Reviewed and expanded August 2026. Carrier rules, product availability, and pricing can change; confirm current details before shipping.
Packing paper has four different jobs
- Wrapping: prevents light scuffs and keeps adjacent items separated.
- Void fill: stops a product from sliding around inside the carton.
- Blocking/bracing: tightly crumpled paper can help hold an object away from box walls.
- Layering: sheets can separate flat products, dishes, books, or components.
Those jobs are not identical. A sheet wrapped around a glass item may protect the surface but provide little impact cushioning.
Newsprint versus printed newspaper
Unprinted newsprint is popular because it is soft, inexpensive, and does not transfer ordinary newspaper ink onto products. Reused printed paper may be fine for some durable items, but ink transfer, cleanliness, and presentation can matter.
Kraft paper
Kraft paper is generally stronger and can be useful for wrapping, crumpling, and heavier-duty void fill. Rolls work well at a packing station because workers can tear the amount required for each order. Sheet packs can be easier in very small spaces.
How much paper is enough?
The correct amount is determined by movement and protection, not by appearance. After closing the box, gently move it. If the product shifts freely, you likely need better blocking, a smaller package, or a different protection method. Do not simply keep adding paper to an oversized carton without reconsidering the box size.
Paper versus air pillows, bubble cushioning, and foam
| Material | Strength | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Packing paper | Versatile, recyclable in many systems, good for wrapping and void fill | Can become heavy in large quantities |
| Air pillows | Very light void fill | Puncture risk; not ideal for heavy sharp items |
| Bubble cushioning | Surface and impact cushioning | More volume to store/dispose of |
| Foam | Can provide engineered protection | Cost and recycling/disposal vary widely |
Buying considerations
- Sheet versus roll format.
- Paper width relative to your products.
- Basis weight/thickness.
- Recycled content if that matters to your packaging goals.
- Storage footprint.
- Cost by weight or usable length, not just roll price.
Avoid paying to ship excessive paper
Paper is heavier than air-based void fill. If an oversized box requires a large mass of crumpled paper, right-sizing the carton can reduce both material use and shipment weight. See Box Size and Shipping Cost Explained.