Poly Chips
Fastfil Poly Chips (Loose Fill) — Lightweight Void Fill for Shipping Protection
Fastfil Poly Chips are a classic loose-fill void fill designed to help protect items in transit by filling empty space inside cartons. Supplied as a large-volume bag (commonly referenced as 15 cubic feet), these lightweight chips are intended to cushion products, reduce movement, and help minimise knocks and vibration during handling and delivery. They’re a practical choice for busy packing benches where speed matters—simply pour, nest your product, and top up to stabilise the contents.
Loose fill is especially useful when you ship mixed shapes and sizes, or when you need a flexible protective solution that can quickly adapt to different box dimensions. Poly chips can be used on their own for general void fill, or combined with other protective packaging (such as bubble wrap or paper) for more delicate items.
Key Features
Fast void fill for everyday packing:
Designed for quick dispensing and rapid carton filling, helping you pack efficiently when order volumes are high.
Cushioning and shock absorption:
Loose fill helps absorb minor impacts and vibration, supporting products during typical courier handling.
Helps reduce product movement:
By filling empty space, poly chips help keep items from shifting inside the box, reducing the risk of scuffs and damage.
Lightweight protection:
Adds protective volume without adding significant shipping weight, making it a popular option for cost-conscious dispatch.
Anti-static properties (as commonly specified for this product type):
Many Fastfil loose-fill listings describe anti-static performance, which can be beneficial when packing items sensitive to static build-up.
Reusable and recyclable (as commonly specified for this product type):
Loose fill is often described as reusable for multiple shipments and recyclable where facilities accept the material.
Clean, easy-to-handle chips:
Loose fill is intended to be simple to pour and distribute around products, making it suitable for general warehouse use.
Key Features (Bullet Summary)
- Loose-fill void fill for cartons and boxes
- Helps cushion items and reduce movement in transit
- Lightweight protective packaging
- Quick to dispense and easy to top up
- Often specified as anti-static, reusable and recyclable for this product type
Typical Uses
- General eCommerce fulfilment and mail order dispatch
- Warehousing and distribution centres packing mixed SKUs
- Protecting items with irregular shapes that don’t suit fixed inserts
- Filling voids around wrapped products (e.g., items first wrapped in bubble wrap or foam)
- Seasonal peaks where fast packing speed is essential
Fastfil Poly Chips — Full Product Guide
Loose fill remains one of the most adaptable protective packaging options available. This guide explains how poly chips are typically used, what they’re best suited for, and how to get consistent results across different carton sizes and product types.
How It Works
Poly chips protect by occupying the empty space (the “void”) inside a shipping carton. When the void is filled correctly, the packed item is less able to move around, and the chips provide a cushioning layer that helps absorb minor shocks and vibration. For best results, aim to create a stable “bed” of chips beneath the product, surround it on all sides, and finish with a top layer so the item is suspended and supported.
Loose fill is particularly effective for products that are robust enough for general cushioning but still benefit from reduced movement—think boxed goods, non-fragile components, and many everyday retail items.
Materials and Construction
Fastfil Poly Chips are a polystyrene loose-fill style void fill (often referred to as packing chips). Product listings for this type commonly describe features such as anti-static performance and recyclability. Because loose fill is lightweight and compressible, it can provide protective volume without significantly increasing parcel weight.
Note: material acceptance for recycling can vary by region and facility. If recyclability is important for your operation, check local guidance and customer instructions.
Floor Type Compatibility
Loose fill is typically used at packing benches, in pick/pack areas, and near carton-erecting stations. It can be dispensed directly from the bag into cartons, or decanted into a hopper/bin for easier access. In busy environments, consider placing a dedicated dispensing container near the packing station to reduce handling time.
Because chips are lightweight, they can migrate if exposed to strong airflow. If your packing area uses high-powered fans or open dock doors, keep the dispensing point sheltered to reduce drift and housekeeping.
Health and Safety
- Housekeeping: Loose fill can create slip hazards if spilled. Keep floors clear and sweep up promptly.
- Static and cling: Anti-static loose fill can help reduce cling, but conditions vary with humidity and environment.
- Choking hazard: Keep away from children and ensure customers dispose of packaging responsibly.
- Dust and debris: Store bags closed when not in use to keep the product clean and reduce contamination.
Ideal Applications and Use Cases
Everyday void fill:
For general shipping where you need a quick, flexible filler that adapts to different carton sizes.
Mixed product shapes:
Useful when you ship a wide variety of items and don’t want to stock multiple bespoke inserts.
Secondary protection:
Combine with wrapping materials (bubble wrap, foam, paper) for items that need surface protection as well as void fill.
High-throughput packing:
Loose fill can speed up packing because it’s quick to dispense and easy to top up.
Maintenance, Cleaning and Care
- Storage: Keep the bag sealed and dry to maintain cleanliness and reduce static issues.
- Dispensing: If decanting into a bin, use a lidded container to prevent chips escaping and to keep the area tidy.
- Reuse: Where appropriate, chips can often be reused for internal shipments or returns processing.
- Waste handling: Provide clear internal guidance on disposal and recycling routes based on local facilities.
Case Study (Example Workflow)
A small eCommerce operation shipping a mix of boxed accessories and non-fragile components needs a fast packing method during peak season. By keeping a dispensing bin of poly chips at each bench, packers can:
- Pour a base layer into the carton
- Place the product (optionally pre-wrapped for surface protection)
- Fill around the sides and corners
- Top up to prevent movement when the carton is gently shaken
This approach helps maintain consistent packing quality while keeping packing time per order low.
Who Is It For?
- Warehouses and fulfilment teams needing quick, flexible void fill
- Businesses shipping mixed product sizes and shapes
- Operations looking for lightweight protective packaging
- Packers who want a simple “pour and fill” solution
Colours / Features Available
Loose fill chips are commonly supplied in standard chip styles and may be offered in different colours depending on availability and specification. If your packing process requires a particular colour (for presentation or identification), check the variant options on this page.
Sizes Available
This product is supplied as a bulk bag of loose fill (commonly referenced as 15 cubic feet). Variant options on this page may include different pack quantities. Select the option that best matches your throughput and storage space.
Tip: For best protection, always use a strong outer carton and ensure the item is immobilised—if you can feel movement when you gently shake the sealed box, add more void fill.