If you’ve ordered anything from the “big guys” lately (we’re looking at you, Amazon), you’ve probably noticed that air pillows are increasingly favored for void fill and protective cushioning. And for good reason: air pillows provide significant benefits over other types of packaging material. Here are five good reasons you should switch to air pillows if you haven’t already.
1. Sustainability
Air pillows are the sustainable choice for product protection. Each air cushion is made of 99% air and only 1% film, resulting in significantly less material use and waste. In fact, compared to Styrofoam peanuts, air pillows use 99% less material. In addition, air pillows films are available in eco-friendly recyclable plastic, compostable bioplastic, and even compostable paper versions. Our PaperPack is made with 80% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable and home compostable. Whichever film you choose, air pillows consume less energy and material during production and result in less trash in the landfill.
2. Cost
Air pillows help you cut down on your packaging material and shipping costs, too. Air pillows weigh practically nothing, so they won’t add weight to your package—unlike bulkier options like wrapping paper. Air pillow film is highly economical for the volume of void fill or cushioning material they produce. A single roll of film creates hundreds of pillows. And since production is fast and easy, you’ll improve productivity, too.
3. Versatility
Air pillows are a highly versatile packaging solution. They provide excellent product protection and can be used to fill a variety of packaging needs. Air pillows come in both chains (with pillow sizes ranging from 4” to 10” high) and wider pillow mats (with 1, 2, 4 or 8 chambers in each row). Larger pillows provide a quick and easy void fill option and can be packed tightly into the box to provide blocking and bracing for light- or medium-weight goods. The smaller pillow chains and pillow mats can be used to wrap products or line the box for cushioning. The mats are great for top fill and interleaving, also, protecting stacked items and filling extra space at the top of the box. No matter the volume and shape of the space you need to fill, there is an air pillow product that is right for you.
4. Ease of Use
Your packaging line employees will love air pillows because they are fast to make and easy to use. Just feed the film into the pillow machine and let it do the work for you. Air pillows can be made on-demand or made up in advance and stored in mobile bins. Some air pillow machines even come with sensors, so they automatically make pillows when your supply is getting low. Perforations between the pillows allow you to tear off exactly as many as you need for the job. And package filling with air pillows is faster and easier than using packaging peanuts or crumpling up paper. Air pillows keep productivity high and packaging lines moving. Air pillows are easier for customers, too—no mess, easy unpacking, and simple recycling or disposal.
5. Space Savings
Who has room to store bulky peanuts, heavy brown paper, or massive rolls of bubble wrap? Air pillow film takes up very little room—especially considering the volume of filler each roll provides. The pillows are stored flat on the roll and only filled when they are needed. A single roll of air pillow film can replace up to 8 bags of packaging peanuts—equivalent to 160 cubic feet of storage space! That’s shelf space you can put to better use to maximize profitability.
Ready to get started with air pillows? Let us help you select the right Pod and Pack for your needs.
