7 Alternatives to Bubble Wrap

Want to ditch plastic? Check out these 7 eco-friendly packaging alternatives to bubble wrap that protect your products and the…

Yu Dai
December 12, 2024
We are a manufacturer of custom box packaging. This image illustrates our product: a cardboard box containing skincare items such as bottles and droppers, securely tucked in crinkled paper for protection. Accompanying these items are a gua sha tool and a compact tin container, all meticulously arranged to showcase the versatility and quality of our packaging solutions, without depicting any branding or text on the packaging itself.

Want to ditch plastic? Check out these 7 eco-friendly packaging alternatives to bubble wrap that protect your products and the planet!

Bubble Wrap

Remember the thrill of popping bubble wrap as a kid? It’s a satisfying memory for many, but unfortunately, it is not as fun for the planet. 

Made from plastic, bubble wrap doesn’t break down naturally and ends up in landfills, polluting the environment for years. 

According to the UN Environment Programme,  approximately 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally annually. Without meaningful action, plastic waste flows into aquatic ecosystems are expected to nearly triple from around 11 million tonnes in 2016 to around 29 million tonnes in 2040.

That’s why finding eco-friendly packaging alternatives is so important. 

Sustainability means choosing options that can be maintained without damaging the environment. By switching to greener alternatives, we can reduce plastic waste and protect our planet for future generations.

7 Alternatives to Bubble Wrap

1.Corrugated Wrap

Close-up of rolled sustainable corrugated cardboard sheets highlighting their textured and layered structure. This visual invites the question: is using such materials for custom box packaging environmentally friendly?

The corrugated wrap is made from recycled cardboard. 

It has a special structure with two or three layers: one or two flat sheets on the outside and a wavy sheet in the middle. This structure, called “corrugated,” makes it strong yet flexible. It can protect items from bumps and shocks during shipping, and brands often wrap fragile items like dishes or electronics with it.

The cost of corrugated bubble wrap can vary, but it’s generally less expensive than plastic bubble wrap. For example, a roll might cost between $20 and $40. This makes it one of the most popular choices nowadays.

2. Paper Pulp Mold

Credit: IG user krionl.art

Paper pulp molds are packaging made from recycled paper fibers. Manufacturers create them by mixing paper pulp with water and then shaping them using special molds.

Paper pulp molds can be shaped to fit products exactly. This provides good protection during shipping and gives packaging a premium feel. It is a perfect choice for electronic products. Apple, for example, uses them for some of its products.

However, these molds are expensive, so the manufacturing process has a high upfront cost. It’s best suited for large quantities, not small batches. This makes it less practical for small businesses or limited runs.

3. Honeycomb paper

Honeycomb paper is a packaging material made from kraft paper folded into a hexagonal shape. It ships flat and expands when needed to create moldable cushioning. This design makes it strong and protective during shipping.

It is made from certified virgin paper, ensuring good quality. Honeycomb paper is lightweight, space-efficient, and recyclable, making it a sustainable choice. It’s often used for wrapping fragile items like electronics, furniture, and glassware.

Its ability to mold to the shape of different products makes it a flexible packaging solution.

4. Biodegradable Air Peanuts

Biodegradable air peanuts are small, S-shaped pieces about the size of your thumb. They’re light and have a subtle, sweet smell.

Put them in water, and they dissolve quickly. You can see how easily they break down in nature.

These peanuts are made from cornstarch, not plastic. Manufacturers heat and pressurize the cornstarch, which expands into a foam-like material.

Air peanuts protect items during shipping. They cushion fragile things and fill empty spaces in boxes.They’re very light. This helps keep shipping costs down. You can use air peanuts for all package sizes. They work for small boxes and big crates.They’re good for both delicate and sturdy items.

5. Mushroom packaging 

The image features three biodegradable plant pots nestled on straw, with a small green plant in the central pot, reflecting the eco-friendly appeal of our custom corrugated box packaging.

 Source: https://dornob.com/ikea-commits-to-biodegradable-mushroom-packaging/

Mushroom packaging is a newly invented, eco-friendly alternative to Styrofoam. Developed in 2007 by Ecovative, it is made from mycelium, the root system of mushrooms, combined with agricultural waste such as corn stalks or rice husks. The mycelium naturally binds the material, creating a strong, protective structure.

This packaging is durable yet fully compostable, breaking down into natural elements without harming the environment. It offers a sustainable solution for businesses looking to reduce plastic use.

Mushroom packaging is used in various industries, including electronics, food, and consumer goods, providing a sustainable option for businesses and reducing plastic waste.

6. PLA Air Pillows 

Inflatable air pillows are lightweight packaging materials used to protect items during shipping. 

The biodegradable versions are made from eco-friendly materials like PLA (polylactic acid) or plant-based plastics. PLA breaks down easily in industrial composting. It decomposes faster than regular plastic, often within months.

These pillows are lightweight and flexible. They can be easily inflated to fill empty spaces in packages. This makes them space-efficient and versatile for various package sizes.

Despite being light, they provide excellent protection for both fragile and sturdy items. They cushion against impacts and prevent shifting during transit. 

While biodegradable air pillows are more expensive than traditional plastic versions, prices are becoming more competitive as demand increases.

7. Seaweed packaging

Our custom box packaging highlights the use of seaweed-based materials, presented against a light blue background to emphasize its eco-friendly nature. The innovative design champions sustainability by incorporating biodegradable elements, perfectly aligning with the ethos of using environmentally conscious corrugated materials. This showcases our commitment to offering an eco-friendly solution without compromising on quality or functionality.

   Credit: Notpla 

Seaweed packaging started gaining attention in the early 2010s, with companies like Notpla experimenting with edible, biodegradable pouches around 2014. Since then, it has seen increasing adoption across various industries as a sustainable alternative.

Seaweed packaging is made by extracting fibers or gel-like substances from seaweed, such as alginate or agar, which are then processed into flexible materials. These materials can be molded into sheets, films, or pouches for various packaging applications.

Like cornstarch peanuts, seaweed packaging can also dissolve in water. The dissolution speed depends on water temperature and material thickness, with thinner sheets breaking down in minutes. 

As more companies seek sustainable solutions, seaweed packaging continues to gain popularity, with ongoing innovations paving the way for its broader use across industries (Mongabay, 2023; Packaging Europe, 2023).

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Now that we’ve looked at different eco-friendly options, you might wonder: how do you choose the best one for your packaging? The right choice depends on a few key factors:

  • Type of Product: Fragile items need more protection than sturdy ones.
  • Shipping Distance: Longer shipping distances may require stronger packaging.
  • Sturdiness: You need packaging that keeps your items safe during transit.
  • Cost: Some eco-friendly materials are more expensive upfront.
  • Biodegradability: Choose materials that break down naturally to help the planet.

To make things easier, we’ve compiled a table comparing these 7 alternatives. It shows their key features so you can quickly determine which one best suits your needs.

Are you still unsure which sustainable alternative is right for you? Our experts are ready to help!

At WitPAX, we offer a variety of eco-friendly packaging solutions, including options printed with soy ink and FSC-certified materials. Together, we can help you make a greener, more responsible choice for your packaging needs.

Contact us to customize your sustainable packaging.