How to Choose the Right Foam Sheet for Packing and Shipping

Sometimes, bubble wrap just doesn’t cut it! Although you can wrap items multiple times to protect them from fall damage, will it really keep your valuables safe while on the move? Thankfully, there are strong foam options that handle insulation, impact, and can even be used for electronics.

Whether you work in the packing industry or are looking for more durable materials to send fragile items interstate, the right foam sheet can be the difference between a broken package and one that’s completely protected from A to B.

And as there are many different types of durable foam on the market, this article will help you make a decision!

Types of Foam Packaging

Let’s take a look at foam you might consider for your packaging. 

• EVA Foam is a thermoplastic foam that is soft and flexible. It is waterproof, odourless, and impervious to mould, with good UV and chemical resistance.

• Polyethylene (PE) foam, which is fabricated from foam planks 1 to 3 inches in thickness. It is mainly used for cushioning, vibration dampening and is priced higher than EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam.

• Cross-linked polyethylene (IXPE) is expensive and one of the best foam options for packing and shipping. Smooth to the touch, its density protects polished surfaces, and it doesn’t absorb water!

Foam packaging types have a number of purposes and shapes, too!

• Foam pouches, which are used for small, fragile items like figurines or delicate dishware.

• Foam sheets cover up the vulnerable parts of furniture and wrap other items such as mirrors, picture frames, or dishes.

• Foam inserts are smaller sections of foam to keep items from shifting during transport. A snug fit keeps contents secure. 

• Foam boxes of various sizes, thicknesses and materials are great to transport fragile materials that need thermal insulation. As well as transporting medicines or fragile electronics, foam boxes also move perishables (fruits and vegetables).

Black IXPE Foam Sheet

Black IXPE Foam (2000mm x 1200mm) is a physically cross-linked flexible polyethylene closed cell foam with excellent resilience and toughness. It is lightweight, flexible, and soft to the touch, yet very strong and tough.

It has low water absorption, good resilience to moisture, good chemical resistance, good UV properties, good heat insulation, and good resistance to aging and high temperature.

The material is non-irritant, odourless, and with its vapour resistance, it will not support mould or bacterial growth. It is ideally suited to stringent automotive and construction tolerances and many demanding applications in different environments. It is also specified for premium packaging inserts.

PE30 Foam Sheet

This closed-cell foam is made from Polyethylene and blended copolymers, and is resistant to water, chemicals, solvents, grease, and it is also impervious to mildew, mould, rot, and bacteria.

It also has:

• Excellent thermal insulation properties

• Very Lightweight & Non-abrasive

• Anti-static available

• Good UV Resistance

• Easy to fabricate & non-dusting

• Excellent buoyancy & Non-abrasive

• CFC Free, Odourless

• Excellent shock absorption & vibration dampening

• Non-Conductive

EVA45 Foam Sheet

• Condensation protection

• Long-term reliability

• Helps maintain a seal in high movement joints

• Non-Conductive

• Excellent thermal insulation properties

• Very Lightweight & Non-abrasive

• Good UV Resistance

• Easy to fabricate & non-dusting

• Excellent buoyancy

• CFC Free, Odourless

• Impervious to mildew, mould, rot, and bacteria

• Resistant to water, chemicals, solvents & grease

• Excellent shock absorption & vibration dampening

• Conforms well to a variety of irregular surfaces

• Plasticiser FREE

Anti-Static Fire-Retardant PE Foam Sheet

This foam is a specially designed Fire-Retardant, Anti-Static foam with a closed cell cross-linked polyethylene structure with excellent resilience, toughness and flexibility. It has great tear strength, low water absorption, excellent chemical resistance, and great UV properties. The foam is free of heavy metals, plasticisers and CFCs.

It’s specially designed for stringent packaging applications where both Fire-Retardant and Anti-Static properties are required.

The foam is also dust-free when cut and is easy to fabricate. Applications are endless!

Anti-Static EPE Foam Sheet

Anti-Static EPE Foam offers premium protection and safety for storing and shipping 

sensitive electronic components. 

• Advanced anti-static properties, Anti-Static EPE foam helps prevent the accumulation of electrostatic charge, ensuring products remain safe from static damage during transportation and handling.

• Has a flexible closed-cell structure that provides superior shock absorption, guarding against impacts, vibrations, and compression. 

• Provides moisture resistance, which ensures high performance in many demanding environments. 

• Eco-Friendly, as it is made from non-toxic, recyclable materials, promoting an environmentally responsible approach to packaging.

You could also invest in a Red PE45 Foam Sheet , Blue IXPE Foam Sheet , Yellow PE45 Foam Sheet , Blue Toolbox Drawer Custom Cut Foam , or a range of other options.

Reach out to MSTOR for a packaging recommendation. We offer customised foam cutting services for foam products where desired dimensions (including size and thickness) can be cut. 

MSTOR packaging foam provides excellent protection, whether you’re shipping fragile items, heavy goods, or delicate electronics. For example, charcoal firm foam is perfect for providing substantial padding for heavy items and can be custom-ordered.

How do you know what to use?

• What sizes are you working with? Double-check the size dimensions to figure out how much foam you’ll need.

• Depending on the weight, heavier items will need additional support to stop them from shifting during transit.

• If they’re irregularly shaped, custom-cut foam is great for a tighter fit.

• Fragile items like glassware or porcelain require extra care.

• The type of foam as they have different characteristics, such as insulation and strength.

• Environmental factors, such as considering the temperature and conditions during transmission. Some foam materials are better suited to fluctuating temperatures. 

• Is it compatible with other materials such as tape, boxes, tape, or labels? 

Unsure if your foam of choice is best? MSTOR are foam , tapes , and plastic suppliers who get back to you with a quick turnaround time.

Foam Suppliers to Businesses Across Australia: Contact Us

MSTOR Pty Ltd has established materials and products Australia-wide including foam, tape and plastic. We’ve been successfully supplying and servicing many industries including building, installation, automotive, construction, medical, packaging and many others. Why contact us for a quote?

• Our cutting services mean you’ll receive foam sheets that meet your project requirements.

• Our dedicated staff provide customer service for industries looking for industrial-strength product support.

• We offer a diverse selection of foam sheets, from EVA to PE, neoprene and IXPE foam.

• We provide nationwide delivery for foam supplies to Melbourne , Sydney , Brisbane , Perth , Adelaide and throughout Australia. 

• We adhere to stringent quality standards to offer high-performance materials that always meet client expectations.

Contact us now by emailing sales@mstor.com.au . 

Custom sizes and thickness available upon request! Please allow 2-5 business days for orders to be fulfilled. Free shipping for orders over $150 in selected states!