Bubble wrap is a tried, tested, and trusted packaging solution. For decades, it’s been the industry standard for protecting fragile goods thanks to its reliable shock absorption and heavy-duty strength. It’s even become a bit of a cultural icon because of its satisfying pop.

But we can no longer ignore its environmental disadvantages, especially in a progressively eco-conscious world.

Despite being technically recyclable, bubble wrap’s soft LDPE makeup means it often jams recycling lines and winds up in landfill, where it persists for centuries. Today, more businesses are opting for eco-friendly alternatives of bubble wrap to protect their goods. And they have every reason to, what with sustainability going from a business perk to a must-have.

Beyond environmental concerns, traditional bubble wrap is bulky to store and inefficient to transport – challenges that are likely to grow alongside your business. At Kite Packaging, our bubble wrap alternatives are greener, space-saving, and cost-effective. And they’re suitable for companies of any size. 

If you've ever found yourself wondering what to use instead of bubble wrap when protecting goods, we cover a variety of options for general, gift, fragile, and other purposes below. 

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Paper bubble wrap
• Hivewrap 
• Shredded paper 
• Paper wrap 
• Loose fill chips 
• Mini air paper 
• Shredders 

Paper Bubble Wrap

If you love the cushioning of traditional bubble wrap but want a greener option, paper bubble wrap is an ideal swap. 

This protective wrap is made from recycled paper, with deep indentations that mimic the familiar bubble texture. These bubbles provide excellent impact resistance. Unlike the plastic version, its fully recyclable, biodegradable, and space-saving.

Key benefits: 

• Compact rolls take up less storage space 
• Free from harmful chemicals 
• Easy to tear and use – just roll, wrap and tape 

Best for: 

• Fragile goods that need visible cushioning (e.g. mugs, ornaments)
• Businesses that want a direct replacement for plastic bubble wrap 
• Smaller warehouses or pack stations with limited storage 

Hivewrap - honeycomb paper

Hivewrap is one of our bestselling protective packaging solutions, combining outstanding strength with exceptional eco credentials.

This paper wrap has a honeycomb structure which expands as you pull it from the roll, creating interlocking cells that cling to each other. It requires no tape or adhesive when packing items.

Key benefits:

• 100% recyclable, biodegradable, plastic-free
• Compact rolls – 1x 500mm roll replaces 4x rolls of bubble wrap, saving up to 20x storage space 
• 35% cost saving by comparison 
• Premium presentation with a rustic look

Because the hexagonal cells distribute pressure evenly, hivewrap offers excellent protection even for awkward shapes. It’s especially effective for glassware, ceramics, and fragile ecommerce shipments.

Best for:

• Ecommerce retailers shipping delicate or irregularly shaped products
• Brands that want sustainable, premium-looking packaging
• Businesses looking to maximise storage space and reduce waste

Combine with tissue paper for a more gift-y feel, with the added benefit of protecting your items from scratches and scuffs.

Shredded Paper

Like hivewrap, shredded paper is another practical and attractive replacement for bubble wrap. It cushions your products while elevating their presentation and unboxing experience.

Made from sustainably sourced, recycled paper, this filler comes in a vibrant variety of colours, with zig-zag or straight-cut options. The lightweight shreds will fill every gap, preventing any movement during transit.

Key benefits: 

• Acid-free and bleed resistant 
• Made from 100% recycled materials
• Reusable, recyclable, biodegradable
• Premium presentation perfect for retail and gifting 
• Lower cost per usable cubic metre than bubble wrap

Best for:

• Filling voids around multiple small items
• Gift packaging, beauty products, luxury goods 
• Brands prioritising presentation and sustainability

Packing paper – paper void fill rolls and sheets 

Packing paper is a simple yet highly effective way to protect your products and fill voids within cartons. Available in sheets and rolls, it's one of the most versatile alternatives to bubble wrap, as it can be scrunched for void fill, layered between products, or wrapped around individual items.

Key benefits:

• Compact reams or rolls, requiring less storage
• All-in-one cushioning, wrapping, and blocking solution
• Recyclable, biodegradable, made from recycled materials

Best for:

• Filling empty spaces in cartons to prevent movement
• Wrapping products with irregular shapes or fragile surfaces
• Separating items within a box to avoid scratching and scuffing
• Presenting retail and gift attractively while staying eco-friendly

Loose Fill Chips

Loose fill chips offer fast, reliable cushioning while dramatically reducing environmental impact.

Made from renewable starch, EcoFlo chips are fully compostable and dissolve in water, making disposal simple and waste-free.

Key benefits:

• 100% compostable—dissolves in water
• Derived from annually renewable resources
• Independently tested to outperform polystyrene
• Lightweight, reducing shipping costs

Best for:

• Filling voids around irregularly shaped items
• Protecting sensitive goods during transit
• Businesses wanting a zero-waste disposal option

Mini Air Paper

Mini Air Paper provides the cushioning performance of air pillows, but in a fully sustainable format.

Our automated machine inflates kraft paper cushions at up to 18 metres per minute. The result: fast, protective, and environmentally friendly void fill that’s easy to tear along perforations.

Key benefits:

• 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable
• Sealed with starch-based glue for easy disposal
• Puncture-resistant cushions protect even delicate items
• Space-saving rolls improve storage and logistics

Best for:

• Fragile products needing secure cushioning
• Fast-paced warehouses with high order volumes
• Businesses committed to visibly sustainable practices

Shredders

Why not turn your waste cardboard and paper into free, effective void fill on demand with our shredding machines.

This closed-loop solution reduces disposal costs and supports your sustainability goals while providing protective packaging tailored to your needs. 

Key benefits:

• Repurposes waste, reducing landfill and emissions
• Cuts costs on new packaging materials
• Improves recycling efficiency
• Demonstrates your commitment to circular economy practices

Best for:

• Warehouses generating regular cardboard waste
• Companies looking to reduce packaging costs
• Operations seeking a sustainable, long-term solution

Switch to a sustainable bubble wrap alternative

The verdict is clear: while bubble wrap has never been a sustainable choice, it’s even harder to justify in today’s environmentally conscious market. If you’re facing rising costs from the Plastic Packaging Tax, EPR, growing environmental pressures, or even limited storage space, there is no time better than now to rethink your packaging. 

Our comprehensive, eco-friendly bubble wrap alternatives will protect your products and support your sustainability goals, helping your business meet customer expectations for greener packaging and better practices. 

Whether you’re interested in our off-the-shelf solutions or after something fully bespoke, our team is here to help. If you would like to explore your options in more detail, please call us on 02476 420065.