The best void fill for most UK online sellers is crumpled or shredded kraft paper, because it protects lightweight to medium items, costs little per parcel and can go straight into household paper recycling. For heavier or more fragile goods, pair paper with a correctly sized box and, where needed, corrugated inserts rather than simply adding more filler.
What is void fill and why does it matter?
Void fill is any material used to fill the empty space between your product and the walls of the box. Without it, items slide, knock against the sides and arrive damaged. Too much, and you pay for extra material and risk crushing the contents or bulging the box.
Good void fill does three jobs: it stops movement, absorbs minor knocks and keeps the product centred away from the box walls. It is the second line of defence after the box itself, so choosing a sturdy carton matters just as much. Our guide to packaging fragile items for posting covers the wider process.
The main void fill options compared
Kraft paper (crumpled or shredded)
Kraft paper is the everyday choice for small businesses. It is cheap, easy to store and looks natural and tidy when the customer opens the box. It works well for candles, cosmetics, ceramics wrapped in tissue, clothing and gift sets.
- Pros: low cost, widely recyclable in household paper collections, no special equipment needed.
- Cons: less cushioning than air-based fill, and it can compress during transit if underfilled.
Corrugated card inserts and wrap
Folded corrugated card, dividers and rolls of corrugated wrap give firm structure. They suit bottles, jars and multi-item orders where products must not touch. They are also recyclable with the box. If you want to understand how card strength varies, see our explainer on corrugated flute types.
Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap offers good cushioning for very delicate goods, but it is a soft plastic film. Most UK households cannot put it in their kerbside recycling bin, and it is usually taken to supermarket soft plastic drop-off points instead, as this UK guide to recycling bubble wrap explains. If eco-friendly unboxing matters to your brand, this can be a drawback.
Air pillows
Air pillows are light and quick to use, which keeps volumetric weight down. Like bubble wrap they are plastic film, so customers face the same disposal question. They suit sturdy items that mainly need blocking in place.
Moulded pulp and paper pads
Paper pads and pulp trays cushion and hold shapes neatly. They are a good middle ground where you want a premium feel and a paper-only pack, though they can cost more per unit than loose paper.
How to choose the right void fill
Start with the product, not the filler. Ask these questions:
- How heavy is it? Heavier items need firmer support such as corrugated inserts, not just loose paper.
- How fragile is it? Glass and ceramics need a wrapped product, a snug fit and a double-wall box where appropriate.
- Does it have sharp edges or loose parts? Wrap these individually first.
- What will your customer think when they open it? Neat kraft paper reads as considered and sustainable.
- Do you need to keep costs and weight down? Lightweight fill helps, but do not sacrifice protection.
The right box comes first
Void fill cannot rescue a box that is far too large. Oversized cartons need more filler, cost more to post and can trigger higher carrier charges because of dimensional weight, which we explain in our post on volumetric weight. Measure your product with its wrapping and choose a stock size that leaves only a small, even gap on every side. Our guide to measuring internal vs external dimensions helps you get this right.
For strength, browse our single wall boxes for lighter parcels or our double wall boxes where extra protection is needed.
A simple packing method that works
- Wrap the product in tissue or a paper sleeve to protect the surface.
- Add a base layer of loosely crumpled paper to the bottom of the box.
- Place the product in the centre, keeping it away from the walls.
- Fill the gaps on all sides and the top until the item cannot move when you gently shake the box.
- Close the lid, check for bulging and seal the box.
The shake test is the simplest quality check. If you can hear or feel movement, add more fill. If the lid will not sit flat, remove some.
Recycling and packaging responsibility
Paper-based void fill is easier for customers to recycle, which supports a greener brand story. Businesses that supply packaging may also have reporting duties under packaging Extended Producer Responsibility, and the official GOV.UK packaging EPR guidance explains who is affected. We break it down for smaller sellers in Packaging EPR explained, and our piece on recyclable printed cardboard boxes covers the box itself.
Keeping void fill costs under control
Buy paper in bulk rolls, standardise on one or two box sizes and train packers to use a fixed amount per parcel. Right-sizing boxes usually saves more than switching filler. For more ideas, read how to reduce packaging costs without cheapening your brand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best void fill for shipping?
For most small parcels, crumpled kraft paper is the best all-round choice. It is affordable, recyclable and effective when the product is wrapped and the box is the right size. Fragile or heavy items may need corrugated inserts as well.
Is paper void fill better than bubble wrap?
It depends on the product. Bubble wrap cushions delicate goods well, but paper is easier for customers to recycle at home and gives a more natural unboxing feel. Many sellers use paper for most orders and reserve plastic cushioning for the most delicate items.
How much void fill should I use in a box?
Use enough that the product cannot move when you shake the box gently, and keep it away from the walls. The lid should close flat without bulging. If the box needs a very large amount of filler, it is probably too big for the item.
Can void fill affect my shipping costs?
Yes. Oversized boxes increase parcel size and can raise carrier charges, and heavy filler adds weight. Choosing a well-fitting box and a light, efficient filler keeps costs down.
Can customers recycle kraft paper void fill?
Plain kraft paper can normally go into household paper and card recycling. Remove any tape or plastic first, and check your local council's guidance for exact rules.
Ready to pack your products properly?
Start with the right box and the rest becomes easy. Explore our range of custom printed e-commerce boxes or visit Fast Printed Boxes to find the stock box sizes that fit your products, printed with your supplied artwork.