Bubble wrap at fifty is still top of the pops

Bubble Wrap is turning 50 - and it's still as popular as ever.

The plastic packaging has prevented the destruction of countless fragile items.

And millions of people have burst its bubbles with a satisfying pop as a simple form of stress relief.



But Bubble Wrap was invented by mistake. Two US engineers came up with the product while trying to make a textured plastic wallpaper in a lock-up in Hawthorne, New Jersey.

Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes realised they may have hit on a better idea and their wallpaper flop could serve as a unique cushioned packing material.

People are so fond of bursting the bubbles that websites have even been devoted to "virtual Bubble Wrap" so fans can pop away online. Clicky the Pop some virtual bubblewrap now! on the page.