--- title: Expanded Foams | EPE, EPP, EPS & XPS - Foam Packaging description: "Explore our selection of expanded packaging foams: EPE, EPP, EPS & XPS. Foam-in-place options available alongside traditional fabrication methods." --- - [About Us](https://www.foam-industries.com/about-us) - [Careers](https://www.foam-industries.com/careers) - [Sustainability](https://www.foam-industries.com/sustainability) - [Contact Us](https://www.foam-industries.com/contact-us) - [763.503.9265](tel:7635039265) [![logo](https://www.foam-industries.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo.png?width=250&height=112&name=logo.png) ![logo](https://www.foam-industries.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo.png?width=250&height=112&name=logo.png)](https://www.foam-industries.com) [![logo](https://www.foam-industries.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo.png?width=250&height=112&name=logo.png)](https://www.foam-industries.com) - Materials - [Polyethylene (PE) Foam](https://www.foam-industries.com/polyethylene-pe-foam) - [Polyurethane (PU) Foam](https://www.foam-industries.com/polyurethane-pu-foam) - [XLPE Foam](https://www.foam-industries.com/xlpe-foam) - [Other Foams](https://www.foam-industries.com/other-foams) - [Plastics](https://www.foam-industries.com/plastic-fabrication) - [Wood](https://www.foam-industries.com/wood-fabrication) - [Capabilities](https://www.foam-industries.com/capabilities) - Industries - [Industrial](https://www.foam-industries.com/industrial) - [Medical](https://www.foam-industries.com/medical) - [Automotive](https://www.foam-industries.com/automotive) - [Aerospace & Military](https://www.foam-industries.com/aerospace-military) - [Branding & Marketing](https://www.foam-industries.com/branding-and-marketing) - [Fixtures & Displays](https://www.foam-industries.com/fixtures-and-displays) - [Success Stories](https://www.foam-industries.com/success-stories) - Resources - [Technical Documents](https://www.foam-industries.com/technical-documents) - [Gallery](https://www.foam-industries.com/gallery) - [News](https://www.foam-industries.com/news) - [About Us](https://www.foam-industries.com/about-us) - [Careers](https://www.foam-industries.com/careers) - [Sustainability](https://www.foam-industries.com/sustainability) - [Contact Us](https://www.foam-industries.com/contact-us) - [763.503.9265](tel:7635039265) - Materials - [Polyethylene (PE) Foam](https://www.foam-industries.com/polyethylene-pe-foam) - [Polyurethane (PU) Foam](https://www.foam-industries.com/polyurethane-pu-foam) - [XLPE Foam](https://www.foam-industries.com/xlpe-foam) - [Other Foams](https://www.foam-industries.com/other-foams) - [Plastics](https://www.foam-industries.com/plastic-fabrication) - [Wood](https://www.foam-industries.com/wood-fabrication) - [Capabilities](https://www.foam-industries.com/capabilities) - Industries - [Industrial](https://www.foam-industries.com/industrial) - [Medical](https://www.foam-industries.com/medical) - [Automotive](https://www.foam-industries.com/automotive) - [Aerospace & Military](https://www.foam-industries.com/aerospace-military) - [Branding & Marketing](https://www.foam-industries.com/branding-and-marketing) - [Fixtures & Displays](https://www.foam-industries.com/fixtures-and-displays) - [Success Stories](https://www.foam-industries.com/success-stories) - Resources - [Technical Documents](https://www.foam-industries.com/technical-documents) - [Gallery](https://www.foam-industries.com/gallery) - [News](https://www.foam-industries.com/news) - [About Us](https://www.foam-industries.com/about-us) - [Careers](https://www.foam-industries.com/careers) - [Sustainability](https://www.foam-industries.com/sustainability) - [Contact Us](https://www.foam-industries.com/contact-us) - [763.503.9265](tel:7635039265) [Get a Quote](https://www.foam-industries.com/get-a-quote) ![Other Foam Header Graphic](https://www.foam-industries.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Other%20Foam%20Header%20Graphic.png?width=600&height=562&name=Other%20Foam%20Header%20Graphic.png) # Expanded Foams (EPE, EPP, EPS & XPS) Expanded foams are created by expanding raw material into beads or cells, then forming them into **blocks, shapes, or molded parts.** Several of these expanded foams can be used in **foam-in-place applications**, offering flexibility that traditional cut foams cannot. Not sure what to choose? [Talk to an Expert](https://www.foam-industries.com/contact-us) ## Fabricated Packaging Foams Cut to spec for case inserts, formed as blocks, or rolled into sheets. ### Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) Foam EPE foam begins as polyethylene beads that are heated and expanded with air. **The trapped air creates a soft, sponge-like structure that provides cushioning without adding significant weight. ** EPE is resistant to water, chemicals, and mold, and it provides thermal insulation for temperature-sensitive products. **While EPE foam *can* also be used in foam-in-place solutions, it's most commonly fabricated by cutting shapes from blocks or sheets.** #### Common Applications - Cold storage packaging - Moisture-resistant packaging components - Lightweight cushioning and protective inserts - Blocking and bracing Want to see it for yourself? [Get a Quote](https://www.foam-industries.com/get-a-quote) [![a cross section of routed EPE foam](https://www.foam-industries.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EPE%20EPP%20Foam/epe.jpeg?width=450&name=epe.jpeg)](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/EPE%20EPP%20Foam/epe.jpeg) [View Full Gallery](https://www.foam-industries.com/epe-epp-foam-gallery) #### EPE Spec Sheets Know what you're after and just need the numbers? Let's get down and nerdy.   Note: Cushioning performance curves for ARPAKR EPE Foam and static compression strength curves for ARPAKR EPE Beads for 1.0 - 2.8 pcf are available in our full technical documents library. [Browse All Technical Documents](https://www.foam-industries.com/technical-documents) - [Chemical Resistance - ARPROR Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) and ARPAKR Expanded Polyethylene Beads](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/Chemical%20Resistance.pdf) - [Compression Creep Properties for ARPAKR Expanded Polyethylene Beads](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/Compression%20Creep%20ARPAK.pdf) - [Static Compression Strength Curve for 1.5 pcf (24 g/l) Foam Molded from ARPEX® Expanded Cross-linked Polyethylene (xEPE) Beads](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/Static-ARPEX%201.5%20xEPE.pdf) - [Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) for Foam (density range from 1.0 pcf to 5.0 pcf Molded from ARPAK® Expanded Polyethylene (EPE)](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/techdoc-CLTE-EPE.pdf) - [Density vs. Static Compressive Strength Curveat 25%, 50% and 75% Strain for Foam(density range from 20 g/l to 80 g/l) Molded from ARPAK® Expanded Polyethylene (EPE)](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/techdoc-compstren25-50-75-Strain-EPE_.pdf) - [ARPAKR Expanded Polyethylene Beads](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/ARPAK-MSDS.pdf) - [ARPEXR Cross-linked Expanded Polyethylene Beads](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/ARPEX-MSDS.pdf) - [Material Physical Property Information for ARPAK®Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) Density Range 1.3 pcf to 4.6 pcf (20 to 74 g/l)](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/PhysicalPropertyInformation_EPEproducts.pdf) ### Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Foam Unlike more rigid expanded foams, **EPP is engineered to absorb energy and recover its shape over and over again.** EPP provides thermal insulation and maintains structural integrity through repeated shipping cycles, **which makes it a strong choice for reusable packaging and high-abuse applications where long service life matters more than lowest cost.** EPP foam is typically machined into finished shapes and is not compatible with foam-in-place packaging. #### Common Applications - Reusable packaging and dunnage - Low abrasion applications, like glass - Automotive and industrial components - Long-term protective packaging Want to see it for yourself? [Get a Quote](https://www.foam-industries.com/get-a-quote) [![close-up of a EPP foam cut into shape](https://www.foam-industries.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EPE%20EPP%20Foam/EPP.jpg?width=450&name=EPP.jpg)](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/EPE%20EPP%20Foam/EPP.jpg) [View Full Gallery](https://www.foam-industries.com/epe-epp-foam-gallery) #### EPP Spec Sheets Know what you're after and just need the numbers? Let's get down and nerdy.   Note: Cushioning performance curves for  ARPRO® Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Foam for 1.0 - 2.8 pcf are available in our full technical documents library. [Browse All Technical Documents](https://www.foam-industries.com/technical-documents) - [Chemical Resistance Information for ARPRO® Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) and ARPAK® Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) Beads](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/Chemical%20Resistance.pdf) - [Compression Creep Properties for Low Density Polypropylene Packaging Grade FoamMolded from ARPRO®  Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Beads](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/Compression%20Creep-ARPRO.pdf) - [Material Physical Property Information for ARPRO®Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) – Density Range 1.3 pcf to 3.7 pcf (20 to 60 g/l)](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/TechDataHome_PhysicalPropertyInformation_EPPproducts.pdf) - [ARPROR Expanded Polypropylene Beads](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/ARPRO-EPP-MSDS.pdf) - [ARPROR Porous Expanded Polypropylene Beads](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/ARPRO-PEPP-MSDS.pdf) ![Polyethylene Insert Open](https://www.foam-industries.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Polyethylene%20Insert%20Open.jpg?width=400&height=400&name=Polyethylene%20Insert%20Open.jpg) ### Protect Your Package in Transit. Protect Your Bottom Line. Optimize your packaging with a custom solution that makes sure your products get from A to B damage-free - no matter what happens during transit. [Protect My Products](https://www.foam-industries.com/get-a-sample) ## Foam-in-Place Packaging Foams Liquid foam that rapidly expands to fill the void around a product, creating a perfect mold, in mere minutes. ### Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam EPS foam is created by expanding polystyrene beads into a rigid, lightweight foam that excels at cushioning and thermal insulation. **Its structure provides consistent support while keeping overall packaging weight low.** EPS is especially effective for **single-use or limited-use packaging** where insulation, rigidity, and cost efficiency are priorities. It performs well in **cold storage environments** and applications where packaging does not need to recover from repeated impacts. EPS can be molded into custom shapes, cut from blocks, or used in foam-in-place packaging systems. #### Common Applications - Cold storage containers and packaging - Appliance and equipment packaging - Product blocking and bracing - Foam-in-place quick turnaround #### EPS Spec Sheet Know what you're after and just need the numbers? Let's get down and nerdy: [EPS Physical Properties Spec Sheet](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/Technical%20Documents/Physical%20Properties%20of%20EPS.pdf) Want to see it for yourself? [Get a Quote](https://www.foam-industries.com/get-a-quote) [![EPS Blood Sample Shipper](https://www.foam-industries.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EPS%20XPS%20Foam/EPS%20Blood%20Sample%20Shipper.jpg?width=450&name=EPS%20Blood%20Sample%20Shipper.jpg)](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/EPS%20XPS%20Foam/EPS%20Blood%20Sample%20Shipper.jpg) [View Full Gallery](https://www.foam-industries.com/eps-xps-foam-gallery) ### Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam XPS foam is produced by extruding polystyrene into a closed-cell foam with a smooth surface and uniform internal structure. **This process creates a material with higher compressive strength and greater moisture resistance than EPS, while still offering the same thermal insulation.** XPS can be used in both foam-in-place and fabricated applications. #### Common Applications - Cold and damp environment packaging - Insulated shipping containers - Foam-in-place quick turnaround Want to see it for yourself? [Get a Quote](https://www.foam-industries.com/get-a-quote) [![EPS six panel cooler dudefoods 2](https://www.foam-industries.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EPS%20XPS%20Foam/EPS%20six%20panel%20cooler%20dudefoods%202.png?width=450&name=EPS%20six%20panel%20cooler%20dudefoods%202.png)](https://www.foam-industries.com/hubfs/EPS%20XPS%20Foam/EPS%20six%20panel%20cooler%20dudefoods%202.png) [View Full Gallery](https://www.foam-industries.com/eps-xps-foam-gallery) ## Industries Served ##### [Industrial](https://www.foam-industries.com/industrial) ##### [Medical](https://www.foam-industries.com/medical) ##### [Automotive](https://www.foam-industries.com/automotive) ##### [Aerospace & Military](https://www.foam-industries.com/aerospace-military) ##### [Branding & Marketing](https://www.foam-industries.com/branding-and-marketing) ##### [Fixtures & Displays](https://www.foam-industries.com/branding-and-marketing) ## Discuss Your Project Goals Not sure what materials are right for your project? We've got you. [Contact a Packaging Expert](https://www.foam-industries.com/contact-packaging-expert) ## Frequently Asked Questions ##### What are expanded foams? How are these different from other packaging foams? With foam, the short version of a long answer is: different manufacturing processes that create different end results. Most expanded foams are made using different plastic polymers that produce unique properties. What separates and expanded foam from a "normal" foam is also in the manufacturing process: a blowing agent expands beads into a shape. This can be done within a mold, creating what's basically a giant brick that can then be cut into shapes. Or, it can stay a liquid and be squeezed out until it reacts with air and hardens around a shape (foam in place). **If you're not sure what foam is the best option for your application, reach out to us. **We help match the science with the desired end result, to choose the right foam for your needs. ##### Can you work from existing packaging designs? Absolutely. We can replicate, adjust, or fully re-engineer an existing design. Many clients come to us looking to reduce cost, improve protection, or streamline assembly. ##### I have a product but I need a design for a package. Will you create something for me? Our strength is working *with* your design teams to create something even better. We *do* review existing designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and performance. We typically *do not* provide full-scale design and engineering services for brand new products. *However: *our team also doesn't shy away from a challenge. If you are looking for more heavy-duty design support, please still reach out. While it's not a core service, it is something we have provided on a case-by-case basis. ##### Do you sell raw materials? We do not. We source a wide range of closed-cell and open-cell foams, primarily from our partner [Pregis](https://www.pregis.com/). ##### What are your sustainability initiatives? We support sustainable manufacturing and supply chain logistics by smart material selection, post-production recycling, and consumer education. You can dive into our sustainability initiatives on our [Sustainability Packaging](https://www.foam-industries.com/sustainability) page. ##### Do you build full packaging systems or only foam? Foam is our specialty, but we also build hybrid systems that use corrugated, plastics, custom wood components, and sewn parts when the design calls for it. On occasion, completed projects don't involve foam at all. If your goal is to get something from A to B without damage, to provide a bespoke kit, or optimize transportation, reach out to us! 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