What a dunnage air bag does: a dunnage air bag is an inflatable void-fill bag. Placed in the gap between pallet loads and inflated, it presses sideways on the loads on both sides and keeps them from shifting, knocking together or tipping over in transit. Unlike timber or honeycomb board fillers, an empty air bag is flat and easy to carry and store; it gives firm support once inflated, and inflation takes only 30–60 seconds.
Construction: a multi-layer kraft paper outer bag with a PE airtight inner bag. The kraft paper outer layer has good tensile strength and a high friction coefficient, so it stays in place against the load after inflation; the PE inner bag is airtight and holds the working pressure (0.2 bar). The burst pressure is 0.6 bar, three times the working pressure.
Sizes: six standard sizes from a small 50 × 80 cm bag to an extra-long 100 × 220 cm bag, covering the main void-fill needs of 20 ft and 40 ft containers. The fill range is 10–45 cm; for gaps over 45 cm, first reduce the gap with honeycomb board or timber, then use the air bag, so the bag is not overstretched.
Standard sizes
| Size (W × L) | Gap width | Valve type | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 × 80 cm | 10–20 cm | One-way check valve (small valve) | Small loads, gaps between boxed electronic parts |
| 50 × 100 cm | 10–25 cm | One-way check valve (small valve) | Short side of pallets, gaps between racks |
| 80 × 120 cm | 15–30 cm | One-way check valve (small valve) | Standard pallet gaps, general size |
| 100 × 180 cm | 20–40 cm | Double check large valve (storm type) | Large pallets, long side in 20 ft containers |
| 100 × 200 cm | 20–45 cm | Double check large valve (storm type) | Main size for 40 ft containers, maximum gap |
| 100 × 220 cm | 20–45 cm | Double check large valve (storm type) | Extra-long pallets / steel pipes / tubes, side securing |
Choosing the valve: sizes up to 80 × 120 cm use a one-way check valve (small valve), which inflates quickly and easily; sizes above 80 × 120 cm use a double check large valve (storm type), which inflates and deflates faster and positions large bags quickly.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Outer bag | Multi-layer kraft paper composite |
| Inner bag | PE (polyethylene) airtight inner bag |
| Valve type | One-way check valve (small) / double check storm-type large valve (by size) |
| Working pressure | 0.2 bar (≈ 2.9 PSI / 20 kPa) |
| Burst pressure | 0.6 bar (≈ 8.7 PSI) |
| Fill range | 10–45 cm |
| Transport | Sea containers, trucks, rail wagons |
| Inflation tool | Standard air compressor + inflation gun (with quick inflation nozzle) |
| Reuse | Can be reused 3–5 times if stored properly |
Use notes
- Do not place an air bag between the load and the container doors; when the doors are opened, the sudden release of pressure is a safety risk.
- Before inflating, check that the bag has no damage or sharp creases.
- If the load has sharp corners or protruding screws, protect them first with cardboard corner guards so they do not puncture the bag.
Custom options
Besides the standard sizes, non-standard sizes can be made to suit the actual gap, and a company logo or cargo marking can be printed on the bag. Custom orders have a minimum order quantity; lead time is quoted after the spec is confirmed.
Common questions
What size dunnage air bag do I need for a 40 ft container? 100 × 200 cm is the main size for 40 ft containers (20–45 cm gaps); 100 × 180 cm suits the long side in 20 ft containers.
Can a dunnage air bag be used for gaps over 45 cm? First reduce the gap with honeycomb board or timber, then use the air bag, so the bag is not overstretched.
Request a quote
Send the size, quantity and, for custom bags, the gap size and printing needs. Request a quote →