Innovative Eco-Friendly Void Fill Solutions for E-Commerce

28 Apr 2025

In the world of e-commerce, often referred to as B2C (business to consumer), businesses prepare and dispatch goods to customers, typically by delivering them within a day or two. To ensure products arrive safely, they are usually packed in outer boxes. However, with varying box sizes, achieving a perfect fit is rare, leading to the use of void fill materials.

Traditionally, void spaces were filled with materials like "popcorn" or starch pellets, and later, plastic air pillows. However, consumers have increasingly rejected the use of virgin plastic, even if it's mostly air. This shift has prompted businesses to explore environmentally friendly solutions. 

One popular option is the use of plastic air pillows made from recycled materials, which can be recycled in regular household bins. Consumers can deflate these pillows when unpacking and dispose of them responsibly. 

For those who prefer to avoid plastic entirely, paper pillows offer an alternative. These are designed similarly to plastic air pillows and can be deflated and recycled with household paper waste, making them an attractive option for high-value products such as cosmetics. 

At FROMM, we provide both paper and plastic Airpad systems. While paper pillows are more costly due to higher manufacturing and material costs, as well as increased energy consumption to produce, they offer a sustainable choice for businesses committed to reducing plastic use. Our versatile machines can convert rolls of either plastic of paper into air pillow with simple modifications. 

To complement these eco-friendly void fill solutions, FROMM has developed water activated paper packaging tape.  This tape can be recycled along with the box, eliminating the need for removal and ensuring products reach their destination safely. 

Want to see more? Explore the demonstration videos for the FROMM AP150 Airpad Machine and Paper Airpad Machine. Or Contact us today to discover the sustainable solutions we can offer your business.