Uses of Polyethylene Foam

Polyethylene foam is a semi-rigid product with a uniform cell structure. It is suitable for use in a variety of applications, the most common being packaging. The reasons why polyethylene foam is the world’s preferred packaging material are manifold. Polyethylene offers impact absorption for fragile goods. If you need to transport something breakable, surround it in polyethylene and the foam will absorb any bumps the package may experience. Furthermore, mold and fungus do no grow on polyethylene, so the material is ideal for long term storage. Here are some of the common benefits of polyethylene foam:

o   Vibration and impact absorption

o   Chemical resistance

o   Thermal insulation properties

o   Buoyancy with a low water absorption

o   Resistance to mold and fungus

o   Suitability for thermo-forming as well as thermo-molding

Polyethylene foam is typically molded into shapes. The desired shapes can be chosen by the client or the manufacturer. There are standardized shapes like the popular “packing peanut” but personalized shapes can also be achieved. The benefit to a personalized polyethylene foam shape is not only aesthetic—it can also serve a very functional purpose. For example, polyethylene foam edge-huggers specifically designed to contour the object being transported. Because a wide range of shapes can be achieved, custom designs are available to be made to perfectly suit their destined product.

The shipping and packaging industry counts on polyethylene foam as an indispensable part of operations. Transporting goods from the manufacturing facility to suppliers and end consumers requires a reliable way of getting product to its destination in one piece. Polyethylene has a natural ability to absorb vibration. This means any knocks or bumps dealt to the package would be absorbed by the foam, and not by the fragile product enclosed within. Polyethylene foam acts as a protective guard, keeping delicate objects safe.