Bubble wrap is the default for protecting fragile goods — but which roll do you actually need, when is it the right choice, and is there a greener option that protects just as well? This guide covers what bubble wrap is best for, how to choose it by size and bubble height, and introduces Hexcel honeycomb paper wrap, the recyclable alternative more Kiwi businesses are moving to.
When bubble wrap is the right choice
Bubble wrap earns its place because it cushions, wraps around irregular shapes, and is quick to apply by hand. It's the go-to for:
- Fragile goods — glassware, ceramics, bottles and anything that chips or shatters.
- Electronics and screens — where both impact and surface scratching are a risk.
- Odd shapes — items that won't sit neatly in a moulded insert and need to be wrapped individually.
- Surface protection — polished or coated products that need a scuff-free layer in transit.
For simply filling empty space in a carton, void fill or paper is cheaper — bubble wrap is for protecting the item itself.
How to choose bubble wrap
Two things decide the right roll: the bubble height and the roll width.
- Bubble height — small bubbles (around 10 mm) suit light, everyday items and surface protection; large bubbles (around 20 mm) give more cushioning for heavier or more fragile goods and fill space faster.
- Roll width — match it to your products. Narrow rolls suit small items and wrapping stations; wide rolls are more efficient for large or awkward goods and layering into cartons.
- Perforations — perforated rolls tear cleanly to a set length, which speeds up a busy pack bench and cuts waste.
Common choices from our Bubble Wrap range:
- Small items & wrapping benches — 300 mm × 60 m.
- General purpose — 440 mm × 60 m, a good all-round bench roll.
- Large & awkward goods — 870 mm × 60 m or the wide 1300 mm × 60 m roll.
Foil-backed bubble for temperature-sensitive goods
Where contents need insulating as well as cushioning — chilled items, or goods sensitive to heat in transit — a foil-backed bubble like our MPet foil bubble adds a reflective thermal layer on top of the cushioning. See more temperature options in Thermal Protection.
The eco alternative: Hexcel honeycomb wrap
Plastic bubble wrap protects well but it's not curbside recyclable, and more customers now notice plastic in the parcel. Hexcel honeycomb paper wrap is our paper-based alternative: expandable kraft paper die-cut into a honeycomb pattern that stretches and wraps around a product, locking it in a cushioning layer — no plastic, no air pillows, just paper.
It ships flat (so it takes less storage than pre-inflated bubble), it's 100% recyclable and made from renewable kraft paper, and it gives your unboxing a premium, sustainable look. Pair the Hexcel Honeycomb Cushion Wrap roll with the Hexcel wrap dispenser to expand and feed it neatly at the bench. See it alongside our other protective options in Void Fill & Protection.
Bubble wrap vs Hexcel honeycomb wrap
| Factor | Plastic bubble wrap | Hexcel honeycomb wrap |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Excellent cushioning, especially large bubble | Strong wrap-and-lock cushioning for most goods |
| Recyclability | Not curbside recyclable (soft plastic) | 100% curbside recyclable paper |
| Storage | Bulky on the roll | Ships and stores flat |
| Presentation | Functional, plastic look | Premium, natural kraft look |
| Best for | Very fragile or irregular items | Retail, e-commerce and brands wanting plastic-free |
Other protective options
Bubble wrap and honeycomb aren't the only tools on the bench. Foam is softer for delicate surfaces and light cushioning, while void fill is the cheapest way to fill empty space so contents don't shift. Most dispatch operations use a combination — a cushioning wrap on the item, void fill around it.
Which should you buy?
For maximum cushioning on very fragile or oddly shaped items, plastic bubble wrap — large bubble — is still hard to beat. But if you want a recyclable, plastic-free bench that stores flat and lifts your unboxing, switch to Hexcel honeycomb wrap. Many businesses run both: honeycomb as the everyday wrap, bubble for the truly delicate. Trade accounts get tiered pricing on both ranges — email sales@nzpackaging.nz if you'd like help matching a roll width and bubble height to your products.
Frequently asked questions
What size bubble wrap do I need?
Match the roll width to your products and pick small bubble (~10 mm) for light items or large bubble
(~20 mm) for heavier, fragile goods. Perforated rolls speed up a busy pack bench.
Is Hexcel honeycomb wrap as protective as bubble wrap?
For most retail and e-commerce goods, yes — the honeycomb locks around the item and cushions
impacts. For extremely fragile items, large-bubble wrap still offers the most give.
Can I recycle Hexcel honeycomb wrap?
Yes. It's made from kraft paper and goes in standard curbside paper/cardboard recycling — unlike soft
plastic bubble wrap.
Do I need a dispenser for the honeycomb wrap?
Not essential, but the Hexcel dispenser expands the paper and feeds it neatly, which makes it faster
and reduces waste on a busy bench.
