Foam Packaging Key Terms

The terms you need for choosing loose-fill or preformed foam

Foam packaging, while once restricted to loose-fill foam peanuts, now includes a wide range of foam products, including preformed foam, various types of foam wrap and even anti-static foam. Each type of foam packaging material differs in the way it is manufactured and the function that it serves. By understanding the differences between all of these varieties of foam packaging, you can ensure that whatever you need to package is safe and secure.

 

Loose-fill foam

Loose-fill foam, also known as foam peanuts or packing peanuts, has been around for many decades and was devised as an early form of void-fill material for packaging fragile objects. Loose-fill foam is still widely used because of its ease and low cost, while many biodegradable and plastic alternatives, as well as reuse and recycling programs, offer users a chance to pursue more environmentally friendly options.
Try: Read more about the foam used to make loose-fill foam peanuts and how it is distinguished from other types of foam at Wise Geek.

Preformed foam

Preformed foam, or custom foam, is a type of foam packaging that is either manufactured or die-cut to fit the form of the object being packaged. Some specific types of preformed foam include corner pieces, built up foam panels that cover the side of an object and channel foam that fits along an object's edge.
Try: Get a concise definition of how preformed foam is made, as well as examples of several types of preformed foam, from S & S Packaging Products.

Convoluted foam

Convoluted foam is a type of foam in which the texture has been altered to make the foam a softer cushion. This type of foam is used for packing objects that are more fragile or need more flexibility in the packaging, such as fruits and other produce.
Try: The Polyurethane Foam Association offers a concise definition of convoluted foam and how it is made.

Cohesive foam

Cohesive foam is either manufactured using a formula that gives the foam cohesive properties, allowing it to stick to itself without using any type of adhesive, or it has an adhesive laminate applied to it that allows it to stick to objects without the use of tape or glue. Cohesive foam typically comes in sheet or pocket form.
Try: Sealed Air offers a definition of cohesive foam and suggests several uses for the product.

Foam wrap

Foam wrap is a popular form of foam packaging that comes in various roll sizes and foam thickness, and can be used either as a complete roll or as pieces cut from foam sheets. Foam wrap is also a popular form of packaging because it can be made into foam pouches by folding the foam over and taping the sides together.
Try: Get the definition for two varieties of foam wrap available from American Carton & Polybag.

Anti-static foam

Anti-static foam is used to dispel the static electricity produced by the motion of transporting a package. Anti-static foam can come in a variety of forms, including foam pads and rolled foam wrap, and is typically used for packaging products that may be damaged by electric charges, such as cameras, computers and other electronics.
Try: Quality Foam Packaging offers specific definitions for several varieties of anti-static foam.

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