Fill
Packing Peanuts & Void Fill Guide
Packing peanuts fill the empty space in a box after you've wrapped the item. They prevent shifting during transit. Traditional polystyrene peanuts are cheap but environmentally problematic — alternatives are better for eco-focused brands.
Types of Packing Peanuts
Traditional (EPS foam) peanuts
Cheap polystyrene foam, non-biodegradable.
Best for: Cost-sensitive bulk shipping
Biodegradable starch peanuts
Corn or potato starch, dissolves in water.
Best for: Sustainable brands
Air pillows
Inflatable plastic cushions.
Best for: Void fill without particulate mess
Kraft paper fill
Crumpled kraft paper for void fill.
Best for: Curbside-recyclable cushioning
Tissue paper
Fine paper for light cushioning.
Best for: Premium unboxing experiences
Practical Tips
- •Starch peanuts work great but dissolve in humidity — not for wet destinations
- •Air pillows are the most cost-effective at high volume (less material per cubic inch)
- •Kraft paper is fully recyclable and works for most lightweight goods
- •Peanuts create static cling on some products — use anti-static if shipping electronics
- •For eco-conscious brands, paper or starch > polystyrene
Frequently asked questions
Are packing peanuts recyclable?
Traditional (EPS) peanuts: rarely recyclable in curbside programs. Starch peanuts: dissolve in water (compostable). Paper fill: curbside recyclable.
Peanuts vs air pillows — which is better?
Air pillows are more cost-effective at high volume and create less mess. Peanuts conform better to oddly-shaped items. Use depending on item shape.
Can I ship electronics with peanuts?
Use anti-static peanuts for sensitive electronics. Regular peanuts can create static discharge that damages components.
Are starch peanuts worth the premium?
For eco-focused brands, yes. They're 2-3x the cost of EPS peanuts but biodegrade. For cost-sensitive bulk shipping, EPS remains cheapest.
Biodegradable vs polystyrene peanuts — which should I use?
Starch-based biodegradable peanuts dissolve in water and compost, which customers appreciate and which avoids the static-cling mess — but they're pricier and can slump under heavy weight or in humidity. Traditional EPS (polystyrene) peanuts are cheap, light, and moisture-proof but are a disposal headache buyers dislike. For most sellers the reputational win of biodegradable outweighs the cost on lighter items.
Do packing peanuts actually protect fragile items well?
Only if used correctly. Peanuts let items migrate to the box wall unless the item is suspended in the center with peanuts fully surrounding it — 'float' the item, don't just pour peanuts on top. For genuinely fragile goods, double-boxing or foam is more reliable; peanuts shine for irregularly-shaped, moderately-durable items.
Where can I get rid of packing peanuts I received?
Many pack-and-ship stores (including UPS Store locations) accept clean peanuts for reuse — a genuinely circular option. Starch peanuts dissolve under a tap or go in compost. Point customers to reuse/dissolve options in your packing insert; it turns a disposal annoyance into a small goodwill moment.
Why do peanuts cling to everything?
Static. EPS peanuts build static charge from friction, which is the source of the clinging mess. Anti-static peanuts exist for electronics (regular peanuts can hold a charge that damages sensitive components — never use standard EPS around bare electronics). Starch peanuts don't static-cling at all, another point in their favor.
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