Your worst fear is about to come true: Bubble Wrap will become a thing of the past. Sadly, the company that makes the packaging material that doubles as a stress reliever says it will be rolling out a new version – one that doesn’t pop.

Sealed Air, the global manufacturer of Bubble Wrap, said that the current version of the protective packaging takes up more space than is necessary, which makes it rather expensive to ship around the world.

According to The Verge, the new version will be called iBubble – yes, seriously –  and what sets it apart from the current version is that it won’t have individual bubbles, but will rather feature multiple rows of one long air chamber per sheet.

These plastic sheets will also arrive at a packing facility deflated, and it will be up to the companies to inflate them on the premises.

Farewell, Bubble Wrap, you have been a special friend to millions for over five decades. May your last pop be joyous and celebratory.

Just in case you need your popping fix, you can play this virtual version. Soon, that is all you will have…

[Image – CC by 2.0/Khaled]