What is Void Fill Packaging?

If you want to keep your products safe during shipment, then you’ll want to learn more about the role of Void Fill Packaging. Just like the name implies, void fill packaging is designed to protect your products by filling up the empty space in missing shipping boxes. Why is this important? It keeps products securely in place, preventing movement that can cause damage to the product itself, or anything else packed alongside it. Regardless of the industry you’re in, you will need to use it and use it correctly.

So, what do we actually fill the void with?

Technically speaking, you can fill the empty space in your packages with pretty much anything, whether it’s your old soccer jersey, a few mismatched socks, or yesterday’s newspaper. However, using the right materials the right way helps ensure your shipment arrives in perfect condition. Depending on what you’re shipping, we offer several different solutions.

Types of void fill packaging

Plastic Air Pillows: Lightweight and versatile, making them suitable for filling both small and large voids in packages. Explore Air Pillows
Bubble Wrap: Can be used as interleaving, surface protection, light cushioning applications, however it can also serve as a void fill solution. Explore Bubble Wrap
Foam solutions: Foam packaging provides reliable cushioning and void fill for a variety of products. Available in rolls, sheets, Instapak foam-in-place or can be custom made to suit your needs. Foam Sheets | Foam Rolls | Instapak Foam-in-Place
Newsprint: Multi-purpose and offered in sheets or rolls. Recyclable, economical, and easy to use, it can wrap items or be crumpled to fill voids. Newsprint Sheets | Newsprint Rolls
Kraft Paper: Eco-friendly and 100% recyclable material that is both fast and easy to use. It can serve as wrapping material or provide cushioning as void fill for shipping. Explore Kraft Paper
Fragile Wrap: An innovative, recyclable and renewable paper cushioning material designed with an interlocking honeycomb structure that reduces shifting and damage. Explore Fragile Wrap
Custom corrugated inserts: Customized to fit your products and shipping needs. For more information on custom inserts, contact us today. https://www.whitebird.ca/contact-us | 800-263-2128
Loose Fill/Peanuts: Biodegradable Corn Loosefill is lightweight, reusable, disposable, and safe for the environment. Explore Loose Fill / Peanuts

Ok, here comes the important stuff

As great as it would be to just use recycled kraft paper for everything, shipping isn’t always that simple. Different products will require different kinds of void fill packaging. The real question is “How do you know which void fill products to use?”. We knew you’d ask that.

Image of package being wrapped in bubble wrap with foam in the box.

Here’s what you’ll need to consider

Product size, shape and weight
When choosing void fill packaging, it's important to consider the product’s size, shape, and weight. If you’re shipping a single item in a well-fitted box, you likely don’t need more than some kraft paper or bubble wrap. However, heavier items like tools, metal parts, or appliances might require stronger and more durable void fill such as custom foam inserts to ensure proper protection during transit. For products with sharp edges or corners, it's best to avoid air pillows, as they can easily pop under pressure. When packing multiple smaller items in a larger box, custom corrugated inserts are a useful solution to keep the items separated. If you’re unsure which packaging solution is right for your products, our team is here to help. Contact us today or call 800-263-2128.
Product fragility or value
When it comes to void fill packaging, one of the most important considerations is minimizing movement inside the box during transit, regardless of whether the item is fragile. That said, if the item is fragile or high in value, reducing movement becomes even more crucial. Several protective packaging materials can help achieve this, depending on your product type and shipping needs. Foam inserts are great for keeping items in place, providing excellent shock absorption, and filling large voids in your package. Corrugated inserts add structure and stability inside the box, helping to control movement and is more sustainable than plastic. Bubble wrap is a versatile material that can be used as void fill or can be wrapped directly around product to provide cushioning for fragile items. Paper void fill packaging such as kraft paper, crinkle paper, or honeycomb wrap, can also do the job effectively when packed tightly and used correctly. You may even want to combine multiple solutions to ensure that you’re delivering adequate protection. Remember, damage during shipping can be caused by both impact and by the product shifting within the package. Packing peanuts can shift, and air pillows may pop or move about during transit, so they are best avoided when shipping fragile products.
Shipping distance and method
If you’re just sending something down the street with your own vehicle, you likely won’t need heavy-duty void fill protection. However, for shipments traveling longer distances or going through third-party carriers, it's smart to step up your packaging game. Be sure that you’ve prepared your product for the journey ahead. Keep in mind most carriers charge by package size and weight, so you’ll want to balance your level of void fill protection with shipping costs, too.
Sustainability goals
There are plenty of void fill options on the market, however they vary significantly in terms of environmental impact. For an eco-friendlier approach to void fill packaging, consider using paper-based, recyclable or compostable materials. Using eco-friendly void fill packaging such as compostable packing peanuts, newsprint and recycled kraft paper helps cut down on excess plastic, reduce waste and minimize your overall environmental impact. When used correctly, these sustainable alternatives offer effective protection for a wide range of products.
Customer expectations
When you’re deciding between void fill packaging options, it’s important to think about what your customer would expect to see from your package once it arrives. If you were the customer, how would you feel opening that box? For example, imagine purchasing the latest high-tech product, only for it to arrive loosely packed with a few sheets of crumpled kraft paper as the void fill. Every shipment reflects your business, and damaged products can leave a lasting negative impression. Consider not only the item that you are shipping, but also your brand’s values and target audience. If your business positions itself as premium, it’s worth investing in high-quality void fill packaging. The right void fill packaging reinforces reliability, protects the product, and reflects the standards your customers expect.
Cost and budget
Cost and budget are key factors that shouldn't be overlooked when choosing void fill. While it’s essential to protect your products during transit, it’s just as important to choose a solution that fits your budget. As you evaluate void fill packaging options, consider your minimum viable void fill product. What solution will provide enough protection without destroying your profit margins? Not every shipment needs premium padding; in many cases, more affordable options offer all the protection you need. Some lower cost options to consider are paper based void fill, air pillows, or packing peanuts.
Availability & supplier location
Whitebird is 100% Canadian owned and operated, located in Hamilton, Ontario. We offer a wide variety of void fill packaging solutions to suit your shipping needs. Our in-stock items are available for next-day delivery to commercial businesses within our delivery zone. For more information about our products or to place an order, contact our customer service team today.

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