Why Use Foam in Place Packaging?

Foam in place packaging provides a unique customized cushioning protective border for good s during shipment. It is very versatile and flexible because it has the ability to mold itself around the product being packaged. This foam insert is made from chemicals injected into a high-density polyethylene bag. Once mixed together, they begin to foam up, expanding to surround the item and fill the outer container. This packaging method has been shown to provide better and stronger insulation when goods are being handled throughout transit. Just like it provides better insulation, it also provides shock protection, which can decrease the chances of goods being damaged.

Is Foam in Place Packaging Cost Effective?

When it comes to Foam in Place Packaging, it tends to be one of the cost-effective types of protective packaging in the industry. With foam being put in place to protect items, there is a lower likelihood of it being damaged because the fragile item has no room to move. Besides it being so protective, it also makes shipping cheaper not only for the distributor, but for the customer as well. Shipping companies are known to now charge extra for dimensional weight, but if you use foam in place, it creates a more budget-friendly experience for everyone, due to the light weight of the foam. Foam in place packaging is simple, affordable, and easy to use. Foam in place packaging can even be custom made for each individual business if wanted. It offers the freedom of customizing box protection to just about anything a customer would like. This way it provides something custom made for their business while still saving money and protecting packaging goods.

What are the Three Key Components of Foam in Place Packaging

There are four key elements of foam in place packaging systems that all current and future operators will benefit from knowing and understanding. Those elements are Telemetry, Bar Coding, and Equipment Design. These are all very broad and general components that can mean many things in the packaging industry, which is why we'll break it down. (1) Telemetry: the unit automatically collects, monitors and measures critical information, such as liquid foam and film usage, temperature, pressure and other system parameters, each time it is operated. Moreover (2) Barcoding: helps operations with multiple product lines deliver consistent packaging protection. It takes the guess-work out of what bag and how much liquid foam to use. This means that your employees will always use just the right amount of liquid foam and film every time because the barcode tells the unit what to do. (3) Equipment Design: with traditional equipment, replacing a part can take between 30 minutes to an hour. Foam-In-Place units, on the other hand, only need a few seconds to a few minutes. Time not spent changing parts means more productive focus elsewhere on your line.

Packaging Foam vs Foam in Place

When it comes to foam packaging there is a wide variety available to consumers. For example, there are polystyrene sheets, packing peanuts, foam-in-place and foam-in-bag, and polyethylene sheets. These are all types of foam packaging that are qualified for different kinds of shipping. Usually when it comes to foam, these are some of the best options due to how price and eco-friendly they are, although there there is some foam packaging ranked higher than others. All of these foam packaging items are made differently which is why they can all have different results and reviews. For example, expanded polystyrene and packing peanuts are made from polystyrene. Foam-in-place and foam-in-bag are made from polyurethane. Therefore, each of these packing foams is best suited to protect a specific type of product during shipping.

The Benefits of Foam in Place Packaging

• Thermal Insulation
  • Heat energy is lost when heat transfers from a warmer material to a colder one via conduction, convection, or radiation.
• Surface and Shock Protection
  • The foam keeps your package contents safe from shock and surface damage, thanks to the pocket of protection it creates.
• Space and Cost Efficient
• Reduces and Eliminates Damage Expenses
  • With your package contents tightly protected, foam-in-place reduces or eliminates the possibility of you ending up writing off damage expenses.

Want to know more about Foam in Place?

IPS Packaging & Automation, can get you in contact with our Sales Representatives to learn more about our Foam in Place products! Call for a free quote today!