Ever since two engineers, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, created the bubble wrap in 1957, this product has taken the world by storm. The world celebrates the Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day on the 26th of January and popping the bubble remains a source of fun for both kids and adults alike, whether the “pop, snap, crackle” is done literally or virtually as an online game.
Bubble Wrap protects fragile and sensitive objects when shipping in small boxes, the air pocket cushioning absorbs the shock and vibration during transit, almost eliminating the risk of damage while transporting fragile, breakable items. Being pliable plastic material, bubble wrap offers excellent protection at a low cost.
Bubble Wrap technology involves embedding polyethylene resin in clear plastic sheets to create blistered air pockets. Pea sized beads of polyethylene resin are introduced into an extruder and as the screw of the extruder is turned, heat is generated that melts the resin.
The molten resin is squeezed out of the cylinder onto two stacked sheets of clear plastic film. One layer of clear plastic film is wrapped around a drum with holes punched in it. Suction is applied to draw in the plastic film into the holes to create bubbles. The second layer is then laminated over the plastic film layer with bubbles. The two films fuse and trap air in the bubbles.
Bubble Wrap packaging products are available for different packaging needs for varied industries and businesses. FDA grade food-safe wraps for packing a whole array of foodstuffs, anti-static air cellular materials to protect electronic components, the specially designed Aluminum bubble laminate that provides a static-free environment for electronic components that are sensitive to ESD (electrostatic discharge) thereby eliminating the risk of a physical shock during handling.
Another unique product is the Air cellular insulation providing resistance against heat. You also have the bubble wrap perforated rolls, bubble mailers, and bubble bags all in different sizes to cater to most mailing requirements and storage protection.
The perforated roll sheets are used for general packing, surface packing and for void fill, to fill in empty spaces and make compact parcels. Bubble bags are excellent protection for fragile objects and they are available in different styles like open-end, self-sealing, and zipper lock.
Bubble envelopes and mailers can be used to ship books, documents, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, photographs, small spares parts, jewelry, medicines, samples and promotional items, and so on. Bubble wrap is available in three standard thicknesses of 3/16”, 5/16” and ½”, for cushioning of light, medium, and heavy articles respectively.
There are several reasons why Bubble wrap packaging has been so successful. Primarily, it is lightweight, providing effective protection using less packing materials, reduces freight and packaging charges. The air cushioning greatly reduces the risk of damage and abrasion of delicate surfaces of the objects to be shipped.
It is moisture-resistant and has very good insulation properties. These are reusable and can be recycled too. Bubble wrap is 50+ and still going strong. It remains the most superior cushioning product ever, the world over.