Packman: How did bubble wrap originate, and what was its original purpose?

Bubble wrap has an interesting origin story, as it was initially created for a purpose entirely unrelated to packaging.

1. Invented in 1957
   Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes invented bubble wrap in 1957, working in a small garage in New Jersey.

2. Originally Intended as Wallpaper
   The inventors initially designed bubble wrap as a textured, three-dimensional wallpaper, aiming for a unique, modern look.

3. Experiment with Two Shower Curtains
   They created bubble wrap by sealing two shower curtains together, trapping air bubbles between the layers.

4. Marketed as Greenhouse Insulation
   When the wallpaper idea failed to gain traction, the inventors marketed bubble wrap as greenhouse insulation due to its air-trapping properties.

5. Adopted by IBM for Packaging
   In 1961, IBM became the first major company to use bubble wrap for packaging, using it to protect delicate computer equipment during shipping.

6. Founded Sealed Air Corporation
   Fielding and Chavannes established Sealed Air Corporation in 1960, which still manufactures bubble wrap and packaging solutions today.

7. Named for its Bubbly Structure
   The product was named “bubble wrap” because of the air bubbles that give it its cushioning properties.

8. Pioneered Protective Packaging Industry
   The unexpected success of bubble wrap in packaging applications helped launch the protective packaging industry.

9. Early Environmental Concerns
   Even in its early years, there were concerns about the environmental impact of plastic bubble wrap, sparking discussions about recycling.

10. Inspired Continuous Innovation
    The success of bubble wrap led to other protective packaging innovations, including foam padding, air pillows, and biodegradable bubble wraps.

From its origins as wallpaper to becoming a staple in protective packaging, bubble wrap’s journey highlights the power of accidental discoveries and adaptation.

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