What is molded foam packaging?
It is one of the types of packaging preferred by most retailers because it is light in weight and it fits the product perfectly to provide the best protection against impact and rough handling during transport. It is also the perfect solution for products with irregular shapes and sizes. This solution works by using a chemical reaction which the user will initiate through the application of pressure on the package. Chemicals will combine and instantly mold to fit the item that is being packed. After the reaction, the foam will harden and it will provide a safe and durable environment that ensures the product will reach the customer in perfect condition.
Benefits that can be gained from the packaging
- Foam is light in weight and it can easily be transported without increasing the shipping costs.
- It is flexible because it can suitably protect even the most complicated s of products.
- Even if foam is light is weight, yet you cannot question its strength and durability. It ensures that products are effectively protected.
- Foam has excellent shock absorbing properties because it does not have a rigid structure.
- Foam is easy to mold into different shapes and structures because it pliant and flexible yet is has unquestionable protection properties
- The ease with which foam can be recycled is one of its best characteristics considered by most retailers and manufacturers to satisfy the demands of consumers for more environmentally friendly packaging products.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is often used for molded foam packaging because of its superior performance in providing protection to products. EPS meets all the criteria for sustainable packaging. It is made of 99% air without any harmful substances that can leech into the product. EPS is also the safest choice for food packaging and complies with regulatory requirements. When the design of packaging is customized, EPS delivers the right protection for the product because of its high tensile strength and cellular structure. Used EPS packaging can be collected, recycled and reused for recycled-content packaging. This is the reason why EPS when used in packaging comprises only about 1% of the total solid municipal waste. Innovations in packaging technology have greatly minimized the consumption of energy and resources in the production of the packaging. EPS foam is also water-resistant with high thermal properties.
Several Fortune 500 companies are making use of EPS foam because they can implement their recycling and sustainability policies. Examples of these companies are IKEA and Walmart.