Loose Fill Packaging Materials Basics

Learn options for your loose fill packaging materials

Many have spent much time pondering loose fill packaging materials basics and the effects they have on the environment. Loose fill packaging fills in the space between items and the box they are packed inside. The loose fill prevents the item from moving around and protects it from possible damage during shipping. Several different types of loose fill packaging exist.

The most common image of loose fill packaging is what the industry calls plastic loose fill. Known as cheap packing peanuts, these are among the most popular loose fill packaging options. However, other types of loose fill are available besides industrial peanuts packaging. Loose fill packaging manufacturers have developed new environmentally friendly packaging. When thinking about shipping items from your business, consider the following:

1. What types of items will you ship with the loose fill packaging?

2. How often do you need to ship with loose fill packaging?

3. How concerned are you with the material of your loose fill packaging?

 

Learn the facts about plastic loose fill packaging

As mentioned earlier, plastic loose fill packaging, or commonly known as packing peanuts, are the main concern to those who support recycling. These expanded polystyrene peanuts are more than 99% air. They are nontoxic. They are very lightweight and take up to 50% less energy to create than paper loose fill items.
Try: Read more information from the Plastic Loose Fill Council. Look at the facts in the article at Green Recycler.

Consider environmentally friendly loose fill packaging options

The newest in environmentally friendly loose fill packaging is made from corn and starch. These Pelaspan-Pac Natural loose fill packaging particles are completely biodegradable. They disintegrate in water and are 100% decomposable. The cornstarch peanuts are in the shape of an "s". The "s" shape locks together giving even more support to the item. The particles are also lightweight. They are clean, non-static, and come from renewable resources.
Try: Springer Link offers a preview of an article concerning corn loose fill packaging. Learn more about loose fill packaging made from corn at Ag Products.

Look into paper loose fill packaging

Paper is also an option for loose fill packaging. Some loose fill packaging manufacturers make colored crinkled paper shreds that are used as loose fill. The paper is one of the most decorative options and customers often find it in gift baskets. This paper resembles the same shredded paper that comes from office and home paper shredders. Other paper loose fill packaging consists of large paper sheets crumbled up and stuffed into the shipping box.
Try: Read more about paper loose fill option at Spring Fill. Paper Nuts offers a variety of recycled paper options for packaging.

 

• When thinking about the loose fill packaging materials that you need for your office, always think to recycle first. Save any loose fill packing that comes from items shipped to you. Reuse this packaging to ship your own items.

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