There are many different kinds of packaging materials on the market, but not every type of packaging is suitable for all products and materials.

Therefore, it is important to be familiar with the main packaging types so that you can choose the best one.

The purpose of this article is to introduce various cushioning packaging materials so that you can choose the correct packaging. Let's start with some basics.

1. Honeycomb paper packaging

Honeycomb wrap is an eco-friendly paper alternative to bubble wrap that offers similar cushioning protection but is naturally biodegradable, compostable and fully recyclable. In addition, the extra softness of honeycomb paper packaging provides greater flexibility than foam packaging. It provides much-needed cushioning protection to the material and prevents scratches.

Honeycomb paper cleverly forms around your product, providing a beautiful display while taking up less space than traditional plastic bubbles. Products can be individually packaged in the hive as if using bubble wrap. It can also be used as a filler to create a cushion inside the shipping box.

The benefits of honeycomb paper packaging

Compared to bubble wrap, honeycomb wraps are more flexible and efficient because they do not require any additional tape to interlock the paper structure.

As honeycomb paper packaging is an innovative and modern type of packaging, they will help your business stand out and ensure higher customer satisfaction.

2. Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is considered one of the most popular packaging materials in the world. Light weight, cost-effectiveness, and reliable protection are among the many reasons why the vast majority of people prefer bubble wrap to store and ship products.

Over the years, many different types of bubble wrap have been introduced on the market to provide maximum protection for various products and reliable packaging materials for different industries.

Typically, companies use bubble wrap rolls because they can be easily cut to length. You can also use different lengths of bubble wrap to wrap different products.

The benefits of bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is undoubtedly the most reliable cushioning for fragile items. Air bubbles suspend the product in the carton, absorb shock and keep the product protected during shipping.

3. What is Polyethylene Foam?

It can be said that polyethylene foam is not as popular as bubble wrap because not many people are familiar with the various benefits of bubble wrap. However, this type of packaging provides protection even with thin foam.

The good thing about foam is that it doesn't wear out, leaving no scratches or marks on the surface. You can use bubble wrap for shiny items like metal, polished wood, and glass.

Best Types of Polyethylene Foam

Generally, Styrofoam is considered the best type of foam because it acts as a cushion for fragile items. Plus, because the foam is thinner, you can wrap and stack your products to fit more into the carton.

On the other hand, pre-cut foam board is best for stacking items that must be packed together, such as cups and plates. It will also help you save a lot of packing items as you will be able to stack items quickly.

The benefits of Polyethylene Foam

A significant benefit of polyethylene foam is that it is thinner and lighter than bubble wrap. So even if the corrugated box you choose is small, you can use it to store more items.

4. Air pillow film, bubble film

Air pillows are translucent HDPE film bags filled with air, which, as the name suggests, are like pillows. They're an excellent space filler because pillows come in all shapes and sizes, but don't add weight and waste to your package.

Bubble film is mainly used for product wrapping protection, buffering and shock absorption in packaging boxes, and can also be used to fill gaps in fixed packaging containers, which is very practical and convenient. Wrap the product in gourd film, secure it with tape, and put it in the box.

Chances are you're already familiar with air pillows because Amazon uses them extensively.

Air pillows actually protect your product better than bubble wrap because they completely prevent product movement. Air pillows also take up less storage space because you don't fill them with air before using them.

5. Corrugated paper packaging

The corrugated material is made from three sheets - a fluted sheet sandwiched between two liners. These papers can be stiffened to make cardboard or thinner to make more flexible paper. So you can make packaging and packaging out of corrugated material.

Corrugated cardboard was invented way back in the mid-19th century when it was used to keep top hats straight. It is now used in some capacity to ship about 90% of all products across the United States. It is made of 100% recyclable material and can be reused. It's also fairly renewable, as it's originally made from fast-growing birch and pine trees, which can then simply be recycled into more corrugated packaging.

What makes corrugated packaging so popular is that it is very durable and lightweight. It can be purchased from a variety of sources and tends to be highly cost-effective.

6. Degradable packaging peanuts

Made from natural vegetable starches such as wheat and corn starches, sorghum and potato starches. Due to the unique shape of the peanuts, the foamed peanuts interlock when compressed and flow freely when uncompressed. Foam peanuts are a common loose packing and cushioning material that is very light (usually about 3 grams per liter / 0.17 to 0.2 pounds per cubic foot) and easy to use. Can be used freely and flexibly to fill empty spaces around shipped products.

Biodegradable packaged peanuts are made from natural sources, have the advantage of being non-toxic, soluble in water, and can be added to compost after a single use, making these packaged peanuts the main advantage of being good for the planet. It's also easier for consumers to dispose of them at home because it's faster to throw them in the sink than to collect Styrofoam peanuts and put them in a trash bag. In addition, biodegradable foam peanuts have no electrostatic charge.

The above 6 kinds of buffer packaging materials are for your reference, choose the packaging that suits you, in order to protect the safety of your products!

WiAIR is a manufacturer specializing in the research and development of buffer packaging equipment and consumables. The machinery and equipment and packaging consumables sold are all independently developed and produced, with a number of patent certificates, in line with multinational export standards. WiAIR can design an overall packaging solution suitable for your products, and can provide customized services. If you are interested in cooperation or have purchase needs, please contact us to discuss! Thanks!