Void fill that’s easy to integrate and doesn’t cost you the world

If you're in the packaging industry, you're probably aware of the importance of void fill. However, using it inefficiently can lead to increased costs. Using too much of it can increase shipping costs and waste while using too little can cause damage to fragile items.

Striking a balance between cost, efficiency, and sustainability can be challenging. Moreover, once you decide on the best option, integrating a new system and training staff can be a hassle.

In this blog post, we'll guide you through the various types of void fill, their costs, and how you can optimise your fulfilment operation without the need for complex integration and training processes.

So, what is void fill?

To ensure that the contents of a shipping container arrive at their destination safely, it is essential to use void fill, which is also known as packaging filler or shipping padding. This material is used to fill up any empty space inside the container, using various packaging techniques, preventing the contents from shifting during transportation and getting damaged.

Void-fill material is especially crucial for fragile or delicate items, but it is a wise practice to use it for all shipped products. By using void-fill material, you can ensure that your products reach their destination in the same condition they were in when they left your facility.

Void fill materials

Paper void fill is a cost-effective and popular option. It can be made from new materials or recycled paper. Shredded paper, crinkle paper, and paper pads are some of the different forms of paper void fill.
Plastic air void fill comprises bubble wrap, air pillows, and air bags. It is lightweight and provides excellent cushioning, but it can be more expensive than paper void fill, and less eco-friendly.
Foam void fill is another lightweight option that provides good cushioning. It is available in various forms, including sheets, peanuts, and packing blocks.
Other void-fill options include starch peanuts and wood chips.

Filling a crash lock box with recycled paper

The path to cost-saving sustainability

Paper is highly recyclable. In fact, it can be recycled up to six times before the fibres become too short to be reused. This means that paper void fill can be diverted from landfills and used to make new paper products.

Paper is biodegradable, which means that it will break down naturally over time. This is important because it helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

In addition to these environmental benefits, paper void fill is also a good choice for businesses because it is affordable and readily available. It is also a versatile material that can be used to protect a wide range of products.

It is important to use the right amount of void fill to protect your products without overusing it. Using too much void fill can add unnecessary weight and bulk to your packages, which can increase shipping costs.

After you have used paper void fill to ship your products, be sure to recycle it. This will help to ensure that the material is reused and diverted from landfills

Integration made easy

One of the key aspects of an easy-to-integrate packaging system is its compactness and flexibility. It is important that the packaging process doesn't require extensive training for your staff. The SpeedMan® Classic and SpeedMan® Basic are two such void-fill systems that offer these benefits. They are small enough to fit anywhere around a packing bench and are intuitive to use. Additionally, they use 100% recycled paper, making them eco-friendly.

SpeedMan Classic

The SpeedMan® Classic is a hassle-free, manual and unpowered paper dispenser that can be used anywhere. It can be adjusted to optimise the ergonomic working position, making it a maintenance-free solution. It is easy to operate and uses 100% recycled paper.

The SpeedMan® Basic is also compact and easy to integrate, but it is powered and can output up to 1.5 meters of paper per second. This makes it more efficient, and it is operated using an intuitive foot pedal. It uses the same SpeedMan® Paper, which can be placed in a holder, on a shelf, or on the floor, making it a versatile option for your packaging needs.

SpeedMan Basic

Do it better

Looking to take the next step in cost-saving and achieve your sustainability goals? Our team of experts is here to help. Reach out to us today at 01799 513213 or sales@mckinleysgroup.com to schedule a trial or demo. Our friendly staff will work with you to optimise your fulfilment operation efficiently and effectively.