Bubble Wrap and Other Packing Supplies Keep Things Popping

Bubble Wrap Rolls

All of us have received packages in the mail that are packed with bubble wrap or related packing supplies. Most of us will remove the bubble mailers, bubble envelopes, bubble wrap pouches, or bubble wrap envelopes and not rest until every bubble is popped.

Even as children we were fascinated by bubble wrap and similar packing supplies. We may have even used them in the classic egg-dropping experiment to protect an egg from cracking when it was dropped from a high building. The bubbles in bubble wrap provide a natural cushion to keep that which is fragile from breaking even when it is impacted by a huge blow.

Bubble wrap and related packing supplies come in many varieties such as bubble wrap rolls, boxed bubble wrap rolls, as well as the kind of bubble wrap that comes in large bundles. For those situations in which many fragile items need to be shipped, it is good to use bubble-out bags and heavy duty bubble bags. Electronic companies, who often ship fragile products that are vulnerable to ESD (Electro-static discharge), are dependent on anti-static bubble bags, anti-static bubble wrap rolls, anti-static boxed bubble wrap rolls, as well as anti-static large bubble wrap.

Except for packing peanuts, bubble wrap and related packing supplies are still the best way to pack something fragile. They are also one of the cheapest packing methods, provided you have a good bubble wrap supplier.

Bubble Wrap 101

bubble wrap from PackagingSupplies.com

When ordering bubble wrap, customers are always asking me how the air stays inside each bubble. The truth is bubble wrap is made with very specific types of film to ensure the air stays inside the bubble packing material.  The film used in bubble wrap is actually three layers glued together.  A layer of nylon is sandwiched between two layers of polyethylene.  It is the nylon that acts as the air retention layer whose prime purpose is to hold the air inside each bubble.  Without it, the air would seep right through the polyethylene.

Also note when measuring bubble wrap, the industry standard way to do so is by measuring the thickness or height of the bubble.  It is NOT measured by the bubble’s diameter.  For instance, 3/16″ bubble wrap means that the bubble height for each bubble is 3/16″.

Our bubble wrap has environmental benefits as well.  Since it uses air as its cushion, it provides better protection and uses less packaging materials than kraft paper or packing peanuts.  It is reusable as long as the air stays inside each bubble.  It is recyclable and is made from recycled content.

When to Use Bubble Wrap? When to Use Inflatable Packaging?

At PackagingSupplies.com, we know that every packaging and shipping situation is unique. That’s why we offer four different kinds of cushioning. At our online store, you’ll find those familiar packing peanuts, a wide selection of bubble wrap, various inflatable packaging options, and several poly foam choices as well. But how do you know what type of cushioning is right for you? Here’s a rundown of the types of cushioning options available.

Inflatable Packaging
Also known as air bags, inflatable packaging is great when shipping lightweight or smaller items that may move a lot. Inflatable packaging has excellent void-filling capabilities and it keeps packages and containers light, so they’re great if weight is an issue. But be careful when shipping items that may have sharp edges, since the bags can burst. 

Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts are ideal as padding for lightweight items. Because packing peanuts shift, it’s recommended that you have a minimum of three inches of peanut packing between your shipped object and the container edge. Packing peanuts are not recommended for flat or dense objects, since those objects could crush the peanuts and render them useless. Packing peanuts are also useful if you’re unsure of the amount of padding or cushioning you’ll need, since it’s easy to regulate the amount used in each package.

Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap will protect items against shock and abrasion. Encasing heavier items in bubble wrap is a good way to ensure they’ll reach their destination safely. Bubble wrap’s durability means it will work great as a protector of items with sharp or hard edges. Bubble wrap is lighter then other cushioning materials as well, which makes it a good deal if you’re planning on using a lot of cushioning.

Poly Foam
If you’re shipping delicate products and worried that bubble wrap may be too light, a denser poly foam wrap may be just the think you need to get your product safely delivered. Poly foam’s high density gives it extra cushioning potential. And its soft exterior means it’s not abrasive.

So whether you decide to go with lightness of inflatable packaging or the durability of poly foam, the right cushioning could save you money and save your product. If you have any other questions about cushioning, feel free to contact PackagingSupplies.com at sales@packagingsupplies.com.

Packing Fragile Items — The Joys of Bubble Wrap

Whether you’re packing several hundred items into scores of our shipping or you’re just sending a couple things in one of our clipboard boxes, it’s important to know how to pack fragile items in a way that will ensure their safe delivery. Even with all the right packaging material, it’s essential to prepare your goods properly before sending them through the mail. Having your items break while being shipped is a good way to upset customers, but it is also an easy problem to avoid.

When working with smaller shipping boxes, it is best to secure the bottom with shipping tape and then add a layer of protective peanuts, bubble wrap or foam. Taping the bottom ensures that the material you’re shipping won’t fall through the bottom of the box.

Then make sure that each item being shipped is wrapped separately, in either bubble wrap or foam. Place each item in your carton, but be sure to leave some extra space. Then fill the space left with either bubble wrap or packing peanuts.

A well-packed box will ensure that your valuable items will have a safe trip, and that nothing will arrive smashed and broken. With the right packing containers and the right protective supplies like bubble wrap and foam, you’re goods will reach their destination the way you want them to—in one piece.