Paper Void Fill & Honeycomb Wrap — The Eco Alternative to Bubble Wrap
Paper void fill is the dominant trend in sustainable ecommerce packaging. It's 100% recyclable, performs comparably to bubble wrap for moderate cushioning needs, and reads as premium to eco-conscious buyers. The tradeoff is cost and speed — paper void fill systems are typically more expensive per cubic foot than packing peanuts but cheaper in total cost when you factor in customer perception.
Types of Paper Void Fill & Honeycomb Wrap
Hand-torn paper (kraft roll)
Simple kraft paper rolls torn into sheets and crumpled by hand — the lowest-cost paper void fill option.
Best for: Low-volume packing operations where machine investment isn't justified
Paper dispensing machines (Ranpak, Pregis)
Machine-converts kraft paper rolls into fanfolded, crumpled cushioning on demand.
Best for: Mid-to-high volume fulfillment — reduces packing time and standardizes cushioning quality
Honeycomb kraft wrap
Die-cut kraft paper that unfolds into a hexagonal cellular structure — wraps items like bubble wrap.
Best for: Wrapping individual items that need surface protection with an eco-aesthetic
Shredded kraft paper
Pre-shredded kraft strips used like packing peanuts.
Best for: Void fill and presentation fill in retail/gift packaging
Practical Tips
- •Paper void fill compresses more than bubble wrap under heavy items — use thicker layers for heavier products
- •Paper machines (Ranpak GP series, Pregis AutoPad) pay for themselves at 50+ boxes/day through reduced packing time
- •Honeycomb wrap is more expensive per square foot than bubble wrap but eliminates plastic — factor brand value into the cost comparison
- •Shredded paper (not shredded documents — purpose-made kraft shred) looks more premium in gift boxes than packing peanuts
- •For fragile items, paper void fill alone may not provide enough cushioning — pair with foam wrap around the item itself
Frequently asked questions
More Supply Guides
Create a Shipping Label
Free for USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL.
Make a Label Free →