Void Fill Options Compared: Peanuts, Air Pillows, Paper

Void fill is the material that fills empty space in a box so the product stays centered and protected. Choosing the right one balances protection, cost, speed, and sustainability. Here's how the main options compare.

Packing peanuts

Loose-fill peanuts flow around products to fill irregular gaps and cushion on all sides.

• Pros: excellent for odd shapes, fast to pour, good all-around cushioning.
• Cons: can be messy; traditional foam peanuts are unpopular for waste reasons.
• Best pick: biodegradable packing peanuts give the same protection while dissolving in water and composting — a sustainable upgrade.

Air pillows

Inflatable plastic pillows fill large voids with very little material.

• Pros: lightweight, cheap per volume, fast for filling big gaps.
• Cons: less protective for heavy or sharp items; plastic unless you choose recyclable film.
• Best for: lightweight products with large empty spaces.

Paper (kraft/crinkle)

Crumpled or shredded paper cushions and fills while looking premium.

• Pros: recyclable, curbside-friendly, looks great for retail unboxing.
• Cons: heavier than air pillows (higher shipping weight), uses more material for big voids.
• Best for: brand-forward packaging and moderate protection needs.

How to choose

• Fragile, odd shapes? Biodegradable peanuts.
• Light items, big voids, low cost? Air pillows.
• Premium look, recyclable? Paper.
• Heavy or sharp items? Combine cushioning with a sturdier box and possibly double-boxing.

Don't ignore weight and image

Void fill affects both dimensional weight (heavier fill costs more to ship) and brand perception (customers notice sustainable choices). The best fill protects the product while aligning with your cost and sustainability goals.

Shop void fill

Explore our industrial packaging range for void fill that keeps products safe — including biodegradable options customers appreciate.