Is Bubble Wrap® Recyclable? A Deep Dive into Sustainability

In a world where sustainability is becoming more and more important, it is important for every part of a business to be eco-friendly. This is especially true for online shopping, where packaging is one of the most important parts. People often use Bubble Wrap® to protect items during shipping, but the question often comes up: is it recyclable?

Yes, you can recycle Bubble Wrap®, but there's a catch.

Bubble Wrap® can, in fact, be reused. But you can't just put it in your recycle bin by the curb. The reason has to do with how the material is made. Bubble Wrap® isn't a hard plastic, which is the only kind that can be recycled through curbside services (think plastic bottles and things with Resin Identification Codes 1 or 2).

Plastic bags, shrink wrap, and bubble wrap are all examples of plastic films that can't be recycled at the curb. These things can mess up recycle plants and cause jams and other problems. Because of this, most public bins won't take them.

Because Bubble Wrap® is made of plastic film, it needs to be recycled differently. It needs to be put in special recycling bins.

How to Recycle Bubble Wrap® in an Environmentally Friendly Way

Bubble Wrap® can be recycled in a way that is easy and good for the world. Here are some eco-friendly ways to do it:

1. Reuse: When you get packages with Bubble Wrap®, you might want to save it for later. This can be especially helpful when you are moving because you won't have to buy new materials to protect your things. Bubble Wrap® can also be used to wrap gifts or as a protective layer for your bags when you travel.

2. A Recycling Bin Just for Plastic Films: Set up a recycling bin in your home that is just for plastic films. You can put all of your plastic bags, Bubble Wrap®, and shrink wrap in this bin. Once it's full, you can use the Internet to find the closest place to drop off type 4 plastic for recycling. Some places even have pick-up services to make things even easier.

Business Solutions: If your business has a lot of Bubble Wrap®, you might want to look into type 4 plastic recycle services. Most of the time, these services will plan weekly, biweekly, or monthly pick-ups from your facility.

Is Bubble Wrap® a green way to package something?

Bubble Wrap® can be recycled, but that doesn't mean it's the most eco-friendly choice. Several things have led to this:

Fossil Fuels: Polyethylene, the main plastic used in Bubble Wrap®, comes from fossil fuels, which are known to be bad for the climate.

Energy and Water Use: Making Bubble Wrap® uses a lot of energy and water. This process also adds to the amount of warming gasses in the air.

Consumer Behaviour: When customers get Bubble Wrap® in their packages, they often forget to recycle it the right way, so it ends up in regular trash cans.

Because of these things, Bubble Wrap® isn't usually thought of as a green way to package things. But if you want to find alternatives to void-fill that are better for the environment, try these:

Packing peanuts made of recycled paper and cardboard and Kraft paper.

The Packaging Company will help you learn about sustainable packaging.

Bubble Wrap® may not be the most environmentally friendly option, but the fact that it can be recycled means that it doesn't add to pollution. Don't be afraid to get in touch with our team of packaging pros at The Packaging Company to learn more about sustainable packaging options. We can help you find eco-friendly ways to package your products that match your values and environmental goals. Together, we can make a change in how your e-commerce operations affect the environment.