Bubble Wrap Unwrapped: An Ample Guide To Its History, Uses, and Interesting Facts

What first comes to your mind when you need to move or ship your fragile items? Safe shipping and secure arrival? Is it? You value your delicate items and are not ready to put them at risk before shipping and think about their safe arrival. Right? To ensure the unscratched and undamaged shipment of flimsy items, going with bubble wrap - a uniquely structured packaging material is the answer.

This lightweight bubble wrap is the solution to free up your storage space and can be the game changer in packing and protecting your valuable goods or items.

This guide will walk you through the history of bubble wrap, its dimensions, and common uses. You will also learn intriguing facts that will take you packing worry away. Let’s get moving!

What is Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is a weightless yet shielding packing material made from plastic. It contains small and air-filled bubbles that offer protection to fragile objects.

The air-filled bubbles in the bubble wrap plastic sheet are shock absorption and prevent damage to delicate items such as electronics, glass, and other valuable items during storage or shipping.

Protective Bubble Wrap Hallmarks

Created from plastic and having good insulation properties, this bubble wrap is light in weight, and transparent, offering excellent protection to your fragile items surfaces against abrasion or sudden shock during transit.

It is flexible and can be molded and wrapped around any item of various sizes and shapes. It is durable enough to resist tearing and withstand moderate pressure. This packing bubble wrap is not completely waterproof. However, it is moisture-resistant and can be easily used for multiple purposes.

Dimensions

Bubble wrap comes in various sizes from small to large catering to different needs. Their sizes are here:

• Standard: 3/16-inch thick
• Small:  1/8-inch thick
• Medium: 5/16-inch thick
• Large: 1/2-inch thick bubble

Standard-sized bubble wrap is good for carrying medium-weight products. The small size is ideal for protecting smaller items.

To fill voids, choose medium-sized bubble wrap that provides additional protection. If you are packing fragile or heavy-duty items, pick a large bubble wrap containing enough thickness to protect your goods.

Before choosing the right size of bubble wrap for your products, Consider the thickness of the bubble wrap. It will help you decide what type of bubble is a good fit.

The Backstory of Bubble Wrap

Bubble originated from an interesting story in 1957 in Hawthorn, New Jersey. Two engineers named Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes intended to create three-dimensional textured paper. They failed, but their failure led to invent bubble wrap when they marketed it as greenhouse insulation.

The cushioning properties of bubble wrap inspired Sealed Air Corporation and in 1960, they took charge of its marketing. IBM - a global company in computing and technology started to ship its computers using this protective bubble wrap. This was the turning point when its popularity began to reach new heights.

How Bubble Wrap Is Created

Which way does bubble wrap go? Do you know how they are made? Fret not. It is easy.

The bubble wrap manufacturing process starts with polyethylene resin in the form of beads. They go under an extruder and turn into a thin plastic sheet.

Heat or air pressure between two plastic layers is applied to melt resin into liquid to form bubbles. 

Once the sheet is cooled, it is cut into different sizes. It is checked for its quality and thickness and then packaged.

Bubble Wrap Found In Different Colors

Usually, the standard bubble wrap is transparent. However, they are found in different colors such as pink, green, blue, and many others offering protection to your fragile items.

• Pink: Gives a playful touch to your presents.
• Green: Adds sophistication and vibrancy to your packaging.
• Blue: Visually appealing to wrap gifts or decorative items

Is Bubble Wrap Recyclable

Bubble wrap can be recycled with other plastic films like grocery bags. Most curbside recycling programs do not accept bubble wrap. Check with your local municipality if they accept bubble wrap for recycling.

Where To Buy Bubble Wrap

You can easily buy it from reputable bubble wrap producers like Sealed Air Corporation or by ordering staples bubble wrap in different sizes and rolls from online retailers like Amazon or eBay.

Bubble Mailers

Bubble mailers are padded mailers or bubble envelopes made from kraft paper with polyethylene bubble-lined padding inside.

Having self-sealing with tamper-evident closure, this flexible bubble wrap requires no adhesive tape.

Its smoother interior allows you to place your items comfortably and offer cushioning against vibrations ensuring safe delivery.

Bubble Wrap Insulation

It is a thermal insulation method in which you use bubble wrap’s air-filled bubbles between one or two layers of plastic sheets to reduce heat transfer in your place (either home or office). You can easily insulate it in your windows, doors, and other areas to enhance energy efficiency and keep your area warmer or cooler.

It is easy to install in your home or office as it is lightweight and offers extra protection against temperature fluctuations.

Amazing Facts About Bubble Wrap

Leaving its primary barrier purpose, it can be used in various fun and creative activities.

• Bubble Wrap Popping: The best thing about bubble wrap is its satisfying “pop” sound which is good for relaxation and fun. Therefore it is considered a stress releaser or stress-relief toy.
• Bubble Wrap Games: For your children at home, you can create a small bubble wrap floor as a fun and noisy game. It will allow little champs to create little noise and enjoy.
• Educational Activities: Bubble wrap can teach little children about air pressure like what happens when and how it is applied.
• Bubble Wrap Suit: A costume made from bubble wrap is specially designed for fun and ideal for themed events.

Wrapping Things Up

To conclude, bubble wrap is an essential packing material that ensures the safe shipment of your goods. Its uses define how it is beneficial to protect your products during transit. Plus, they are available in different types catering to various needs. Plus, it is recyclable and plays a role in sustainability.

If you need shipping boxes to pack your products ensuring protection during shipment, head over to Custom Product Packaging, the top-notch custom packaging supplier offering cost-efficient solutions with free shipping and delivery all across the USA and Canada. Don’t hesitate to drop us an email at order@customproductpackaging.com.