Bubbelfolie

Bubbelfolie, commonly known as bubble wrap in English, is a flexible plastic cushioning material used to protect fragile objects during storage and transport. It consists of a flat film of polyethylene with a regular pattern of air-filled bubbles, which can be arranged on one or both sides. The size of the bubbles and the thickness of the film determine the level of padding and the suitability for different items.

The material was developed in the late 1950s by Alfred W. Fielding and Marc Chavannes, initially intended as wallpaper. It gained practical use as packing material in the 1960s and 1970s, and the name bubble wrap became widely associated with protective packaging. The product is produced and marketed by various manufacturers, with Sealed Air popularizing the term in its early history.

Bubbelfolie is used for a range of packing needs, including shipping, moving, and protecting electronics, glassware, artwork, and other delicate items. It is available in rolls, bags, or pre-cut cushions, and comes in different bubble sizes, typically from small micro-bubbles around 6 mm to larger bubbles over 12 mm. Anti-static versions exist for electronic components, and some forms are designed for mailers or padding inside boxes.

Environmental considerations apply to bubbelfolie as with other plastic films. It is typically made from polyethylene, which is not always accepted by curbside recycling programs. Reuse is common, and some facilities accept it for recycling when collected separately or at dedicated drop-off points. There are also biodegradable or recycled-content variants, though recycling and disposal practices vary by region.

Manufacturing involves extruding a polyethylene film and forming the air pockets with rollers or embossing, then sealing the bubbles to trap the air. The result is a lightweight, translucent sheet that provides cushioning and impact resistance.