Industrial peanuts and other loose fill packaging materials are used on a regular basis as filler in boxes shipped around the world. Deciding what type of loose fill will work best for your company doesn't have to be an overwhelming task.
1. List your current shipping needs. Include what gets shipped, where it is shipped and how often.
2. Find loose fill packaging materials that will protect your shipment at a cost that your business can afford.
3. Choose from different styles, textures and materials for loose fill packing.
Once you've narrowed down your needs, think about what is important to your business as far as shipping goes. If you need an inexpensive filler to keep items from shifting in their packages, but aren't too concerned about the product damage, buy cheap packing peanuts. When your product needs a little extra protection, consider an interlocking loose fill or even a static-free material to fill your packages.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Consider your basic options when it comes to industrial peanuts
Choose from the basic foam, inexpensive packing peanuts for industrial or retail packing. Ship your products with the protection they deserve by finding a loose fill that will cushion and keep your products protected. Look for interlocking shaped peanuts or foam peanuts guaranteed not to break. If your business will be using a lot of loose fill materials you may also want to consider purchasing a loose fill dispenser for easy packing.
I recommend: Fast-Pack offers your basic foam packing peanuts and fill dispensers. Buy
Flo-Pak Loosefill, a 100% recycled polystyrene packing peanut in a figure-eight shape. It's unbreakable to protect your product. Buy industrial loose fill packaging and dispensers from
Sealed Air. For S-shaped peanuts that interlock easily, try
ACH Foam Technologies fill.
Think about the environment when using loose fill packaging materials
Many companies make recycled, biodegradable or earth-friendly packing peanut alternatives. Consider using cornstarch peanuts that can be completely decomposed in water, or find a loose fill material made of 100% biodegradable materials so you and your customers know you won't be harming the earth when you use them. If you want to show your company cares about the earth, join the loose fill recycling group called the Plastic Loose Fill Council.
I recommend: Contact the
Peanut Hotline of the Plastic Loose Fill Council to become a member of the group, recycle and reuse polystyrene packing peanuts. Buy
PolyCorn Packing Peanuts made of recycled consumer foam. Buy biodegradable cornstarch peanuts from
Uline Shipping Supply Specialists.
Find decorative packing materials for retail shipping
Fancy shreds are a great alternative to loose fill packaging for retailers who want to send product that comes looking classy or is specially packaged. Decorative packing usually comes in crinkle or string cut. They can be made of paper, recycled materials or a metallic surface.
I recommend: American Container Concepts Corp. has a large selection of decorative fill for retail uses including a metallic crinkle cut fill.
Spring-Fill Industries also offers great decorative packaging materials.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Loose fill packing can be purchased wholesale in large quantities, but it is also available in smaller bag sizes for companies that don't need as much.
- Consider purchasing a loose fill packaging dispenser from your supplier to keep the shipping line running smoothly and quickly. Everyone that's ever opened a box full of packing peanuts knows how unruly they can be.
The official source of Loose Fill Packaging Materials is
the Loose Fill Packaging Materials page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
