Bubble wrap is one of the most effective and versatile protective materials used in logistics, industry and e-commerce. Thanks to its structure, it provides cushioning and protects products from mechanical damage, moisture and dust. It is available in a variety of variants, allowing its parameters to be adapted to specific needs.
History of bubble wrap
You probably don’t know this, but bubble wrap was an accident. Its origins date back to 1957, and the story begins with a failed project by two engineers, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, who were working to create plastic wallpaper. All that came out of the machine, which was supposed to produce wallpaper on a paper backing, was a plastic film filled with air bubbles. Fortunately, the engineers saw the potential of this mistake and soon the world could see the new invention that revolutionised the parcel industry.
Bubble wrap is made up of small air bubbles, spaced at regular intervals across the surface. The official name ‘bubble wrap’ has been superseded in common usage by the term ‘bubble film’. However, no matter what it is called, the most important thing is the properties of the film itself – and it must be said that they are impressive!
Properties of bubble wrap
- LIGHT - minimises the weight of the shipment
- WET RESISTANCE - protects products from rain and other weather conditions
- FLEXIBILITY - adapts to different shapes
- REUSABLE - an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution
- 100% RECYCLABLE - environmentally friendly
Types of bubble wrap
Bubble wrap B1, B2, B3 and B4
There are four basic types of bubble wrap:
- B1 bubble wrap (light, two layers) – excellent for protecting lightweight objects. It is delicate, so it will perfectly protect objects that require such delicacy, such as ceramics. Adheres perfectly to the surface (characterised by high ‘stickiness’).
- B2 bubble wrap (reinforced, double-layer) – provides better strength and cushioning than B2 film, but is still delicate. It is one of the most popular film types used to protect products e.g. in e-commerce.
- B3 bubble wrap (three-layer) – is more resistant to mechanical damage and interruption.
- B4 bubble wrap (reinforced, three-layer) – dedicated to packaging heavier, more demanding products with sharp edges.
Bubble wrap classic and with large bubbles
▪️ Classic bubble wrap (bubbles with a diameter of 9 mm) – ideal for protecting fragile items such as electronics, ceramics and glass. Smaller bubbles make it easier to wrap irregularly shaped products.
▪️ Fill&Wrap bubble wrap (bubbles with a diameter of 30 mm) – works best as a filler for empty spaces in packaging, cushioning goods during transport. Thanks to the large bubbles, you will be able to fill more spaces more efficiently with the same stretch of film.
Anti-static bubble wrap and PE foam laminate
Anti-static bubble wrap (pink)
A specialised film dedicated to the protection of electronic equipment and components sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Prevents the build-up of electrostatic charges, which is crucial in the packaging of electronic equipment.
Laminate of bubble wrap and PE foam
This is the highest standard of protection – the material is shatterproof and has excellent shock and impact absorption. It is ideal for protecting heavy objects. Eagerly used in the furniture industry.
Bubble wrap in a roll or confection – which pays off more?
Bubble wrap on a roll is the most commonly ordered and used form of this material.
However, a simple change of form from a roll to, for example, sheets or pouches, can make it possible to significantly speed up the packing process and reduce material consumption by standardising the amount an employee takes to pack a product.
Many of our customers have optimised their company’s packaging system in this way after consulting with our advisor. And note – this did not require much effort!
Roll of bubble wrap with perforation
Bubble wrap sheets
Bubble wrap bags
Bubble wrap sleeves
The perforation inserted on the roll facilitates the removal of the material. The distance between the perforations is determined by the order placed.
This allows standardisation of the quantity of material to be picked up and eliminates the need to use scissors.
Sheets produced to size are speeding up the process of picking material and standardising the quantity used to package the product.
The pouches are great for packaging similar sized products – simply slide them into the centre, speeding up the process and optimising the use of the film.
The adhesive strip option further eliminates the need to use adhesive tape to secure the pouch.
It is a form resembling a sleeve cut from a shirt and wound onto a roll. It allows products of similar width but different lengths (which can be adjusted by cutting the material from the roll at any point) to be packaged more quickly. This speeds up the process and optimises the use of bubble wrap.
Examples of bangles using bubble wrap
Applications of bubble wrap
▪️ Filling empty spaces in cardboard boxes (FILL&WRAP film is particularly useful here).
▪️ Protection against moisture and dust.
▪️ Protection of sales packaging.
▪️ Wrapping upholstered furniture (this is where laminate works best, which has the bubbles from the bubble wrap inside so they do not reflect on the upholstery).
▪️ Protection of glass and mirror elements.
▪️ Separation of surfaces during transport.
▪️ Cushioning during furniture storage.
- Electronic industry
▪️ Packaging of electronic components.
▪️ Protection of motherboards, processors, graphics cards.
▪️ Protection of LCD and LED screens.
▪️ Packaging of sensitive components (e.g. sensors).
▪️ Protection of headlights, windscreens and car mirrors.
▪️ Packaging of sensitive engine components.
▪️ Cushioning during international transport.
▪️ Protection of upholstery and plastic interior components.
▪️ Protection of glass containers (e.g. jars, bottles).
▪️ Separation of fragile food products.
▪️ Packaging of luxury products (e.g. wine, oil).
▪️ Thermal insulation in refrigerated transport.
▪️ Protection of cartons against moisture.
Summary
For companies in e-commerce, logistics, industry or the food sector, the right choice of bubble wrap is not only a matter of protecting goods, but also optimising packaging processes and reducing operating costs. Choosing the right type of film can translate into reduced product losses, improved end-customer experience and better warehouse management.
We can help you and optimize the packaging process in your company
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