A Deep Dive into the World of Bubble Wrap and Its Uses
July 24, 2024Bubble wrap is more than just a source of satisfying pops and stress relief. It serves as a vital protector for items traveling from warehouse to doorstep. In this blog post, we delve into bubble wrap’s fascinating history, its various applications, and the science that makes it so effective. A History of Pops: From Wallpaper to Packaging Powerhouse Believe it or not, bubble wrap wasn’t always destined for the world of shipping. In 1957, engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes were actually trying to create a textured wallpaper! While the wallpaper market wasn’t impressed, their invention’s potential for cushioning soon became clear. By 1960, bubble wrap, then called “Air Cap,” found its true calling as a revolutionary packaging material. What Makes Those Bubbles Pop? Modern bubble wrap is typically constructed from a thin layer of plastic film, most commonly polyethylene or nylon. Air-filled bubbles are then formed by heat-sealing two layers of film together. The size and density of these bubbles determine the level of protection offered. Here’s where things get interesting: the type of plastic used and the bubble size impact the wrap’s properties. Polyethylene offers superior flexibility and is generally the most affordable option. Nylon, on the other…
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