10 Sustainable bubble wrap alternatives
Last updated: April 13, 2024
Since plastic bubble wrap was first created in 1957, retailers and people in general have used it as an inexpensive and effective way to protect delicate goods. Unfortunately, that convenience has come at a price.
Bubble wrap is made from RIC4, a low-density polyethylene film (LPDF) that takes up to 1000 years to degrade. It’s used in astoundingly high quantities every year—approximately 200 million Americans use at least one roll or box of bubble wrap in 6 months, according to research by Statista.
While bubble wrap can be recycled theoretically, it rarely is because it can’t be picked up curbside.
Overall, recycling plastic is becoming more difficult because of the volume generated. Studies show that despite a 50% increase in recycling volume, the amount of plastic packaging that wasn’t recycled has increased by 2.0 kg per EU resident since 2009.
The impact of plastic waste on the planet can’t be overemphasised—just ask the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Plastic has another problem: its production relies on burning fossil fuels, which is heating up the planet.
The good news is that more and more consumers are looking for sustainable alternatives to bubble wrap.
10 Bubble wrap alternatives for those who give a damn about the planet
No packaging is perfect, but better packaging than bubble wrap does exist.
So, what can you use instead of bubble wrap? The best sustainable alternatives to bubble wrap are:
reusable
biodegradable & recyclable (and actually get recycled) and
made of zero fossil fuel-based materials.
Let’s take a look at some products that fit these requirements.
1. Bubble wrap alternative made of wool
Wool is a novel packaging material. It stands out as a completely biodegradable and compostable packaging material.
Most wool packaging companies (like Woola—that’s us!) use leftover or waste wool that would otherwise be burned or discarded.
Pictured: Woola packaging material
At Woola, we use ethically sourced, low-grade leftover wool from free-to-graze sheep on farmlands (not factory farms) made following a low-waste production process.
Our most popular products are Wool Envelopes, a great alternative to plastic bubble mailers.
There are a few other companies making packaging out of wool, such as WoolCool and Puffin Packaging—but these are focused on thermal insulation for pharmaceuticals and food, rather than offering an alternative to bubble wrap.
Wool packaging is durable, reusable, and—unlike plastic bubble wrap—super easy to recycle. In fact, unless the packaging has been processed with additives, wool is compostable and biodegradable, releasing valuable nitrates back into the soil.
Packaging made of wool will also make your parcels stand out, as it’s likely your customers haven’t seen anything of the like before.
Estonian department store Kaubamaja found customers were really delighted to receive orders in Woola packaging. Many raved about it, saying, “The contents of the packaging are nice, but the packaging itself is even nicer.”
Read more about Kaubamaja’s experience in this case study.
P.S. We also offer free samples to businesses who want to try our products.
2. Paper alternatives to bubble wrap
Probably the most common eco-friendly alternative to bubble wrap — and for plastic packaging in general — is paper.
Paper is totally biodegradable and much easier to recycle than its plastic counterparts.
With the addition strict forest protection laws in many countries like Canada and well-established certifications like FSC, paper packaging is certainly a sustainable option to use instead of bubble wrap. Below, we’ve rounded up some paper-based bubble wrap alternatives.
a. Air-filled paper cushions
While bubble wrap is great for covering individual items, air-filled paper cushions make for effective void filling. Add this to a box of shipment items for maximum shock absorption.
Air-filled paper cushions are made similarly to their plastic counterparts. Manufacturers seal air into paper packaging for a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
b. Corrugated paper
Corrugated paper sheets resemble cardboard but have the added advantage of a ridged exterior on one or both sides. This enhances their durability and makes them more shock-absorbent and moisture protective than basic cardboard.
Corrugated paper packaging is available in many styles, from padded envelopes to boxes. It’s also very cheap and readily customizable, like cardboard, so you can still maintain your branding.
The main downside is that this packaging option is typically bulkier than other alternatives and, as such, may be better for larger packages.
c. Kraft paper
Kraft paper is super strong brown paper with multiple uses, including packaging, general DIY, and even protective floor covering. Instead of bubble wrap, you can cover individual items in kraft paper for shock absorption or line boxes with Kraft paper as a void fill.
Like most paper packaging, kraft paper is reusable, recyclable, and compostable (if unbleached). It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to alternatives. Just keep in mind that it might not offer an equal level of protection since it’s missing the “bubbles.”
d. Crinkle paper
Crinkle paper is made from shredded paper crunched into shape—much like your crinkle-cut fries. Businesses use substantial amounts as void filling. They can be plain brown (undyed) or dyed an assortment of colors for extra charm.
One advantage of crinkle paper is that it’s also easy to make on your own if you have kraft paper or recycled paper. It can also be reused and effectively prevents damage to fragile items when used properly. Undyed and untreated crinkle paper is also easily recyclable.
e. Paper bubble wrap
Several packaging companies like Kite Packaging or Papier Spick offer paper bubble wrap, so if your heart is set on bubble wrap, you can choose between wool or paper. Paper bubble wrap is designed similarly to plastic but is biodegradable and recyclable.
It’s made with indentations on the material and is about as durable as the plastic version. Some companies even make their paper bubble wrap with recycled paper, so you can look out for that if you wish to be as sustainable as possible.
f. Honeycomb paper wrap
Honeycomb paper or hive paper is layered paper packaging with perforations resembling the typical honeycomb structure. It’s particularly popular for wrapping glass bottles or containers and provides a measure of padding to keep them safe.
Elliot Davidson, an eCommerce consultant at Parcel Master says his company chose this alternative because it “takes up less space, is cheaper, and equally as protective if used correctly.”
It’s definitely easy on the eyes and surprisingly durable for perforated packaging.
3. Mushroom packaging as an alternative to bubble wrap
Mushroom packaging is a unique compostable and recyclable packaging solution. It’s made from fungal mycelia grown over agricultural waste. The product is then bound together to keep its shape.
This packaging option is lightweight and great for holding individual or set items that fit into a mold. Unlike wool and paper bubble wrap sheets, it can’t be wrapped around an item; the product must fit in it. It’s not much more expensive than plastic bubble wrap, and it’s compostable in weeks.
4. Biodegradable packing peanuts for void fill
These packing peanuts (not related to peanuts; only named after their shape) are made from natural materials like wheat and corn starch and are used as void filling for shipments—like crinkle paper and air pillows.
Biodegradable packing peanuts typically dissolve in water and are easily compostable. As they’re best for void filling, they may not work for smaller items that need to be shipped in envelopes.
5. Wooden springs made of scrap wood
An innovative newcomer in the packaging world, Raiku is substituting bubble wrap with biodegradable wooden “fabric”.
These springs are flexible and protective thanks to their structure. Like crinkle paper and packing peanuts, these springs are useful shock absorbers in boxed shipments.
Because the springs are made from wood, they can be reused, recycled, or composted.
Which bubble wrap alternative will you choose?
Plastic bubble wrap was innovative when it was created in 1957. But it’s left us with a lot of plastic waste and pollution. If your brand is eager to find the best sustainable bubble wrap alternative, give Woola a shot.
Our wool packaging is beautiful to look at, ethically sourced, customisable, and highly protective. We offer free samples to interested businesses – request free samples here.
