Choosing the right packaging should consider the many properties of the material, from safety, cushioning and protection to ease of handling, storage and overall cost.
Packaging must be durable and lightweight, and provide the required thermal insulation to protect the product during transportation and storage from temperature changes, moisture, mechanical stress, and other unwanted conditions.
Protection, Strength and Safety
Firstly, packaging should protect products, be stackable and shock absorbent during transport, handling, and storage. The product must be kept stable at all times when dropped or subjected to impact and be easy and safe to handle in general.
Expanded polystyrene is made up of 98% air, being one of the most light-weight packaging materials available while providing extraordinary strength and durability. Its compression resistance means that EPS is also ideal for stackable packaging goods.
Due to its great shock absorbing properties, expanded polystyrene (EPS) is ideal for the storage and transport of fragile products such as perishables, beverages, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It is also used to transport expensive items such as electronic equipment.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) manufactured by the Isowall Group is fast becoming recognized as the insulation material of choice by specifiers of “Bills of Quantities”. This comes largely as a result of our technical knowledge backed up by years of experience in the building and construction industry.
Good Thermal Insulation and Resistance
Packaging needs to provide good thermal insulation. The foam structure of EPS exhibits high thermal efficiency, moisture resistant and insulating properties. Its exceptional low thermal conductivity protects packaged contents against sudden temperature changes.
Expanded polystyrene packaging is resistant to moisture, salt, numerous types of acid and most oils. EPS is chemically inert and therefore can be safely used for food packaging and to extend the freshness of perishable products such as produce and seafood.
Cost-effective and Recyclable Packaging
Environmentally-friendly and recyclable packaging offers added benefits and must be taken into account for waste management purposes at the end of the distribution chain.
In many instances, to obtain the same amount of protection as EPS packaging offers, one would have to use about six times as much cardboard by weight, and at least the same amount by volume. EPS provides a cost-effective option while being 100% recyclable.
In conclusion, expanded polystyrene meets most packaging requirements at a highly effective and competitive price, with the benefit of green packaging.
The Isowall Group has been manufacturing and distributing Isolite Block Moulded EPS since 1985, and Isolite Shape Moulded EPS since 1992. Isolite EPS products are used primarily for insulation, lightweight fillers, packaging and semi-rigid cushioning.
