In the modern era of logistics, companies are using void filler strategically to balance their operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. As these logistic companies are trying their best to meet the strict ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) goals, every component of their shipping process is under examination, especially the material they are using to stabilize the cargo.
At Dunnage Systems Inc., we understand that sustainable shipping involves more than just packaging materials. It is about internal stabilization of product boxes to ensure the safety of the goods while leaving a minimum impact on the environment. Our business protects customer products as well as the planet, through our eco friendly void fill solutions.
What is a Void Filler and Why It Matters in Sustainable Packaging
A void filler is any material that we use to fill the empty spaces in a shipping container, truck, or railcar to prevent cargo from moving and damaging itself. Previously, companies used to make non-recyclable plastics and styrofoam to create these materials, but now they have moved on to producing eco friendly void fill solutions. It offers a sustainable alternative that decreases plastic waste from landfills while also reducing the total carbon footprint associated with a shipment.
The Role of Void Filler in Industrial Shipping
Every year, billions of dollars of products are shipped from one place to another, through different transportation mediums. This level of industrial shipping requires special treatment of cargo because it experiences sudden stops, vibrations and centrifugal forces. The absence of adequate void filler packaging could result in product damage through the collision of product boxes or containers.
However, by using environmentally friendly void filler packaging, companies can safely transport their products without leaving a significant impact on the environment.
Not sure which void filler is best for your shipments? Read on: A Guide to Choosing the Right Void Filler
Types of Industrial Eco-Friendly Void Filler Solutions
It is important to choose the right material if we are looking to balance protection and sustainability. The following list contains the most effective eco friendly void fill packaging solutions that exist in the market today.
Drop Down Void Fillers
Drop down void fillers are designed to expand the vertical gaps between palletized goods. The products are manufactured from heavy-duty, recyclable corrugated paper that offers a high-strength alternative to plastic foam.
Dual Drop Down Void Fillers
The dual drop down fillers are used for wider gaps and more complex loading systems because they offer additional lateral support. They are most suitable for railcar and sea container shipments where more stability is required.
Dunnage Air Bags
Dunnage air bags are perhaps the most versatile solution in the logistics industry. These inflatable bags are inserted into voids and filled with compressed air to “lock” the load in place. Dunnage bags are increasingly made from 100% recyclable materials, offering a lightweight, low-waste solution for heavy-duty protection.
Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Void Filler in Industrial Packaging
Choosing sustainable materials for industrial packaging is more than just environmental friendliness, because it also offers us tangible business advantages.
- Cost Efficiency and Waste Reduction: Sustainable void filler packaging uses fewer raw materials compared to traditional packaging methods. The companies reduce their waste by optimizing filler material usage, which results in lower disposal costs at their operational sites.
- Improved Product Protection: Using eco friendly void fill packaging products is not a disadvantage for us. Modern sustainable fillers are developed to endure extreme pressure, which guarantees that products will stay undamaged during transportation.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Many sustainable fillers, like dunnage air bags, are designed in a way that supports rapid installation. Such packaging solutions also increase the cargo loading speed, enabling warehouses to transport more goods in less time.
- Reduced Freight Costs: By using lightweight materials like paper-based fillers or air-filled bags, the overall weight of the shipment is reduced. The result of this process leads to decreased fuel usage and lower costs for shipping.
- Reduced Material Handling Costs: Sustainable fillers need less storage space because they can be collapsed or stacked, while plastic bubble wrap and foam peanuts require extensive space because of their large size.
Worried about fragile goods shifting during transit? Read our latest blog on: Industrial Dunnage Bags for Safe Transport of Fragile Products
How Void Filler Supports Effective Load Securement
One of the main objectives of every shipping approach is load securement. Therefore, the focus here completely lies in packing the cargo tightly so that it does not move in any transport conditions.
Preventing Movement During Transit
The cargo inside trucks and ships moves and rolls during transportation. A correctly positioned void filler system functions as a buffer through which it absorbs external forces and helps in stopping pallets from falling in a chain reaction.
Enhancing Overall Shipment Stability
The fillers tightly pack the cargo block by filling all longitudinal and lateral spaces inside it, so that it does not move. The stability of boxes inside the shipping container protects its structural integrity and also secures the safety of workers who unload the goods.
Choosing the Right Void Filler for Your Packaging Needs
Void fillers come in different shapes and sizes. So the choice of choosing the right packaging solution depends on several factors:
Industry-Specific Requirements
Fragile electronic goods require a different level of stabilization than heavy industrial machinery. That’s why, the first step in material selection requires assessment of your goods’ fragility and weight.
Compliance and Sustainability Standards
International shipping operations need to follow specific environmental regulations applied to their transportation routes. The use of eco friendly void fill materials enables your products to maintain compliance with evolving regulations, and at the same time, it also fulfills the environmental sustainability requirements of your international business partners.
Why Choose Dunnage Systems Inc. for Sustainable Packaging?
Dunnage Systems Inc. is known to offer the best sustainable packaging solutions in the industry. Our company manufactures a wide range of recyclable products that offer a premium level of strength, ensuring the safety of your products, no matter how rough the transportation journey is.
Dunnage Systems Inc. provides the best sustainable packaging through its tailored packaging solutions. It aims to minimize material usage without compromising on the strength of the products. Our dunnage air bags and corrugated void fillers can be reused or recycled, which ultimately helps our clients achieve their ESG goals. Our experts also help businesses choose eco friendly void fill packaging, which gives the best safety against product damage and also helps to maintain ecological balance on the planet.
Conclusion
The shift toward sustainable shipping has transformed from a temporary trend into an essential requirement for modern shipping operations. Companies that invest in high-quality void filler solutions can protect their products from damage while also contributing to a more environmentally sustainable future. Dunnage Systems Inc. provides businesses with eco-friendly solutions and expert knowledge to achieve their freight cost reduction and load securement improvement goals. With us, you will choose the right sustainability and shipment solution for your products.
FAQs:
1. What are eco-friendly void fillers used for in industrial packaging?
A. Eco-friendly void fillers cushion products during shipping, prevent movement-related damage, and fill empty box space using sustainable materials like recycled paper, cornstarch, or biodegradable foam.
2. Can eco-friendly void fillers reduce shipping costs for businesses?
A. Yes. Lightweight materials like paper void fill and dunnage airbags made from recycled film reduce package weight, lowering dimensional shipping costs while meeting sustainability and compliance goals.
3. What materials are commonly used in eco-friendly void fillers?
A. Sustainable void fillers often use recycled paper, kraft paper, corrugated inserts, molded pulp, starch-based peanuts, honeycomb paper, and biodegradable air cushions, offering both cushioning performance and environmental benefits.
