Choosing the right filler for parcels is one of the key decisions in every e-commerce and fulfillment center. In the era of abandoning plastic (in accordance with the upcomingEU PPWRregulation), paper filler has become the market standard. However, paper is not equal to paper. How to choose the right weight and form for the products you send?
Roll filler and paper chips - basic differences
Two main solutions dominate the market, which successfully replace bubble wrap and Styrofoam:
- Paper Shreds – fluffy, flexible strips of thick paper, perfect for filling empty spaces around fragile objects (glass, cosmetics, ceramics).
- Rolled wrapping paper – ideal for crushing, wrapping and blocking heavier products in the carton. Perfect for bulk shipping using cutters or automatic dispensers.
Paper weight – why does it matter?
Grammage (i.e. the weight of a square meter of paper expressed in grams) determines the stiffness and cushioning properties of the filling material.
- 70 g/m² – Light and flexible. Perfect for smaller packages and lighter items. It crushes very easily in your hands, creating a springy protective cushion that perfectly absorbs minor shocks.
- 90 g/m² – Universal. The most popular choice for most online stores. Offers the perfect balance between roll performance and stiffness, providing tough, compact protection.
- 100 g/m² and more - For special tasks. Stiff, thick and extremely strong wrapping paper used for shipping extremely heavy machine parts, professional tools, car rims or furniture. Also ideal as pallet divider.
What to choose for your industry?
Depending on the profile of your e-commerce, you should choose the filler that will best take care of your product:
- Beauty, Health & Cosmetics: Here, ecological paper shavings reign unrivaled. They provide excellent cushioning for small glass jars of creams, and at the same time have an aesthetic and decorative function (they build a very desirableunboxing experience).
- Electronics and RTV: We strongly recommend wrapping paper on a roll (90 g/m²). Electronic equipment requires maximum stabilization in the box to prevent heavy elements from moving during fast courier transport. To properly protect flat elements, it is also worth using painting cardboard.
- Car parts and heavy industry: Only thick paper on a roll (above 90 g/m²) which, after being firmly crumpled, will create a hard, compact and completely immobile block next to the heavy object.
Cost calculation – is paper really profitable?
Although cheap bubble wrap initially seems cheaper when purchasing a single roll on Allegro, wrapping paper definitely wins in terms of long-term production efficiency in logistics. After crumpling, one roll of wrapping paper (e.g. 400 meters) yields many times more filling volume than from a similar roll of foil. Additionally, you save on rigorous eco-modulation fees under Extended Producer Responsibility (ROP) and you save your packers' time.
We recommend using our free calculator built into the website to calculate your own monthly paper efficiency needs.
Summary
Choosing the right paper filler for parcels means long-term profit, saving money, speeding up packaging time and an excellent image of a modern B2C brand that cares about ecology. As a direct manufacturer of Mila Papier, we offer our customers from Poland and Europe a full range of grammages and widths.