Void fill used to be an afterthought. Whatever was cheapest and on hand went into the box. In 2025, that gap in the carton has become a quiet test of a brand’s environmental credentials, and tissue-based solutions are steadily edging out traditional plastic bubble wrap as the default choice for many Australian businesses.
Why void fill is under the spotlight
Void fill used to be whatever was left in the storeroom. In 2025, that empty space inside the carton has turned into a visible test of how serious a brand is about waste and plastics, and customers now question the packaging that arrives at their door.
Bubble wrap still protects well, but it is made from plastic film that is difficult to recycle through normal kerbside systems and often ends up in landfill after one use. Paper-based options are usually recyclable, often compostable and made from renewable fibres, which fits far better with long-term sustainability targets and consumer expectations.
When businesses review their packaging supplies, void fill is no longer a footnote. It has become part of the brand story.
What void fill actually does
Void fill has three core tasks: stop items shifting in transit, protect surfaces from scuffs and shape the unboxing experience. Tissue and other paper-based materials now handle these jobs well. Soft sheets can be wrapped around products; heavier grades can be crumpled or formed into pads to brace items in place.
Plain packing paper remains a workhorse for many Australian warehouses and removalists. The difference in 2025 is that it now sits alongside coloured tissue, honeycomb paper wraps and machine-fed kraft systems for higher volumes.
Why tissue paper is overtaking bubble wrap
There are three main reasons tissue and kraft-based void fill are edging ahead of traditional bubble wrap.
- Environmental performance: Global research into paper void fill shows steady growth through to 2030 as companies switch from plastic to recyclable paper-based systems, with the market forecast to grow at just over 5% a year. At the same time, studies into consumer attitudes confirm that shoppers are increasingly attracted to brands using visibly sustainable packaging and are turning away from excessive plastics.
- Customer experience: Tissue paper changes how a parcel feels to open. Research from packaging suppliers shows that items wrapped in decorative tissue can be perceived as higher value than the same products packed in basic void fill. Soft tissue also protects delicate surfaces such as cosmetics, ceramics and apparel without leaving impressions or residue.
- Practicality in the packing area: Bubble wrap rolls are bulky and awkward to store. Paper reels and pre-cut stacks take less space and are easier to stage at multiple packing benches, and simple manual dispensers or automated paper systems can deliver void fill on demand.
Market trends Australian businesses should note
The shift from plastic to paper is not a side issue. Paper and paperboard packaging as a whole is forecast to keep growing through to 2030, supported by recycling rules and the rise of e-commerce.
For local brands, this is about more than image. Sustainable void fill helps align with retailer requirements, procurement policies and likely future regulations. It also makes life easier for end customers, who can usually put paper straight into household recycling.
Businesses sourcing newsprint paper in Melbourne, for example, can access unprinted newsprint and tissue grades for wrapping glassware, crockery and general merchandise, supporting both protection and recyclability.
Cost and operational considerations
There is a perception that paper must always be more expensive than plastic. In practice, the picture is more mixed. Industry case studies show that companies switching to eco-friendly void fill often lower their overall packaging costs, partly by cutting back on unnecessary plastic and optimising pack design.
Paper void fill can be cost-effective when bought as wholesale packaging paper and used through simple, standardised packing procedures. Material use is easy to control and staff training is straightforward, which helps keep both waste and labour time under control.
From a health and safety angle, paper void fill avoids issues like popping noise, slipping hazards from loose plastic film and the need to manage deflated air pillows. Packs are often easier to cut open without damaging the product.
Planning a transition away from bubble wrap
Not every application will move away from bubble wrap immediately. Heavy industrial items or very fragile components may still require plastic cushioning or hybrid systems. The key is to be deliberate.
A practical transition plan might:
- Map product groups by weight, fragility and customer expectations
- Identify which lines can move to tissue or kraft-based void fill
- Trial paper-based systems and track damage rates, packing speed and feedback
- Standardise successful pack formats and roll them out across similar products
In many cases, a mix of soft tissue wrap and stronger paper pads works best. Partnership with specialists in wholesale packaging supplies can help match paper grades and dispensing equipment to your product mix and freight profile. Whether you are reviewing a single line of protective wrap or your entire void fill approach, Superior Paper can help you cut plastic, improve recyclability and maintain strong product protection. Talk to the team at Superior Paper today. Visit https://superiorpaper.com.au/our-products/ to explore the product line.
