Protecting your warehouse stock during transit is one of the most important steps in business. Boxes and the contents within them can shift, so it’s critical to ensure their safety. For adequate protection, warehouses often utilize paper void fill to prevent excess room that would allow materials to shift while in motion. Know when you should consider using paper void fill and how it can benefit your business.
What Is Paper Void Fill?
When warehouse workers fill a crate with material, there’s usually excess space in the crate, which allows any materials inside to shift easily. This shifting has the potential to damage whatever is inside the crate. You can and should avoid this damage to maintain your product’s integrity.
This is where paper void fill comes in. Void fill is a material most commonly consisting of paper, but it can also come in foam or plastic varieties. Warehouse workers can fit void fill inside any packaging, filling the empty space inside. This creates a cushioned layer that prevents materials from moving around inside while the package is in transit.
When Should You Use Paper Void Fill?
The first step to determine whether your package needs paper void fill is to know whether the materials inside have room to move. Even a little space inside the crate can create an environment in which your materials can slam against the sides of the crate, damaging your product.
If your package is small enough, try shaking it gently to see how much play there is with the content inside. If you notice an excess amount of movement, you may need to consider using some void filler to prevent it.
How Much Paper Void Fill Is Enough?
There’s no set amount of void filler you need to use in any given package. It’s simply up to your own judgment how much is enough. However, you do need to ensure that you completely fill any empty spaces within the package. That will of course depend on how large the container is and how much space the contents inside take up.
Void fill machines can fill spaces faster and more efficiently than by hand, streamlining the process. Utilizing the proper machinery can ensure your package has enough void fill and prevent it from shifting while traveling.
Protect Your Product
Knowing when you should consider using paper void fill is a critical question in the packing process. Use as much as you need to ensure safe travels with your product. Neglecting to do so can result in the destruction or complete loss of items while in transit.