Kraft Paper vs. Bubble vs. Packing Peanuts: Pros & Cons
Kraft Paper vs. Bubble vs. Packing Peanuts: Pros & Cons
Protective packaging comes in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Kraft paper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts are three of the most common types of protective packaging. When shopping for protective packaging, people first and foremost look for a quality product. On top of that, they look for products that are always in stock and do not have a long lead time.
What is kraft paper?
Kraft paper is a thick brown paper made of wood pulp that is stronger than most papers. It is often used for wrapping products or to fill the additional space inside of a box to protect a product during transport.
Kraft paper applications:
Kraft paper is an excellent, sustainable packaging solution for anyone who ships or packages product. Kraft paper is bundled up or coiled, then packaged around a fragile product within a box or container to provide cushioning/protection. It can take many forms and is arguably the most versatile of packaging solutions.
Kraft paper is clean and easy to use. Kraft sheets can come perforated so the sheets are easy to tear off, or non-perforated where the sheets must be cut or torn off my hand.
Kraft paper is packaged, sold, and stored in different ways including
- Individually as large sheets
- Wrapped around a large roll (similar to toilet paper)
- In a center-pull roll (think center-pull paper towels)
Kraft paper dispensers make cutting your kraft paper to the desired size fast and easy
- Benchmark carries a Premium Grade Kraft Paper Dispenser and Cutter. The dispenser is loaded with a roll of paper and has a blade that cuts the paper cleanly and smoothy as it is pulled off the roll. This versatile horizontal paper cutter can be used standing, mounted on walls or hanging under workspaces.
- The Boxer – Paper Void Fill Dispenser is a convenient protective packaging dispenser that works with a center-pull kraft paper roll. It is easy to transport place to place, and is easy to use with adjustable height options, lockable castors, and swivel and tilt head settings.
Kraft paper is an economic choice for high-volume users. It is less prone to creating a mess in comparison to packing peanuts and does not run the risk of popping as is the case with bubble wrap. It is also good practice to avoid using it on items that could leak as water will ruin the integrity of the paper.
Is kraft paper environmentally friendly?
Yes, kraft paper is both recyclable and biodegradable. Made from wood pulp, kraft paper is an organic material that can be recycled up to seven times.
What is bubble wrap?
Bubble wrap is a plastic sheeting that typically comes wrapped around a large cardboard role. Sheets of bubble wrap are made up of small air-filled pockets or bubbles that provide cushioning for fragile items. It is an economical, versatile, and effective option for protecting material in storage or during transport. Bubble wrap is easy to use and does not require much instruction or training.
Bubble wrap applications:
Bubble wrap is another cost-effective protective packaging choice for people who are wrapping small, or delicate items (jewelry, fine china, glass, ceramics, etc.). It can be used to protect larger items as well but is most commonly used for small or oblong shaped products that need individually wrapped prior to being stored or transported.
Bubble wrap is mainly available in two different styles – standard & anti-static. Standard material is the most common style of bubble wrap. Anti-static bubble wrap is a great alternative for wrapping computer parts or any product that could be damaged by static. Bubble wrap dispensers are available for sale as well.
Bubble wrap takes up a large amount of storage space. Additionally, it runs the risk of popping when wrapped around a sharp or heavy object.
Is bubble wrap environmentally friendly?
Unlike kraft paper, bubble wrap is not environmentally friendly. Bubble wrap is recyclable, but it cannot be thrown in with your regular house recycling for pick up. It needs to be recycled with other plastics at a recycling facility.
What are packing peanuts?
Packing peanuts is another cost-effective option for packing fragile goods. It most typically comes sold in an enormous plastic bag that takes up a great deal of storage space.
They are made from polystyrene loose fill cushions. Polystyrene is a plastic with air added into it. The air makes the plastic expand, and the interlocking shape prevents to contents from setting keeping the material soft and squishy. Most void fill is resistant to humidity, moisture, and hot/cold temperatures.
Packing Peanuts is one of the oldest protective packaging products but is becoming less common as more sustainable and less messy protective packaging alternatives are being developed.
Are Packing Peanuts environmentally friendly?
Peanuts are not environmentally friendly. They can be damaging to wildlife as animals will often mistake the packing peanuts for food. We strongly encourage the reuse of packing peanuts to prevent it from ending up in a landfill or body of water where it would cause harm.
Packing Peanuts are not typically recyclable either. There are some recycling facilities that will accept packing peanuts, so be sure to check with your local facility to see what your options are.
There are some companies that produce biodegradable peanuts, and usually they are lower cost. Biodegradable peanuts are often made from corn starch. To check if your packing peanut is biodegradable, you can place a packing peanut in water for a few hours to see if it dissolves.
Ways to reuse packing peanuts:
If you work at a company who receives material packed with packing peanuts, instead of throwing them in the trash, take some packing peanuts home with you and repurpose them for personal use.
Here are some ideas for alternative ways to reuse packing peanuts for those looking to be environmentally friendly.
- Shipping fragile gifts to friends
- Protecting the tips of sharp objects/tools
- Arts & Crafts
- Cut into smaller pieces and stuck to the back of a picture/mirror to prevent it from scratching the wall
- Stick a nail through a peanut and use it to hold the nail steady against a wall while its hammered into the wall
Popular styles of packing peanuts
Protective packaging materials are an important part of any business who frequently ships or receives products. If you have additional questions regarding what piece of protective packaging equipment is right for you, please talk to one of our product experts.