Protecting Your Products: When to Use Wrap, Void Fill, or Both

Whether you’re shipping products across the country or storing them in your warehouse, keeping them safe is always a top priority. The challenge? Knowing which packaging solution will give you the best protection.

Here’s a quick guide for you to help decide which packaging you need. Learn more about:

• When to use product wrap to safeguard items and prevent damage.
• How void fill works and the best ways to incorporate it into your packing process.
• Why combining wrap and void fill can deliver superior cushioning and stability.

We’ll also explain why choosing sustainable wrap and void fill is better for your business and the planet.

When to Use Product Wrap

What does product wrap do? 

Product wrap is designed to protect merchandise during shipping or storage. When used properly, it minimizes the risk of breakage and prevents items from rubbing against each other, a surefire way to keep them looking fresh. That’s especially important for customers ordering gifts or for influencer unboxings, where presentation matters. 

When do you need product wrap? 

There are a few situations where product wrap is essential. The most common is for fragile items that don’t come in their own containers, such as handmade crafts, ceramics, and glassware. For example, if you run a housewares shop, many of your products will need to be wrapped at the checkout counter or protected for shipping.

Even items that are already packaged in a box or container can benefit from product wrap. If they’re going to be packed tightly in a larger box, extra cushioning adds protection. And sometimes the original packaging just isn’t sturdy enough for long-distance travel, like glass jars of beauty products or boxes with cellophane windows.

HexcelPack’s HexcelWrap® is often dispensed manually, making it a smart option when: 

• There is no electrical power available, like at art fairs and outdoor events.
• You want to maintain a quiet environment, like inside a store as people shop.
• You prefer to keep packing machinery away from the checkout area.
• You need portable packing material for on-the-go use.
• Wrapping needs vary, requiring different amounts for each item.

Is product wrap the same thing as plastic bubble? 

Plastic bubble is one of the most common types of product wrap. While you’ve probably used it many times, it’s not an earth-friendly choice. Plastic bubble is typically not recyclable, meaning it ends up in landfills for decades or centuries, breaking down into unsafe nanoplastics that pollute soil and water, and microplastics are now being found inside the human body.

Paper product wrap from HexcelPack is more sustainable, making it healthier for both the planet and for people who use it.

When to Use Void Fill 

What is the purpose of void fill? 

Void fill provides extra cushioning inside boxes during shipping or storage. Unlike product wrap, which is applied directly around the item, void fill is placed in the empty spaces within the box.

Its job is to protect items from impact damage. Even when boxes are marked “fragile,” they can still be dropped, stacked, or tossed during transit. The longer the journey, the greater the risk of damage.

Why is preventing damage so important? 

It’s critical for e-commerce and other businesses to reduce damage in packages being shipped as much as possible. Not only can it lead to unhappy customers and negative reviews, but it also increases costly returns and exchanges. Whether you’re replacing an item or refunding the purchase, damaged shipments eat into your profits. If return rates climb, those losses can quickly add up.

When should you use void fill? 

Use void fill any time there’s extra space in a shipping box, something that happens often since finding a perfectly sized box isn’t always possible. Adding cushioning keeps items secure and away from the edges of the box, reducing the risk of impact damage.

In fact, you might even choose a box slightly larger than necessary just to allow for void fill, especially when shipping fragile items.

HexaFil™ void fill can be dispensed either manually or with automated machinery, giving you flexibility for different packing setups. Use it at the checkout counter to protect breakable items for in-store customers, or in your shipping area for online orders.

HexcelPack’s automated void fill dispenser is ideal for when you want to use the exact same amount of void fill every time. Simply adjust the settings on the top of the dispenser, and you or your employees get an identical volume of HexaFil dispensed at regular intervals. 

Can’t we just use air pillows or packing peanuts? 

Many businesses rely on plastic air pillows or packing peanuts for void fill. However, these options aren’t environmentally friendly because they lack sustainability.

What do we mean by “sustainable?” Sustainable or eco-friendly packaging materials meet the following criteria:

• They are curbside recyclable and often compostable.
• They are made with the minimal impact on the planet.
• They are safe for people to handle and breathe around.

Unfortunately, many packaging products fail these tests. Some aren’t recyclable at all. Others require specialized recycling facilities that most communities don’t have access to—making curbside disposal impossible.

HexcelPack’s products, on the other hand, are both sustainable and curbside recyclable. Made of kraft paper from renewable sources using an innovative honeycomb structure, they provide protection without harming the planet.  

Extra Protection with Both Wrap and Void Fill

There’s no rule that says you need to choose between product wrap or void fill. In fact, using both together can provide superior protection for your merchandise.

All HexcelPack products feature a unique slit-paper design that allows them to interlock, reducing the need for tape or adhesives when using HexcelWrap product wrap.

Even better, when HexcelWrap and HexaFil interact, they improve stability inside the parcel. Together, they reduce movement and shifting of merchandise to decrease the risk of damage. 

HexcelPack Products for Superior Cushioning AND Sustainability

You don’t have to choose between protecting merchandise and choosing sustainable packaging materials. With HexcelPack products, you get both.

Ready to switch to sustainable packaging that can help prevent damage, reduce returns, and protect the planet? Contact our team today and let us know about your packing challenges, we’ll help you find the right solution.