Is your packing line causing a lot of waste? MarkPack NagelShippers provides industrial packaging equipment that closes operational gaps and makes a meaningful impact for both organizations and the environment. One way MarkPack NagelShippers helps companies boost their sustainability and minimize waste is by partnering with Ranpak.
Ranpak built its reputation on an alternative: paper-based void-fill and cushioning systems that protect products in transit without a plastic footprint. But Ranpak’s systems don’t just address sustainability gaps; they also leverage automation to reduce packaging costs, operate at high speeds in demanding environments, and ensure your products reach your customers in perfect condition. This guide breaks down what Ranpak protective packaging is, the void-fill and cushioning machines MarkPack NagelShippers carries, and how to determine which one your operation actually needs.
What is Ranpak Protective Packaging Solutions?
Since 1972, Ranpak has been a leader in sustainable and highly effective packaging solutions. Their expanded line today covers cushioning, void filling, mailers, wrapping, cold chain, automation, and machine insights. The company’s focus on eco-friendly manufacturing without sacrificing performance has made them a respected name in supply chain packaging.
MarkPack NagelShippers is one of the few exclusive distributors of Ranpak automated void filler and cushioning equipment in Michigan. Both product lines offer alternatives to traditional plastic packaging materials, such as bubble wrap and styrofoam, helping keep products safe during shipping by filling space or inserting shock-absorbing paper. MarkPack NagelShippers carries a variety of equipment models to meet the exact operational needs of the companies they serve. Whether you’re a mid-size company with rapidly growing demand or a large-scale secondary packaging warehouse, MarkPack NagelShippers has the packaging equipment your line needs.
What Makes Ranpak a Smart Investment?
When evaluating a new packaging system, it helps to understand what you’re actually buying into; not just the machine, but the overall long-term operational fit. Here’s what stands out about Ranpak.
Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly Paper
Every machine runs on paper. What does that mean for your production? All packaging is recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable. For operations with sustainability commitments, Ranpak equipment reduces single-use plastic usage, landfill waste, and builds your brand reputation, all without sacrificing high-performance line speed and quality protection.
Cost Efficient
All equipment uses on-demand dispensing technology, so you only convert paper when a box needs to be packed. That cuts material waste, reduces storage space for pre-made plastic fill, and lowers cost per pack over time. For operations currently buying bubble wrap or foam by the case, the savings show up quickly.
Low Maintenance
Several models in the Ranpak lineup carry zero preventive maintenance requirements. All models are easy to install and run, making your day-to-day operation straightforward.
Operational Flexibility
No matter your packaging demands, there is a Ranpak model. Both the void-filling and cushioning lines offer multiple designs that cover a range of output speeds, paper types, and machine configurations. For companies packaging large items that require light cushioning, or for fast-paced warehouses whose biggest gap is speed, there is a Ranpak model that can integrate with and elevate your current setup.
What’s The Difference Between Void Filling and Cushioning?
If you’ve worked on a packing line, you know not every product should get the same kind of protection. The main difference between void fillers and cushioning systems lies in how they protect a product within the packaging box.
Some products just need the box filled so nothing can slide around; for that application, you would need a void-fill system. Paper dispenses into the box to fill empty space, preventing movement and keeping multiple items from shifting against each other. For more fragile or breakable products, packaging needs to absorb shock. The cushioning system converts paper into cushioned pads and intentionally places them around the product.
Comprehensive Guide to MarkPack NagelShippers’s Ranpak Equipment Options
MarkPack NagelShippers carries void fill and cushioning machines, so whether you’re wrapping fragile products or multiple parts in one box, your packaging line won’t just meet volume demands; it will secure every package for transportation.
Void Fill Line
The Ranpak FillPak SL is a versatile on-demand void filler system. The packaging system is adaptable to any box size and can be implemented in numerous environments, including warehouses and distribution centers. It’s ideal for medium- to high-volume packing. The intuitively designed FillPak Sl is easy to operate and features adjustable height and head tilt for seamless station integration.
The Ranpak FillPak TTC is an on-demand tabletop void-filling system with a cutter. It transforms single-ply, fanfold paper into reliable void-fill material with a PaperStar™ configuration and dispenses from 12 inches to 10 feet away. The addition of the cutter machine allows your team to preset paper lengths for automatic dispensing. This technology reduces load time and material usage. As an ergonomic choice, the sustainable void-fill solution reduces your company’s excess material waste while ensuring product security during transit.
Cushioning Line
The RanPak Padpak Guardian 24 is an automatic cushioning system that delivers the highest yield per foot at the fastest speed in the industry, making it one of RanPak’s most innovative designs. The maximum speed creates five four-foot-long paper pads in seconds and has a feed rate of 48” per second. By integrating an automatic converter with a compact design and compatibility across multiple paper types, the PadPak Guardian 24 supports a wide range of packaging applications. As a result, the PadPak Guardian 24 fits seamlessly into packaging lines across industries, including automotive, industrial manufacturing, home furnishings, and electronics.
The Ranpak PadPak AJR has an easy-to-use design that converts 2- or 3-ply paper into cushioning pads. By reducing g-forces by up to 90%, the protective packaging machine has been proven to safeguard products, even when a box is dropped. Its fast-paced, 12-inch-per-second feed rate produces convenient pad creation. Industries that typically require low-volume packaging, such as electronics and automotive, appreciate the mobile design and flexible application.
The Ranpak PadPak JR can secure items ranging from small to heavy. The industrial machine converts paper into biodegradable protective cushioning pads and strategically dispenses them. Its mobile design makes it easy to install, and it operates on a standard 120-volt power source to deliver optimal energy savings.
The Ranpak PadPak Light Cushioning (LC) features an ergonomic design and rapid paper dispensing. Built for fast-paced manufacturing environments, the PadPak LC handles light-to-medium cushioning applications. The system’s patented folding and stitching process creates shock-absorbing pads at speeds of up to 48 inches per second.
The Ranpak PadPak SR is a versatile paper cushioning machine that converts 2- or 3-layer paper into highly protective packaging material for cushioning, blocking and bracing, and wrapping. Ideal for high-volume and heavy-duty applications, the PadPak SR provides excellent shock absorption to safeguard fragile products during transit. It offers four different operating modes, including preset lengths and footswitch control, and it can be adjusted for vertical or horizontal use.
What Are The Key Considerations Before Purchasing?
Choosing the right Ranpak machine comes down to knowing your operation before you start comparing specs. Start by evaluating your current setup and naming specific goals or gaps you’d like to target. At MarkPack NagelShippers, we have experts to assess and consult on your current setup before integrating new equipment. Here are a few questions worth working through before making a decision:
- What type of products are you packaging?
- Are your products fragile, or are there multiple parts per box?
- What is the size and weight of the items you are shipping?
- How many boxes does your packing line run per day?
- What is your current procedure for cushioning or securing products?
- Do you have a single packing station or multiple stations that need to be served?
- How much space is available for a new machine at each pack station?
- Are you currently using plastic or foam materials, and what do they cost you annually?
- What are your most common reasons for product damage during transit?
- Do you have sustainability goals or commitments that packaging decisions need to align with?
- What is your budget for equipment and ongoing paper supply?
- Are there gaps in your current packaging process, recurring maintenance issues, frequent product damage, or production bottlenecks slowing your operation?
- What are your long-term goals? Are you expecting increased production demand, shifting to more sustainable packaging, or trying to lower packaging material costs?
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between void fill and cushioning?
A: Void fill uses materials to fill space in shipping boxes to prevent products from shifting and create a protective barrier in multi-product boxes. Cushioning pads surround a product to provide shock absorption and prevent jarring shifts or damage during transit. Depending on the product, some operations need both, but most can identify one primary need based on what they’re shipping and how fragile it is. If you’re unsure, our team can walk through your current setup and make a recommendation.
Q: Is paper-based packaging actually as protective as bubble wrap or foam?
A: For most applications, yes. For example, Ranpak’s PadPak AJR reduces g-forces by up to 90% when a box is dropped. Paper cushioning systems like Ranpak’s allow operators to customize packaging for the most optimal protection by adjusting pad length and quantity to match the product and void space.
Q: Where do I buy Ranpak paper?
A: Compatible paper is available to purchase through MarkPack NagelShippers for easy sourcing of both the equipment and materials from one supplier. Ranpak systems require different widths, ply configurations, or paper formats, so it’s always good practice to check your equipment specs before purchasing. If you are unsure of what Ranpak paper or configurations you need, MarkPack NagelShippers can help you identify the right paper spec for your machine and keep you stocked on an ongoing basis.
Q: Do we need to stock a lot of paper supply on-site?
A: Ranpak’s on-demand dispensing systems reduce storage footprint compared to pre-made cushioning. The number of paper bundles needed on-site depends on your packaging volume, production schedule, and delivery frequency. MarkPack NagelShippers can help you establish an inventory plan based on your production needs and paper usage.
Q: What kind of maintenance do Ranpak machines require?
A: Several models in the Ranpak lineup are built with minimum preventive maintenance requirements. This means scheduled service intervals don’t require designated downtime. The day-to-day operation is fast and operator-friendly. Most machines don’t require trained technicians for routine use. If something does come up, MarkPack NagelShippers’ service team offers over-the-phone and on-site support.
Partner with MarkPack NagelShippers
At MarkPack NagelShippers, we come alongside our customers, providing free consultations and on-site visits to understand their needs and current operational gaps. As one of the few exclusive Ranpak distributors in Michigan, we’re equipped to help you find the right void fill or cushioning solution for your packing line. Whether you’re switching from plastic materials for the first time or scaling up an existing paper-based system, we can provide recommendations that have a real impact on the floor. If you’re interested in a Ranpak machine or one of our other packaging solutions, connect with our team for support throughout the shopping process, installation, and ongoing supply needs.