Why Choose Bubble On Demand vs. Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is undeniably one of the most popular packaging materials available, with experts estimating that the UK alone produces approximately 240,000 miles of it each year.

While bubble wrap rolls offer lightweight protection for products, they come with drawbacks. Their bulkiness makes storage and transportation energy-intensive, particularly in supply chains. Moreover, with the introduction of legislation like the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibilities, there’s a growing emphasis on evaluating the environmental impact of bulk packaging solutions. Many plastics now face weight-based taxes, prompting a search for alternatives with lower footprints. Enter on-demand bubble wrap. This innovative solution reduces material usage, frees up storage space, and lowers transport costs and emissions. It presents a compelling option for environmentally and financially conscious companies. This article explores the concept of on-demand bubble wrap, highlighting its advantages over traditional bubble wrap for packaging.

Understanding Bubble on Demand

First, let’s look at understanding bubble on demand…

What is on demand bubble wrap?

Bubble on demand, also known as on-demand bubble wrap, represents a form of inflatable air cushion packaging that merges the protective attributes of traditional bubble wrap with the advantages of compact packaging materials. This packaging solution arrives in deflated rolls, conveniently packaged in manageable boxes that facilitate easy stacking and storage within warehouses or facilities. Upon demand, the material is inflated as required prior to use. Various options for on-demand bubble wrap packaging exist, with Sealed Air’s NewAir I. B.® Flex™ standing out as one of the most popular choices. This system can inflate rolls of film, bubble wrap bags, and specialized films such as anti-static bubble wrap.

How on-demand bubble wrap works

On-demand bubble wrap is specifically engineered to be used alongside an inflation system. The deflated film is fed through the inflation machine as required. Typically, the inflation systems for on-demand bubble wrap have compact designs and can generate ambient air, eliminating the necessity for a compressed airline to be installed. These systems are capable of inflating bubble wrap at a rate of around 27 meters per minute and are designed to fit neatly either on a packing station or on a custom-made stand. Additionally, a winder is often included to facilitate the creation of bundles that are convenient to handle.

Common uses for on demand bubble wrap

Similar to traditional bubble wrap, on-demand bubble wrap is versatile and can be employed to safeguard a diverse range of goods. Films featuring smaller bubbles are ideal for lightweight applications, such as wrapping jewelry, books, and cosmetics. On the other hand, on-demand bubble films equipped with larger bubbles are better suited for protecting heavier or more delicate items, such as ceramics. Additionally, for electronic devices, utilizing anti-static bubble on demand can offer specialized protection against static electricity.

Unpacking the Benefits of Bubble on Demand

Now you know what bubble on demand is, what about the benefits it offers? Compared to regular bubble wrap rolls, on-demand bubble wrap offers significant advantages.

Cost effectiveness of bubble on demand

One of the primary advantages offered by on-demand bubble wrap is its cost-effectiveness. Initially, the compact nature of the film rolls reduces shipping and storage costs significantly. This can result in substantial savings, especially for businesses paying per pallet space for storage. For instance, a single pallet of Bubble Wrap® IB film is equivalent to 90 large rolls of traditional bubble wrap, which would occupy 46 square meters of space or 38 pallet spaces! Moreover, the use of automated inflation machines enables precise control over the amount of packaging material used. For example, systems like the NewAir I.B.® Flex™ can reduce excess material consumption by up to 50%. This translates to better management of packing material expenses compared to traditional bubble wrap. Furthermore, since utilizing on-demand bubble wrap involves packaging automation, it enhances packing efficiency, thus helping to control labor costs effectively. This efficiency in packing can lead to additional savings for businesses.

Environmental impact of using bubble on demand

Not only can on-demand bubble wrap save you money, but it also has a positive environmental impact. Unlike traditional bubble wrap, bubble on demand produces the exact amount of cushioning needed for each pack. This eliminates material use and overall packaging waste created. Plus, the more compact material can dramatically reduce CO2 impact of your supply chain. As mentioned above, it can take 97% fewer vehicles to deliver, which can significantly cut emissions and fuel use.

How bubble on demand can streamline your packing process

Switching to on-demand bubble packaging can also yield efficiency savings and streamline packing processes. It begins with goods in handling. Traditional bubble wrap, due to its bulkiness, occupies considerable space relative to its weight. Its irregular shape complicates stacking, resulting in inefficient use of transportation capacity and wasted space, necessitating extra handling time. In contrast, just one pallet of on-demand bubble film can significantly reduce the time spent by warehouse teams unloading cumbersome rolls of traditional bubble wrap. Furthermore, on-demand bubble wrap represents a form of packaging automation. Rapid inflation systems swiftly deliver the required protective packaging, slashing pack times and enabling an increase in the number of parcels dispatched. This automation not only saves time but also enhances overall efficiency in the packing process.

Comparing Bubble on Demand and Buying Bubble Wrap

Now we know about bubble on demand, when we consider bubble on demand vs. buying bubble wrap, how do the two compare? Key similarities and differences – both options provide excellent protection and cushioning for your products, so they can be used for easy wrapping and filling. The key difference between the two is their format. This impacts how you handle, transport and store the packaging, as well as your packing processes. Bubble on demand can be produced instantly in the right quantity, eliminating waste. Cost comparison – on face value traditional bubble wrap rolls will look cheaper. However, bubble on demand systems can offer significant savings in the long run. While the initial investment may be higher, especially for larger-scale operations, the savings across storage, transport, labour, efficiency and the environment payback quickly. Sustainability – when it comes to the environment, bubble on demand systems have the upper hand. The compact material can help significantly decrease your emissions and fuel usage, plus on-demand delivery helps you cut your material use, reducing packaging waste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making the switch from buying bulk bubble wrap to bubble on demand is a smart packaging choice that can deliver valuable cost-savings, while reducing your environmental impact. The eco-friendly swap can also offer improved productivity and significant space savings. So, if you’re looking for ways to prioritise sustainability, while keeping costs in check and protecting your products, bubble on demand could be the solution for you. Ready to make the switch to bubble on demand? Contact us now to find out about our eco-friendly packaging options and begin safeguarding your products in a sustainable manner.