Are Bubble Mailers Waterproof? Will Your Products Get Wet in the Rain?
Plastic bubble mailers can help protect products from rain, splashes, and external moisture, but standard bubble mailers should not be considered 100% waterproof.
The plastic outer layer does not absorb water like paper. However, water may still enter through areas such as the opening, adhesive flap, seams, or damaged sections of the mailer.
For this reason, it is more accurate to describe a bubble mailer as providing some protection against rain and moisture rather than being completely waterproof.
Will Products Get Wet if a Bubble Mailer Is Exposed to Rain?
Not necessarily.
If the package is exposed to light rain or occasional water splashes for a short period, the plastic exterior can help prevent water from directly reaching the product inside.
However, this does not guarantee that the contents will remain completely dry.
The actual level of protection depends on several factors:
- How much water reaches the package
- How long the mailer is exposed to water
- Whether the adhesive flap is properly closed
- The condition of the side seams
- The size and thickness of the product inside
- Whether the mailer has been punctured or torn during transportation
If a product must remain completely dry, additional internal moisture protection should be considered rather than relying on the bubble mailer alone.
Why Can Water Enter a Plastic Bubble Mailer?
This is a common question.
Plastic itself does not readily absorb water, so it may seem logical to assume that a plastic mailer is automatically waterproof.
However, there is an important difference between:
Water-resistant material
and
A fully waterproof sealed package
Even if the plastic film itself resists water, a bubble mailer still has an opening, an adhesive flap, and sealed edges.
If water reaches an opening or passes through an imperfect or damaged area, moisture can potentially enter the package.
In other words, the material can resist water without the entire package being waterproof.
Does the Adhesive Flap Make a Bubble Mailer Waterproof?
Not necessarily.
The primary purpose of the adhesive flap is to close the package securely for shipping. A standard adhesive closure should not automatically be treated as a waterproof seal.
Before closing the package, make sure the adhesive area is clean and free from dust or contamination.
Press the flap firmly across the entire closure area.
Product size also matters.
If the item inside is too thick and stretches the mailer excessively, it may put additional tension on the closure and seams.
If you are unsure which mailer size is appropriate, see:
How to Choose the Right Bubble Mailer Size Without Wasting Packaging Cost
Which Products May Need Additional Moisture Protection?
Some products require more moisture protection than ordinary goods.
Documents and paper products
Paper can absorb moisture, become warped, or lose its appearance. Important documents may require an additional protective layer.
Electronic products
Electronic components can be sensitive to moisture. Depending on the product, businesses may also need to consider other requirements such as static protection.
Products with moisture-sensitive packaging
Sometimes the product itself may tolerate a small amount of moisture, while its retail box, paper label, or other packaging cannot.
High-value products
For valuable items, packaging should be evaluated for more than just water exposure.
Impact, compression, movement inside the package, and the overall shipping environment should also be considered.
Do Bubble Mailers Protect Against Both Water and Impact?
A bubble mailer’s main purpose is to provide lightweight cushioning against impact, vibration, and surface abrasion during transportation.
The plastic outer layer can also provide a degree of protection against external moisture and light rain.
This combination is one reason bubble mailers are commonly used for e-commerce shipping.
However, a bubble mailer does not provide the same rigid structural protection as a corrugated shipping box.
For highly fragile products, read:
Can Bubble Mailers Protect Fragile Items? Do You Need Extra Bubble Wrap?
Bubble Mailer vs Paper Mailer: Which Is Better in the Rain?
When considering water exposure alone, a plastic outer layer has an advantage because it does not absorb water in the same way as paper.
However, packaging should not be selected based on water resistance alone.
Businesses should also consider:
- Product fragility
- Product thickness
- Risk of crushing
- Required cushioning
- Package weight
- Shipping conditions
Some products can be shipped efficiently in a bubble mailer, while others are better protected inside a box with additional cushioning.
Read more:
Can You Ship Products Without a Box? When to Use a Bubble Mailer
Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble Mailers and Water
Can bubble mailers get wet?
Yes. Plastic bubble mailers can generally tolerate light rain and water splashes better than paper-based packaging, but this does not mean the entire package is waterproof.
Can a bubble mailer be submerged in water?
No, it should not be treated as a package designed for water immersion. Water may enter through the opening, closure, seams, or damaged areas.
Should I add another plastic bag inside a bubble mailer?
It depends on the product.
If moisture could significantly damage the product, adding appropriate internal moisture protection may be advisable.
Are bubble mailers suitable for shipping documents?
They can be, provided the size and protection level are appropriate. For important documents that must remain completely dry and flat, additional internal protection may be necessary.
Are bubble mailers moisture-proof?
A plastic bubble mailer can help reduce exposure to external moisture, but a standard bubble mailer is not the same as specialized moisture-barrier packaging.
Products with strict humidity or moisture-control requirements may require packaging specifically designed for that purpose.
PackBros Bubble Mailers for E-commerce and Business Shipping
PackBros supplies 2-layer white and black bubble mailers in multiple sizes for e-commerce sellers, packing operations, and business customers.
Choosing the appropriate mailer size can help reduce unnecessary empty space while providing cushioning and practical protection during normal shipping conditions.
Businesses requiring larger quantities can contact PackBros for size information, wholesale pricing, and quotations.