A Guide To Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is a tried, tested and proven protective packaging solution which makes up a large portion of our warehouse stock with over 1500 rolls held here. With several different options available to you we wanted to put together this helpful guide to help you choose the right bubble wrap for you. 

What Is Bubble Wrap?

Bubble wrap is made from Low Density Polyethylene film (LDPE), which can be identified for recycling by Resin Code 4. Originally invented in 1957 by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes as a textured wallpaper, it is now one of the most popular packaging materials in use today.

The bubble film is first made by melting down a variety of pellets and resin beads. The film is then pushed through a specialised cylinder that features a set of uniform holes trapping air between two layers. The bubble film is then cooled before being cut to size.

Can I Recycle Bubble Wrap?

Contrary to popular belief, bubble wrap is 100% recyclable as it is made from strong LDPE film. Most household recycling programmes now accept this material with normal waste collections, however, this is entirely dependent on your local council (you can check whether your council accepts bubble wrap via the RecycleNow website, or through the council website). Regardless of your local council, bubble wrap can be recycled alongside plastic carrier bags and film at supermarkets and other specialist collection points.

Small and Large Bubble

Our extremely popular small and large bubble rolls are the perfect general use protective packaging. The terms ‘small bubble’ and ‘large bubble’ refers only to the size of the air bubbles not to the size of the rolls. The small bubble offers effective protection for smaller more intricate objects with bubbles 4mm in height. Our large bubble is much bigger with bubbles of 9mm in height, making this more suited to heavy duty bulkier items.

We stock these rolls in various sizes, each roll is 100m long and can be purchased in widths ranging from 300mm up to 1500mm.

Paper Bubble Wrap Alternatives

If you are looking for a more environmentally friendly protective packaging solution we have a range of paper alternatives available. These are made from 100% recycled material and offer the same level of protection as standard bubble wraps. Many believe that bubble wrap isn’t recyclable, by switching to paper alternatives you are reducing the amount of bubble wrap which ends up in landfill.

Our paper bubble wrap rolls are made from 100% recycled fibres. This paper features an embossed bubble pattern to protect goods. This is widely used as cushion protection for potteries, glass and other delicate items.

 Our EcoWrap products are an innovative protective packaging solution, fully recyclable and biodegradable. The EcoWrap rolls have been precision slit to create hexagonal honeycomb cells when applied with a tension dispenser. These cells provide cushioning protection to products and the hexagonal cells interlock eliminating the need for adhesive tapes. We have these rolls available in brown, white and black, each roll has an extended length of 420m. 

Specialty Bubble Wraps

Our range of specialty grade bubble wrap are manufactured to suit specific sectors and product ranges. Offering customers high-quality, cost-effective protection for products in storage and during transport.

For electrical products prone to static damage we have our pink anti-static bubble wrap. This bubble has a special additive which prevents the build-up of static electricity by dispersing any surface charge.

Our Oxo-Degradable bubble wrap is the perfect option if you are conscious of your green-credentials. This fully biodegradable option offers excellent product protection with environmental benefits. When the bubble film is exposed to the combined effects of sunlight, stress, microbes and heat the result is a product which is digested harmlessly by microorganisms and turned into the basic elements of carbon dioxide, water and biomass.