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Using Bubble Mailers to Ship Fragile Items

The Protective Padding of Bubble Wrap Technology

Bubble wrap is a widely used protective material with industrial and commercial applications. A pair of engineers accidentally invented it in 1957 while trying to create three-dimensional wallpaper using plastic materials. Bubble wrap comes in a variety of forms, and different sheets are available with various sizes of bubbles. Bubble wrap is usually a polyethylene compound that is bonded between two plastic sheets. The bubbles in an individual sheet of bubble wrap can range from one-quarter inch to one inch (or more) in diameter, with larger bubbles providing better stability and more protection. Some bubble wraps can contain anti-static compounds, making them ideal for use with electronics. Bubble wrap’s long history in the packing and shipping industry serves as powerful evidence of its effectiveness.

Durability of a Shipping Envelope

A bubble mailer consists of bubble wrap contained within a shipping envelope. Although bubble wrap is highly resistant to shock and static buildup, it is unwise to ship an object in bubble wrap alone. Bubble wrap is non-adhesive and can easily slide around, meaning objects shipped in bubble wrap can slip out of the casing and become damaged if not packed properly. This is where shipping envelopes come in handy. A shipping envelope is made of high-quality Kraft paper, a coarse and tear-resistant form of paper created by treating wood chips with sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide. Kraft paper is extremely strong and elastic, and it can be found in candy wrappers, grocery bags, and shotgun shells. Kraft paper is ideal for use as a shipping paper because of its exceptional strength.

Instances Where You Will Want to Use Bubble Mailers

Bubble mailers have an extremely durable exterior, and interior cushioning for packages. That makes this kind of mailer perfect for sending flat, solid items that need a bit of extra padding to survive the journey. A bubble mailer is great for use with books, CDs and DVDs, jewelry, small electronics, certain automotive parts, and plaques.

If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to ship fragile items without breaking the bank, bubble mailers are the perfect option for you. Their slim profile and extreme durability make them ideal for sending small items that might otherwise break during shipping. When it comes to sending a flat-shaped fragile item, a bubble mailer can make sure the product arrives intact.

Paper Mart Bubble Wrap

Air Bubble Wrapping 

Air Bubble Wrapping: 3/16″ X 3/8″

Bubble Wrap Facts 

Cushioning Products

Bubble Mailers

Gift Boxes

Moving Supplies 

Cushioning and Fill

 

5 Comments

  1. Kelly July 15, 2020

    Hello! I am looking to ship customized ceramic dishes using the safest and most cost effective method. Would you recommend bubble mailers? I’ve been using boxes and am nervous a bubble mailer might not offer enough protection. I planned to put cardboard panels on the top and bottom of the dish with additional bubble wrapping. Do you think this would be effective?

    • Gabrielle at Paper Mart July 20, 2020

      Hi Kelly! Excellent question! You’re on the right track with the cardboard panels and additional cushioning however, bubble mailers are great for shipping flat, solid items like books, DVDs, or jewelry. To help keep your custom ceramic dishes safe during shipping, we recommend a sturdy shipping box to help absorb any potential shock during the commute. For more personalized help, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 800.745.8800, ext. 2.

  2. Rebecca Gardner April 7, 2020

    Thanks for explaining that bubble mailers are a good option for flat items like CDs or plaques that just need a bit of extra protection. One of my friends is planning on selling some of his rare CDs online since he no longer uses them and needs the income. I’ll let him know that getting bubble mailers would be a good option when he chooses shipping materials for the CDs!

  3. Anne Savastano April 20, 2019

    I am having trouble shipping very fragile items. Any advice? I use bubble wrap, tissue paper & mark “fragile” everywhere on the shipping carton, but some of the items still arrive broken. Help!

    • Gabrielle at Paper Mart April 23, 2019

      Hi Anne! We can try to help. From our experience, extremely fragile items require extreme packaging care.
      We’ve had success with fragile / easily breakable items by wrapping them in bubble wrap first and using tissue paper to fill in any space between our items and the box bottom, top, and sides. Then, as an extra precaution, we place our box in a slightly larger, cushioned container, then label and mail it out. If you want to reach out for more personalized help, give us a call at 800.745.8800, ext. 2!

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