The History of Bubble Wrap
Aside from cardboard boxes, bubble wrap has become one of the most popular packaging materials used by companies today. It’s an excellent protective solution that guards products against shock and abrasion, while also being highly flexible.
Many businesses around the world rely on bubble wrap, but did you know it was invented by accident? That’s right—bubble wrap was originally the result of a failed experiment. This and other fascinating details make its history truly unique.
From Wallpaper to Packaging
Bubble wrap was created by two engineers, Marc Chavannes and Alfred Fielding, but not for the purpose we know today. They initially developed it as a form of textured wallpaper. Looking to create a more innovative and appealing alternative to the standard wallpaper options of the time, the engineers fused two shower curtains together, trapping air bubbles between them to give the wallpaper texture.
They even developed a machine to produce plastic wallpaper with a paper backing for added durability and ease of application. However, despite their efforts, the concept didn’t catch on. Few people understood the purpose of the textured wallpaper, and it failed to gain traction.
A New Direction
Undeterred by their initial failure, Chavannes and Fielding decided to rebrand bubble wrap as a material for greenhouse insulation, advertising it as a product that could help regulate temperature and humidity. While bubble wrap did offer some insulating properties, it wasn’t effective enough, and cheaper alternatives already existed. Once again, they struggled to attract a market for their invention.
Finding Success as Packaging
After a second setback, the engineers took a break. But three years later, bubble wrap finally found its true purpose—packaging. Frederick Bowers, a marketer at Sealed Air (the company that would go on to mass-produce bubble wrap), saw the potential of the material for protecting products during shipment. He recognized that the air-filled bubbles could help keep items secure and cushioned.
In 1959, IBM introduced new computers, and Bowers pitched bubble wrap to them as an ideal packaging material. IBM agreed, using bubble wrap to protect its fragile electronics during transport. The partnership with such a major company propelled bubble wrap into the spotlight, leading to widespread use across industries.
Bubble Wrap Today
Thanks to IBM’s adoption, bubble wrap gained immense popularity, quickly becoming a staple in packaging alongside materials like Styrofoam and cardboard. Today, bubble wrap comes in a variety of forms and remains one of the most commonly used protective materials in shipping. Sealed Air, the company that holds the bubble wrap trademark, earns millions annually from its sales.
A Lasting Impact
With nearly 60 years of success, bubble wrap continues to be a go-to packaging solution, particularly as e-commerce continues to boom. Its versatility and effectiveness ensure that it will remain an essential part of the shipping industry for years to come.