When shipping goods, it's crucial to make sure they arrive securely and undamaged. Protective packing materials can help with it. Selecting the appropriate packing can minimise product damage and potentially save costs, whether you're shipping common retail products or delicate electronics.

In this blog, we’ll explore what protective packaging is, along with the most common types available so you have a better understanding of the best materials for your operations.

What is protective packaging?

Protective packaging is the material or system designed to protect products during handling, storage, and transportation. Its main aim is to reduce the risk of damage from impact, vibration, moisture, static, and temperature changes.

This type of packaging is used across a wide range of industries, including ecommerce, manufacturing, food and drink, pharmaceuticals, and retail. It involves materials that absorb or fill voids (like bubble wrap or foam), but it can also include structural components too. From corner guards to edge protectors, these components help keep products steady and stable.

As well as ensuring your products arrive undamaged, using the right protective packaging materials can lower return rates and improve customer satisfaction.

What are the different types of protective packaging materials?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to protective packaging. Different products require different levels of protection. This is because it will depend on your product's fragility, shape, weight, and shipping method. Here are some of the most common protective packaging materials available.

Foam protective packaging

For expensive or delicate goods that require support and cushioning, foam protective packaging is perfect. It can come in various forms, such as sheets, rolls, corner blocks, and even custom-moulded inserts. This makes it versatile for industries like electronics, medical equipment, and automotive parts.

Offering excellent shock absorption and vibration dampening, it's suitable for long-distance or international shipping. Options like polyethylene and polyurethane foams can also be customised for moisture resistance or anti-static protection, depending on your product's requirements.

Key benefits of foam protective packaging include:

• Offers high-level impact protection

• Custom-fit options available

• It’s lightweight and durable

• Ideal for sensitive or expensive items

Paper protective packaging

Paper protective packaging is an eco-friendly solution for products that need decent cushioning. Made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, paper packaging includes kraft paper, corrugated roll, paper pads, and honeycomb paper wraps.

For companies looking to cut back on plastic usage and achieve their sustainability objectives, paper packaging is perfect. It offers good protection, especially for objects that are light to medium in weight. Because it can be used as an internal cushion, an outer wrap, or a separator between objects, it’s also quite versatile.

Benefits of paper protective packaging include:

• It’s sustainable and recyclable

• It’s a cost-effective solution

• Easy to store and use

• Suitable for a wide range of products

Bubble wrap protective packaging

Bubble wrap is a classic choice and remains a go-to material for protecting many types of items. Its air-filled bubbles provide a cushion against impact, like bumps and drops. It's the main reason why it's especially useful for wrapping individual products or lining boxes.

Available in various grades and bubble sizes, you can often find bio-degradable and anti-static bubble wrap options. This particular material is most commonly used in ecommerce, retail, and manufacturing industries where quick, efficient packing is a priority.

Key benefits of bubble wrap packaging:

• It’s lightweight and protective

• Versatile and easy to use

• Reduces the need for additional void fill

• Available in anti-static or eco-friendly options

Air cushion protective packaging

Encompassing inflated air pillows to fill empty spaces within a parcel, air cushion packaging helps prevent movement, reduce shifting, and minimise the risk of items hitting against each other or the box walls.

Because they’re inflated on-site using a small machine, air cushions save on storage space and are easy to integrate into a busy packing line. They’re perfect for lightweight and mid-weight products that are shipped in boxes with excess void space.

Benefits of air cushion packaging include:

• Ideal for packaging with excess void fill

• On-demand inflation saves space

• They offer a clean and professional presentation

• Help to reduce material use and costs

Looking for a reliable protective packaging supplier?

With different options available, choosing the right protective packaging materials can have an impact on your bottom line. Getting it right can reduce product returns, improve efficiency, and enhance your brand image.

We provide a variety of protective packaging options at Plus Packaging. Our experts can offer you specialised guidance on everything from paper protective packaging for environmentally friendly shipping, to foam protective packaging for expensive goods.

Get in touch with us today and we’ll work with you to identify the best materials for your products, budget, and operational set up.

Protective packaging materials FAQs

How do I choose the best protective packaging for my products?

The decision will largely come down to your product's fragility, weight, value, and shipping method. Heavier or breakable items often require foam or dense cushioning, while lighter products may only need paper void fill. If you’re unsure, speaking with our experts here at Plus Packaging can help you find the best balance between protection, cost, and customer experience.

When should I use air cushions or bubble wrap instead of paper or foam?

Air cushions and bubble wrap are best used for lightweight or irregularly shaped items that may shift in transit. While not as eco-friendly as paper, some bubble wrap and air pillow systems now use recycled plastics or biodegradable materials. This makes them a more sustainable option to other alternatives.

Is paper packaging recyclable and eco-friendly?

Yes, paper-based protective packaging is generally made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable after use. Paper void fill, kraft paper wrap, and corrugated cardboard inserts are all examples of sustainable packaging materials that still offer reliable protection.