Every year, on the final Monday in January, we celebrate a quite unexpected yet enjoyable occasion – National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day. This special day directs our attention to the simple pleasure and stress relief we derive from popping this beloved packing material - bubble wrap.
It’s an opportunity for us to appreciate the immense enjoyment in its popping as well as its fundamental role in safeguarding our fragile items during shipment. From the innocent amusement we derive from popping each bubble, to its proficient protective function, bubble wrap’s multifaceted appeal is undeniable.
History of National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day began in 2001 through the efforts of Spirit 95 WVNI radio station in Bloomington, Indiana. The station managers started the holiday following an intriguing two-hour broadcast focused solely on a sizeable shipment of bubble wrap that had arrived at their station. Inspired by their listeners’ engaging response, they decided to commemorate this unique day.
The origin of bubble wrap dates back to 1957, credited to Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, two innovative engineers who initially designed it to be a form of three-dimensional wallpaper. Although their invention didn’t take off as expected, it later found its purposeful use as a packaging substance. One of the first products to utilise bubble wrap for safeguarding during shipment was the IBM 1401 computer in 1961.
Over the years, National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day has earned recognition among various media platforms and has been warmly embraced by the public. People are thrilled by the satisfying pop sound bubble wrap produces, offering a sense of relief and gratification. Annually, numerous people and corporations join in popping bubble wrap, conducting playful competitions, and sharing this joyous event on social media platforms.
National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day Timeline
Creation of Bubble Wrap
Fielding and Chavannes introduced a new form of wallpaper, which was considered a commercial failure as the design did not attract the market.
Re-purposing of the Wallpaper Design
Realizing their wallpaper trapped air bubbles, Fielding and Chavannes tried applying it as a packaging material.
Introduction of Bubble Wrap as Packaging Material
The Sealed Air Corporation launched Bubble Wrap as a packaging material.
First Major Client: IBM
IBM was the first major client. They used Bubble Wrap to protect the IBM 1401 computer during shipping.
First Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
An Indiana-based radio station created the first-ever Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day for its extensive use and satisfying popping.
Creation of ‘iBubble Wrap’
This version is sold in flat plastic sheets that the consumer then inflates with a custom pump.
Sustainability Efforts
Amidst growing environmental concerns over plastic waste, Sealed Air Corporation launches a recyclable version of the Bubble Wrap.
Ideas to Celebrate National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
Bubble Wrap Pop Marathon
Arrange a gathering with your pals for an exciting bubble wrap popping session. Fill your space with rolls of bubble wrap and create a challenge to see who can burst the most bubbles. Award a quirky prize to the person who pops the most.
Bubble Wrap Art Day
Make use of bubble wrap beyond packaging. Imprint its unique pattern using paint, form interesting sculptures or even ornate wall hangings.
Bubble Wrap Stress Relief Session
At your workplace or campus, orchestrate a short pause where everyone gets a chance to pop some bubble wrap. This fun activity is a scientifically-proven stress buster.
Creative Bubble Wrap Uses
Broaden your horizon and research to discover the most creative and useful applications for bubble wrap, besides packing.
Bubble Wrap DIY Decor
Turn bubble wrap into handmade home accessories, such as curtains, lampshades, or even a feature wall.
6 Interesting Facts About Bubble Wrap
Bubble Wrap's Original Purpose
Did you know bubble wrap was initially intended to be a type of 3D wallpaper? That's right! In 1957, inventors Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes conceptualized this idea.
Sealed Air Corporation
Upon realizing their wallpaper concept wasn't taking off, Fielding and Chavannes established the Sealed Air Corporation. It wasn't until two years later, in 1959, they found the true potential of their product as a brilliant packaging medium.
Protecting the Iconic Eiffel Tower
Ever imagined how much bubble wrap would it take to fully cover the Eiffel Tower? The estimation is a whopping 753,472 square ft.
Stress-Relief Function
Apart from its obvious packaging use, bubble wrap is an excellent stress buster! According to a study by Kathleen Dillon at St. Lawrence University, a mere 60 seconds of popping bubble wrap can lead to a significant 33% reduction in stress.
A Guinness World Record
Ever wondered what's the record for the most number of people popping bubble wrap at once? It stands at 2,681 people, and this record-breaking event took place way back in 2015 by a Boy Scouts troop in Denver, Colorado.
The Art of Bubble Wrap
The versatility of bubble wrap is truly amazing with some artists even using it as an art medium. One such artist is Bradley Hart, a Canadian who creates spectacular pixelated images by injecting paint onto bubble wrap.
National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day FAQs
Next National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 30th | Monday |
| 2024 | January 29th | Monday |
| 2025 | January 27th | Monday |
| 2026 | January 26th | Monday |
| 2027 | January 25th | Monday |
| What is the pattern? | Last Monday in January | |
National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day Word Search
- BubbleWrap
- Packaging
- Protection
- Cushioning
- Plastic
- Shipping