Applications of expanded foam packaging
Expanded polystyrene foam (EPF) is more known as Styrofoam, a material that is often used a disposable container by fast food retailers. Many individuals are not familiar with expanded foam packaging but they have certainly heard of Styrofoam because at one time or another, their takeout was packaged using the material. Styrofoam comes in the typical white color that is usually printed with a company’s logo, brand name or message. When used for take outs, rectangular Styrofoam in various sizes is used by restaurants. Large-sized orders are placed in large Styrofoam packaging that is divided into several compartments to separate food from one another. As long as the Styrofoam packaging is kept upright and the lid sealed closed, the container remains leak resistant. Sizes of expanded foam packaging vary greatly to be able to accommodate different food products like soups, salads, condiments and sauces efficiently.
Aside from food packaging the applications for expanded foam include different industries. EPS is actually a popular packaging material for high value products that should be kept safe during handling and transport. EPS is used in for the protection of fragile pharmaceutical products and devices as well as electronic gadgets and consumer products. Custom foam packaging ensures that these products reach their destination in one piece something which cannot be guaranteed by other types of packaging materials. One of the advantages of EPS is the potential to be designed to fit perfectly any product shape or size. It can also be adapted into an integrated production system.
Why expanded foam is the perfect packaging material
One of the qualities of expanded foam that makes it an ideal packaging material is shock absorption. EPS provides ideal protection to sensitive products that include flat screen TVs, computers and electronic gadgets. Because expanded foam is a closed cell structure, it inhibits the passage of cold and heat. Its high capacity for thermal insulation makes it ideal for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Excellent thermal properties of expanded foam packaging make them virtually unaffected by humidity. Other packaging materials absorb water and water vapor making them ineffective in the packaging of sensitive products. For example, meat and fish products that are protected with thermal insulation are not affected from sudden changes in temperature.
Because EPS is 98% air, it is lightweight enough not to affect storage and shipping costs. EPS also has the ability to resist compression which is a very important characteristic for appliance packaging. EPS not only provides the necessary protection during transport but when products are stacked one on top of the other in warehouses. Expanded Foam Packaging – Ensuring Superior Product Protectio