We can't fill the voids in your life, but we're pretty darn good at filling voids (empty spaces) in your packages!

Tip #1: Don't skimp on void fill. It's a very inexpensive "insurance" that you can provide to keep your items safe from the effects of shaking and shifting and to minimize the effects of vibration and of items being stacked on top of your package. If you're not sure if you've used enough, close your box and GENTLY shake it to see if you have sufficient padding. If you hear or feel movement inside the box, find the gaps and fill them.

Tip #2: Don't skimp on void fill. (Bears repeating. It really is our very best tip!)

What types of void fill are available?

There are a lot of choices here. For lightweight and not particularly fragile items, bubble wrap/a> or pre-inflated air cushion pillows do a great job of filling in gaps.

For heavier items and for anything fragile, packing peanuts act as an excellent void fill/shock absorber. We love our anti-static (pink) packing peanuts. They are very resilient and easy to work with. They don't stick to your hands or other surfaces.

While biodegradable peanuts (usually white, made from corn starch) are more environmentally friendly.They are completely natural, 100% biodegradable, recyclable, reusable and compostable. Eco-friendly peanuts are a clean air product with no CFCs and no dependence on foreign oil for production

Another option is a relatively new product called Pad Locs. Pad Locs are packing peanuts in a heavy-duty film bag. Imagine them as pillows packed with packing peanuts that contour to the shape of your product. Put Pad Locs on all sides of your fragile object to "lock" it in place. Pad Locs come in 3 sizes. They are re-usable up to 20 times.

Have other questions about void fill? Contact us here at robin@bubblefast.com