The Wonder That is Bubble Wrap

The temptation to package burst the bubbles of bubble wrap is almost irresistible for many people, but how they do it in a plastic protective film? Well, it was the creation of two engineers, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, which came almost by accident. Originally, the proposed use of the plastic guard was like a wallpaper of plastic, but it was quickly determined that the product is most suitable products in the damping system was. After the discoveryof bubble wrap the pair of engineers founded the Sealed Air Corporation in 1960.

The product starts life as polyethylene resin which is melted down and formed into two sheets of clear plastic film. One of the sheets is then wrapped around a drum which has holes punched into it and the suction is then consequently applied drawing the film into the holes to create bubbles. The second layer of film is then placed onto the first and laminated on to in order to trap the bubbles which have been created. There is a process which ensures that the air cannot escape which occurs during this process; however it is a trade secret of the Sealed Air Corporation.

Bubble wrap is available in several sizes and forms from large heavy duty rolls for large objects to small Bubble Bags for protecting lighter objects. The diameter of the bubbles ranges from 6mm to 25mm and the height of the bubbles can be anywhere up to 44mm.

The uses for bubble wrap when protecting products are endless and its invention has lead to many variations of the product. One of the most common ways is to protect an item during transit using a Bubble Bag. Consumers can Buy Bubble Bags in order to protect glass objects being scratched or damaged amongst other things. Another variation of bubble wrap is adhesive bubble wrap which has a sticky side which will stick to almost any surfaces. The obvious use for this is to line the inside of packages in order to protect the contents.

In summary bubble wrap was an entirely accidental discovery which has greatly benefitted the packaging industry and has solved the problem of damaged goods. It is perhaps one of the most effect methods of keeping products safe in transit, and lets face it once it arrives it is always fun to play with it and pop the bubbles.