Bubble wrap is the trademarked name for a packing material consisting of two plastic sheets laminated together in a way that traps air bubbles in small, uniform pockets. This plastic sheet assembly is used as a flexible cushion to protect fragile objects during storage or shipping. The name Bubble wrap is registered by Sealed Air Corporation of Saddle Brook, New Jersey, however the name has become synonymous with the packaging material itself. Similar materials are known in the industry as cushioning laminates.

The need for efficient, protective packing material has been long recognized. Originally, shredded paper and rags were used for this purpose. Other materials that have been used historically include pulverized mica and corrugated cardboard. As plastics technology matured in the 1950s and 1960s, new and improved packing materials were developed. Foam beads made from polystyrene plastic are one popular example of plastic packing material; these are more commonly known as Styrofoam peanuts. Another innovation based on plastic technology is cushioning laminates, a packing material that relies on air to cushion and protect highly fragile objects. The first use of these laminates dates back to the early 1970s when methods used to process plastics became increasingly sophisticated, allowing cheap and rapid manufacturing. Today, they are made by a number of companies both in the United States and abroad. While a variety of manufacturing methods are used, the basic process involves trapping air bubbles between two laminated sheets of plastic.

Air bubble packaging film is an effective cushioning material for packaging application. It is a two layer laminated low density poly ethylene or poly propylene film with entrapped air inside between the two layers in bubble form in some oderly fashion. The bubbles may be of different sizes. The size of bubbles and thickness of film is decided depending upon the end use i.e. the type and weight of the content to be packed.

Cushioning materials for packaging of delicate and fragile items are available in many forms one such material made of plastic is expanded poly styrene due to its cost advantage without sacrificing functional characteristics. Resiliancy of air bubble film is much higher than that of expanded poly styrene. Besides, the functional characteristics of protecting a fragile product from mechanical damage.

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