Everything You Need to Know About Packaging Fillers

They may be packing peanuts for the cardboard box's main course, but don't underestimate the power of packaging fillers! While boxes and bags take center stage, these unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes, keeping your precious cargo safe and sound.

From the familiar pop and crackle of bubble wrap to more innovative options, a whole world of filler materials is waiting to be discovered. These materials ensure your product arrives with a smile, not a dent.

Let's unpack these shipping saviors of packaging.

The Filler Family

Packaging fillers give you one less thing to worry about. They let you rest easy knowing your products will arrive in one piece. But what fillers should you go with?

Let us introduce you to the most popular options available.

Custom Tissue Paper

Best For: Apparel, Accessories, Stationery, Subscription Boxes

Ditch the dull brown paper and upgrade your presentation with custom tissue paper! It's a budget-friendly way to add a personal touch. Imagine a customer opening their box to find your logo or a cute design printed on the tissue — it instantly creates a more memorable experience. 

Plus, it offers light protection from dust and scratches, keeping your products pristine. It's a win-win for a little branding boost and product protection.

Custom tissue paper also adds a touch of elegance, perfect for businesses that want to leave a lasting impression.

Crinkle Paper (Shredded Paper)

Best For: Cosmetics, Books, Small Electronics

Crinkle paper (also known as shredded paper) is a versatile and durable packaging filler. Combining versatility and durability with affordability, crinkle paper is the perfect cushion for keeping your packaging light.

Crinkle paper is a win-win for both you and your customers. Its lightweight keeps shipping costs down while keeping your product safe. It's also readily available and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice. So, if you're looking for a cost-effective way to add some personality and protection to your packages, crinkle paper is a great option!

Spiro Packs

Best For: Candles, Bath Products, Sweaters, Scarves

Spiro packs are fun, squiggly, pre-cut paper streamers that are taking the packaging world by storm. They take up way less space than crinkle paper (perfect for tight packing situations!) and they instantly inflate into a cloud of squiggles when you give them a shake.

Spiro packs are notable for their style and sustainability. They're made from recycled paper and come in various colors to match your brand. 

Despite their light weight, Spiro Packs provide surprisingly effective cushioning, ensuring your products arrive safely.

Cardboard Dividers

Best For: Wine, Mugs, Picture Frames, Glass

Cardboard dividers are like mini-walls that create compartments, keeping your products separated and secure. This is perfect for businesses that sell bundled products or gift sets containing multiple items.

Not only do dividers prevent scratches and dings, but they also create a neat and professional presentation. 

Beyond the sale, they can become reusable organizers for your customers, protecting ornaments and breakables and extending your brand story. Customize dividers with your logo or a fun design for a lasting impression that builds loyalty.

These mini billboards inside the box are a clever way to stay connected long after the sale.

Bubble Wrap

Best For: Glassware, Ceramics, Action Figures, Large Electronics

Bubble wrap is one of the OGs of protective packaging! We all know and love the satisfying pop of those little air bubbles. For fragile items, bubble wrap is your savior. It's like wrapping your products in a bunch of tiny airbags, absorbing bumps and shocks during shipping.

While not the most eco-friendly option, bubble wrap remains a reliable stalwart for ultimate protection. Plus, it's readily available and easy to use. However, if you're looking for a more sustainable alternative or want to add a touch of branding, consider exploring other packaging filler options.

Air Pillows

Best For: Sculptures, Tablets, External Hard Drives

Air pillows are inflatable pouches that fill empty spaces and keep your products securely in place. Unlike bubble wrap, air pillows can be customized with your brand logo or a fun design, adding a subtle branding touch while offering protection.

Think of them as a more streamlined and eco-conscious alternative to bubble wrap. They're lightweight, which can help keep shipping costs down. Some companies even offer air pillows made from recycled materials. 

However, air pillows might not be the best choice for super delicate items that need the ultimate cushioning.

Packing Peanuts

Best For: Appliances, Toys

Packing peanuts has long been a go-to for cushioning fragile items during shipping. These lightweight foam pieces fill empty spaces, absorbing shock and preventing damage at an attractive price point. They're a familiar sight in boxes and a symbol of protective packaging.

However, packing peanuts has some drawbacks. Firstly, they can be messy to handle, scattering easily and clinging to products and clothing. More importantly, traditional packing peanuts are typically made from non-biodegradable plastic polystyrene. While some newer versions are dissolving or plant-based, the environmental impact of traditional peanuts is a concern for eco-conscious businesses and consumers alike.

Weighing the affordability and protection offered by packing peanuts against their messiness and potential environmental impact is crucial in choosing the ideal packing solution for your needs.

Choosing the Perfect Filler: It's All About Balance

So, with all these filler options available, how do you choose the right one for your needs? It's all about finding the balance between protection, branding, and sustainability. 

Here are some questions to consider:

• Protection vs. Presentation — Do your products need maximum security, or do you need fillers that look elegant?
• Going Green — How important is sustainability to your brand?
• Budgeting — How much are you willing to spend on fillers?
• Unboxing Experience — What kind of impression do you want to make?

Remember, those little fillers in your packages do more than protect your products. They also contribute to your brand identity. 

Conclusion

From custom tissue papers to packing peanuts — you now have many packaging filler options to consider.

Remember: 

The best filler strikes a balance between protection, branding, and sustainability. Consider your product's needs, your brand identity, and your environmental goals.

With this knowledge, you can select the perfect filler to keep your products safe, showcase your brand, and delight your customers from the moment they open the box.

If you're looking to print custom tissue paper (and other packaging materials), give us a call or chat with one of our printing experts. You can also email us at sales@packm.com

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