Foam Blocks

There can be a wide variation in the levels of protection that different products can need in transit.

At one end of the scale, some products can be put in an outer cardboard shipper with no additional or secondary packaging. At the other, highly engineered foam inserts (or end caps) will be required to ensure that damage is not caused by mishandling.

But there is a niche within this – where products may occasionally be prone to damage, but the relative costs of these and the outlay required for specially designed foam packaging makes it uneconomical.

In scenarios like this, foam blocks are an ideal choice.

Effectively blocks of foam material, these are not tailored to a specific product (keeping costs down) but can be used to block and brace items within an outer carton or shipping box. They are particularly suited to larger items, or those with angular edges or protruding corners.

This in turn helps to prevent movement during transit, as well as providing a degree of cushioning protection too.

This makes them the lowest cost foam packaging option available, but still ensures that they can provide adequate levels of protection in transit.

Besides being a low-cost option for protective packaging, using foam blocks have a number of other benefits.

Although they are not tailored to a specific product (much like foam lined boxes), your foam blocks can be cut to any size. This means that they can be tailored to fit your existing products and / or packaging – including being compatible with a range of different boxes – if required.

By using the same foam across a number of different ranges, it also means you can benefit from economies of scale, further lowering costs. And using the same foam for different shipments can also help to improve packing times (as the foam to include is more easily identified).

Saying that, different grades, densities, and sizes can be chosen for different applications, with anti-static foam also available for applications involving electronics or static sensitive items.

They are also widely used to separate layers of protects, interleaved to provide protection, and improve packing efficiency.

And finally, in addition to this flexibility, foam blocks can also be used over multiple trips.

Unlike polystyrene which often disintegrates on first impact, the foam used for these blocks will not deform or lose performance over multiple drops or continuous poor handling.

• Cut to custom sizes to suit your products / existing packaging
• Can be used with a range of different products, aiding economies of scale
• Simplifies your packaging inventory, improving packing times
• Low cost option for transit protection
• Multiple use – will protect over numerous journeys
• Absorb shock, impact, and vibration
• Can be used to brace products within outer packaging, minimising movement, and damage
• Can be interleaved between delicate products
• Range of grades, densities etc. for varying applications
• Anti-static foam also available

Whilst they may seem like a relatively simple product, there are a number of frequently asked questions regarding foam blocks. These are detailed below.

However, if you still need further info, please contact a member of the GWP team for assistance.