Paper-Based Packaging Green Alternative to Plastic Bubble Wrap

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Geämi, Morrisville, N.C., has introduced an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bubble wrap. The two-part paper packaging system used to protect fragile objects from shipping damage is made with perforated "cardboard-like" brown kraft paper certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). The kraft paper is die-cut in a process with thousands of horizontal slits. When expanded, the paper becomes a 3-dimensional, web-like honeycomb of angled cells. A layer of tissue then gets laid on top, providing additional cushioning.

"If you press two pieces of Geämi together," says Lynn Moe, business development director for Geämi Sustainable Protective Packaging, "it locks in place." It reminds him a little bit of Velcro, he adds. "The honeycomb design provides protection that helps keep packages in place when shipped. Objects usually migrate to the bottom during shipping. To prevent that, you need additional cushioning. With Geämi, you can create triangular ‘spacer pillows’ instead. This offers several benefits. It eliminates the need for tape, a real cost savings, and it prevents shifting in the box. Moe explains.

Geämi’s tissue paper is 100% post industrial recycled content. The brown kraft paper is available in either virgin fiber or a 60/40 blend (post industrial/virgin fibers).