Why Choose Bubble Wrap as Packaging?
Published On: June 21, 2022
Revised On:
August 1, 2024
Packaging materials safeguard products from physical and environmental damage during transit. Key materials include rigid containers, cushioning substances, and moisture control agents, each serving distinct protective functions. Proper selection and application of these materials can prevent product loss, ensuring functional and aesthetic preservation from the point of manufacture to delivery.
Bubble Wrap, characterised by its air-filled bubbles, is essential for mitigating impact forces and providing cushioning against mechanical shocks. On the other hand, desiccants, such as silica gel and clay, are incorporated into packaging to absorb moisture. Together, they protect against the most common risks encountered during the shipping and handling processes.
Understanding Bubble Wrap
Bubble Wrap is engineered to provide shock absorption through its unique design. It consists of a pliable plastic sheet containing numerous protruding air-filled hemispheres. The air captured within these bubbles is the primary physical property that allows for its effectiveness in shock absorption.
Upon impact, the bubbles compress and deform, dissipating the energy over a larger area rather than allowing the force to impact the packaged item directly. This deformation is mainly elastic, meaning the material can recover to its original form, allowing for multiple uses in some applications.
Variations in Bubble Wrap design include differences in bubble size, the plastic sheet’s thickness, and the air seal’s quality. Small bubbles are generally used for lighter, more delicate items, providing a tighter packing environment, whereas larger bubbles are suited for heavier items needing more robust cushioning.
Understanding Desiccants
Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture from their surrounding environment, primarily through adsorption and absorption.
Adsorption involves the adhesion of water molecules to the surface of the desiccant material, while absorption consists of the incorporation of water into the structure of the desiccant itself. Common desiccants used in the packaging industry include:
- Silica Gel: Silica gel is a form of silicon dioxide capable of adsorbing water molecules onto its porous surface. It is chemically inert and non-toxic and can absorb up to 40% of its weight in moisture, making it highly effective for controlling local humidity.
- Activated Clay: Made from bentonite clay, this desiccant adsorbs moisture at a slower rate and lower capacity than silica gel but is often chosen for its lower cost and natural origin.
- Calcium Chloride: Known for its high moisture absorption capacity, calcium chloride is an active desiccant that absorbs moisture through a deliquescence process. During this process, it transitions from a solid to a liquid as it absorbs water.
- Molecular Sieves: These are synthetic zeolites with uniform pore sizes that allow for selective adsorption of water molecules. They are often used when precise moisture control is necessary.
Benefits and Advantages
Prevention of Moisture-Induced Damage: Desiccants are crucial in preventing moisture-related damages, such as corrosion of metal parts, mold and mildew formation, and spoilage of moisture-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals and electronics. By maintaining a dry environment, desiccants mitigate these risks and enhance shipped goods’ overall safety and longevity.
Prolonging Product Shelf Life and Maintaining Integrity: Desiccants help preserve the quality and functionality of products throughout the shipping and storage processes. For example, in the food industry, desiccants can extend the shelf life of dried goods by preventing clumping and microbial growth. In electronics, they prevent condensation that could lead to short circuits or corrosion.