Bubble Wrap

Bubble Wrap is a sheet of plastic with rows of small air bubbles. It is used to protect breakable things when they are shipped. Many people also love to pop the bubbles for fun.

How Bubble Wrap Was Invented

Bubble Wrap was invented in 1957 by two engineers named Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes. They were trying to make a new kind of textured wallpaper. Their bumpy plastic did not work as wallpaper, but it was great for wrapping fragile items.

They started a company called Sealed Air to sell Bubble Wrap. It quickly became the most popular packing material in the world.

Why People Love Bubble Wrap

Bubble Wrap keeps things safe during shipping. The little air pockets act like tiny cushions. They absorb bumps and shocks so that glasses, plates, and other fragile items do not break.

But Bubble Wrap is also famous because popping the bubbles is so much fun. There is even a Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day celebrated every year on the last Monday of January.

Fun Facts

• Bubble Wrap was originally invented to be a type of wallpaper.
• There is a Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day every year in January.
• Enough Bubble Wrap is made each year to wrap around the equator many times.

Did You Know?

Some people find popping Bubble Wrap so relaxing that doctors say it can help reduce stress.