Void fill is something that’s put in both moving and shipping boxes. But what’s good about it? What are the types of void fill? While custom boxes help to reduce the problem, void fill helps with filling those empty gaps and spaces that are there. If you need to use void fill, you can protect the items that are valuable from moving around especially when the box is being shipped. It’s great for protecting items and is very simple for you to use as well.
Void Fill Vs. Protective Packaging
Both of these are great for protecting items of all kinds, but they are quite different. Protective packaging goes around where your items are. So if you have a vase, protective packaging is what goes around there. void fill is basically what goes in between the item itself, and the sides of the box. Both of these are important for fragile and breakable items, creating a cushion that protects the items from getting damaged by different motions.
Do I need it?
The best way to determine if an item needs void fill, is basically the type of product that it is, and the shipping that goes into it. If the box is going to be flipped around and moved about, and if the items aren’t breakable, you probably won't need it. If you do need to worry a little bit about the item getting broken, then you should definitely look at using void fill.
You should also factor in packaging drops. Drops from several feet updo require you to have some kind of protection most of the time, as boxes usually can only handle so much.
The Types
The thing with void fill, is that you’ve got different types, with different benefits and drawbacks to each. First, you’ve got packaging paper, which is basically paper that gets crumpled in some manner, and then is inserted into each of the gaps. This is the most economical way, as it’s usually used when you’ve got that extra paper lying about.
Another type of protection is air pillows. These are literally plastic packaging that are filled with air. The downside to this one is that it’s not very eco friendly, and it does require you to have a way to inflate this, in order to make sure that it protects the entire area. You’ve also got bubble wrap, which is a way for you to protect the packaging. Most people use this if they have it around already, but this is another one that’s not necessarily the most eco friendly, but it does work to reduce the different movements there.
Crinkle paper is another one. This is basically shredded, jagged paper that you toss into this. It’s one of the cheapest ways to fill the void.
Corrugated inserts are another one. This is basically cardboard that’s put inside to separate all of the materials. Basically, they get cut off, offering more protection, and keeping the items separated.
Finally, you’ve got packaging peanuts which are tiny peanuts that are used in bulky ways to prevent movement there.
This is something that’s great for filling the spaces which are empty within all of this.
All of these are great ways to protect items from being damaged, and also are good if you’re submitting items to be handled by a lot of people.
The thing with packaging that uses this, is that it’s great for filling in the obvious holes. There are tons of different ways to use this, but if you want a good, easy way to protect all of your items, this is the way.
