7 Things You Didn’t Know About Bubble Wrap: Save Your Life!

We often buy items online that arrive packaged in bubble wrap and we all inevitably end up spending a few minutes (or hours depending on how much bubble wrap we have) popping those tiny little air bubbles. So satisfying, isn’t it? And fun too! Sometimes we even hide it from our family members just so that we can pop all the bubbles ourselves! 

Here are some things you definitely didn’t know about bubble wrap:

1- It wasn’t meant to be a packaging material:
 

Bubble wrap was originally marketed as a 3D textured wallpaper in 1957. As you can imagine it was a monumental failure! It was later re-branded as a greenhouse insulator until IBM used it to package its products and the rest as we say is history.

2- The magic of popping bubble wrap:

Studies show that 60 seconds of popping bubble wrap is as relaxing as a 33 minute massage.

3- World record:

In 2015 a new world record was created by 2681 people for simultaneously popping bubble wrap. The previous record was 942 people.

3- Bubble wrap bridal gown:

In 2010 Rachel Robinson wore a bubble wrap wedding dress designed by her students for her school’s recycling themed fashion show.

4- Bubble wrap to transport patients:

In Norway emergency personnel will sometimes use bubble wrap when transporting patients to prevent hypothermia. 

A study shows that bubble wrap can help insulate a human body and preserve 69% of its body heat. Like a blanket made of bubbles.

5- Enough bubble wrap to cover the Earth:

Sealed Air produces 240,000 miles (almost 400,000 km) of bubble wrap each year which is enough to go around the planet 10 times. 

6- Bubble wrap to save your life:

One study shows that if you jump from the 6^th floor while wrapped in 39 layers of bubble wrap nothing will happen to you. Just please DO NOT attempt to try this at home.