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.