Best Packaging Materials: Where to Buy Cheap
Save money on boxes, bubble wrap, tape and more
Quick Price Check
Enter your postcodes to see live prices from 20+ couriers.
Whether you are running an e-commerce business or just sending the occasional parcel, packaging costs add up quickly. Here is a guide to the best materials and where to find them at the lowest prices in the UK.
Cardboard Boxes
For occasional use, save boxes from your own deliveries. For regular use, buy in bulk from suppliers like Davpack, Rajapack, or Kite Packaging. A pack of 25 single-wall boxes (30x30x30cm) costs around £15-20. Double-wall boxes cost more but offer much better protection for heavier items.
Amazon also sells packaging supplies with Prime delivery, which is convenient but usually 10-20% more expensive than specialist suppliers. eBay is great for smaller quantities and unusual sizes.
Bubble Wrap
Buy large rolls rather than small packs. A 100m x 50cm roll of small-bubble wrap costs £10-15 from packaging suppliers. Large-bubble wrap provides more cushioning for fragile items. Anti-static bubble wrap (pink) is essential for electronics.
Packing Tape
Brown or clear packing tape in 48mm width is standard. Buy multipacks of 6 rolls for £5-8. A tape dispenser gun costs £3-5 and makes taping much faster and easier. Avoid cheap tape that splits or does not stick properly as it will cost you more in the long run.
Void Fill
Void fill is used to fill empty space in boxes. Options include packing peanuts (cheap but messy), air pillows (clean and light), scrunched kraft paper (recyclable), and shredded cardboard. For eco-friendly packaging, kraft paper and cardboard shred are the best options.
Where to Buy
- Davpack — Excellent range, fast delivery, competitive prices
- Rajapack — Huge catalogue, bulk discounts, free delivery over £45
- Amazon — Convenient, Prime delivery, slightly higher prices
- eBay — Best for small quantities and unusual sizes
- Costco — Great for bulk tape and bubble wrap if you have membership