecting delicate items such as glass. Primarily, packers prefer to use bubble wrap for wrapping the objects and then fill the empty spaces of the container with it.

Yet, its non-sustainable nature is its major drawback. It is made up of almost non-recyclable material. That’s why some users don’t prefer bubble wrap as a void fill.

4.Foam sheets

Though Foam sheets are not as popular as air pillows, kraft paper, and bubble wrap, yet still it is a suitable option for protecting your products. You may wrap these sheets around your products and seal them with tape or heat. More to this, it performs well as a void fill.

Usually, packers use foam sheets in between the dishware or other fragile utensils while packaging. Doing so prevents the plates from striking each other and reduces the chance of breaking. Moreover, foam sheets are convenient to cut in various sizes with the help of ordinary scissors.

5.Tissue paper

Tissue paper also counts as a void fill. However, it’s not a durable option like other types of void fill. Precisely, tissue paper is suitable for protecting smaller and less fragile items. Yet, it offers an amazing unboxing experience for your customers due to its elegant appearance. You can use different colours of tissue paper to void fill.

Further, the plus point of tissue paper is its budget-friendly feature. Undoubtedly, it’s the cheapest type of void fill which everyone can afford. It’s the perfect packaging solution for homes.

6.Packing peanuts

Long ago packing peanuts were the most effective packaging material. These sticky small peanuts are inflated with air and perform a great job of filling space in cartons. Also, they are pretty lightweight and cost-effective. Though packing peanuts have lost their popularity in the present world due to their messy nature.

Bottom line

Finally, coming to the decision part you might be confused between the types of void fill. It’s pretty challenging to choose the one for you. The best way to make a perfect decision is to recall the requirements in your mind and then go for the most suitable one.

However, as per our recommendation, you should give priority to air pillows and kraft paper. Surely, they will never let you down.