Bubble Wrap: A Guide to Choosing and Using It

Bubble wrap is a versatile packaging material that's been a staple in shipping and storage for decades. It's made from a type of plastic film called polyethylene.

The standard size of bubble wrap is 10 inches by 11 inches, but it comes in various sizes to suit different needs. You can also find it in different thicknesses, with 3/16 inch being the most common.

To choose the right size and thickness, consider the weight and size of the items you're packaging. A general rule of thumb is to use thicker wrap for heavier items.

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Bubble Wrap is a sheet of plastic with bubbles of air evenly spaced across the entire surface used for packaging fragile items.

The bubbles in Bubble Wrap come in different sizes, which is great for various packaging needs. For example, standard bubble sizes range from 1/16” to 1/2”, while inflatable bubbles are a whopping 3/4” in diameter.

You can choose from several bubble diameters, including 6mm (0.25”) to 25mm (1”). This range allows you to select the perfect size for your fragile items.

The bubble height is also an important factor to consider. In some cases, the bubble height can be up to 4 mm, which provides extra protection for your items.

Here are some common bubble sizes you'll find in standard Bubble Wrap:

Bubble wrap is available in different sizes, depending on the size of the object being packed and the level of cushioning protection needed.

The bubbles can be as small as 6 millimeters in diameter or as large as 26 millimeters or more, providing added levels of shock absorption during transit. The most common bubble size is 1 centimeter.

Some types of bubble wrap have a lower permeation barrier film to allow longer useful life and resistance to loss of air in vacuums. This feature is especially useful for shipping sensitive electronic parts and components.

Bubble wrap is also designed to be lightweight, transparent, and moisture resistant. It protects surfaces against abrasion and is easy to use.

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The material used to make this product is quite interesting. Polyethylene resin is the starting point, and it's used in the form of beads that are about the size of pea gravel.

The manufacturing process involves heating up the resin to create a liquid that's then squeezed out into two stacked sheets of clear plastic film. This liquid is what gives the product its transparency.

One layer of the film is wrapped around a drum with holes punched in it, and suction is applied to draw one web of film into the holes that form the bubbles. This creates the bubbles that are trapped between the two layers of film.

The second layer of film is then laminated over the first, creating a strong bond that traps the air in the bubbles. This is what gives the product its unique structure and texture.

The color options for this product are quite varied, with standard transparent being the default. However, customers can also opt for pink for anti-static properties or green for recycled polystyrene. Any other color can be offered as a non-standard option.

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Bubble wrap is available in different sizes to suit the needs of various objects being packed. The size of the bubbles can vary from as small as 6 millimeters to as large as 26 millimeters in diameter.

The most common bubble size is 1 centimeter. This size provides a good balance between protection and packaging efficiency.

Bubble wrap can be used as a single layer for surface protection or multiple layers for shock and vibration isolation. This is especially important when shipping fragile or sensitive objects.

The bubbles can be connected in strips, as seen in the "iBubble Wrap" design launched by Sealed Air in 2015. This design allows the wrap to be shipped flat, taking up significantly less space in transit.

The material used to make bubble wrap, such as low-density polyethylene, can also offer protection for the object being packed. Some types of bubble wrap have a lower permeation barrier film to prevent air loss in vacuums.

Our original cushioning has been keeping products safe for over 50 years. This is thanks to its barrier bubble layer that retains air and maintains its cushioning performance.

The secret to its success is significant air retention, which allows for reuse and provides better protection using less material.

Multi-Purpose Cushioning is a great solution for items of light to medium weight. It protects goods during short or predictable distribution cycles.

This type of cushioning is made with at least 15% recycled content, making it an eco-friendly option. It's available in small, medium, and large bubble heights.

It's ideal for products requiring surface protection, interleaving, cushioning, or void fill during shipment or storage. You can use it for a variety of applications, including items that need to be protected during short or predictable distribution cycles.

Here are some key benefits of Multi-Purpose Cushioning:

Choosing the right bubble wrap is crucial for effective packing. Consider the number and size of items you're packing, and remember it's always better to have too much than not enough. A 10-meter roll of bubble wrap should be enough to pack up one room.

You can choose from different grades of bubble wrap, such as original, strong grade, multi-purpose grade, or limited grade protective cushioning. This allows you to select the right material for your needs. Use a BUBBLE WRAP brand dispenser carton for self-dispensing, easy-tear convenience.

To determine the right bubble wrap for your needs, consider the type of item you're packing. For example, glass items and items with screens need to be wrapped in packing paper first, while hollow items require additional support from crumpled packing paper or newspaper.

It's always better to have too much bubble wrap than not enough, especially when packing fragile items.

A 10-meter roll of bubble wrap is generally enough to pack up one room.

Packing with bubble wrap is an art that requires some finesse, but don't worry, I've got you covered.

To start, you'll need to assess the item you're packing. Glass items and those with screens need to be wrapped in packing paper first to prevent marks from the bubble wrap.

For most items, a 10-meter roll of bubble wrap should be enough to pack up one room. But it's always better to have too much than not enough.

To pack an item, place it on a sheet of bubble wrap that's long enough to encircle it at least twice. Roll the item like a burrito, securing it with tape along the side and at the ends.

For heavier items, form the base of your box, while lighter, more delicate items should go at the top. And don't forget to label your box as "Fragile."

Some items, like wine glasses, require extra padding around their weakest points. For example, a wine glass needs extra bubble wrap around its stem, secured in place with tape.

Here are some specific tips for packing different breakables:

And remember, when working with bubble wrap, the bubbles should face inward, touching the item you're wrapping. This offers more cushioning and reduces the chance of the bubbles popping during the move.

Bubble wrap is a great packing material that offers several benefits. It contains up to 15% recycled content, making it a more eco-friendly option.

This material reduces material, labor, and shipping costs compared to other types of cushioning. It's perfect for surface protection, interleaving, cushioning, or void fill during shipment or storage.

One of the key advantages of bubble wrap is its ability to provide up to 30% greater protection compared to non-barrier bubble material. It also retains more than 90% of its inflation, resulting in better cushioning performance.

Our cushioning material offers several features and benefits that make it an excellent choice for various applications. It contains up to 15% recycled content, which is a great bonus for environmentally conscious businesses.

One of the key advantages of this material is that it reduces material, labor, and shipping costs compared to other types of cushioning. This can lead to significant cost savings for companies that use it.

This material is perfect for surface protection, interleaving, cushioning, or void fill during shipment or storage. Its versatility makes it a great option for many industries.

It provides up to 30% greater protection compared to non-barrier bubble material, which is a significant advantage for businesses that need to protect their products during transit.

Here are some key features and benefits of our cushioning material:

This material's ability to retain more than 90% of its inflation results in better cushioning performance, making it a reliable choice for businesses that need to protect their products.

The History of Bubble Wrap is a fascinating story. In 1957, two engineers, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, failed to create a three-dimensional wallpaper, but they stumbled upon something even better - a great packing material!

Their invention was born out of a combination of curiosity and perseverance. Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes were determined to create a unique product, and they didn't let their initial failure discourage them.

The result was a game-changing invention that has been delighting people for decades. Bubble Wrap has become an iconic symbol of packaging and has even been used for fun purposes like popping the bubbles to relieve stress.

The engineers' innovative spirit and willingness to take risks led to a product that has revolutionized the way we pack and ship goods.

Bubble wrap comes in various types and sizes, making it suitable for different purposes. The most common size is 0.4" bubble wrap, which protects items from scratches and impact.

Smaller bubbles, like those found in 1/16-inch bubble wrap, are perfect for small, lightweight items like jewelry or tabletop figurines. This size offers just enough cushion without adding bulk.

Larger bubbles, on the other hand, provide more protection against drops. 5/16-inch bubble wrap is designed for medium-to-large items, while 1/2-inch bubble wrap is ideal for covering hefty items and filling voids inside boxes.

There are also different types of bubble wrap, including heavy-duty weight and anti-static forms. The anti-static version, colored pink, protects electronics from static electricity that can damage them.

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Bubble wrap comes in different types and sizes to suit various needs. The most common size is 0.4”, but you can also find it with air bubbles ranging from ¼” to 1”.

Smaller bubbles are great for protecting items from scratches, while larger bubbles can protect against both scratches and impact. This is especially important during a move, so consider purchasing bubble wrap with larger bubbles.

There are also heavy-duty versions with larger, more durable bubbles that can withstand rough handling. Anti-static bubble wrap, on the other hand, is designed specifically to protect electronics from static electricity.

Bubble wrap comes in different sizes, each designed to offer varying levels of protection for different items. The size of the bubble wrap you choose can make a big difference in how well it safeguards your belongings.

If you're packing small, lightweight items like jewelry or tabletop figurines, 1/16-inch bubble wrap is perfect. It provides just enough cushion without adding bulk.

For slightly larger but still relatively lightweight items, 1/8-inch bubble wrap is a good choice, offering a balance of protection and compactness.

The most common size of bubble wrap is 3/16-inch, which is versatile and suitable for small to medium-sized items that need a bit more cushioning.

If you're packing medium-to-large items, 5/16-inch bubble wrap is designed to provide extra protection against drops.

The largest size available is 1/2-inch bubble wrap, ideal for covering hefty items and filling voids inside boxes.

Here's a quick reference guide to the different sizes of bubble wrap:

When to use bubble wrap, you'll want to think about protecting items that are prone to breakage, scratching, or damage. This includes fragile items like plates and bowls, glasses and stemware, and vases.

Bubble wrap is ideal for delicate electronics, such as laptops and televisions, which can be damaged during transport. You can also use it to protect glass shelves and tabletops, which scratch easily.

To prevent damage to mirrors, paintings, and picture frames, wrap them in bubble wrap while moving. Furniture with vulnerable protruding parts and glass elements can also be covered with bubble wrap for added protection.

Here's a list of items that benefit from bubble wrap protection:

Bubble wrap has its advantages and disadvantages.

One of the biggest pros of bubble wrap is that it's incredibly effective at protecting fragile items during shipping.

It's also surprisingly inexpensive, with a roll of bubble wrap costing as little as $5.

On the other hand, bubble wrap can be a real pain to dispose of properly.

It's not biodegradable, which means it can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Bubble wrap can also be a bit of a nuisance to store, as it takes up a lot of space and can be prone to popping.