Packaging / Void Fill - what's best?

[VEIGHT]

We have small parcels max 30cm x 30cm x 30cm and currently use bubble wrap for void fill.

I'm looking at the getting polystyrene void fill with a hopper but know that it's a PITA when you get the goods.

I then looked at screwed up paper (like amazon) but don't want to look like we are using loads of trees I think there is a website that takes the mick out of their packaging...

Anyone use the air filled plastic bag machine things - are they any good?

[adamwri]

If you like the idea of paper why don't you look into using recycled paper to fill the missing space, and promote that in some way as green credentials?

[ReaderScars]

Supposedly popcorn is used as packing, as is another edible product, something like a foamed maize, formed into similar shapes as the polystyrene packing chips.

[Nickyboy]

VEIGHT said:

Anyone use the air filled plastic bag machine things - are they any good?

Something like this is likely what you need



Still bubble packaging but not poppable under normal usage.

[The Moose]

These guys are most helpful and the machines aren't bad either.

http://www.ultipac.co.uk/

[russy01]

How many products do you offer, how many sizes of products do you offer? Do the products need extra protection?

Instead of void filling, we simply decided to stock more packaging options. So products fit better with no voids to fill, we can keep weight and size down (helps with courier rates etc), we can get more product onto courier trolleys/vehicles etc and most importantly we can pack quicker...

It doesn't work for every business as it largely depends on what you are selling. But could you have say 3/4 box sizes and not need void fill?

[VEIGHT]

We are giving the recycled paper a go pulled through a cone type device to screw it up.

Good points re the packaging size - will look into that!