Eco-friendly, fast paced, UK manufactured paper void-fill dispenser. The Protega Machine is one of the packaging industries leading innovations and used by some of the largest retailers in the UK.
Watch our video to see the latest features of the Protega 125 paper machine. Displaying the simple configureable controls, height adjustable stand and easy loading. Along with key features that help retailers speed up packing times, reduce breakages, save on space and increase the number of daily despatches.
The ‘Protega Protect’ is a unique desktop paper void fill machine producing high volume ‘on demand’ protective paper packaging
The footprint of the slimline Protega machine is not much larger than an office printer, and fits easily into even the smallest despatch area. Alternatively it can be placed on a height adjustable stand and integrated into a packing line.

One unique feature is that the paper rolls are pre-folded. This means that they are easier to handle than traditional wide paper rolls, this has enabled the machine to be manufactured to a very small footprint of only 635mm x 360mm and at a weight of only 50kg.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paper Cushioning
Will my damages increase if I move from plastic to paper voidfill?
No, quite the opposite. There is often initial scepticism to the strength of paper packaging. However, as long as you use a good quality paper cushion then you should see a reduction in breakages of up to 50%. This is because paper tends to absorb shock, whereas plastic airbags transmits shock and is more likely to cause damage.
Have plastic airbags got a lower carbon footprint than paper?
The environmental impact of paper is far less than plastic when considering the degradability and recyclability. Overall recycled paper should have a lower carbon footprint than plastic airbags, when you are sourcing it from a UK manufacturer and from sustainably managed forests.
Is paper void fill as strong as airbags?
Yes, in most cases it provides better protection than plastic airbags because of its ability to absorb shock. Plastic airbags are well known to move around within a box and burst during transit, deeming them useless.
Is paper void fill more expensive than plastic bubble?
The headline cost for paper packaging may appear more expensive than plastic bubbles. However, in most cases, when taking into consideration the reduction in breakages, space saving, time saving and reduction in material used – it can in fact save you money. And this is before you have put a price on customer perception of receiving plastic instead of paper.
My packing area is very small, will I be able to fit a Protega machines in this area?
The footprint of the slimline Protega machine is not much larger than an office printer and fits easily into even the smallest despatch area. Alternatively, it can be placed on a height adjustable stand and integrated into a packing line. So the answer in almost every case is ‘Yes’
Will I be able to get a paper machine free of charge?
This depends on your consumption of voidfill. Protega offer the cushion machines rent-free for a consumption of 15 rolls of 300 metres of paper per machine. Depending on the length of the airbags this equates to approximately 6-8 rolls of air cushion material.
Can I move the paper machine around to different areas?
Yes, we have designed the machine to be small enough and light enough to move freely around your packing area on a mobile stand. If required, this gives you the flexibility to pack in different areas as demand arises.
Can I tear Protega paper to length?
Protega paper is cut to length to your desired size. Whilst you can tear it this is not recommended as you can damage the integrity of the cushion. Because paper is much more flexible that airbags, most users find that one or two pre-set sizes of paper are sufficient to cover their needs.
Can I buy Protega systems from my existing packaging supplier?
If you would like to know if our Protega Machine is provided through your current supplier then get in touch with us today. It may be that your supplier is already a Protega distributor, or would qualify to become one, so please ask.
How easy is it to change a roll of paper on a Protega machine?
Due to the pre-folded design Protega paper rolls are smaller, lighter and easier to handle than traditional paper rolls. You can load the rolls onto the machine at waist height so no bending is required. At only 14.8 Kilos the Protega paper rolls complies with the HSE’s recommended safe lifting weight for ladies and men.
Is the machine safe and easy enough for anyone to use?
Yes, the machine has been designed with the safety of users in mind. With simple and clear instructions in combination with easy-to-use controls, the Protega machine is very easy to use. Please remember, if you have a machine make sure the operator has read the user guide prior to using the machine.
My plastic airbags are fed from overhead hoppers at the moment – can any paper systems do this?
A number of paper system do have the ability to feed into an overhead hopper. However, most require a lot of space to do this. By contrast, the Protega Machine is very compact which allows it to mimic the airbags systems that feed into overhead hoppers. It is simply placed on an elevated stand that feeds into integrated overhead hoppers above the benches
Does paper come out of the machine as quickly as plastic airbags?
Yes, paper is dispensed at a simper speed to airbags. In a similar way that airbags vary in speed, you can speed up delivery of the paper cushions on the Protega machine.
Machine
Features

The New Industry Standard
Machine Benefits
Protega Global design and manufacture all our machines and equipment in the UK. This means we have the ability to customise machines and equipment so that they can be integrated into your packing process.
Height adjustable stand
The Protega paper cushioning machine can be placed on a height adjustable stand and integrated into any packing line, enabling flexibility and increased productivity’.
Protega Global supply bespoke packing benches in conjunction with our paper cushioning system which together can be integrated into your packing area. See our integration page to find out how we can help you design your packing area to maximise workflow
Free Movement
We have designed the machine to be small enough and sufficiently light weight to move freely around your packing area. If required this gives you the flexibility to move the machine to different pack areas, or easily change your packing layout.
Configurable Controls
With a simple turn of the dial and push of a button you control the length, quantity and programme.

Protega Coiler
The coiler comes as an optional attachment to the Protega Machine which is programmed to produce paper coils at pre-set lengths.
This is an ideal replacement for ‘foam in place’ typically used for heavy engineered, electronic or ceramic parts.
Protega Paper
Our Protega Paper void fill solution is both robust and easily mouldable. Because of the way the Protega paper is creased and crimped it secures and cushions your products, absorbing shock and eliminating movement in transit.
Easy to Load
Due to its unique pre folded design our Protega paper rolls are smaller, lighter and easier to handle than traditional rolls, making loading easier than ever. At 14.8 KG the Protega paper rolls complies with the HSE’s recommended safe lifting weight at elbow height

Reduce Breakages
Mobile Baskets
Lightweight mobile baskets are available to fill and distribute paper cushions from a single machine to multiple packing areas. Quick to assemble and mounted on castors these baskets are easy to manoeuvre in restricted spaces between pack benches.

FSC® Certified
Our Protega Paper is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, compostable and made from 100% recycled paper. Protega Paper is also FSC® certified.
Read more on eco-friendly paper and find out how your business can benefit from making the switch.

FSC-C153160 – www.fsc.org
Protega Global Featured on Business Live UK
A firm determined to stamp out plastic pollution has developed state-of-the-art paper packaging that is sustainable, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
Useful Techniques
Using the correct techniques with Protega paper cushioning ensures that you can save time, reduce waste and protect your goods correctly.
Coiling
Coiling the paper is an ideal method for protecting heavy and fragile products. Placing a coil in the base of the box allows you to nest products in the coil. By adding a further coil on top of the box the products are then safely sandwiched between two coils of paper giving very effective all-round protection.


Cross Method
A quick and efficient way of providing all round protection for single items.
Twisting
Twisting the paper is an effective way of bulking up the paper to fill gaps and securing your products, at the same time as reducing paper usage.


Block & Brace
This method is an excellent way of minimising use of paper and avoiding total void fill within the box. Once a small coil is wedged between your product and the edge of the box it will remain firmly in place during transit.
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