The ecommerce parcel industry has thrived since the start of the pandemic. In 2020-21, over 4.2 billion parcels were sent in the UK, an increase of 44 per cent on the previous 12 months - an upward trend that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. For boxed goods to arrive at their destinations in excellent, undamaged condition, high-quality product protection is needed – with Bubble Wrap being one of the cheapest and most effective.

Bubble Wrap: a Global packaging phenomenon

For decades, Bubble Wrap has been at the forefront of the packaging industry and, today, the brand is worth billions in global sales. However, modern consumers and businesses alike increasingly demand sustainable packaging solutions, aware of the potential dangers that plastics and polymers pose to wildlife, ecosystems, and the environment.

If you’re searching for eco-friendly alternatives to Bubble Wrap that offer the same high standard of product protection, consider these three protective packaging solutions:

1. Hexcelwrap or Hivewrap

Both these systems - Hexcelwrap and Hivewrap are made from 100% paper product that is designed to combine the strength of bubble with full recyclability and biodegradability. 

The main differences between Hivewrap and Hexcelwrap is that Hexelwrap is made from extensible Kraft paper that stretches further and is stronger than normal Kraft paper.  Hexcelwrap also dispenses more smoothly than Hivewrap.

The main differences between Hivewrap and Hexcelwrap is that Hexelwrap is made from extensible Kraft paper that stretches further and is stronger than normal Kraft paper.  It also dispenses more smoothly than Hivewrap.  Also the original actual cut pattern in the Hexcelwrap is different from Hivewrap and provides a cushioning that is known to be better than Hivewrap so where you want goods to arrive in pristine condition and unbroken/in tact you'll want the Hexcelwrap system.

Formed from a flat sheet roll that saves storage space, the three dimensional wrap is proven to prevent damage to goods in transit and gives the end user a positive environmentally friendly unboxing experience as well as saving the user packing time, reducing breakages.

2. Shredded paper

Shredded paper or cardboard is a cheap plastic alternative that is wholly recyclable and biodegradable, and can often be sourced from responsibly sourced timber (look out for FSC and PEFC certifications), or even recycled paper. Also known as ‘void fill’, shredded paper fills all the gaps between items in a shipping box to prevent movement during transit and damage caused by hard impacts. With a 70-80gsm thickness, shredded paper offers good strength and can be supplied in different colours to reflect the brand or improve the unboxing experience for the recipient. 

While shredded paper is sometimes used in place of Bubble Wrap, it’s more accurate to compare the function of shredded paper to polystyrene chips, and you will probably need to use more of the product, by weight, to offer the same level of protection and security as a wraparound product.

3. Loose fill chips

Loose fill ‘eco’ chips protect products by filling voids in the shipping box – in exactly the same way as polystyrene chips and shredded paper. When used in a small box, eco chips can provide a tight fit and a good level of security. However, for larger boxes and delicate products you will probably still need to wrap each individual product with Hexcelwrap, in addition to the void fill packaging. Loose fill eco chips are made from compostable cork, paper, or mushroom fibres, and are an excellent sustainable alternative to polystyrene, leaving no residue after decomposition.

Sustainable packaging solutions from Kudos Giftwrap

If you’re seeking effective Bubble Wrap alternatives that offer the same reliable level of protection for your products, please contact Kudos Giftwrap today on 01923 220055.

Image Source: Pixabay