The manufacturing process of polyethylene foam greatly determines the kind of application in which it is employed. For instance, foam that is used to transport electronics is different from foam that is used to package pipes and other plumbing materials. The main trick behind their differences is the use of various additives that are responsible for properties such as insulation, rigidity, flexibility and pliability. The manufacturers melt various polymers in specific proportions and spice them up with the relevant additives to give them specific properties. The fact that additives are included in the primary ingredients means that the end product comes out with a uniform structure.
Polyethylene foam has a couple of features that make it appropriate for packaging of goods. One of the major features is that polyethylene has shock absorbing properties. This means that it can provide proper cushioning for fragile goods as they are transported over a rugged terrain. It is able to yield slightly when exposed to external pressure and retract once the external pressure is withdrawn. This explains why it has shock absorbing properties.
Polyethylene foam is also known for its anti-static properties. It can withstand and prevent accumulation of charges due to rubbing of parts during transportation. Therefore, it can be used to transport goods such as electronics that are vulnerable to electric charges. Above all, polyethylene has good insulation properties. It can protect goods from being damaged due to exposure to excess heat from the surrounding environment. Various additives are included in its primary ingredients so as to alter this property. When it comes to cost of production, polyethylene is very cheap as compared to other forms of cushioning such as rubber. This is because it is manufactured from recycled polymers that are readily available in urban set-up. These are some of the features that make polyethylene the best material for packaging and transportation of goods.