Breaking Up With Bubble Wrap: Greener Packing Alternatives That Work

Moving house is often a time of fresh starts — but it’s also a time when we realise just how much stuff we’ve accumulated. As we start packing up our belongings, many of us reach instinctively for the bubble wrap. It’s the go-to for protecting fragile bits and bobs, right?

But here’s the thing: traditional bubble wrap is terrible for the planet. It’s made from plastic, often ends up in landfill and sticks around for hundreds of years. At On The Dot Removals, we’re always looking for ways to make moving more sustainable, and one of the simplest places to start is by rethinking the way we pack.

Thankfully, there are plenty of brilliant eco-friendly alternatives out there that offer just as much protection — without the guilt.

Why It’s Time to Rethink Bubble Wrap

Let’s face it: bubble wrap is convenient, cheap and strangely satisfying to pop. But its environmental impact just isn’t worth it anymore.

Most bubble wrap is made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which isn’t widely accepted by kerbside recycling schemes in the UK. That means it often gets tossed in the general rubbish bin and ends up in a landfill — or worse, the ocean. Plus, creating it in the first place uses fossil fuels and energy-intensive processes that add to our carbon footprint.

If you’re keen to make your move a little greener, swapping out plastic packing materials is a great place to start.

There Is Such a Thing as Eco-Friendly Bubble Wrap

Now here’s the good news: breaking up with bubble wrap doesn’t mean you have to abandon bubble wrap altogether.

At On The Dot Removals, we use biodegradable bubble wrap made from recycled materials that break down much faster than traditional plastic. It offers the same level of cushioning and protection for fragile items, but without the long-lasting environmental impact.

Biodegradable bubble wrap is designed to decompose under the right conditions (such as in industrial composting environments or over time in landfills), leaving behind far less waste. So, if you love the peace of mind that bubble wrap provides, but want to be more sustainable, this is a perfect middle ground.

So, What Are The Alternatives?

The good news is there’s no shortage of planet-friendly options that still do a brilliant job of protecting your belongings. Here’s a closer look at some of the best.

1. Corrugated Cardboard

One of the simplest and most effective alternatives is corrugated cardboard. It’s strong, recyclable and often made from post-consumer waste. The fluted layers in corrugated cardboard act like a cushion, absorbing shocks and keeping fragile items like crockery and glassware safe.

You can wrap items directly with it or use it to line boxes for added structure. And because it’s so easy to recycle after your move, it’s a big win for the planet.

2. Recycled Paper & Kraft Paper

Old newspapers, recycled brown kraft paper or even plain printer paper can all be used to wrap and pad delicate items. You can scrunch it up to fill awkward gaps in boxes or wrap it around glasses and ornaments for protection.

It’s inexpensive, biodegradable and widely recyclable — plus, you probably already have some lying around the house. That’s one less thing to buy and one more step towards a lower-waste move.

3. Biodegradable Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts often get a bad rap, but not all of them are created equal. The traditional polystyrene version should be avoided at all costs — it’s a nightmare for the environment. But biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch or wheat are a different story.

These clever little fillers provide the same cushioning effect without the plastic. They break down in water, leave no toxic residue and can even go in your compost bin.

4. Fabric Wraps and Household Textiles

One of our favourite eco-friendly hacks is to use what you already have—like tea towels, pillowcases, scarves and even t-shirts — to wrap delicate items. That way, you’re not only protecting your things but also packing your linens and clothes at the same time.

Blankets and duvets are ideal for protecting TVs, mirrors and framed prints. No extra materials needed, and no waste left behind.

This approach, often inspired by the Japanese practice of furoshiki (fabric wrapping), is brilliant for reducing excess materials — and it’s a satisfying way to get double use out of your belongings during a move.

5. Moulded Pulp Packaging

Often used for packaging electronics or bottles, moulded pulp is made from recycled paper and cardboard that’s shaped to fit snugly around specific items. It’s sturdy, compostable and offers excellent shock absorption.

While it’s more common in commercial use, some companies sell general-purpose moulded pulp trays and sleeves for domestic use. These are great for fragile kitchen items like mugs or small appliances, and you can usually pop them straight into your recycling bin after the move.

Top Tips for Greener Packing

Even the most eco-conscious materials need to be used mindfully. Here are a few extra ways to make your packing as sustainable as possible:

Reuse What You Can

Before you go buying anything new, take a look at what’s already in your cupboards. Shoeboxes, old delivery packaging, storage tubs—anything that can be repurposed for your move is one less item heading to landfill.

Don’t forget to ask friends, neighbours or local community groups if they’ve got any boxes or packing materials going spare. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to pass on supplies after their own move.

Label Everything Clearly

Sustainable packing isn’t just about the materials—it’s also about making your unpacking process more efficient. Labelling boxes properly helps reduce the need to rip everything open in a frenzy (and potentially damage things in the process). It’s also a good way to keep reusable materials intact so you can pass them on or reuse them again in future.

Recycle or Compost After the Move

When you’re unpacking, take a few minutes to sort your materials properly. Flatten and recycle cardboard boxes, compost any biodegradable peanuts or shredded paper, and keep hold of any textiles or containers you can reuse next time.

You’ll feel better for keeping the waste to a minimum — and your local recycling team will thank you too.

How On The Dot Removals Can Help

We’ve built our entire service around making moving simpler, more sustainable and much less stressful. That means we’re big believers in ditching single-use plastics like bubble wrap and using greener alternatives wherever we can.

When you choose us, you’re choosing:

• Biodegradable bubble wrap and recycled materials
  
• Eco-friendly packing services with minimal waste
  
• Low-emission vehicles to reduce the carbon footprint of your move
  
• Flexible, thoughtful moving solutions designed to make the entire process smoother and greener

It’s all part of our commitment to doing things a bit differently, and a bit better.

One Small Switch, One Big Difference

Let’s be honest: moving house will never be entirely waste-free. But by making a few conscious swaps—like switching to biodegradable bubble wrap or using household linens for padding—you’re taking meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.

And when your removals team shares those values too? Well, that’s when it really comes together.

Get in touch with On The Dot Removals today and find out how we can help make your move greener, safer and simpler from start to finish.