Fill

Packing Paper & Newsprint — Void Fill and Wrapping Guide

Packing paper is the most versatile and recyclable void fill option. It works as cushioning, wrapping material, and surface protection — all from one product. Unprinted newsprint (the blank version of newspaper) is the industry standard; printed newspaper works but transfers ink to items.

Types of Packing Paper & Newsprint

Unprinted newsprint

Lightweight, clean paper in sheets or rolls — the standard packing paper for most ecommerce.

Best for: Void fill, wrapping non-fragile items, surface protection inside boxes

Kraft wrapping paper

Heavier brown paper with more strength than newsprint — resists tearing during wrapping.

Best for: Wrapping heavier or sharper items, outer wrapping for boxes, multi-layer cushioning

Honeycomb kraft paper

Die-cut kraft paper that expands into a hexagonal cushioning structure.

Best for: Eco-conscious brands replacing bubble wrap; good cushioning with no plastic

Tissue paper

Lightweight decorative paper — more presentation than protection.

Best for: Wrapping clothing, gifts, and retail items where appearance matters

Practical Tips

  • •Crumpling packing paper creates more air pockets and better cushioning than flat sheets — always crumple before using as void fill
  • •For fragile items, wrap the item itself in 2–3 sheets of packing paper before placing in the box, then add crumpled paper void fill
  • •Packing paper is cheaper per pound of void fill than packing peanuts and more recyclable
  • •Honeycomb paper machines (like Ranpak) can produce void fill on demand but require an equipment investment — better for high-volume operations
  • •For sensitive items (printed merchandise, photographs), unprinted newsprint is essential — printed newspaper transfers ink to everything it contacts

Frequently asked questions

How much packing paper do I need per box?
A rough guide: 2–3 sheets for wrapping a standard item, plus 4–6 sheets crumpled for void fill in a standard 12×9×4 box. Buy in reams of 500 sheets or rolls of 300–600 ft depending on your volume.
Is packing paper or bubble wrap better for fragile items?
For moderate fragility (ceramics, kitchen goods), crumpled packing paper in a correctly sized box provides excellent protection and is more eco-friendly. For highly fragile items (glassware, electronics), bubble wrap or foam wrap provides better shock absorption per inch of thickness.
Can I use printed newspaper as packing paper?
Yes for protection purposes, but the ink transfers to items. Avoid with anything light-colored, printed, or porous. Unprinted newsprint is cheap enough that the ink transfer risk isn't worth it.

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