Bubble wrap is a tried, tested and trusted warehouse solution. For decades, it has been the industry standard for protecting fragile items. In fact, consumers and business leaders worldwide recognise its impressive shock absorbent qualities and heavy duty strength.

However, we are all also aware of its negative environmental impact.

Although a technically recyclable material, this depends on whether your local recycling facility has the technology to process it. If not, bubble wrap can potentially block and damage recycling machines as it is a soft LDPE. For that reason, it often ends up in landfill, where it pollutes our environment.

Logistically speaking, rolls of bubble wrap are highly impractical as they need a lot of storage space. When you take this into account, suddenly you can see its not great for growing businesses. Especially if appealing to eco-conscious consumers and running an efficiently managed operation matters to you.

Thankfully, Kite Packaging supplies alternatives that are more eco-friendly, functional, space-saving, and cost-effective than bubble wrap. Companies of any size can use these.

Hivewrap

Introducing one of our bestselling packaging solutions thanks to its outstanding strength and eco benefits. Hivewrap is:

• 100% recyclable
• Biodegradable
• Plastic-free

This paper packaging consists of honeycomb cells which tessellate, causing the cells to interlock and provide unbeaten protection. A hexagon is the strongest and most structurally sound shape, as it distributes the heaviest of weights evenly. Because of this, it can resist pressure from all directions, providing durability and stability in packaging. Hivewrap easily protects even the most awkward of shapes.

Ours comes in a compact roll, with the cells lying flat against each other. As you pull the paper from the dispenser, the cells expand.  This forms a protective barrier with the cells interlocking as you wrap.

Since hivewrap clings to itself, you will not require any tape or adhesive to secure it. Tear it easily by hand or use it best with a Kite dispenser for quicker wrapping. Elevate your packaging by adding tissue paper, an eco-friendly product that protects your goods from scratches and scuffs.

Our 500 multi-dispenser has three bars and lets you dispense both together. These expand the paper to its ideal length, giving you more use out of a 400m roll than you would get with bubble wrap.

Fascinated by the potential of this exciting innovation, we had to compare it directly with bubble wrap.  And we found the difference in space and cost savings between the two monumental.

One roll of 500mm hivewrap is equivalent to four rolls of 500mm x 100mm bubble wrap.

Benefits:

• 35% cost saving
• Needs 20x less storage space
• Reduces storage and transportation costs
• Needs less handling space
• Lowers plastic use & less packaging waste
• Lightweight, reduces carbon footprint
• Lowers carbon emissions

Hivewrap supports a circular economy by being reusable and recyclable, which helps reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. Customers can also reuse it for gift wrapping or protecting items when moving.

Paper Bubble Wrap

We get it, bubbles are a reassuring method of protecting your goods because you can see and feel the degree of cushioning. So, as a direct alternative, paper bubble wrap could be the perfect choice for your business.

Our eco-friendly bubble wrap has deep indentations, making it the strongest product of its type. Unlike plastic wrap, it is compact and saves valuable storage space that is crucial for your growing business.

Not only is it safe for the environment and consumers, but this protective packaging perfect for sensitive goods. Paper bubble wrap checks all sustainability tick boxes as it is:

• Made from recycled materials
• 100% recyclable
• Biodegradable
• Free from harmful chemicals

Works just like plastic wrap: roll out the needed amount, tear it, and tape it around your product for secure protection.

Using paper bubble wrap provides cushioning and supports the eco-friendly practices that today's consumers seek.

Shredded Paper

Void fill is great way of protecting your items from inside a box. Our environmentally friendly shredded papers offer impressive internal protection and aesthetics. If you ask us, they are the perfect substitute for bubble wrap when packaging certain products.  

People frequently link gift packaging to polluting waste. However, this packaging product couldn't be further from this as it is:

• Reusable
• Recyclable
• Biodegradable
• FSC & PEFC certified

If chosen wisely, gift packaging can be as eco-friendly as you want it to be.

Brands that want to lower their carbon footprint should look for FSC and PEFC-certified packaging. This ensures your packaging comes from responsibly managed forests, furthering enhancing brand credibility, especially for those focused on sustainability. 

Our kraft and black shreds use 100% recycled materials. Unlike plastic packaging, shredded paper supports a circular economy by using fewer new materials, which decreases landfill waste. 

The small shreds fill every corner and gap. This provides excellent all-round protection, especially because of the strong, high-quality paper with a thickness of 70-80gsm. Choose from either zig-zag shreds or straight-cut pieces depending on your aesthetic preference. This packaging’s blend of presentation, practicality, and positive environmental qualities makes it especially popular in retail, beauty, homeware, and gift sectors.

While the cost per pack may seem higher than bubble wrap, ShredPak's price per usable cubic meter is lower. Shredded paper is lightweight and offers further savings through reduced shipping costs compared to heavier alternatives.

Speedman Paper Wrap

Our Speedman range is perfect for companies that value efficient packing and maximum protection over presentation.

Speedman Box

This entry-level version consists of a cardboard box that contains a roll of paper void fill inside. The box doubles up as a dispenser, working in a simple yet effective manner. Both are recyclable and made with recycled paper.

Paper Jet Dispenser

This is our scaled-up system, which:

• Works at twice the speed of any other paper cushion machine in the UK.
• Produces durable paper cushions made from 100% recycled content.
• Is a fully recyclable after use, feeding into a circular economy.

This low-cost packaging is both environmentally and economically sustainable. Not to mention that it is a great tool for promoting your brand's environmental values.

Assess your production needs and storage capacities to select the perfect appliance or combination for your warehouse. Or get in touch with one of our packaging advisors on 02476 420065 to discuss the best options for your business.

Loose Fill Chips

Like shredded paper void fill, loose chips protect your items by filling the empty space in a box and absorbing any impact. They cushion your products and hold them in place so that any damage is unlikely.

The main appeal is their disposal process; they are 100% compostable. In fact, for customer satisfaction, place the chips in water and watch them dissolve. Our EcoFlo completely dissolves in water and leaves no harmful materials behind.

Our manufacturers use starch, an annually renewable resource, to make these packing peanuts. So, by opting for them, your business reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Loose fill chips are eco-friendly through their entire lifecycle, making them a great swap for plastic bubble wrap.

Best of all, our eco-friendly packing peanuts perform far better than their polystyrene counterparts. Brunel and Humberside universities have independently tested and proven this. So, you can trust that you're choosing a product that not only protects your items but also supports sustainability.

Mini Air Paper

A sustainable alternative that is:

• 100% recyclable
• Biodegradable
• Compostable
• Sealed with starch based glue

Our automated machine inflates and dispenses up to 18 meters of mini air paper cushions each minute. This lets you package your items quickly and sustainably without leading to any of the damage or guilt bubble wrap does.

As kraft paper cushions are puncture resistant, they will keep your goods well-protected in transit. So much so, you will never feel the absence of bubble wrap and its protective qualities.

The cushions have perforations for easy tearing and are sealed with a starch-based glue. This doesn't interfere with responsible disposal, providing an all round eco-friendly alternative. Not to mention that along with being safe for the planet, they are also great for sensitive products and applications.

Eco-friendly packaging materials like this show that your business values the environment. They act as a form of marketing without needing many words, attracting eco-conscious customers.

Mini airs space-saving design helps with compact storage so it is suitable for businesses of all sizes. By occupying less space, it creates smoother logistics and reduces harm to the environment. For businesses that want to work on their sustainability efforts, we would recommend this is as a smart choice.

Shredders

Turn your waste into void fill with our shredding machines. These offer a cost-effective and long-term eco-friendly solution for your packaging needs. By repurposing your waste in a circular system, you reduce the need for new materials. You also incur lower waste disposal costs.

Shredding cardboard and paper cuts down the amount of waste your business creates, reducing waste to landfill and linked emissions. Shredded materials are easier for recycling facilities to process, which enhances recycling efficiency and boosts your company's recycling rate.

This process not only supports your sustainability goals but also helps you save money in the long run.

It's a win for your business and the planet.

The verdict is in: bubble wrap is unsustainable. If you are worried about the environment, storage problems, or higher costs from a new plastic tax, it's time to change your packaging. Kite offers a plentiful range of sustainable packaging swaps. Your ideal solution is ready to ship right now.

If your require a bespoke product, please contact us at 02476 420065. Our skilled team can create innovative custom designs and have previously won Packaging Awards for these.