Is Packaging Foam a Good Insulator?

Ensuring your products go from point A to point B with no damage is more challenging than it sounds. Especially because the modern shipping experience is not a direct point A to point B trip - your package may travel by boat, by freight, by truck - and oftentimes, multiple times. This journey creates new opportunities for damage.

If you have products that are temperature-sensitive or electronic, protection takes on an extra level of challenge. You not only need to ensure that your products arrive undamaged, but you also need to ensure a stable box environment. You don’t want to sacrifice protection for insulation, but you also can’t sacrifice insulation for protection.

You need a material that will give you the best of both worlds. That option is foam.

Is Packaging Foam a Good Insulator?

Yes. Packaging foam is a good insulator. In fact, it’s arguably one of the best insulating materials. Some people like foam so much for its insulating properties that they use it to insulate their homes. 

The various foam types we offer at Foam Industries that act as great insulators:

• Polyethylene (PE) Foam
• Polyurethane (PU) Foam
• Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) Foam
• Expanded Polyethylene (EPE)
• Expanded Polypropylene (EPP)
• Extruded Polystyrene Insulation (XPS)

While each of these foams are good insulators, the best insulator depends on your specific product and needs.

What Foam is the Best Insulator for Electronics?

Polyurethane Foam (PU), Polyethylene Foam (PE), and Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam (XLPE) are all excellent options for shipping electronics. PU is ideal for custom-fit inserts for products that need top-of-the-line impact resistance. PE is great for wrapping products as it’s anti-abrasive, moisture-resistant and has anti-static options. XLPE is ideal for extremely sensitive electronics that need a high degree of anti-abrasion as well as durability.

Read More: Is Packaging Foam Safe for Electronics?

What Foam is the Best Insulator for Cold Storage?

Both Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam and Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) foam are excellent choices for cold storage. EPS is a rigid foam with great thermal insulation properties. EPE is a lightweight foam that has a more flexible structure but is more resistant to pressure. Both types of foam provide insulation for cold storage and are moisture-reistant.

Read More: Foam Packaging Applications for Cold Storage

At the end of the day, custom foam packaging keeps your products safe from bumps, drops, and even temperature swings. Whether you’re shipping delicate electronics or managing cold chain logistics, packaging foam offers a powerful combination of insulation and protection. With so many types to choose from, you can find an option that checks all your boxes without having to trade off protection for insulation. It’s all about finding the right fit for your needs - and that’s where the experts come in.

Protect Your Products

As a leader in the packaging industry, Foam Industries has set the bar with an unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional client service, and constant innovation. Through our extensive inventory of endlessly customizable products, we ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Protect My Products!

Foam Industries is a custom protective packaging company specializing in foam – with additional wood and plastic fabrication services. Our custom foam fabrication services are ideal for any type of packaging, display, or support service needed – from design to finished product.