Bubble Wrap?was first invented by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes in 1957,with its initial intention to be sold as wallpaper.However,the creators soon realised that it would be a much better alternative to newspaper packaging.
This product had an incredible impact on the packaging industry and its innovation was quickly noted by IBM,who began using the product to protect the IBM 1401 computer during shipment.
It is now been on the market for more than 54 years and is still used widely by internet retailers,as well as other industries,across the world.
So what other products have made a similar impact on the industry?
Down the years protective packaging has been a valuable partner in delivering successful shipments for a range of weird and wonderful items,including priceless artefacts and even NASA's astronaut training simulator.
Advances in technology and increasing packaging requirements has seen the industry continue to develop.
Innovations throughout the years have built on the protective ethos of Bubble Wrap?,using different materials to create a variety of protective packaging solutions.
The market is now home to protective packaging products such as Stratocell?specialty foam,Instapak?moulded cushioning,NewAir?inflatable cushioning and Korrvu?suspension films.Whilst all successful they haven't enjoyed the same fame as Bubble Wrap?–although this hasn't diluted their requirement.
They enable choice to ensure the most fit for purpose solution for void-fill,blocking and bracing or cushioning packaging.
It is this quest for innovation that has also driven investment in research and design,with packaging labs across the world bringing tailored products to their customers.This has also helped to create new jobs and opportunities for growth across the globe.
It is easy to discount protective packaging's role in the supply chain.However,if you look at the facts,it is one of the most innovative and progressive industries.While still staying true to its proud history of protecting almost any product.
And taking into consideration all of this creativity and modern technology,it is a testament to Bubble Wrap?'s originality that it is still one of Sealed Air's best-selling product around the world today–providing both protection and fun to millions of people.
Stuart Roberts is European director of marketing at Sealed Air Europe
