Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The Best Ecofriendly Void Fill Alternatives Out there

Void fill is important for items. Known as dunnage, it protects the items by filling in such empty spaces during the shipping process. By filling in the items, the package is further protected, and also will be shelled in a protective coating, especially when jostling and tears occur. 

While a lot of void fill works great, there is a huge problem with it: many times, it is not sustainable. Companies that are looking to have a better protection of such items need something that will protect what they like, without breaking the bank. 

Luckily, there are such items. Here, we’ll go over the best eco-friendly void fill alternatives to consider. 

Sustainable Options 

A lot of mushroom foam is used in this type of packaging. For many void fill alternatives, mushroom is the way to go. It’s sustainable, biodegradable, and also will hold the items inside. 



Recycled paper is another one. Paper that’s recycled, especially by business, will help with ensuring that you’re able to recycle the paper, and toss it in a sustainable manner. 

There's also biodegradable air cushions, made with sustainable items. Again, it’s another wonderful alternative to void fill made from plastic and other such items, which a lot of companies are working to shy away from. 

Does it Hold up? 

Yes, it does. There’s some pretty sizable differences with some. Most of the recycled and biodegradable options hold up well. 

Mushroom foam, though newer, is a great resource. The one downside to this is that it’s not as common, so it could be harder for you to procure. 

However, other void fill options, such as foam and other plastics, tend to be bad for the environment. Biodegradable air pillows and recycled crinkle paper is made in a manner where all of the good benefits are still there, but with a more sustainable focus compared to others. 



What About Costs? 

A big problem that people worry about is costs.   After all, these eco-friendly options will cost more in the long run, right? 

Not necessarily. 

In the beginning yes.   Most of these sustainable fillers tend to cost a whole lot more for companies early on, due to the sheer difference in costs. They’re not as common, and many times, people wonder if it is worth it to use this. However, in the long term, eco-friendly void fill pays off. 

Why is that? well a lot of people who buy this early on and up saving money. Lots of places are starting to go sustainable with their options for packaging, void fill included. So yes, it will pay off in the long haul if you use this. 

Again, it does cost a lot in the beginning, but the results of all of this will pay off if you’re looking to make it something that you will want to enjoy, and take advantage of. 



The future Of This 

While ecofriendly void fill for packaging is a relatively new thing, we are starting to see other alternatives rise from all of this. 

One example of this is water-soluble types of void fill packaging.  Water-soluble packaging pays off, as it offers you a whole lot of fun ways to make it stand out. 

Plant-based is another.   For many companies, using plant-based packaging’s already happening. It just needs to extend to their void fill to take full advantage. 

With more eco-friendly void fill alternatives on the horizon, the sky’s the limit on this. Being able to make it work is a charming, wonderful thing, so feel free to use these alternatives, and see for yourself just where it takes you.


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