The technical foams They are very versatile packaging materials that are used in industrial and commercial sectors. They are used in packaging/product packaging, in cardboard boxes and cases for the food, cosmetic-aesthetic or health sector, within briefcases, trunks and flight cases as reinforcement against impacts, vibrations and humidity, or as thermal and acoustic insulators in construction, among others.
With the growing awareness of the importance of sustainability in the industry, the development of more environmentally friendly options is being promoted. That's why in this post we'll talk about the ecological and recyclable technical foams.
What are eco-friendly technical foams?
The ecological foams These are manufactured using biodegradable polymers, resins derived from renewable sources such as plants, or recycled materials. Their production involves the use of less environmentally harmful components and manufacturing processes that minimize volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
The performance of these foams is generally comparable to that of traditional engineering foams. Furthermore, their recyclability at the end of their useful life reduces the amount of waste ending up in landfills.
Are they all advantages?
Like everything, this type of foam has its pros and cons. Some of them are:
Advantages:
- Reducing the carbon footprint: its production generates less CO2 compared to traditional foams.
- Contributes to the circular economy: When recycled, they can be reincorporated into the production cycle and reduce the need for virgin raw materials.
- Improve air quality: With their low VOC emissions, they improve air quality and reduce pollution.
- Commitment to sustainability: Its use demonstrates a commitment to sustainable business practices, which can enhance corporate reputation and attract conscious consumers.
Disadvantages:
- Initial cost:The production of these foams can be more expensive due to the price of environmentally friendly materials and specialized manufacturing processes.
- Limited availability: Being a relatively emerging solution, both the foams themselves and the materials and infrastructure needed for their manufacture and recycling may not be readily available at the moment, making large-scale acquisition difficult.
- DurabilityAlthough the durability of some eco-friendly foams can generally compete with their non-eco-friendly counterparts, this depends on the type of material. Some may have a shorter lifespan, affecting their long-term performance.
Some examples
There are several sustainable foam options. Some examples include:
Foampack – Non-crosslinked polyethylene foam with open bristles. Recyclable 100%, with a minimum of 55% recycled material from waste created during the manufacturing process and a minimum of 10% recycled internal material.
Synergy – Non-crosslinked polyethylene foams with open bristles. Virgin, reusable, and recyclable material 100%.
Policel A100X – Agglomerated polyurethane. Composed of recycled 100% polyurethane foam.
For a more sustainable future
There are several advantages and options to get started using ecological foams, and there will be more and more of them with fewer inconveniences and costs. That's why we recommend their use, promoting cleaner industrial practices.
In our catalog We include options of sustainable technical foams like the ones we've showcased in this publication. Ecological solutions that adapt to the needs of our clients and the changing paradigms of the industry. It's everyone's job to work toward a more sustainable future.
Thank you so much for reading and see you in the next post!