Compare
Bubble wrap vs paper void fill
Both protect goods in transit, but they do different jobs — one cushions the product, one fills the gaps.
Quick answer
Wrap fragile items in bubble for cushioning, then fill the remaining space with paper void fill so nothing moves. They work best together, not as either/or.
When to request a quote
Request a quote for ongoing volume — we can price bubble rolls and void-fill paper (or a dispenser set-up) to match your bench throughput.
What each option is best for
Bubble wrap
Wraps and cushions the product surface.
Best for: Fragile items needing impact protection
- Absorbs shocks around glass, ceramics, electronics
- Small bubble for surfaces, large bubble for heavy items
- Recyclable at soft-plastic points (or paper bubble)
- Doesn't stop movement inside an oversized box
Paper void fill
Fills empty space so contents can't shift.
Best for: Stopping movement in the box
- Kerbside recyclable kraft paper
- Fast to scrunch and pack by hand or machine
- Right-size the box first to use less
- Less direct cushioning than bubble on its own
Bubble wrap vs Paper void fill — side by side
Bubble wrap
Wraps and cushions the product surface.
- Best for
- Fragile items needing impact protection
- Job
- Cushions the product
- Best for
- Fragile surfaces
- Recycling
- Store points (or paper bubble kerbside)
- Stops box movement
- No
Paper void fill
Fills empty space so contents can't shift.
- Best for
- Stopping movement in the box
- Job
- Fills empty space
- Best for
- Stopping movement
- Recycling
- Kerbside (kraft paper)
- Stops box movement
- Yes
| Bubble wrap Wraps and cushions the product surface. | Paper void fill Fills empty space so contents can't shift. | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Fragile items needing impact protection | Stopping movement in the box |
| Job | Cushions the product | Fills empty space |
| Best for | Fragile surfaces | Stopping movement |
| Recycling | Store points (or paper bubble kerbside) | Kerbside (kraft paper) |
| Stops box movement | No | Yes |
| Shop | Bubble wrap | Paper void fill |
Still deciding between bubble wrap vs paper void fill?
Tell us what you're packing and your quantities. We'll recommend the right option and price it for your order — sourcing anything we don't stock through our UK supplier network.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both bubble wrap and void fill?
Related categories & guides
Buying in volume? Get trade pricing.
Tell us what you need — sizes, quantities and how often. We'll send pricing and lead time, and source anything we don't stock through our supplier network.
