At Strapping-Products.com, we talk a lot about the importance of securing your cargo with strapping materials. An equally important factor is protecting your products with cushioning and void fillers to avoid damage during shipment. One of the most cost-effective and efficient ways you can do this is with air pillows and other ergonomic cushioning and packaging materials. Let’s take a closer look at air pillows and other ways you can cushion your shipments, prevent damage, and maximize your profits.
Why Internal Cushioning is Vital for Shipping
Internal cushioning plays a vital role in shipping as it serves as a cost-effective way to reduce damage in shipments, reduce returns, and improve your reputation as a reliable shipper. When shipments are on the way to their destination, they face several factors that can lead to the risks of serious damage to your merchandise, including:
- Vibration
- Impact
- Compression
- Product shifting inside containers
Without sufficient internal cushioning, you’ll run the risk of these road factors damaging your products, which cuts into your profits, reduces your reliability as a shipper, and slows down your overall operations. Shipping damages have become such a problem in the shipping industry that an estimated 1 billion dollars is lost every year in the US alone. We’ll take a look at air pillows and other void-filling systems that can mitigate the risk of shipment damage for your operations.
What Are Air Pillows and Void Fill Systems?
Air pillows are one of the more common types of void fill systems used in shipping today, as they are affordable and highly effective. The majority of air pillows are made of a lightweight inflatable material that acts as both a cushion for fragile materials and a void filler, eliminating gaps in shipment spaces. When properly used, air pillows and void systems help prevent products from moving during transit and cushion them against shock and vibrations that can dislodge them from their secure positions. While air pillows are one of the more popular void fill systems, there are additional products available as well for this role, including:
- Air pillows
- Bubble cushioning
- Foam packaging
- Paper systems
- Packing peanuts
We’ll take a closer look at how air pillows compare to other common void-filling solutions so you can choose the right product for your needs.
Air Pillows Versus Packing Peanuts
When we compare air pillows and packing peanuts, the main deciding factor is the shape of your packaged products. Air pillows often have a lower shipping weight and better void fill than packing peanuts, but sometimes struggle with irregularly shaped products. We recommend using air pillows over packing peanuts when possible, as this can reduce the total shipping weight while giving the packing a cleaner and more organized appearance.
Air Pillows Versus Paper Void Fillers
Paper void fillers are another popular option as they can be more easily recycled than air pillows, but like packing peanuts, they will increase the weight of your shipment more than air pillows. Paper void fillers can also be an excellent option if you’re shipping a product with sharper edges, and you’re concerned about breaking an air pillow during shipment. Having a supply of both of these void fillers is often the right choice, as this will allow you to always use the right void filler for the job.
Find Air Cushions and Other Void Fillers Online at Strapping-Products.com
At Strapping-Products.com, we make it easy for shippers to shop for air pillows and other void fillers they need at affordable prices. To get started shopping for the right void filler for your shipping needs, or to get a quote on bulk shipments, give our team a call today at 888-803-8140.
