A beginner’s guide to paper packaging machines

Paper packaging machines do three jobs: fill empty space in a box, cushion fragile items and wrap delicate goods. Picking the right one is the first step to faster packing, less damage in transit and a move away from plastic.

This guide is for anyone weighing up their first machine, whether you pack 10 parcels a day or 10,000.

In this article, we’ll cover:

The three main types of paper packaging machine and what each one does
How void fill, cushioning and paper wrapping differ
Which type suits small, high-volume and industrial packing
How to see the machines working before you decide

What are paper packaging machines?

Paper packaging machines turn rolls or fanfold paper into protective material at your packing bench. They fall into three groups by job: void fill, cushioning and wrapping. Each uses paper rather than plastic, so the output is recyclable and easy for your customer to dispose of at kerbside.

Most machines come in manual and powered versions, so there’s an option whether you pack occasionally or run a full despatch line. For a run-through of every option, see our guide to the different types of packaging machines.

Watch paper packaging machines in action

Seeing the machines run makes the differences obvious. In the short video below, I walk you through void fill, cushioning and wrapping in under three minutes and show the kit working on real parcels.

Watch it to see each machine in action and pick up the details that are easier to show than describe.

How does void fill work?

Void fill paper fills the empty space in a box so contents can’t move in transit. It drops straight into the carton, and you can prepare a parcel in seconds.

For lower volumes or a bench with no power supply, a manual dispenser is enough. Busier operations use a powered paper void fill machine. A foot-pedal model frees both hands and lets you set the paper fed per parcel, controlling material use. For larger boxes, some machines create a structured pad that fills bigger gaps without extra paper.

What is paper cushioning?

Paper cushioning uses folded paper pads that nest around an item to absorb shocks and protect heavy or fragile goods. It suits everything from car parts and aviation components to cosmetics and electronics.

A semi-automatic machine makes two-ply pads on demand and works well for steady, mixed packing. Higher-volume benches use automated machines that pre-produce pads and let you set the pad length, so the cushion matches the product.

When should you use paper wrapping?

Use paper wrapping for small, delicate items where presentation matters as much as protection. A paper wrapping machine turns honeycomb kraft into a cushioned wrap. It expands as you pull it, and the cut cells interlock around the product, so it holds without tape.

Pair it with interleaf tissue for a cleaner unboxing, and combine it with void fill for extra security in larger parcels. Because it’s paper, it’s recyclable, with no plastic for your customer to strip out and bin.

Which type do you need?

Start with the problem, not the machine. If products shift inside the box, you need void fill. For heavy or fragile items that must survive the whole journey, cushioning is the safer choice. For small delicate items, paper wrapping packs them faster than bubble wrap.

These jobs overlap. Cushioning pads also work as void fill, so one machine covers both. If you’re unsure where to start, see the machines matched to your own products before you commit.

Ready to find the right machine?

Ready to match the right machine to your products? Our specialists will pair void fill, cushioning or wrapping to your workflow and sustainability goals, from demonstration through to aftercare.

Shop packaging machines.

Key takeaways

Paper packaging machines cover three jobs: void fill to stop movement, cushioning to protect fragile goods and wrapping for small delicate items.
Void fill machines come in manual and powered versions, with foot-pedal models letting you control paper use per parcel.
Paper cushioning ranges from semi-automatic pads on demand to automated machines that set pad length for high-volume packing.
Honeycomb paper wrap holds items without tape and is recyclable, making it a plastic-free option for presentation-led packing.

FAQ: Paper packaging machines

Do paper packaging machines need a power supply?

Not always. Manual dispensers work without power for lower volumes, while powered and automated machines suit busier despatch lines.

Is paper void fill as protective as plastic?

For filling space and stopping movement, paper void fill does the same job as air pillows or loose fill, and it’s easier for customers to recycle at kerbside.

Can one machine do void fill, cushioning and wrapping?

Often yes. Cushioning pads can double as void fill, so one machine can cover both jobs. Wrapping uses a different paper, so it’s a separate step.

How much space do paper packaging machines take up?

Footprint varies by model, from a small benchtop dispenser to a floor-standing automated unit. A specialist can size the right machine to your bench and volume.