buborékfólia

Buborékfólia, also known as bubble wrap, is a pliable transparent plastic material used for packing fragile items. It consists of a layer of air trapped between two layers of polyethylene film. The air bubbles are typically 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) in diameter, though they can vary in size. The primary purpose of buborékfólia is to protect objects from damage during transit or storage by cushioning them against shocks and vibrations. The air within the bubbles acts as a shock absorber, dispersing impact forces and preventing them from reaching the contents.

The invention of buborékfólia is credited to Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, who initially intended to create a textured wallpaper in 1957. When this failed, they realized its potential as a protective packaging material. It was first marketed as a way to package fragile items for shipping. Over time, its applications expanded beyond packaging, with some people using it for insulation in greenhouses or even as a stress-relief toy due to the satisfying popping sound and sensation of the bubbles.

Buborékfólia is manufactured through an extrusion process where molten polyethylene is fed through a die to create a film. Air is then injected between two layers of this film, and the bubbles are sealed. The material is available in various forms, including rolls, sheets, and custom-cut sizes, and can also be found in antistatic varieties for sensitive electronic components. Its widespread availability and relatively low cost have made it a ubiquitous material in the shipping and moving industries.