Essential Packaging Materials
Every material you'll actually need to pack and ship an order safely, in one place — click through to any one for sizing, buying advice, and our picks.
Why this matters: most shipping problems trace back to the wrong material for the job — a mailer too thin for a heavy item, a box with too much empty space, or tape that doesn't hold in transit. This page breaks down every core material category so you can match the right one to what you're actually shipping.
All Materials, One Page
Click any material to see sizing guidance, buying tips, and our top picks.
Corrugated Shipping Boxes
The base of nearly every shipment, in every strength rating.
Poly Mailers
Lightweight, non-rigid bags for soft or flexible goods.
Rigid Mailers
Flat, crush-resistant protection for documents and prints.
Bubble Mailers
Padded envelopes built for small, lightweight items.
Bubble Wrap
The most common protective wrap for fragile items.
Air Pillows
Inflatable void fill that ships flat until you need it.
Packing Peanuts
Loose-fill cushioning for irregularly shaped items.
Foam Inserts
Custom-cut protective padding for delicate or valuable goods.
Packing & Kraft Paper
Wrap and void fill in one, and easy to recycle.
Inserts & Dividers
Internal compartments to keep multi-item orders separated.
Packing Tape
General-purpose carton sealing, the workhorse of shipping.
Water-Activated Tape
A reinforced sealing option that bonds directly to the box.
Tape Dispensers
Handheld and desktop options that actually speed up packing.
Stretch & Pallet Wrap
For bulk shipments and securing palletized loads.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Recyclable and compostable alternatives across every category above.
Quick Comparison
A fast reference before you commit to a material.
| Material | Best For | Protection Level | Cost Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated Boxes | Anything rigid or stackable | High | $ |
| Poly Mailers | Clothing, soft goods | Low | $ |
| Rigid Mailers | Documents, prints, photos | Moderate | $$ |
| Bubble Mailers | Small, light, semi-fragile items | Moderate | $$ |
| Bubble Wrap | Wrapping fragile items inside a box | High | $$ |
| Air Pillows | Filling empty space, light cushioning | Low–Moderate | $ |
| Foam Inserts | Delicate or high-value items | Very High | $$$ |
| Packing Paper | Light wrap and general void fill | Low | $ |
Which Material Fits Your Product?
Packaging Materials FAQ
Can I mix and match materials in the same shipment?
Yes, and it's usually the right call. Most shipments combine a box or mailer with some form of void fill and, for fragile items, an inner wrap like bubble wrap — no single material does everything.
Is a bigger box always safer than a smaller one?
No — a bigger box just means more empty space to fill, and unfilled space actually increases the chance of damage since the contents can shift and the box has less structural support against crushing.
Do I need different materials for different seasons?
Mostly not, but extreme heat can soften some adhesives on tape and mailers during transit or storage. If you're shipping through a hot climate for extended periods, check your tape's temperature rating specifically.
What's the cheapest way to protect a shipment without sacrificing safety?
Right-sizing the box is usually the biggest lever — a properly sized box needs less void fill and is less likely to have items shift during transit, which often matters more than which specific cushioning material you choose.
Not Sure Which Material You Need?
Tell us what you're shipping and we'll point you to the right one.
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