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Paper vs. Plastic Packaging Materials

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 supplies, quality is of utmost importance. Stock levels and availability are also crucial to buyers. 

What is Kraft Paper?

Kraft paper is a thick brown paper made of wood pulp that is stronger than most paper products. 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 protective packaging solution for anyone who ships or packages products. 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: 

  • Wrapped around a large roll
  • Individually as pre-cut sheets 
  • On a center-pull roll (think center-pull paper towels)

Kraft paper dispensers make cutting your paper down to the desired size fast and easy. Benchmark offers an extensive selection of Kraft Paper Dispensers. These dispensers are used by loading a roll of paper on and feature a blade that neatly and smoothly slices the paper as it's pulled off. The versatile horizontal paper cutters can be utilized standing, wall-mounted, or suspended beneath work areas. 

Our HoneyPack BuzzPro Line has convenient protective packaging dispensers that work with a center-pull kraft paper roll. The BuzzPro3 is a desktop-mounted dispenser that requires no electricity and has adjustable height. The BuzzPro5 is easy to use and transport 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. However, it is good practice to avoid using it with items that could leak, as water will ruin the integrity of the paper.  

Is Kraft Paper Environmentally Friendly? 

Yes, kraft paper is environmentally friendly, as it 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 type of protective plastic made from low-density polyethylene. 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 equipment training.

Bubble Wrap Applications: 

Bubble wrap is a cost-effective protective packaging choice for people who are wrapping fragile 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 used for wrapping computer parts or any other product that could be damaged by static. Bubble wrap dispensers are also available to make them easier to use.

Bubble wrap takes up excessive storage space, and is expensive to ship due to its large size and low weight. 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 technically recyclable, but it cannot be included in standard curbside recycling programs. Instead, it needs to be separately recycled with other soft plastics.


What are Packing Peanuts? 

Packing peanuts are another cost-effective option for void fill or packing fragile goods. They are made from polystyrene, a type of plastic with air injected into it. The air makes the plastic expand, and the interlocking shape of the loose fill prevents contents from settling, keeping the material soft and squishy. 

Packing Peanuts are typically sold in an enormous bag that takes up a great deal of storage space and costs a lot to ship. Even though peanuts are one of the oldest types of protective packaging, they're becoming less common as more sustainable and less messy alternatives are being developed.

Are Packing Peanuts Environmentally Friendly? 

In general, packing peanuts are not environmentally friendly. They can be damaging to wildlife as animals often mistake the small pieces for food. We strongly encourage the reuse of packing peanuts to prevent them from ending up in a landfill or body of water. Packing peanuts are not usually recyclable, but some facilities will accept them so be sure to check with your local recycling program.

Some companies produce biodegradable peanuts, made with potato or corn starch. To check if your packing peanuts are biodegradable, you can place a 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 more 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 it's hammered

Protective packaging materials are an important part of any business that frequently ships or receives products. If you have additional questions regarding what kind of protective packaging supplies are right for you, call our product experts today at 844-423-6246.