Bubble Wrap

FAQs

What is bubble wrap used for in packaging?

Bubble wrap is ideally used in protecting fragile or expensive items, or simply for adding some extra padding to prevent items from moving around during a delivery or relocation. It can also be used to offer additional shock absorption for bulk packaging, such as when securing a pallet of multiple items. In this case, bubble wrap can be wrapped around the pallet and then secured in place through the use of pallet stretch wrap.

What sizes and types of bubble wrap are available?

We stock four key types of bubble wrap, these include:

1. Standard bubble wrap, non-perforated (no pre-cut lines)

2. Standard bubble wrap, perforated

3. Biodegradable bubble wrap, non-perforated 

4. Biodegradable bubble wrap, perforated

Along with these, our range also includes an air cushion industrial machine that can be used with a compatible film-pillow roll to make your own pillow rolls as needed.

When it comes to sizes, these include:

• 1500mm x 100m (non-perforated)

• 750mm x 100m (perforated)

• 750mm x 50m (non-perforated)

• 500mm x 50m (non-perforated)

• 500mm x 5m (non-perforated)

• 375mm x 50m (perforated)

• 1500mm x 100m (non-perforated, biodegradable)

• 375mm x 100m (perforated, biodegradable)

• 375mm x 50m (perforated, biodegradable)

Is bubble wrap suitable for moving and fragile items?

Yes, bubble wrap is suitable for both moving and protecting fragile items. In fact, the core purpose of bubble wrap is in ensuring fragile or high-value items are protected during transit, whether that’s as part of a move or shipping a product. By design, bubble wrap’s soft-touch and inflated bubbles of air provide exceptional shock absorption in the event of an accidental drop or rough conditions (be it on the road, air, or ocean during transit). 

Whether you’re securing bubble wrap around individual items or using air pillows to pad out a box to ensure items inside don’t move around during transit, it remains one of the most effective means of protecting your goods. 

Can bubble wrap be reused or recycled in Australia?

In general, bubble wrap can be reused multiple times provided its integrity is maintained. If you find that a specific sheet of bubble wrap has been damaged to the extent that many of the air bubbles have been popped or deflated, it may be best to use a new segment of bubble wrap if you’re securing fragile or expensive items. However, deflated bubble wrap can still be used for general wrapping or padding boxes or containers to keep items from shifting during transit.

In terms of recycling, bubble wrap can be recycled (just make sure to confirm it’s made of soft plastic) - however, you cannot do this through your standard recycling bin pickups. While services vary from place to place, you may be able to find local specialised recycling centres that handle soft plastics. A number of select stores within major supermarket chains such as Woolworths and Coles also have soft plastic collection bins. When disposing of standard bubble wrap at a soft plastics collection bin, make sure it’s dry, clean, cut into smaller pieces and free of any adhesive tape.

It’s best to research services in your local area or see if there is any information on soft plastic recycling centres noted by your local council. If there are no local services available, you should place your bubble wrap in your regular garbage bin. 

The good news is there is also biodegradable bubble wrap available. This type of bubble wrap has a biodegrading agent added to it, which ensures it will break down in landfills unlike standard bubble wrap. So, if you want to take the most environmentally friendly approach, consider degradable bubble wrap for your purchase.

What are the benefits of using bubble wrap for shipping?

The clearest benefit of bubble wrap for shipping is its ability to protect fragile and high-value items. Its design and construction makes it highly effective in absorbing shock, bumps and drops to ensure fragile materials have the best chance of not sustaining any damage while in transit. Both air pillows and bubble wraps can also be placed between items to prevent scratches, denting or other forms of related wear or tear.

Bubble wrap and air pillows are also a great choice for padding out larger courier and mailing boxes when all the items being shipped don’t take up enough space. The padding ensures items (especially fragile ones) won’t move around excessively and run the risk of sustaining damage. 

How should bubble wrap be stored to maintain quality?

There are a few simple factors to account for when storing bubble wrap. Follow these and you’ll give your bubble wrap plenty of longevity and long-term quality.

First, if you're storing bubble wrap you’ve previously used, make sure you’ve removed any adhesive tape or other foreign objects. You should also ensure it’s completely dry and has been wiped down to be as clean as possible.

For storage, account for the following:

• It should be stored in a clean, dry and cool area away from any direct sunlight. Humidity can weaken the plastic and promote mould growth, while extreme temperatures and sunlight can soften the bubble wrap or turn it brittle and cause cracking.

• Make sure the bubble wrap isn’t placed under any heavy objects as the prolonged pressure will crush the air pockets over time and impact the bubble wrap’s cushioning qualities.

• It’s a good idea to place bubble wrap in plastic bins or boxes that can protect it from sunlight, pests, dust, and humidity. 

• It’s best to loosely roll bubble wrap up as folding it can result in sharp creases that impact the strength of the plastic.

• Finally, make sure you have the bubble wrap sorted so the oldest bubble wrap is at the front to be used first when needed.