Short answer: Use bubble wrap for fragile, heavy or high-value items such as glass, electronics, ceramics and anything that might get wet: it gives the most shock protection and is water resistant. Use honeycomb paper for light to medium items, gift orders and plastic-free brands: it is kraft paper, plastic-free and gives a premium unboxing. Many sellers use both: honeycomb paper for the look and bubble wrap inside for the fragile part. On SecureShip, bubble wrap rolls (1 m wide) start at ₹179 + GST for 5 m and honeycomb paper rolls start at ₹149 + GST for a 10 inch × 10 m roll.
Bubble wrap vs honeycomb paper: comparison
| Bubble wrap | Honeycomb paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic (polyethylene) with air bubbles | Kraft paper cut in a honeycomb pattern that opens into a 3D cushion when you pull it |
| Shock protection | High, and higher still in thicker GSM | Good for light and medium items; wrap 2 or 3 layers for more |
| Water resistance | Yes | No, paper gets soft when wet |
| Plastic-free | No | Yes |
| Look when opened | Functional | Premium, natural (brown) or clean (white) |
| Widths on SecureShip | 1 m wide rolls, 5 m to 100 m | 10 inch and 15 inch rolls, 10 m to 250 m |
| Starting price on SecureShip | ₹179 + GST (30 GSM, 5 m) | ₹149 + GST (brown, 10 inch, 10 m) |
| Best for | Glass, bottles, electronics, ceramics, heavy items, monsoon shipping | Cosmetics, candles, jewellery boxes, books, clothing gifts, plastic-free brands |
Which one for your product?
| Product | Use |
|---|---|
| Glass jars, bottles, perfume, ceramics | Bubble wrap (50 to 80 GSM), 2 layers, then filler around it |
| Phones, small electronics, chargers | Bubble wrap (40 to 60 GSM) |
| Heavy machine parts, tools, large items | Bubble wrap (80 to 120 GSM) |
| Cosmetics, skincare in plastic tubes, soaps, candles | Honeycomb paper, 2 layers |
| Books, diaries, photo frames (small) | Honeycomb paper; add bubble wrap on the corners of glass frames |
| Gift hampers and festive boxes | Honeycomb paper or shredded paper for the look; bubble wrap around any glass item |
| Anything shipped in the monsoon | Bubble wrap, because it does not soak up water |
Not sure which GSM? Read the bubble wrap GSM guide.
Prices on SecureShip
| Product | Roll sizes | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Bubble wrap 30 GSM (1 m wide) | 5 m to 100 m | ₹179 to ₹2,049 + GST |
| Bubble wrap 40 GSM | 5 m to 100 m | ₹199 to ₹2,499 + GST |
| Bubble wrap 60 GSM | 5 m to 100 m | ₹249 to ₹3,099 + GST |
| Bubble wrap 120 GSM | 5 m to 100 m | ₹409 to ₹6,899 + GST |
| Brown honeycomb paper, 10 inch | 10 m to 250 m | ₹149 to ₹1,699 + GST |
| White honeycomb paper, 10 inch | 10 m to 250 m | ₹169 to ₹1,699 + GST |
| Brown honeycomb paper, 15 inch | 10 m to 250 m | ₹269 to ₹2,649 + GST |
Prices as on 9 November 2026; the product page always shows the current price. Bubble wrap also comes in 50 and 80 GSM. See all bubble wrap and honeycomb paper.
Bubble wrap rolls are 1 m wide, so they cover large items quickly. Honeycomb rolls are 10 or 15 inch wide, which suits small items and saves cutting.
How to use each one
- Bubble wrap: bubbles facing the product, at least 2 layers for fragile items, taped closed. Then fill the empty space in the box so the item cannot move.
- Honeycomb paper: pull the paper gently so the honeycomb opens into a cushion, then wrap. It grips itself, so you often need little or no tape. Use 2 or 3 layers for heavier items.
- Both together: bubble wrap around the fragile item, honeycomb paper around that for a plastic-free look on opening.
For full packing steps, see how to pack fragile items for courier.
FAQ
Is honeycomb paper as good as bubble wrap?
For light and medium items, yes, with 2 or 3 layers. For glass, heavy items and electronics, bubble wrap gives more protection.
Is honeycomb paper eco-friendly?
Yes. It is made from kraft paper and is plastic-free.
Which is cheaper, bubble wrap or honeycomb paper?
Starting prices are close (₹179 + GST for bubble wrap and ₹149 + GST for honeycomb paper), but a bubble wrap roll is 1 m wide, so for large items bubble wrap usually covers more area for the money.
Can I use honeycomb paper for glass?
Only for light glass items with several layers. For bottles, jars and perfume, use bubble wrap first.
