Bubble Wrap Pro Tips & Its Bizarre Origins! | Packaging Advice from UK Experts

In this blog, we uncover the fascinating origin of bubble wrap, answer some of your most frequently asked questions, and offer expert advice on using it correctly. Whether you're a business owner, online seller, or just packing for a move, this guide is for you.

Did you know bubble wrap was originally invented as wallpaper?

That’s right, long before it became the go-to packaging for protecting fragile items, bubble wrap had much more decorative ambitions. Back in 1957, engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes created it as a form of textured plastic wallpaper for modern interiors. Unsurprisingly, their invention – two layers of plastic sealed with air pockets – didn’t quite take off in the home décor world.

Fortunately, they soon discovered its true potential as a lightweight, flexible material perfect for absorbing shocks, impacts, and vibrations. And just like that, bubble wrap as we know it was born.

What is bubble wrap used for?

Wondering when to use bubble wrap and why it’s an absolute must-have in any packing toolkit? Here are some of the most common and practical uses:

• Wrapping fragile items like glassware, ceramics, electronics, and ornaments to prevent breakage in transit.
• Filling empty spaces in boxes to stop contents from shifting and getting damaged.
• Layering between stacked goods to reduce friction and cushion against pressure or impact.
• Protecting irregular or sharp-edged items that might tear through standard packaging materials.
• Insulating greenhouses by lining interior surfaces to help retain heat and diffuse light during colder months.

Pro Tip: For maximum protection, pair bubble wrap with sturdy cardboard boxes and quality packing tape.

What are the different types of bubble wrap?

Trying to choose the best bubble wrap for your needs? Here are the most popular options available in the UK:

• Small Bubble Wrap (10mm bubbles): Arguably the most widely used and cost-effective general purpose protective packaging. Great for wrapping delicate or oddly shaped items.
• Large Bubble Wrap (20mm bubbles): Its larger air bubbles are designed to offer extra cushioning and shock absorption, perfect for heavier or bulkier items.
• Jiffy® Bubble Wrap: A premium, easy-tear option that requires no scissors. Made from coextruded PE film with a nylon barrier layer that retains air for longer-lasting protection.
• Bubble Pouches: Protective ready-to-use sleeves made from small bubble wrap, featuring a 30mm peel & seal strip for quick, secure packing of delicate items.
• Anti-Static Bubble Wrap: Specifically designed to protect electronic components and devices from electrostatic discharge (ESD) during storage or transit.
• Laminated Bubble Wrap: A premium, heavy-duty wrap consisting of bubble wrap laminated with LDPE film. Ideal for protecting furniture and art installations in transit or storage.
• Biodegradable Bubble Wrap: An eco-conscious option offers the same protective qualities as traditional small bubble wrap, but with the added advantage of being 100% biodegradable.
• Paper Bubble Wrap: A plastic-free alternative made from FSC® certified paper with dimpled cushioning. It's biodegradable and 100% kerbside recyclable.

How do you pack items with bubble wrap properly?

This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and it's easier than you might think!

• Should the bubbles face in or out?
  Always face the bubbles inward, towards the item you're wrapping. This ensures the air pockets absorb any shock or impact and provide the best protection.
• How many layers should I use?
  • Fragile items: Use 2-3 layers for adequate cushioning. Consider using a “Fragile” printed tape to alert handlers.
  • Heavy items: Opt for large bubble wrap for extra protection and reinforce with corrugated cardboard where possible.
• Can bubble wrap be used for long-term storage?
  Absolutely. Bubble wrap protects against dust, moisture & scratches, making it ideal for long-term storage as well as shipping. Just make sure everything is clean and dry before wrapping.

Is bubble wrap recyclable in the UK?

Yes, traditional bubble wrap is made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which carries recycling code 4. While it can’t go in household recycling bins, it can be recycled through soft plastics collection points available in many UK supermarkets and recycling centres.

Pro Tip: Choose our sustainable options, biodegradable bubble wrap and paper bubble wrap, for a greener solution that doesn’t compromise on protection.

Why choose Packaging Express for bubble wrap?

As one of the UK’s leading distributors of packaging supplies, Packaging Express offers high-quality bubble wrap rolls, eco-friendly alternatives, and a full range of protective packaging solutions – all at competitive trade prices.

Whether you're a small business, e-commerce seller, or warehouse operator, we provide:

• Next working day delivery on stocked items
• A huge range of industry-standard and bespoke solutions
• Eco-conscious alternatives to suit your environmental goals
• Support from a team of experienced UK packaging experts

Need help choosing the right bubble wrap?

Call us at 0345 224 3691 or email us at sales@packagingexpress.co.uk, and our team will be happy to assist.