Research conducted at: https://sealedair.com/company/our-history
Bubble wrap has been around since the 1960's. It has been used frequently to conveniently package and protect objects while shipping or delivery. It provides shock and vibration isolation so that the object inside is at a lower risk of breaking. It is available in different sizes to accommodate the different sizes of objects it is protecting. It has also has been lined in mailing envelopes. The transparent plastic material with air-filled hemispheres/pockets, allow for cushioning upon transportation. The "wrap" is made with polyethylene film with a shaped side bonded to a flat side to form air bubbles. Some types of bubble wrap have a lower permeation barrier film to allow longer useful life and resistance to loss of air in vacuums. Bubble wrap has been used for generations as the universal packaging material.
Bubble wrap was not always used for packaging though, as it's original use was as wallpaper. " In 1957, Alfred W. Fielding and Marc Chavannes set out to create a new wall covering by laminating two plastic sheets with air bubbles in between" (sealedair.com). It never caught on as it's intention, which was for interior decor. The two engineers then realized that their product was able to help with much more than covering walls. They discovered that it could also be used for greenhouse insulation, as it helped keep the plants in proper conditions. They then realized it's true beneficial use. With using bubble wrap as packaging material, it promotes sustainability. It is also more efficient as it uses less packaging materials for objects as the wrap itself is powerful enough to withstand the conditions of transport.
In terms of ethical problems, the original use of bubble wrap doesn't really have any. The product was not originally harmful or had problems that resulted in it's current use. Ethical problems could arise if the product has a different use, and if the original (dangerous) use is promoted. Bubble wrap is proud of it's history, the company Sealed Air even promoting it on their website. The use of bubble wrap may have varied throughout time, but it has been realized as an important staple of packaging worldwide.
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