What kind of air filler should you choose?
In the world of dynamically changing e-commerce, the aesthetics of parcels play a crucial role in logistics. Companies aim to optimize, trying to wrap the products while minimizing costs. However, they often face dilemmas, wondering: How to fill the parcel?
Every package has to be prepared so it can handle transport challenges – shaking, falling, and changing atmospheric conditions. At the same time, the packaging has to meet customers’ expectations, as their satisfaction directly influences repeat purchases.
A satisfied customer is a bigger chance for return. When a parcel is delivered damaged or badly wrapped, the risk of losing trust rises drastically. Carefully selected fillers not only protect the inside of the parcel but also streamline the delivery process, ensuring that products arrive in good condition.
In this article, we will discuss the best air fillers, their use, and their impact on packaging efficiency.
Package fillers – types and uses
Choosing the right filler for packing parcels is a key part of the shipping process, directly influencing product safety and customer satisfaction. Many types of fillers are available on the market. Here are the most popular ones:
Air fillers
Air fillers are one of the most effective protective materials used for packaging parcels. Air fillers called also air mats and air cushions are, the name suggests, filled with air. Most often, air fillers for parcels are made from HDPE film. Thanks to their structure, where air is enclosed in chambers of various sizes, they perfectly protect products from shocks and impacts during transport.
Air cushions for parcels are lightweight, easy to use, and do not take up much space (rolls are not initially filled with air, a dedicated machine is used for this). This makes them efficient in terms of protection and costs. This type of parcel filler is flexible and easy to adjust to the shape of the package. Thanks to that, air mats and air cushions are perfect for filling empty spaces and preventing products from moving during transport.
Bubble wrap
Paper fillers are a popular option, often seen as cheap and eco-friendly package fillers. Paper fillers can take various less standard forms, e.g. notched paper with a honeycomb structure, paper bubble wrap, shredded paper, or cardboard separators.
However, much more of bubble wrap needs to be used compared to air mats with the smallest bubbles, to secure the parcel equally well. Additionally, rolls of bubble wrap take up a lot of storage space.
Paper fillers
Paper fillers are a popular option, often seen as cheap and eco-friendly package fillers. Paper fillers can take various less standard forms, e.g. notched paper with a honeycomb structure, paper bubble wrap, shredded paper, or cardboard separators.
Paper as a parcel filler works best for small parcels and products resistant to rough handling. It effectively fills small empty spaces in the package.
Compared to film fillers, however, paper fillers offer less protective effectiveness. They do not handle strong impacts or shocks as well as bubble wrap or air cushions, which can be problematic for delicate or valuable items. They are also less practical in situations where contact with moisture is possible – paper is not water-resistant and will not protect products from getting wet.
Polystyrene granules
Polystyrene granules are a popular filling material, made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). For larger parcels, they do not match the film fillers in terms of ease of use and efficiency. A large amount needs to be used to fill a parcel, and they can be difficult to store.
Skropak
Skropak is a biodegradable filler made from plant-based raw materials, most often corn starch, potato starch or wheat starch. Skropak is lightweight and flexible, easily adjusting to the shape of the parcel. However, just like polystyrene granules, a large amount is needed to secure the parcel effectively.
Which package filler is more effective – paper or foil?
Most often, the choice of package filler comes down to two options: paper or foil. That’s why, we want to focus on comparing them in terms of efficiency. To determine which one is more efficient, we need to look at material usage, standardization and control of use, as well as product protection.
Paper
Paper air fillers require significantly more material compared to foil solutions. To fill the same space as air fillers, around 1,5 times more paper is needed. This is due to its lower ability to fill space while providing effective protection. What’s more:
- Paper fillers are made of 80% air, while 20% of their volume is material. This means that even a small amount of paper significantly increases the parcel’s weight, potentially raising transport costs.
- Paper can be easily compressed, leading workers to use more without realising it. For example, by pressing or layering it repeatedly. A lack of standardised form, unlike foil fillers, makes it difficult to precisely control material usage.
Air fillers
Air fillers, such as air mats and air cushions, are significantly more efficient in terms of material consumption. Their construction relies on air, meaning the film itself makes up only a minimal part of the whole. What’s more:
- Air fillers are made of 99% air and only 1 % material. This makes them extremely lightweight, not increasing the parcel’s weight and helping reduce transport costs.
- Air fillers come in pre-defined forms, such as air cushions or modules shaped like “leaves”, enabling precise planning of the amount used. This eliminates the risk of excessive consumption and makes the packing process more predictable.
Which package filler is the best?
Packaging materials are often a subject of discussion. There are many types of air fillers, but most often the choice is between foil and paper. If you are looking for a more efficient solution, it is definitely worth choosing the air fillers.
Thanks to its lightweight structure, where 99% is air, they significantly reduce parcel weight, and consequently – transport costs. Their excellent shock absorption abilities and full moisture resistance guarantee reliable protection, even in demanding conditions.
Compared to other parcel fillers, foil air fillers stand out in both protection and efficiency, making them the ideal choice in the fast-growing e-commerce sector.
Are you interested in free, unobligated tests of system improving your packing process? Write to us at aps@politan.pl, we will get back to you within 24h!
