What is Void Fill Packaging & How to Select the Right One

fill packaging

Packaging is a critical part of the product life cycle. It provides protection, transportation, and storage of your goods. If you have ever had to pack and ship an item, you might have experienced a situation where you need to fill the empty spaces in your box. Void fillers are exactly what you can use to help with that.

You must consider your products' weight when selecting the proper void fill packaging, as well as how effectively it supports your products and how much padding or protection they require.

Examples of several void filler kinds, particularly those you might use during packing, are shown below. But first, let us discuss what is basically void fill packaging:

A Brief Introduction to Void Fill Packaging

Void fill packaging is a method of filling empty spaces within the product with air, paper, or gas. It is used to prevent damage to the product and also helps seal the seams between parts of the product.

The advantages of void fill packing include the following:

- Reducing labor costs since there are no extra pieces to be assembled during production;

- Improved quality control, as there are no exposed surfaces on which contaminants can adhere;

- Easier handling by less experienced workers;

Disadvantages Include:

The increased cost as air or gas is an expensive material; risk of damage to the product during packing and transport if the container or packaging system is breached.

Additional disadvantages include increased weight and size of the product due to the extra air or gas; difficulty in cleaning surfaces that have been sealed by void fill packing.

Different Types of Void Fill Packaging

Here are some of the void fill packaging materials:

1. Void Filler Wraps

Void filler wraps are a type of packaging void fill material that is made from a combination of paper and plastic. They are used to wrap products to protect them, provide cushioning, and reduce shipping costs. If the product has a strong odor or taste, it can be covered with an absorbent material such as cotton or polyester fibers.

Void filler wraps can be customized with designs for branding purposes; however, only certain types of materials can withstand high heat during design procedures.

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2. Paper Void Fillers

The simplest and most economical and eco friendly void fill packaging is paper. Extra padding and protection for your packages' contents can be found in the form of everything from newspaper and packing paper to tissue paper and crinkled paper fillers.

These come in different quality grades and can be used to replace the contents of a package, such as soap or other items. In addition, they are generally made out of recycled paper with a high lignin content, which means they do not dissolve easily when exposed to moisture or heat. This makes them ideal for packaging sensitive products like medicines, foodstuffs, and cosmetics.

They are also used as padding furniture such as chairs and couches. However, the most common use of paper void fillers is for packaging items that need to be shipped via mail or freight. They are lightweight and can be used in place of bubble wrap or other types of packing materials.

3. Foam Sheets

Foam sheets are used in void fill packaging to protect products during shipping or storage. They are made from a variety of materials, including polystyrene and polyethylene. These foams can be combined with other types of packaging materials to create custom packages for individual items.

Foam sheeting is available in different thicknesses depending on the size and shape of your product. If you are looking for extra protection from dirt or debris, consider using thicker sheets that will hold up against wear and tear while still allowing air to flow around your product inside its protective enclosure.

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4. Packing Peanuts 

Packing popcorn, commonly referred to as packing peanuts, is a sort of loose-fill void fill packaging used to fill out larger spaces, such as empty spaces that are not all the same size.

Packing peanuts are made from various materials, including paper, styrofoam, and plastic. The type of material used in packing peanuts depends on the application for which it's being used.

Packing peanuts help to protect delicate items from damage during shipping by cushioning them from rough handling and shock, as well as preventing dirt from getting into cracks between parts of an item. They can also be used for padding around fragile objects such as glassware or crystalware, especially when shipped outside your local area.

5. Air Pillows

Air pillows are made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and used in the food industry. EPS is an inert material that does not react with other materials, so air pillows can be used to keep void fill packages from leaking during transport or storage.

The most common use for air pillows is in meat packaging, but they can also be found in candy, dairy products, and many other types of grocery items.

Air pillows are also used for insulation and cushioning. A company may choose to use them in packaging instead of Styrofoam because EPS is more environmentally friendly than polystyrene. In addition, air pillows can be recycled into clean fill for concrete or other building materials.

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6. Custom Box Inserts

Custom box inserts are the perfect solution to void fill packaging. They are easy to use and can be reused, making them cost-effective.

They provide a unique way of adding information or branding to your product's packaging.

For example, suppose a custom recipe book that uses ingredients from different regions of the world. In that case, you could insert regional recipes from other countries, so customers know what makes each dish special.  

Custom paper void fill for retail packaging also makes it easy for businesses with multiple products in their line-up because they don't need different boxes or bags; just one size will do the work.

The Bottom Line  

In conclusion, the packaging is a very important part of any product that you want to sell. If the packaging is not properly designed, then it may not be able to fulfill its purpose. This can lead to low sales and losses for your company.

All of the many kinds of void fillers have the same main function of protecting your products. But they also range in terms of the types of materials used, how environmentally friendly they are, and how much protection they offer. As a result, it's crucial to take into account the different aspects while choosing a void filler that meets your needs.

Half Price Packaging has been a void fill packaging manufacturer since 2001. We have built our business on the quality of our products and the strength of our relationships with clients, ensuring that we can provide you with exactly what you need to make your packaging stand out from the crowd.

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If you need premium quality void fill packaging materials at affordable prices, you can get a quote right away!

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