The
Fascinating History Behind the Creation of Bubble Wrap Bubble wrap is a household item that has become synonymous with the concept of packaging material. Originally invented as a three-dimensional wallpaper, it instead found its main use in the packaging industry due to its cushioning properties. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history behind its creation. Bubble wrap was created in 1957 by two engineers, Alfred W. Fielding and Marc Chavannes, in Hawthorne, New Jersey. The duo was attempting to create a “textured wallpaper” that had a modern, three-dimensional feel to it. They believed that it would be a great trend in the late 1950s. However, their idea didn't become a popular option for wall coverings. Instead, they looked at other advantages their creation had. In this instance, they discovered that the texture of the wallpaper material, made from two shower curtains that were glued together, prohibited the wallpaper from sticking to each other. This led to their experiment on the application of packaging material using the same bubble wrap concept. Aside from its ability to prevent items from sticking to one another, it was also an ideal cushioning material for sensitive electronics that were being shipped. It was during this time that IBM was in need of a safer packaging solution when shipping their 1401 computing systems. Fielding and Chavannes perfected the production of the cushioning products into sheets and started to sell them to IBM, which quickly became their first customer. Unfortunately, it wasn't until the late 1960s that the packaging material gained popularity in the shipping industry. It wasn’t until this time, when the benefits of the product began to be acknowledged and the need for safety during transport increased, that the industry began to be revolutionized. In 1971, Sealed Air Corporation was founded by Fielding and Chavannes, using their new trademarked name, Bubble Wrap. Within a few years, the company had opened more than a dozen factories, and it expanded globally. Today, there are countless variations of this cushioning material. For example, the self-adhesive bubble wrap has become a personal favorite for people who are moving homes or offices. Additionally, there are variations that include rolls with larger bubble sizes. Despite its humble origins as a failed wallpaper concept, bubble wrap has become an incredibly important and versatile packaging material. In summary, bubble wrap was originally invented as a trend, before ultimately finding its place as the most popular packaging material of choice. The humble beginnings and the unexpected path taken have resulted in an iconic product that is widely used, recognized, and appreciated by people around the world. Who could have thought that a failed experiment could lead to so much success?
