Bubble Wrap Information
When using bubble wrap, there are a few “tips” for proper use. First, when you are using bubble wrap as a cushioning material, make sure to use enough wrap so that all sides and corners are protected. Make sure that there is at least two inches of bubble padding between your product and each wall of the box. You also want to make sure to use enough wrap (or other void fill material in conjunction with bubble wrap) to eliminate movement of the packaged item when you shake the box. When you are done packaging your product, shake it. If you feel the product moving, you need to add more packaging material.
Bubble wrap is available in five standard thicknesses as shown below.
Bubble Wrap Thickness Comparison Table
1/16 inch
Suggested Use:Interleaving and/or surface protection. Cushioning of light weight products.
1/8 inch
Suggested Use:Interleaving and/or surface protection. Cushioning of medium weight products. May be used as protective wrap.
3/16 inch
Suggested Use: Cushioning of light to medium weight products. Interleaving.
5/16 inch
Suggested Use: Cushioning and/or void fill for light to medium weight products, blocking, and bracing.
1/2 inch
Suggested Use: Cushioning and/or void fill for light to heavy weight products, blocking and bracing.
In general, smaller bubbles have greater strength to resist popping. Larger bubbles offer softer padding. When in doubt, pack with the smaller bubbles.
Please NOTE: If a heavy weight is left sitting on bubble pack for a long period of time, the bubbles will slowly go flat. This happens because air can slowly diffuse right through the walls of the plastic bubbles. As a result, ordinary bubble pack doesn’t work well for long term storage.