How to Use Void Fill for a Perfect Unboxing Experience

When you pack an order with care and ship it to a customer, you expect it to arrive in perfect condition. However, damage during transit can occur, leading to financial losses and a tarnished brand reputation. Void fill serves as a protective cushioning solution to safeguard products inside the box, reducing the risk of damage while enhancing the unboxing experience. By filling empty spaces and providing support, void fill ensures items remain secure and arrive intact, delighting customers with a thoughtful and professional presentation.

When Do You Need Void Fill for Your Packaging?

Void fill is not necessary for every product-based business, but certain scenarios make it essential. If your products are fragile, heavy, or prone to breaking or leaking, such as glass or ceramics, void fill is critical to prevent damage. It is also necessary when there is excess space in the box that allows items to shift and collide with corners during shipping. Additionally, void fill can elevate the unboxing experience by adding a tactile, premium feel, making it ideal for businesses aiming to impress customers. Corrugated shipping boxes, which often have ample space, typically require void fill, whereas custom mailer or product boxes designed to fit snugly may not. When in doubt, incorporating void fill ensures both protection and a memorable customer experience.

Void Fill Options You Can Use For Your Product

Choosing the right void fill depends on your product's needs and your brand's goals. Several options offer unique benefits, balancing protection, aesthetics, and sustainability to enhance the unboxing experience.

SpiroPack

SpiroPack is a visually appealing and efficient void fill option, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional loose paper fill. It requires up to 80% less storage space and speeds up the fulfillment process, making it a practical choice. Unlike crinkle paper, SpiroPack leaves no dust or residue, and its neatly cut paper spirals are easily recyclable. Customizable with brand-specific colors and prints, SpiroPack integrates seamlessly into your packaging such as whisky packaging, creating a cohesive and intentional unboxing experience.

Flexi-Hex

Flexi-Hex is a plastic-free, adaptable void fill with a honeycomb-like structure that molds to the product's shape for a snug, protective fit. Its strong hexagonal design ensures durability, making it ideal for delicate items like glass wine bottles, cosmetics, or ceramic home goods, and even larger items like surfboards. Flexi-Hex reduces fulfillment time, takes up minimal storage space, and is curbside recyclable, offering a sustainable and visually appealing solution for brands prioritizing eco-conscious packaging.

Tissue Paper

Tissue paper adds a lightweight, elegant touch to packaging, enhancing the unboxing experience with a premium, immersive feel. Commonly used for clothing, home items, and jewelry, it keeps products tidy while protecting against dust and moisture. Custom tissue paper reinforces brand identity, making customers feel valued. However, its short paper fibers make it non-recyclable, so businesses seeking sustainable alternatives may opt for butcher paper, a close relative that offers similar benefits with better environmental credentials.

Crinkle Paper

Crinkle paper is favored for its decorative appeal and protective cushioning, with a springy texture available in matte or shiny finishes. This recyclable paper-based void fill elevates the gift-like quality of unboxing, making it a popular choice for premium presentations. However, it requires more storage space and can be time-consuming to clean up, often necessitating a larger quantity to ensure product security during transit.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is a versatile and widely used void fill, valued for its ability to cushion fragile items with air-filled bubbles that absorb shocks during shipping. Its flexibility allows it to be shaped and sized to fit various products, providing a secondary protective shell. While effective, traditional bubble wrap is not curbside recyclable, making it less sustainable. Eco-friendly alternatives like GreenWrap or corrugated bubble offer similar protection with a reduced environmental impact, aligning with brands focused on sustainability.

Custom Box Inserts and Dividers

Custom box inserts and dividers provide a tailored solution for securing items during transit, particularly for consistently shipped products like bottles, jars, or beauty items. These inserts prevent shifting, ensuring products remain in place, and are available in corrugated, paperboard, or sustainable materials. Fully customizable to match your brand, they enhance both protection and presentation, creating a polished and professional unboxing experience.

Plant-Based Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are a fast and effective void fill, offering strong protection for fragile items. Traditional plastic peanuts, created with air injection, take up significant storage space and do not degrade, making them less sustainable. Biodegradable cornstarch peanuts, however, dissolve in water and lack static charge, providing an eco-friendly alternative. These plant-based peanuts maintain the protective qualities of standard peanuts while meeting the demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Void fill plays a pivotal role in packaging, acting as a supporting element that protects products and enhances the unboxing experience. By selecting the right void fill, you can ensure your items arrive safely while delighting customers with thoughtful, brand-aligned details. Whether prioritizing protection, aesthetics, or sustainability, there's a void fill option to meet your needs, transforming packaging into a memorable part of the customer journey.