Eco-Friendly Ideas for Large Magnetic Gift Boxes

Large gift boxes are impressive because of their size. When someone receives a big box, they are immediately excited to open it because the size indicates that it contains something valuable.

When using large white magnetic boxes for your products, you also need to include void filler to ensure that the items inside stay safe during shipping. There are various kinds of fillers but the best choice would be to use a biodegradable or reusable package filler. 

This blog post will give ideas for package filler options that are environmentally friendly. 

What is Void Filler? 

Void fillers are materials strategically placed in gaps within a package to protect items during shipping. They serve three critical purposes:

1. Prevent excessive movement
2. Provide cushioning
3. Ensure that items arrive in excellent condition

Types of Void Filler

Tissue Paper

Tissue paper can come in monochromatic hues or be custom-printed with your brand colour and logo. They are great to use with books, paintings, and photo albums because products like these need to be protected from scratches and dust. 

Shredded Paper

Another name for this is crinkle paper. They act as cushioning below the products to keep them in place. This filler works well for small but relatively heavy products like cosmetics packaged in jars, scented candles, and vases. They are simple but make your packaging seem more fun. 

Spiro Packs

One option you can look into is spiro packs. These are spiral-shaped fillers made from sustainable paper. It is an innovative approach to void fillers and takes up less space compared to air pillows or paper shreds. 

Packing Peanuts

These are soft peanut-shaped cushioning that you can use to fill in spaces inside the box. They are effective in avoiding breakage for fragile items. Generally, they are made with Styrofoam but more suppliers are now exploring non-toxic materials like cornstarch or wheat. Packing peanuts made from wheat or cornstarch are easy to dispose of because they are water-soluble. 

Crumpled Paper

This one is a very sustainable option as it involves recycling just about any kind of paper - newspaper, used paper, old Kraft bags, or tracing books. However, you need to assess what kind of padding you need because different paper types have varying thicknesses and weights which can affect the overall weight and protection of the package. 

Biodegradable Air Cushions

Air cushions used to be made with plastic, but with recent innovations are now often made with biodegradable plastics made with various starches. The air pillows fill the spaces or gaps inside the cartons which can cause breakage in products. The biodegradable variety can be reused multiple times reducing waste and encouraging environmentally-friendly practices. 

Mushroom Insulation

Mushroom roots and other agricultural waste cannot be used for human or animal consumption but it has found a place in sustainable packaging as a reliable insulation material. 

The mushroom roots, also known as mycelium, are allowed to grow around corn stalks, hemp, and husks. After a few days, fibres will link together to form a solid shape. The solid shape results in a durable material that can hold a product securely. 

Insulated packaging made from mushrooms is great for holding jars and bottles. 

Green Cell Foam

Green cell foam is a packaging material that comes from non-GMO cornstarch, making it biodegradable and water-soluble. It is a popular alternative to Styrofoam and bubble wrap. 

The foam acts as a cushion for items that hold them on place to protect them during transport. Manufacturing GCF requires less energy and produces less greenhouse gases compared to Styrofoam. 

Aside from dissolving them, you can also burn them in barbecues and fireplaces because they do not give off toxic fumes. 

Hex Wrap

Honeycomb paper gets its name from the unique shape of the wrapping paper - like a bee’s honeycomb. It is a lightweight packing solution that is biodegradable and recyclable. Aside from its innovative shape, honeycomb wrapping paper is becoming popular because it is easy to use. You only need to stretch to the length that completely covers your items and then cut. 

Importance of Void Fillers

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t use void filler for fragile items only. When used in moderation, they can enhance your product’s visual appeal. It affects your customer’s unboxing experience because the fillers you choose show how much you care for the product’s condition upon arriving at your customer’s doorstep. 

Some factors that affect your choice of fillers are the product’s shape, weight, and sensitivities. If it is damaged by moisture, you need a moisture-resistant paper wrap. Whereas, if your products are UV-sensitive, you need packing fillers that can protect them against UV light. 

How to Choosing the Filling for Large Gift Boxes

1. What level of protection do I need for my products?
2. Which void filler will help me achieve a cohesive brand identity?
3. To what extent can I practice sustainability in my packaging choices?
4. How much money can I allocate for eco-friendly packaging?
5. What kind of unboxing experience would I like to provide to my customers?

These questions are essential to match your packing fillers to your products. The wrong choice can result in damages that will cost you not only your reputation but additional expenses also. 

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Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate packaging filler for large gift boxes is not only crucial for safeguarding your products during transit but also presents an opportunity to align with eco-friendly practices. 

By opting for biodegradable or reusable fillers such as shredded paper, biodegradable air pillows, mushroom insulation, or honeycomb paper, you not only protect your items but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability. 

Furthermore, these fillers can enhance the unboxing experience for your customers, showcasing your commitment to delivering quality while minimising ecological impact. By carefully considering your product's needs, brand identity, and sustainability goals, you can make informed choices that benefit both your business and the planet.