The Many Uses And Benefits Of Rigid Foam Packaging

Rigid foam packaging is a relatively new method of packaging first introduced in 2008, where instead of using conventional hard plastic cases or cardboard boxes which are prone to breakage during transportation these materials are taken over by polyurethane foam.

A study published by the British plastics federation (bpf) shows that rigid foam packaging is actually more efficient than conventional materials. According to its findings, it requires up to 50% less energy than other common packaging materials such as cardboard.

This is mainly due to the fact that polyurethane foam has very low thermal conductivity which means that less energy is wasted on cooling down or heating up the product during transportation thus resulting in a lower carbon emission from transport vehicles.



In addition, polyurethane foam is highly resistant to water damage which makes it the ideal material for packaging machines and electronic devices. 

Uses Of Rigid Foam Packaging


Rigid foam packaging is mainly used for packaging machinery and electronic devices, as it can withstand high levels of pressure and absorb vibrations leading to lower wear and tear. Other common uses include:

1. Rigid foam panels packaging for glass products such as vases or plates which require a lot of protection during transportation due to the fragile nature of the material.

2. Packaging for food items in order to avoid contamination with germs from other products.

3. Packaging for sharp objects such as knives, which can be easily damaged if packaged in a cardboard box with no proper padding around the side.

4. Packaging for breakable items such as fragile trophies and awards which again need to be protected from damage during transportation.

5 Wholesale rigid foam packaging for knives and daggers, which are the most common use of this method of packaging due to their sharp and often exposed edges which can be easily damaged during transportation.

6. Custom rigid foam packaging for electronic equipment such as laptops and notebooks. The design allows for a greater level of protection without increasing the size or weight of the product.

7. As a protective barrier for packaged food such as meat and fish to avoid contamination.

8. Custom printed rigid foam packaging for wine bottles is the most common use of this method by far, as polyurethane foam can absorb shocks and vibrations during transportation, which makes it ideal for transporting glass bottles over long distances.   

Rigid Foam Packaging Is Perfect For Protecting Contents

Rigid foam packaging provides extra protection to packaged goods which is the main reason for its widespread use. It has many other uses both in domestic and commercial settings, with one of the most popular being wine bottle packaging or more commonly known as wine packaging.   

Other common applications are:

  1. Glass products such as vases or drinking glasses - sharp objects such as knives - breakable items such as awards or trophies - electronic devices such as laptops and notebooks - food items such as meat and fish.

  2. The high resistance of rigid foam panels packaging to water damage, porous design and light weight makes it ideal for use in all of these areas due to the following unique benefits:

  3. Greater protection during transportation due to custom rigid foam packaging’s low thermal conductivity leading to less energy wasted on cooling or heating the product.

  4. Allows for easier handling of products which can weigh up to 25 times more than other commonly used packaging materials such as cardboard, plastic and wood. This is mainly due to the fact that polyurethane foam has very low density which means it can absorb shock and vibrations without adding pressure or weight on the product.

  5. Wholesale rigid foam packaging protects products during storage by absorbing any impact which may lead to damage.

  6. Avoids exposure to humidity and microbial contamination if used for food items such as meat, fish or cheese.

  7. Allows for expansion and contraction which means it is ideal for packages with irregular shapes.   

  8. Avoids tearing, scratching or denting by being resistant to sharp objects such as knives.

  9. Its low thermal conductivity makes it suitable for sensitive products that may be damaged during transportation due to excess heat or cold such as fresh flowers.

  10. Allows for easy packaging and handling as it is lightweight, strong and flexible.

  11. Its durability, strength and resistance make it the perfect material to use during transportation which can be a risky process if adequate precautions are not taken.

  12. Its low density, high pressure retention properties and lightweight nature make it easy to cut, shape and maintain.

  13. Custom printed rigid foam packaging is usually made from recycled raw materials which makes it eco-friendly. The main reason for its widespread use in a range of applications is due to its unique properties.

Rigid Foam Packaging Is The Right Choice To Pack A Variety Of Your Products


The many uses and benefits of polyurethane foam packaging make it the perfect choice for a range of products. It is strong, durable and lightweight with porous design that provides protection from moisture and microbial contamination while also ensuring an easy handling process.

If you’re looking to protect your products on their trip through shipping or in storage, we recommend using this material as it will provide all of these qualities without adding weight or pressure onto the product itself.

Let us know if you want more information on how our team can help you get started!  Shop Rigid Boxes specializes in helping businesses like yours find innovative ways to increase sales by considering what makes customers tick - let's chat soon about how we can partner up together!


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