Bubble wraps are a common form of packaging material that has been used to protect delicate items being sent across various states and countries. It’s made of durable plastic and has ‘bubbles’ on one side which makes it perfect for protecting items—while still being relatively lightweight. However, many don’t realize there’s a right and wrong side to using it. This confusion often leads to the improper use of bubble wraps and consequently, damage and scratches to the items which they’re supposed to protect.
Bubble wrap is one of the most ubiquitous and beloved packaging materials. The satisfying “pop” of its air pockets when pressed provides a sensory joy. But bubble wrap is not just fun – it also serves an important purpose in protecting our precious items during shipping and storage. So how exactly should we be using bubble wrap? Should the bubbles go on the inside or outside of a package? Let’s find out.
What Is Bubble Wrap?
Bubble wrap, also known as bubble packaging or bubble sheet, is a pliable plastic material containing numerous small air-filled cavities It was invented in 1957 by two engineers at Sealed Air Corporation, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, who were originally trying to create a three-dimensional plastic wallpaper. Though unsuccessful as wallpaper, they realized that sheets of this air-filled plastic could be used as cushioning packaging. Bubble wrap entered mass production in 1960 and quickly became a staple packing material.
The structure of bubble wrap allows it to absorb shocks and impacts to protect contents. The small air pockets act as cushions while the bonded spaces between keep the bubbles stable. Bubble wrap comes in various bubble sizes, the most common being around 10mm. The thickness of the plastic sheeting can also vary. High quality bubble wrap uses thicker plastic which is more puncture resistant.
Bubble Wrap Usage Tips
While bubble wrap is fairly straightforward to use, there are some guidelines to follow for maximum protection Here are some bubble wrap usage tips
Which Side Should Face Inwards?
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The bubbles should face towards your item, not away from it. This allows the air pockets to absorb impacts before they reach your item.
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If the bubbles face outwards, they are likely to pop and flatten during handling, which diminishes their protective capacity.
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The smooth plastic side acts as a surface layer to keep the bubbles securely in place.
How Much Bubble Wrap is Needed?
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Use enough wrap so that the item can be completely surrounded or encapsulated. The more bubble cushioning, the better.
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For irregular shaped items, wrap with paper or fabric first to create a smooth surface before applying bubble wrap.
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If shipping multiple items in one box, wrap them individually before packing together. The bubbles should not be compressed between items.
How Should Bubble Wrap Be Secured?
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Tape down bubble wrap thoroughly to prevent shifting during transport. Use wide packing tape or vinyl tape.
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Poppable bubble wrap can be secured more aggressively. Bubble cushioning with an unpoppable barrier requires gentler taping to keep bubbles intact.
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Wrap tape horizontally around the middle then vertically around ends and seams for maximum hold.
Should Bubble Wrap Be Popped?
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There are two types of bubble wrap – standard and anti-static. Standard bubble wrap has poppable bubbles. Anti-static wrap has unpoppable bubbles covered by a protective layer.
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For standard bubble wrap, popping some bubbles can compress the sheet around contents to stabilize them. But leave most intact for cushioning.
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Never intentionally pop anti-static bubble wrap as this permanently destroys its shock absorbing function.
Is Reused Bubble Wrap Effective?
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Partially popped bubble wrap can still cushion moderately fragile items. But reuse is not ideal for delicate items that require maximum protection.
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Check that any reused wrap is clean and in good condition with no major tears or holes forming.
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Supplement partly depleted wrap with added layers of fresh bubble cushioning if needed.
Proper Bubble Wrap Technique Maximizes Protection
Bubble wrap is a versatile packaging material that provides excellent protection when used correctly. The key things to remember are:
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Bubbles should face inwards towards the item being wrapped
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Encapsulate item completely with ample bubble cushioning
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Tape securely to prevent bubble wrap from shifting
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Poppable wrap can be compressed more but anti-static bubbles must remain intact
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Reused bubble may provide moderate cushioning but supplement when needed
Proper bubble wrap technique keeps your valuables safe in transit and storage. With its satisfying pop and top-notch protective abilities, it’s no wonder bubble wrap remains one of the world’s favorite packing materials.
The Correct Side Of Bubble Wraps
There’s a right and wrong side when using bubble wraps. It’s because in most cases, packaging material should provide air pockets on the top, bottom, and sides of the object or item. This way, nothing can touch or hit them in the course of delivery.
Thus, if you’re thinking that bubbles should be facing the outside of the package, you’re wrong. When packaging materials, the bubbles or air pockets should be facing the inside of the package. This way, if any part of it is jostled or hit, it’ll stay protected. It’s because the bubbles act as a soft buffer and provide that extra layer of protection for the items inside the package.
Similarly, with the bubbles facing inwards, packaged items are provided with a better grip. The outer material of the wrap is smooth, which won’t give the same amount of grip. The texture can increase the chances of the item sliding or moving during transport. Aside from this, with the smooth side of the bubble wrap facing you, it’ll be easier to secure it with packaging tape. It would also offer a better surface for labelling when necessary.
Another reason why the bubbles should be facing the object is to protect the bubbles themselves. By doing so, you’re saving the delicate air pockets from being punctured by sharp objects. This practice can reduce bubble wastage and allow you to use the wrap repeatedly for packing. This is also the reason why some look at bubble wraps to be an ultimate protection provider and an environmentally friendly material too.
Lastly, the outer part of the wrap is always the side exposed to dirt and outside elements. It may pick up dust or grime while it’s being stored or transferred. For this reason, the smooth side of the bubble wrap should always face outwards as it’ll be easier to clean. This is contrary to the side with bubbles which are often filled with grooves and nooks where that are hard to clean when dirt gets into them.
How to use bubble wrap
FAQ
Which way do you put on bubble wrap?
Make sure that its size is large enough to cover the item more than once. Layout your bubble wrap having the flat side on the surface and the bubble side upwards. Take your item and place it on the bubble wrap. The bubble side should be inside, touching the item.
Which is the correct side of bubble wrap?
When being moved or stored, it could gather dust or debris. Because it will be simpler to clean, the smooth side of the bubble wrap should always face outward.May 13, 2024
Which side of bubble wrap goes against the window?
Do bubbles go up or down on bubble wrap?
One of the most important things to remember when wrapping your items is that the bubbles should face the items. Bubble wrap has two sides – one that is flat and one with bubbles. The textured surface of the bubbles helps grip the items better than the flat side.