EPS AND PACKAGING: FAQ

EPS AND PACKAGING: FAQ

EPS packaging is ideal for protecting your products. Please see some FAQ relating to EPS and packaging below.

What is so good about EPS packaging?

Packaging must firstly be fit for its purpose. It must offer protection of the product during transport, as well as in storage, regardless of mechanical stress, temperature changes, moisture and other exterior influences. The ideal packaging should, therefore, protect the product, keep the product stable during transport and have the potential to display the product at the point of sale. To do this, it must provide for cushioning, allow stacking, provide good thermal insulation and be light in weight for easy handling. In addition to this, the cost of the packaging itself and of the transport are very important factors. Because EPS is made up of 98% air, it is one of the most light-weight packaging materials available. Nevertheless, the foam structure offers extraordinary strength and exhibits high thermal efficiency and insulating properties. Expanded polystyrene packaging is resistant to moisture, salt, numerous types of acid and most oils. In many instances, to obtain the same amount of protection for a product as EPS offers, one would have to use about six times as much cardboard by weight, and at least the same by volume. This has to be taken into account when a company considers the waste management at the end of the distribution chain. Expanded polystyrene meets the packaging requirements of many products at a highly effective and competitive price.

Which packaging problems can be solved by using EPS?

A wide range of physical properties and the individual adaptability of this foam, permit economical solutions to the most varied packaging problems which differ greatly, depending on the required level of protection for the many different products. They range from fish boxes to combination packaging with shrink-wrap for washing machines: fully moulded containers to protect against exterior influences of any kind (self-supporting), half-moulded inserts, corner pieces and side elements, boxes and trays for stacking, dividing and collection inserts, pallets for transport or assembly as well as heat or cold insulation packages. Indeed the effectiveness of EPS to protect the most delicate of products, means that it is now often used as the core component of bicycle helmets.

At all times, the basic function, i.e. the optimum protection of the packaged product, has to be the first consideration when deciding on the type of packaging material to be used. Secondly, of course, the cost of packaging should be kept to an absolute minimum. Expanded polystyrene packaging has proven to meet these essential criteria, time and time again.

The Isowall Group has been manufacturing and distributing Isolite Block Moulded EPS since 1985, and Isolite Shape Moulded EPS since 1992.

Can Foodstuffs be transported and stored in EPS packaging?

Yes

The evaluation of synthetic products in regard to health implications as well as the required test methods have been documented as guidelines by various nations. Given the current status of science and technology, these recommendations determine the conditions under which a consumer item made of synthetic material meets the requirements of food and consumer products law.

EPS, with its composition, does meet the requirements of the pertinent recommendations.

Therefore, based on above evaluation, there are absolutely no restrictions to the use of EPS as packaging or as user item.

For example EPS fish boxes have found world-wide acceptance. Similarly fruits and vegetables are packaged in EPS boxes. This not only for hygienic reasons but also due to the fact that EPS foam packages maintain a certain temperature over long periods of time – making EPS an ideal packaging material.

What are the types of protective packaging you can make out of EPS?

Shape Moulded EPS

In the form of customized moulded EPS

Block Moulded EPS

In the form of EPS sheets

Virgin EPS beads or regrind

ISOWALL IS THE SUPPLIER OF CHOICE WITHIN AFRICA FOR INSULATED SANDWICH PANEL, EPS AND EPP PRODUCTS

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