Are foam packing materials durable?

Since foam pouches/sheets/rolls are made of tiny air bubbles, they are more durable compared to bubble cushioning wraps. Unlike foam packing materials, bubble cushioning wraps are made of larger bubbles that might pop at any time. However, you can eliminate this problem by using other packing materials in addition to using only bubble cushioning wraps.

Is foam padding more effective than bubble cushioning wraps?

Foam packaging and bubble cushioning wrap both offer superior protection, depending on your application. Bubble cushioning wraps are economical alternatives for achieving effective protection, especially in long-distance shipping. On the other hand, foam packaging is more suitable for packing items with polished finishes and delicate surfaces because they can reduce marking, rubbing, and scuffing. They have smooth textures and are non-abrasive so they will not scratch and leave any marks on the item’s surface.

Are foam pouches and sheets recyclable?

Foam pouches and sheets are hard to recycle and not all communities offer recycling options for these kinds of materials. There are some areas, though, that can process foam materials so make sure that you check the available recycling options near you.

Can I use foam padding to pack electrical equipment?

Static electricity is less likely to build up in foam packing materials than in bubble cushioning wraps because of the way foam padding is constructed. This makes foam wraps ideal for sensitive parts and electrical equipment.

What is packing foam?

Packing foam can either come in expanded polystyrene sheets, packing peanuts, foam-in-place, foam-in-bag, and polyethylene sheets, depending on the type. All expanded polystyrene and packing peanut types of packing foams are manufactured from Polyurethane. Polyethylene designs, meanwhile, come in flexible sheets of foam. All forms of packing foam are ideal for protecting specific products or items during shipping or moving.

What are the four types of packing foam?

The first type of packing foam is an expanded polystyrene sheet or EPS that’s particularly lightweight and rigid. EPS is made by expanding small polystyrene beads. Expanded polystyrene sheets have minimal cushioning properties making them ideal for packaging only lightweight items. The next type is packing peanuts or loose-fill, which are tiny, lightweight packing foam with a peanut shape (hence the name). Once compressed, packing peanuts will start to interlock and move once they are loose. This property makes it perfect for shipping as you can use packing peanuts to fill up empty spaces around products, cushioning them during transport. However, the kind of packing foam can’t stop items from moving, which means you can’t use them on products that shift and move in transit. It also generates static electricity making the foam incompatible with electronic gadgets and the like. The third type is Polyurethane , and it’s a great option if you need additional shock-absorbing cushioning for your products. This packing foam is pretty versatile. It can be flexible or rigid and can come in sheets, foam-in-place, or foam-in-bags. Polyurethane can either be fashioned into a soft, flat sheet or an egg-crate-like sheet in terms of sheets. With egg-crate designs, the polyurethane interlocks each other, providing cushion to the product being shipped or moved. The foam-in-place and foam-in-bag are perfect for snugging products according to their ideal fit. With both kinds of cushioning, you’ll spray two chemicals into the packaging resulting in a chemical reaction of polyurethane foam. In the foam-in-place, you’ll spray the chemicals around the product, where it then forms into the product’s shape. With a foam-in-bag, you’ll spray Polyurethane into a bag and then place the bag around the product where it expands and provides secure cushioning. Finally, there is polyethylene, and it’s commonly used for wrapping furniture. It can also be fashioned into a static-resistant packing foam, making it excellent for shipping and moving electronic gadgets and parts. Additionally, it’s resilient to mold and bacteria and can resist tearing while in transit despite being easy to rip with your hands. On top of that, it doesn’t generate dust, is shock absorbent, and is shatter-, chemical-, and grease-proof.

What type of foam is packing foam?

There are different types of foam used in packaging and two of the most commonly used are Polyurethane and Polyethylene foams . When it comes to regular packages, using bubble cushioning wraps or messy shipping peanuts for cushioning and protection is often enough. However, if you’re dealing with especially sensitive items or packages that will undergo numerous shipping or moving, it might not be enough. In this case, you need to consider using reusable packaging products. When it comes to reusable packaging products, the use of heavy-duty foams generally replaces that of Styrofoam, bubble cushioning wraps, and peanuts. One of these heavy-duty foams is Polyurethane (PU) , which is also known as Polyester. PU is a spongy type of foam, similar to foams used in making pillows and mattress covers. It is perfect for packaging very lightweight items and products vulnerable to scratches like flat-screen TVs and tablets. The other type of durable packing foam is Polyethylene (PE), which is more rigid than Polyurethane. It’s like an elastic and flexible Styrofoam that won’t break or get torn apart when you bend it. The packing foam has closed cells which means it won’t absorb liquids, unlike PU. This particular property makes it a popular option among numerous packaging designers.

Packing Wrap – Foam Rolls, Pouches and Sheets for Packaging

Types of Foam For Packaging That You Should Know
There are 3 major types of foam used in packaging and shipping industries: expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyethylene (PE), and polyurethane (PU). Below is an overview of each of these foam packaging materials.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
This is a very popular foam packaging material and is often chosen over other options because of its cost effectiveness and versatility. It has a wide array of applications in the packaging industry, especially when there is a need for durable, lightweight, and thermal insulating packaging.

Moreover, EPS is also used in creating foam sheets and packing peanuts which are commonly used in filling voids because they have good insulation properties. However, EPS foam sheets are not great choices if you are looking for a packaging material with good shock absorption properties. Since they are rigid, there is a chance that they might break when force is exerted into them. In these instances, polyethylene and polyurethane foam sheets are more recommended because they are better at absorbing shock during transit.

Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene foams are among the strongest and most durable closed cell packaging foams in the market. They are popularly used because of their capability to withstand large amounts of pressure without getting damaged.

They are great for absorbing shock and dampening vibrations so they are commonly used to make rolls, planks, and end caps. You can place end caps around items to keep them in place and protect them from damages during the shipping process.

Moreover, polyethylene foams are often used in making large foam rolls with ⅛ inch thickness. They are ideal for providing your items with extra protection by using them to fill voids.
Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane foams are a combination of the best qualities of rubber and plastic without the weaknesses of vinyl films. Meaning, they are not brittle and are easy to work with. They are also easy to modify so they can fit the needs of different applications. Custom foam packing shapes can be created using PU foams.

Moreover, polyurethane packing foams are commonly used in wrapping small and light shock-sensitive products. Aside from packing foams, polyurethane is also used in the following:

Carpet underlay

Synthetic fibers

Certain adhesives

Automotive suspension bushings

Elastomeric wheels and tires

Bubble Cushioning Wrap vs Foam Padding: Which is Better for Your Application?

Bubble cushioning wraps and foam pouches/sheets are the most common materials used for packing nowadays, but how do they differ? Below is a comparison of the two:

Bubble Cushioning Wraps	Foam Padding
They have evenly-distributed bubbles that provide ultimate protection to items against vibrations, shocks, and accidental drops.	They have smooth and soft surfaces so they are gentle to the item’s surfaces. They will not smudge or scratch the items so they are perfect for polished items like collectibles, fine artworks, and other delicate belongings.
They are composed of air bubbles which make them heavier and they take up more space compared to foam sheets.	They are thinner and occupy less space compared to other padding and cushioning materials so you can save on packaging and boxes used.
They are bulky compared to foam packing wraps so they are more ideal for items with even surfaces.	Since they are thinner, they wrap more closely around items which is great for protection against dirt and dust.
Because of the bubbles, their bulky surface makes it hard to stack the packed items together.	You can easily bundle or stack your packed items together. Plus, they give thermal insulation to temperature-sensitive items.

When it comes to the similarities between bubble cushioning wraps and foam packing wraps, they are both affordable, lightweight, and non-biodegradable. They are the most lightweight and cost-effective packaging materials so they don’t add much weight to your items when shipping or moving. You can reuse them both for DIY projects, crafts, and home hacks. They also provide excellent shock absorption properties.

Although both materials provide excellent protection, your choice of packing material actually depends on the items you are going to pack. For large and heavy items, bubble cushioning wraps are more recommended. If you are going to pack glassware and other small fragile items, foam packing wraps would be ideal because unlike bubble cushioning wraps, they will not leave marks on the surfaces of your items.

Types of Quality Foam Packaging Materials from enKo Products
enKo Products offers the following types of foam packaging materials that are perfect for shipping, moving, and packing:
Foam Sheets

We offer 12″ x 12″ packing foam wrap sheets that are ideal for wrapping delicate items like dishes, glassware, picture frames, collectibles and more to prevent dings and bumps.

You can also use them to cushion furniture legs and corners when moving. They come in either 50 or 100 packaging foam sheets per pack. You can cut them in different shapes and sizes depending on the item you are going to pack.

Foam Wrap Rolls

Do you need to pack large items with uneven shapes? Then foam wrap cushioning rolls would be ideal. You can cut them to match your item’s shape and size. They are perfect for wrapping electronic equipment, musical instruments, large glassware, and more to protect them against minor damages.

They can be taped to secure your item during transit. You can also use them to fill voids and as dividers when packing your items in boxes to prevent them from scratching each other.
Foam Pouches
Our foam pouches for packing can be used to ship small items such as hand-made jewelry, small figurines, cups, and others. We offer the following packaging foam sleeves and foam wrap pouches/bags with ⅛” thickness:

12″ x 12″ Packaging Foam Sleeves
These large foam pouches are great alternatives to packing paper and bubble cushioning wraps. One pack contains 50 packing foam sleeves. You can get them for as lows as $9.15/pack.

7-3/8″ x 7-1/2″ Foam Wrap Cup Pouches
These are specially designed for packing cups when moving. They come in 25 foam wrap pouches per pack for a price as low as $6.52.

7″ x 11-7/8″ Foam Wrap Envelopes
These foam wrap envelopes are for packaging taller items. We offer them in 25 foam packing envelopes per pack for as low as $7.40.
Where to Buy Packing Wrap like Foam Cushion Rolls & Sheet Foams?
You can buy foam pouches, wraps, and rolls for shipping from online suppliers or direct manufacturers. However, make sure to double-check the reliability of the supplier or manufacturer you are going to transact with to avoid problems in the future.

To buy foam packing materials from enKo Products, just navigate to our foam pouches and rolls page. From there, you can filter the results by size, label width, label height, and usage to help you find the right foam wrapping pouch, roll, or sheet you want. Buy foam rolls and foam pouches in wholesale quantities from us to get discounts.
Why Should You Buy Foam Pouches and Rolls from enKo Products?
Below are the benefits you can get from us if you choose us as your foam pouches and rolls supplier:
- Guaranteed High-Quality Products
- Fast Turnaround Time (Within 1 Business Day)
- 100% Buy Back Guarantee
- We Offer a 2-Year Warranty
- Free 2nd Day Delivery for Orders Above $50
- Enjoy 10% off on your 1st order and 5% off on your succeeding orders
Things to Consider When Buying Foam Wrap Rolls, Sheets & Pouches
Below are the most important things you should take into account when choosing foam sheets or pouches for packing your items:
- The size and shape of the items you are going to pack
- The width and length of the foam pouch or foam sheet
- Type of foam packing wrap (pouch, sheet, or roll)
- Foam thickness
- Purpose of use
- Puncture resistance
- Reusability
Tips When Using Foam Padding Rolls, Pouches, & Sheets
- Make sure to wrap your items in enough foam sheets or rolls if you choose to use them instead of foam pouches. You can use multiple layers of foam sheets/rolls.
- Gently shake your boxes to know if you put enough protective packaging. If you hear your item/s moving around inside, you need to put more foam packaging.
- Foam sheets and pouches are not ideal to be used alone so you need to use other cushioning materials, such as foam peanuts to fill voids inside boxes, to ensure maximum protection.
- Add tape to cut foam sheets/rolls to secure the items you are packing.

Are foam packing materials durable?
Since foam pouches/sheets/rolls are made of tiny air bubbles, they are more durable compared to bubble cushioning wraps. Unlike foam packing materials, bubble cushioning wraps are made of larger bubbles that might pop at any time. However, you can eliminate this problem by using other packing materials in addition to using only bubble cushioning wraps.
Is foam padding more effective than bubble cushioning wraps?
Foam packaging and bubble cushioning wrap both offer superior protection, depending on your application. Bubble cushioning wraps are economical alternatives for achieving effective protection, especially in long-distance shipping.

On the other hand, foam packaging is more suitable for packing items with polished finishes and delicate surfaces because they can reduce marking, rubbing, and scuffing. They have smooth textures and are non-abrasive so they will not scratch and leave any marks on the item’s surface.
Are foam pouches and sheets recyclable?
Foam pouches and sheets are hard to recycle and not all communities offer recycling options for these kinds of materials. There are some areas, though, that can process foam materials so make sure that you check the available recycling options near you.
Can I use foam padding to pack electrical equipment?
Static electricity is less likely to build up in foam packing materials than in bubble cushioning wraps because of the way foam padding is constructed. This makes foam wraps ideal for sensitive parts and electrical equipment.
What is packing foam?
Packing foam can either come in expanded polystyrene sheets, packing peanuts, foam-in-place, foam-in-bag, and polyethylene sheets, depending on the type. All expanded polystyrene and packing peanut types of packing foams are manufactured from Polyurethane. Polyethylene designs, meanwhile, come in flexible sheets of foam. All forms of packing foam are ideal for protecting specific products or items during shipping or moving.
What are the four types of packing foam?
The first type of packing foam is an expanded polystyrene sheet or EPS that’s particularly lightweight and rigid. EPS is made by expanding small polystyrene beads. Expanded polystyrene sheets have minimal cushioning properties making them ideal for packaging only lightweight items.

The next type is packing peanuts or loose-fill, which are tiny, lightweight packing foam with a peanut shape (hence the name). Once compressed, packing peanuts will start to interlock and move once they are loose. This property makes it perfect for shipping as you can use packing peanuts to fill up empty spaces around products, cushioning them during transport. However, the kind of packing foam can’t stop items from moving, which means you can’t use them on products that shift and move in transit. It also generates static electricity making the foam incompatible with electronic gadgets and the like.

The third type is Polyurethane, and it’s a great option if you need additional shock-absorbing cushioning for your products. This packing foam is pretty versatile. It can be flexible or rigid and can come in sheets, foam-in-place, or foam-in-bags. Polyurethane can either be fashioned into a soft, flat sheet or an egg-crate-like sheet in terms of sheets. With egg-crate designs, the polyurethane interlocks each other, providing cushion to the product being shipped or moved.

The foam-in-place and foam-in-bag are perfect for snugging products according to their ideal fit. With both kinds of cushioning, you’ll spray two chemicals into the packaging resulting in a chemical reaction of polyurethane foam. In the foam-in-place, you’ll spray the chemicals around the product, where it then forms into the product’s shape. With a foam-in-bag, you’ll spray Polyurethane into a bag and then place the bag around the product where it expands and provides secure cushioning.

Finally, there is polyethylene, and it’s commonly used for wrapping furniture. It can also be fashioned into a static-resistant packing foam, making it excellent for shipping and moving electronic gadgets and parts. Additionally, it’s resilient to mold and bacteria and can resist tearing while in transit despite being easy to rip with your hands. On top of that, it doesn’t generate dust, is shock absorbent, and is shatter-, chemical-, and grease-proof.
What type of foam is packing foam?
There are different types of foam used in packaging and two of the most commonly used are Polyurethane and Polyethylene foams.

When it comes to regular packages, using bubble cushioning wraps or messy shipping peanuts for cushioning and protection is often enough. However, if you’re dealing with especially sensitive items or packages that will undergo numerous shipping or moving, it might not be enough. In this case, you need to consider using reusable packaging products.

When it comes to reusable packaging products, the use of heavy-duty foams generally replaces that of Styrofoam, bubble cushioning wraps, and peanuts. One of these heavy-duty foams is Polyurethane (PU), which is also known as Polyester. PU is a spongy type of foam, similar to foams used in making pillows and mattress covers. It is perfect for packaging very lightweight items and products vulnerable to scratches like flat-screen TVs and tablets.

The other type of durable packing foam is Polyethylene (PE), which is more rigid than Polyurethane. It’s like an elastic and flexible Styrofoam that won’t break or get torn apart when you bend it. The packing foam has closed cells which means it won’t absorb liquids, unlike PU. This particular property makes it a popular option among numerous packaging designers.