As the festive season approaches, UK retailers face one of the busiest shipping periods of the year. With couriers handling millions of parcels, choosing the right void fill is crucial to protect products, prevent damage, and delight customers when their orders arrive.
What Is Void Fill?
Void fill refers to materials used to fill empty space inside a box to stop items from moving during transit. It’s a key part of protective packaging that cushions goods from shocks, bumps, and drops.
Common types of void fill packaging include:
Shredded cardboard or paper
Foam or tissue for delicate products
Why Void Fill Matters During the Holidays
The festive season is the busiest time of year for online retailers and couriers alike. With millions of parcels being sent across the UK through services like Royal Mail, DPD, and Evri, ensuring your packaging can withstand extra handling is essential.
Choosing the right void fill packaging helps keep products secure, reduces breakages, and cuts down on costly returns, all while improving the customer’s unboxing experience.
Sustainable Void Fill Options for UK Retailers
With eco-conscious customers and sustainability targets driving change, UK businesses are increasingly switching to eco-friendly packaging.
At TEC Packaging, we supply sustainable void fill materials that help reduce your carbon footprint without compromising protection:
Recycled paper void fill: 100% recyclable and curbside friendly
Starch-based packing peanuts: Fully compostable and biodegradable
Paper cushioning systems: Popular in UK fulfilment centres for their balance of protection and sustainability
💡 Tip: Avoid traditional plastic bubble wrap where possible, most local councils in the UK don’t accept it in kerbside recycling collections.
How to Choose the Right Void Fill for Your Parcels
Consider Product Fragility
Fragile goods (like glass, ceramics, or electronics) need cushioning that absorbs shocks, use paper void fill or foam alternatives.
Lightweight items such as clothing or accessories are well-suited to air pillows or kraft paper.
Match Box Size to Product
Reduce waste and filler use by selecting the right-sized box. Too much empty space increases movement and damage risk.
Think Green
Align with UK sustainability goals by choosing recyclable or compostable materials.
Plan for Storage & Fulfilment Efficiency
Air pillows and paper rolls take up less warehouse space than bulk foam chips, ideal for fulfilment centres where space is tight.
Enhance the Unboxing Experience
Holiday packaging should feel special. Neat, recyclable filler shows care and quality, avoiding messy, non-recyclable materials leaves a better impression.
Popular Void Fill Options Compared
UK businesses can choose from several effective void fill packaging materials, each suited to different needs.
Kraft paper void fill is recyclable, cost-effective, and ideal for general eCommerce parcels.
Air cushions are lightweight and efficient for medium-fragility items, especially when made from recyclable film.
Starch-based packing peanuts are compostable, biodegradable, and perfect for protecting irregular or fragile products.
Shredded cardboard offers sustainable protection using reused materials, a strong choice for eco-focused brands.
For delicate electronics or premium goods, foam sheets or rolls provide excellent shock protection, though they’re less eco-friendly than paper alternatives.
Holiday Packing Tips
Test packaging before peak season: Ship sample parcels to test how your void fill performs with real couriers.
Avoid overfilling: It adds unnecessary weight and increases courier costs.
Order early: Demand for packaging materials spikes in November across the UK.
Label fragile items clearly to help couriers handle them correctly.
Why Choose a UK-Based Supplier Like TEC Packaging
Choosing a UK-based packaging supplier reduces your carbon footprint, shortens delivery times, and ensures consistent supply during the busy Christmas rush.
At TEC Packaging, we help British businesses find cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions tailored to their shipping needs. From void fill packaging to protective materials and eco alternatives, we support you every step of the way.
The right void fill keeps your products safe, reduces waste, and shows customers you care about quality and sustainability.
This holiday season, choose eco-friendly packaging solutions that deliver protection and performance, and let TEC Packaging help your business make a great impression from the moment your parcel arrives.