What is Void Fill?
First, let's understand the purpose of this type of packaging before we get to the paper pad void filling types. As you can imagine, paper pad void-fill packaging is a packaging material that provides cushioning protection during transport.
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.
5 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 pillow is one of the excellent inflatable air cushion packaging materials in inflatable packaging. Due to their excellent properties, they quickly gained a reputation in the packaging industry. You've likely seen three or four air pillows stuffed into the box of the goodies you received from Amazon. is that so?
Well, of course! If you've ordered some products from there or any other big e-commerce store or bought some fancy cosmetics online, you must have seen them.
Typically, air cushion machines are used to fill the air in the air cushion film to create air cushions of various shapes and sizes. Usually, air mattresses will inflate them and then seal them with the help of heat. However, you may have purchased an inflatable air pillow from a marketplace or online store.
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 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 bubble wrap is to prevent 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.
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 colors 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 that everyone can afford. It's the perfect packaging solution for homes.
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.