Bubble Wrap

Small bubbles or large bubbles?

The bubble size you need depends on what you're wrapping and the level of protection required.

Small bubble wrap (10mm bubbles) gives the best surface contact and cushioning for smaller or more delicate items — jewellery, glassware, ceramics, and small electronics. The smaller cells conform more closely to the surface of the product, offering better all-round coverage.

Large bubble wrap (20mm bubbles) is more economical per square metre — less material is needed to wrap the same item as the larger cells cover more surface area per sheet. Better suited to larger items, bulky goods, and packing voids in boxes where cushioning depth matters more than surface precision.

Economy or premium bubble wrap?

Economy bubble wrap rolls offer reliable everyday protection at the lowest cost per metre — the practical choice for high-volume despatch operations where efficiency matters. Our range includes a variety of widths and lengths to suit different packing station setups.

Sealed Air bubble wrap is a premium option supplied on compressed rolls — significantly more compact than standard rolls, which makes it well suited to warehouses and packing areas where storage space is limited. The compressed format also means less frequent roll changes on busy packing lines.

Specialist bubble wrap

Paper bubble wrap is a plastic-free alternative that uses a paper honeycomb structure to replicate the cushioning of standard bubble wrap. Fully kerbside recyclable and suited to operations committed to eliminating plastic from their packaging. See our full range of eco alternatives to bubble wrap for additional plastic-free options.

Anti-static bubble wrap is essential for packing electronic components, circuit boards, and devices. Standard bubble wrap can generate static that damages sensitive electronics even when the item appears undamaged — anti-static bubble wrap dissipates this safely while offering the same cushioning performance.

What to use bubble wrap with

Bubble wrap works best as part of a layered approach. For fragile items, wrap in bubble wrap first then place inside a double wall cardboard box with packing peanuts or paper void fill to prevent movement. For smaller items, a bubble wrap bag inside a padded envelope or postal box gives a fast, reliable despatch solution. For surface protection on furniture, artwork, and large panels, corrugated cardboard rolls can be used alongside bubble wrap for additional rigidity.

Frequently asked questions

Which way does bubble wrap go?

Bubble side facing inwards — towards the product. This way the air-filled bubbles sit between the product surface and any external impact, providing cushioning where it's needed. Wrapping bubble side out reduces its effectiveness significantly.

Is bubble wrap recyclable?

Yes — all bubble wrap in our range is made from LDPE plastic and can be recycled at soft plastic collection points, available at most major supermarkets. It cannot go in standard household recycling. Use our recycling locator to find your nearest facility — select plastic carrier bags from the materials list as they share the same material.