Have you ever wondered what those popping sheets wrapped around your new decorative clock or power bank parcel? It is bubble wrap, a packaging sheet that might feel like a simple pleasure, but behind those tiny air-filled bubbles lies a surprisingly clever packaging solution. Whether protecting a delicate parcel in the post or cushioning electronics in transit, bubble wrap has long been a trusted companion in the world of packaging. But as sustainability takes centre stage, it’s worth asking how eco-friendly this pop-happy material is. Let’s unwrap the facts and explore the growing world of recyclable and alternative packaging.
What is Bubble Wrap?
Bubble wrap is a sheet commonly used in packaging made from low-density polyethylene. Its surface contains small, air-filled bubbles that act as air cushion packaging. The bubbles absorb shock and wear and tear during travel, thus protecting the items from possible harm or external contaminants. You may customise these lightweight wraps according to your product’s size and shape.
Types of Bubble Wrap
Bubble wraps may be of different types based on the level of safety they offer and their surface texture. Here are some of the common types of bubble wrap:
Biodegradable Bubble Wrap
This eco-friendly bubble wrap is made using plant-based materials, most notably cornstarch. Due to their nature-based components, such wraps are not harmful to the environment as they degrade independently.
Paper Bubble Wrap
Paper bubble wrap is another recyclable packaging material. You do not have to rely on harmful plastic to package your products. Kraft paper with cushioning is employed here to support the fragile items delivered.
Anti-Static Bubble Wrap
This pinkish bubble wrap is used explicitly in the electronics industry packaging. Polyethylene with some anti-static material is combined so that the sheet restricts the static charge buildup that may harm the appliance packed within the wrap when it is wrapped. Thus, such a packaging sheet can secure the product from outer damage and static charges.
Self-Adhesive Bubble Wrap
Self-adhesive bubble wrap binds to the product surface due to a light sticky coating, and the cushioning of air-filled bubbles is similar to that of standard bubble wrap. With such a packaging sheet, you do not have to secure the package with extra tape or glue. For additional protection, you should consider wrapping fragile or asymmetrical products in such sheets.
Foam Wrap
It contains foam instead of bubbles and is an excellent choice for highly fragile items, including glassware or electronic equipment. The flexible foam can protect the product from external shocks and humidity. Also, the foam material is very lightweight which does not pose a problem of high delivery costs.
How to Recycle Bubble Wrap?
If you have a stack of bubble wrap as waste at home, you may reuse it in several valuable ways. Plastic bubble wrap recycling is quite a careful process, and you can not do it at home. Recycled packaging solutions has always been a remarkable idea to minimize your packaging waste. So, you must explore a suitable recycling centre. You may find relevant information regarding these centres online from some credible websites.
Here are some minor steps you must consider before taking your bubble wraps to the centre;
- First, make sure the bubble wrap you are going to recycle does not contain other materials, such as plastic or metal.
- The recyclable wrap may contain a symbol or a number showing that it can be recycled. Remove the tape or paper on which that number is written.
- Clean the wrap thoroughly of any dust or unnecessary things.
- Stack all these bubble wraps on top of one another to save space, then drop them off at a suitable centre claiming to recycle such wraps.
You can not discard these bubble wraps as domestic waste as waste management authorities do not cater these wraps in domestic waste. Therefore, these will end up in landfills, taking several years to decompose.
How to Identify Recyclable Bubble Wrap?
Bubble wraps come in different types, serving different packaging needs. You can identify the recyclable options by considering just a few things, including;
- Have a careful look at the bubble wrap. You may find a symbol showing it to be recyclable. With a symbol, a number imprinted shows which type of plastic can be recycled.
- Texture is another factor to consider when analysing recycling capacity. A soft, paper-like texture shows that the wrap can be recycled.
- Do check for additional material, usually foil, mixed with bubble wrap. If yes, you can not consider recycling.
- All these steps work fine, but you should read a recycling guide to understand better. At ‘Recycle now,’ you can learn whether bubble wrap is recyclable.
Bubble Wrap vs Paper Packaging
Both bubble wrap and paper are used extensively in the packaging industry. However, they differ significantly in their composition and persistence in the environment.
Here is a comparison of some of the key features of both bubble wrap and paper packaging;
- Plastic is the main component of bubble wrap, while plant-based Kraft paper is used for paper packaging.
- Bubble wraps offer maximum safety due to the shock-absorbing ability of small bubbles, while paper packaging is less reliable in terms of protection.
- Bubble wraps are usually lightweight due to the air-filled bubbles, while paper is a bit heavier than bubble sheets.
- The delivery cost for bubble wrap is lower than that of paper due to its lightweight.
- Bubble wraps may or may not be recycled, leaving a higher footprint, while paper offers green packaging solutions because it is biodegradable.
- You may use bubble wrap for jewellery, ceramics, electronics, or anything fragile, while paper packaging is best for items not too prone to damage.
Sustainable Packaging Alternatives of Bubble Wrap
With the growing concern that plastic waste is a major contributor to environmental pollution, people are trying to reduce plastic consumption. Enterprises worldwide are now switching to sustainable and eco-friendly materials, and among all other industries, the packaging sector is also facing a significant shift. An efficient move for a business to thrive is to adapt these measures instead of following conventional practices.
Here are the key sustainable alternatives to bubble wrap for packaging:
Mushroom Packaging
This packaging option will combine agricultural waste with mushrooms and mycelium. The flexible nature of mushrooms allows you to provide the packaging with any shape or design depending on the product. This type of material is inexpensive due to less reliance on non-renewable sources. It doesn’t leave the environment polluted with chemicals forever, as plastic does. The idea is seeking great attention in the UK, where you can consider The Magical Mushroom company or Seedlip to deliver mushroom-based packaging.
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard contains a layer of wavy flutes to add extra strength. These highly customisable boxes are excellent for delivering safely. Manufactured using recyclable or plant-based material, they are a remarkable alternative to traditional packaging. DS Smith and Hotpack Global are the most notable suppliers of these eco-conscious packaging solutions.
Edible Packaging
Creating edible packaging is another fun way to turn traditional packaging into a sustainable one. You may get this type of packaging via seaweed or casein. Edible packaging was primarily used to pack food items, but now the trend is increasing in different sectors, including textiles, cosmetics and more. You can check Notpla for the excellent edible packaging they offer across the UK if you plan to switch from paper or plastic to edible packaging for your business.
Cornstarch Packaging
Using Polylactic Acid, you may get another excellent biodegradable option for packaging, the cornstarch packaging. It contains pads that serve as cushioning to protect the product to be delivered. With a very low environmental footprint, this packaging material can conveniently be used as compost once disposed of. You can opt for this fantastic packaging for your food business. It also serves the purpose of small parcels, and you no longer need bubble wraps for jewellery or other small-sized items.
Biodegradable Peanuts
Another innovation in packaging waste reduction measures is using biodegradable peanuts to wrap your products. These are made of renewable material from wheat or potato starch and are an eco-friendly choice. Unlike bubble wrap, which has minimal potential for recycling, these peanuts are highly compostable and offer excellent cushioning to the products by filling the empty spaces in the package.
Benefits of Recyclable Bubble Packaging
Opting for any recyclable material has always been a positive approach in many aspects and especially, it is healthy for the environment. Here is a quick description of how using recyclable bubble wraps can be beneficial for your business:
Inexpensive
The lightweight material of these recyclable bubble wraps costs less while delivering at longer distances. Moreover, the recyclable type of wrap costs the same amount as the conventional bubble wrap but has lots of additional benefits, such as being reusable and biodegradable while also cutting down on pollution control costs.
Less Waste
Bubble packaging disposal is not a major issue if recyclable, as it will decompose after a certain period. Also, it is durable enough to be reused several times. Overall, you can reduce your packaging waste just by switching to recyclable bubble wrap or any suitable sustainable alternative.
Minimal Footprint
Recyclable packaging materials are preferable due to the less resource consumption, minimal waste, and lower-than-usual costs. Its recyclable nature makes it less persistent in the environment, due to which the emissions of harmful gases from conventional waste are reduced. This way, businesses’ footprint on such green packaging solutions is considerably decreased.
Offers Safety to Delicate Items
These eco-friendly bubble wraps are equally potent in delivering the items to the destination safely. Whether it be for a gift box packaging or wrapped around a bicycle to be delivered, the popping bubbles will be an effective barrier to any potential shocks and damages along the way.
Good for Brand Reputation
The increasingly deteriorating environmental conditions have left people feeling guilty for being responsible for such massive damage. To compensate for the previously caused environmental pollution or, with increased awareness, people now tend to prefer shopping from those whose businesses are aligned with environmental improvement. Therefore, companies with eco-conscious packaging have a good image in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
For how long does a conventional bubble wrap last?
Conventional bubble wrap lasts for at least 5 to 7 years. However, it is recommended to be changed at least every 4 years for effective performance.
Does bubble wrap attract heat?
No, it has very little thermal conductivity due to the air trapped in the wrap bubbles. Air molecules act as a shield to prevent heat from passing, making it poor at attracting heat.
What is an interesting fact about bubble wrap?
A unique thing about bubble wraps, which you may not know now, is that they were primarily used as wallpaper. Later, due to the shock-absorbing capacity of bubbles, these wraps started being used in packaging.
Is one layer of bubble wrap enough?
Yes, a single layer of bubble wrap around the item is usually enough. However, the number of layers also depends on the type of product. If you think the item is too fragile, wrap it in one or two additional layers of bubble wrap to avoid damage.
Can water get through bubble wrap?
No, you can not expect water to pass through bubble wrap due to the material used in its making. Conventional bubble wrap is made of polyethylene, which is water-resistant.