Buying Guide
Paper Cushioning Guide
Learn how to select paper cushioning materials including honeycomb, kraft wrap, and molded pulp for product protection.
Quick Answer
Paper cushioning includes honeycomb structures, crumpled kraft fill, paper pads, molded pulp inserts, and tissue interleaving. Choose based on product fragility, drop height, compression load, recyclability goals, and whether the pack must stay mono-material paper.
Types of Paper Cushioning
Honeycomb panels and blocks: compression and panel protection.
Kraft paper wrap: flexible surface protection.
Paper pads and sheets: layer separation and void fill.
Molded pulp: formed inserts for product cradling.
Tissue and glassine: scratch-sensitive surface protection.
Selection Criteria
Drop test height and vibration exposure.
Product weight per unit and contact points.
Need for custom die-cut vs standard sheet sizes.
Export market recyclability requirements.
Honeycomb vs Simple Kraft Fill
Kraft fill is low cost for light products. Honeycomb suits heavier items needing defined compression resistance and structured support.
Integration with Outer Cartons
Paper cushioning should match carton board grade. Under-protected product can fail drop tests even when the outer corrugated box is correctly specified.
Buyer Checklist
ISTA or internal drop test standard.
Mono-material paper requirement.
Supplier cutting and kitting capability.
Cost per unit at target order volume.
PackTrades Recommendation
Test paper cushioning with your actual product geometry and shipping route before committing to bulk production.