Welcome to another engaging episode of “ok. Now you know,” where host Joe Garner takes us on a journey through the intriguing history of bubble wrap. From its humble beginnings as a failed wallpaper experiment in 1957 to becoming a global packaging staple, bubble wrap’s story is a testament to innovation and repurposing.

In this episode, Joe Garner introduces us to Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, the inventive minds behind bubble wrap. Initially conceived as a textured wallpaper, the product didn’t catch on. However, Fielding and Chavannes saw potential in their creation as a packaging material, leading to the founding of Sealed Air Corporation in 1960. The pivotal moment came when IBM adopted bubble wrap to protect their newly launched data processor, marking bubble wrap’s rise in the packaging industry. Today, bubble wrap is used not only for packaging but also for insulation, stress relief, toys, and even fashion. This episode underscores the importance of innovation and the unexpected paths to success.

Helpful Links:

For listeners looking to explore more about bubble wrap and its inventors, here are a few resources: - Sealed Air Corporation - The company that brought bubble wrap to the world.