What Is Void Fill and Why Is It Essential for Safe Shipping?

Ever opened a package only to find the contents rattling around inside? Chances are, it lacked proper void fill. Void fill is a critical but often overlooked part of the shipping process. It protects your products in transit, ensures a professional unboxing experience, and helps reduce returns due to damage.

At Parcelsend UK, we supply a wide range of void fill options that are affordable, multi-purpose, eco-friendly, and easy to use - helping you protect your shipments and your reputation.

📦 What Is Void Fill?

Void fill refers to the packaging material used to fill empty space inside a box or parcel. Its main job is to:

• Prevent items from moving or shifting during transit.
• Cushion against shocks and vibration.
• Add a layer of protection between the item and the box walls.

Whether you're shipping something fragile or simply want your items to arrive in perfect condition, void fill is essential to keeping everything secure.

🚚 Why Is Void Fill So Important for Safe Shipping?

Without proper void fill, items inside a box are vulnerable to:

• Cracking, chipping, or breaking.
• Cosmetic damage like scratches or dents.
• Increased return rates and unhappy customers.

Void fill therefore reduces risk by:.

• Absorbing impact from bumps and drops.
• Holding items snugly in place.
• Dispersing pressure throughout the parcel.

In other words: it’s your first line of defence during delivery.

🧃 Common Types of Void Fill (and When to Use Them)

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to void fill. Here are the most popular options available at Parcelsend UK:

1. Hivewrap & Bubble Wrap: Cushioning Your Fragile Items

When it comes to protecting delicate or breakable items, both Hivewrap and bubble wrap are top choices - each offering excellent shock absorption and wrapping flexibility.

Hivewrap (Paper Honeycomb Wrap)

• Expands into a honeycomb structure to provide cushioning.
• Plastic-free, 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
• Lightweight and easy to tear by hand.
• Offers a premium, eco-conscious presentation.
• Best for: glassware, ceramics, candles, gifts, and businesses with a strong sustainability focus.
• Click here to purchase hivewrap.

Bubble Wrap

• Classic protective packaging with reliable air-cushioned impact resistance.
• Available in rolls or pre-cut sheets.
• Particularly effective for heavier or high-risk breakables.
• Can be reused multiple times.
• Best for: electronics, industrial items, or shipping internationally where heavier-duty protection is needed.
• Click here to purchase bubble wrap.

2. Air Cushion Packaging: Lightweight Yet Durable Protection

Air pillows (also called void fill cushions or air pockets) are a go-to solution for many e-commerce businesses looking to fill space and absorb shock inside parcels.

Air Packaging for Electronics, Bottles & Ceramics

• Inflated plastic pouches that create a soft, lightweight barrier.
• Ideal for bracing items inside larger cartons or boxes.
• Available in perforated rolls for easy dispensing.
• Can be reused multiple times.
• Best for: Electronics, boxed items, industrial components, or any goods needing lightweight but reliable cushioning inside oversized packaging.
• Click here to purchase air packaging.

3. Zigzag Shredded Paper: Eco-Friendly Cushioning with Visual Appeal

Zigzag shredded paper is a decorative, eco-conscious void fill that's perfect for brands that care about both protection and presentation.

Zigzag or Crinkle-Cut Shredded Paper

• Provides soft, shock-absorbing cushioning for small and medium-sized items.
• Fills voids around irregular shapes with ease.
• 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and plastic-free.
• Available in multiple colours to match your branding or seasonal themes.
• Best for: Gift boxes, subscription boxes, cosmetics, jewellery, handmade goods, and luxury retail packaging.
• Click here to purchase zigzag shredded paper.

💡 How to Choose the Right Void Fill for Your Products

When selecting void fill, ask yourself:

• How fragile is the product? → Hivewrap and air pillows offer better protection for delicate items.
• Is sustainability important to your brand? → Use paper-based options like kraft or shredded paper.
• How much space is left in the box? → For smaller gaps, paper works best. For large voids, use air pillows or multiple layers.
• Do you care about presentation? → Choose visually appealing filler like shredded kraft paper for unboxing moments.

🌱 Can Void Fill Be Eco-Friendly?

Absolutely. At Parcelsend UK, we offer eco-conscious alternatives that protect your items and the planet.

• 100% recyclable materials.
• Plastic-free options like Hivewrap and ZigZag paper.
• Lightweight fillers to reduce carbon footprint during transit.

Switching to eco void fill is a smart move for your brand - and your customers will appreciate it too. View our range of eco-friendly void fill packaging here.

✅ Final Thoughts

Void fill might be the hidden hero of your packaging process - invisible when done right, but disastrous when overlooked. Using the correct type ensures your products arrive safely, your packaging looks professional, and your customers stay happy.

At Parcelsend UK, we stock a wide range of void fill and protective packaging materials suitable for every product type, from fragile items to e-commerce orders. View our range of void fill options here.

Here at Parcelsend UK, we can offer you a wide range of high-quality, affordable, View our range of packaging supplies here. Alternatively you can contact us today to learn more about our packaging solutions and find the best option for your business.