In an effort to answer the question, “Why are candy wrappers so loud?” researchers recorded the sound emissions produced by crinkling wrappers in a sound-proof chamber and then analyzed them on computers. They found that the noise was composed of individual bursts that occurred thousands of times per second. These pops are not related to the speed at which the wrapping is undone; they are actually random fluctuations in volume as individual creases in the paper rearranged themselves during the overall shape change.
Cellophane
When you open a package of candy, you will hear a rustling sound. The rustling noise comes from cellophane. A thick sheet of cellophane will produce a less-noisy sound. Cellophane is also used for cookie wrappers.
Cellophane is a natural material that has been around for a long time. It is also becoming more popular due to growing green awareness. It is made from cellulose, which is a structural component of plants. Despite its name, cellophane isn’t exactly green. It is made by dissolving plant fiber in an alkali or carbon disulfide solution. The resulting viscose is then reconverted to cellulose. Cellophane is also treated with glycerol to make it less brittle. It also has a wax or nitrocellulose coating to keep it from absorbing water.
Thin cellophane
Candy wrappers are extremely loud, even if you open them slowly. This is because the packaging material’s creases make noise. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to reduce the volume of crease-popping. That’s why scientists in Atlanta recently met to discuss the issue.
Most packaging materials are made of polymers, including cellophane, Mylar, and polyethylene. Though these materials are relatively thin, they’re surprisingly strong. Unlike rubber, plastic sheets do not stretch out, bend, or break easily. The creases and elastic properties of these materials cause the noise they produce when crumpled.
Cellophane bags used to be tie-shut, but now many types are resealed. They can offer the same great visual presentation as traditional cellophane, but they don’t require airtight storage. They’re also easier to arrange quickly, which makes them a popular choice for packaging. Many commercially-made foodstuffs and gifts are packaged in cellophane.
