Bubble Wrap or Peanuts?

When you’re shipping a package or moving, you might be face with the question: what’s a better cushioning material, peanuts or bubble wrap? First, let’s take some time to describe the two materials. Packing peanuts are loose fill material made from Styrofoam. Bubble wrap is a clear, pliable material with air pockets and come in both sheets and rolls.  While both peanuts and bubble wrap provide cushioning and protection, there are instances where one is as a better option than the other.

Packing peanuts are best for cushioning large objects in boxes. The loose peanuts fill the empty spaces within the box and still give the object a small amount of room to move around. This is a great option for packing and shipping items that are large and not fragile. The main problem with peanuts is that they are a mess to clean up. When you take the item out of the box, loose peanuts may fall on the floor and this can be a hassle to clean up.

Bubble wrap is best used for cushioning fragile items. Wrapping sheets of bubble wrap around the item will help keep it from getting damaged. Sometimes the item may need to be wrapped in multiple sheets for additional protection.

In certain instances, it may be best to use both bubble wrap and peanuts. First wrap the item with bubble wrap and place it in the box. Then use loose peanuts to fill in any empty spaces within the box. Together, bubble wrap and peanuts provide the best cushioning and protection for any item.