Food and beverage brands operate under packaging rules that go beyond general recyclability requirements. Food-contact materials face additional restrictions on substances of concern, including PFAS, and those restrictions took effect alongside the general recyclability requirements on August 12, 2026. For brands that ship fragile food products like glass jars of preserves, ceramic containers, or boxed confectionery, the cushioning material inside the box is part of the compliance picture even though it does not touch the food directly.
The PFAS restriction is the most direct example. PFAS chemicals have been used in some food-contact packaging for their grease-resistant and water-resistant properties. The PPWR restricts their use in food-contact packaging from August 12, 2026. Cushioning material that sits inside a food shipment does not fall under the food-contact definition in most cases, but the broader regulatory direction is clear: packaging materials are being scrutinized for substances that can migrate or accumulate.
Paper cushioning avoids that scrutiny because it is made entirely of paper with no coatings or additives. A paper bubble machine produces cushioning from specialty kraft paper using mechanical embossing rollers, with no inflation, heating, sealing, or adhesive involved. There is nothing added to the paper during production, so there are no substances to assess for migration. The finished material is dry, odor-free, and clean.
That last point matters for food products specifically. Plastic bubble wrap can carry an odor, particularly when it has been stored in a warm warehouse or produced with certain additives. For food products where aroma is part of the experience, that is a problem. Paper cushioning does not have that issue.
The recyclability dimension is equally relevant. The UK's packaging EPR scheme modulates fees based on recyclability ratings, with flexible plastic concentrated in the least favorable fee category. Analysis of 2025 packaging data found that 61.8% of assessed flexible plastic received a Red rating. California's SB 54 requires a 25% reduction in single-use plastic packaging by 2032. For food and beverage brands shipping into these markets, paper cushioning falls into a more favorable compliance category than plastic void fill.
Aircosan manufactures paper bubble machines at its own facility in Foshan, Guangdong, and builds units up to 80cm wide. The machines accept single-layer specialty kraft paper in the 70 to 140 gsm range, and the forming pressure adjusts automatically based on the actual paper thickness. Common 70 gsm and 80 gsm papers match across the board, so switching rolls or suppliers does not require retuning.
There is also a practical dimension for food brands. Paper cushioning is generally cheaper per order than finished plastic void fill at equivalent coverage, and because the machine produces exactly what is needed, there is no over-wrap and no waste. For food producers operating on thin margins, that difference accumulates.
The food and beverage sector has an additional consideration that general e-commerce does not. Product freshness and shelf life are affected by the packaging environment. Paper cushioning is breathable, which helps prevent moisture buildup that can damage certain food products. Plastic film can trap moisture and create condensation, which is a problem for products that are sensitive to humidity.
For food and beverage brands, the cushioning material decision is part of a broader packaging compliance strategy. Paper cushioning addresses both the recyclability requirements and the food-safety concerns that plastic void fill does not.