Comparisons
SafePak® or plastic bubble wrap?
Two materials for the same job: honeycomb paper that absorbs impact, and plastic air bubbles.
Plastic bubble wrap and SafePak® do the same job: they wrap fragile products and absorb impact. The difference lies in the material and in what happens afterwards. Honeycomb paper spreads impact, goes in the paper waste with the box and stores flat; bubble wrap cushions with air, is sorted as plastic and takes up space in rolls.
Side by side
| Criterion | SafePak® | Plastic bubble wrap |
|---|---|---|
| Protection principle | Honeycomb structure spreads impact across the surface | Air bubbles absorb impact |
| Application | Wrapped by hand, self-gripping; less need for tape | Wrapped by hand, usually secured with tape |
| Storage | Flat sheets, stacked inside a box | Rolls; more volume for the same usable length |
| After use | Paper waste, together with the box | Plastic waste; has to be separated |
| Raw material | 100% recyclable paper | Polyethylene film |
| Appearance | Kraft, matches the box | Transparent plastic |
| Moisture | Paper can let moisture through | Film is moisture-resistant |
When to choose SafePak®
When you want a single-material pack of paper box and paper fill, when storage space is limited, or when unboxing matters to your brand. You can see the storage space difference with the calculator on the SafePak® page.
When to choose plastic bubble wrap
For products shipped in wet or damp conditions, film has the advantage. In that case, outer packaging and storage conditions must be planned together with the paper.
Switching over
The number of layers is determined by testing; the step-by-step switching guide and the grammage and layer selection guide explain the method.
Frequently asked questions
SafePak® vs plastic bubble wrap
01Does SafePak® protect as well as plastic bubble wrap?
In wrapping applications, honeycomb paper replaces plastic bubble wrap; the number of layers is determined by testing for each product.
02What is the cost difference?
It depends on size, grammage and quantity; enter your consumption in the quote form.
03Can both be used together?
During a transition period, yes; however, a mixed pack needs to be separated for recycling.