Wetropa editorial team
Packaging made of non-crosslinked PE foam is often described as a protective and sustainable material for packaging solutions of all kinds. But what is behind the material, how does it achieve its strong performance, and why is it full of exciting potential, especially from a sustainability perspective? Wetropa sheds light on this in this article.
What is non-crosslinked PE foam packaging?
Uncrosslinked PE foam packaging is made of polyethylene (PE), which is very popular in all areas of plastics processing. The closed-cell materials consist of long carbon-hydrogen chains that are not interconnected or cross-linked.
From weight to recycling - the properties of non-crosslinked PE foams
Uncrosslinked PE foams bring a number of material properties that make them suitable for modern packaging applications. These include:
- light weight thanks to a low density
- Maximum safety through first-class cushioning properties
- Granulability, which is why they are also 100 percent recyclable
- Excellent resistance to weathering and aging, which is why they are also reusable
PE packaging made of non-crosslinked foam as solutions with excellent Performance
Packaging made of non-crosslinked PE foams combine a low density with excellent mechanical properties. Even with low material thicknesses, they ensure reliable protection against external impacts such as shocks, vibrations and falls that can occur during the transport of goods.
They also have excellent weathering and aging resistance, as well as chemical resistance to common acids, alkalis and other substances. Added to this are the first-class soundproofing and thermal insulation properties offered by packaging made of non-crosslinked PE foams.
Sustainability - optimal material properties for recycling and reuse
The special structure of non-crosslinked PE foams results in a comparatively low melting point. This is due to the fact that the carbon-hydrogen chains are not firmly crosslinked with each other and therefore require little energy to separate them from each other.
Last but not least, packaging made from non-crosslinked foams has a particularly good ecological balance. Thanks to their high robustness, they can also be used several times and, after a few cycles of use, can be completely granulated and then recycled. The non-crosslinked PE foams themselves can be partly made of recycled material.
What are the processing and application possibilities of packaging made of non-crosslinked PE foam?
The first-class material properties make non-crosslinked PE packaging suitable solutions for a wide range of applications. These lie in the storage and transport of technical, medical and pharmaceutical products. Packaging made of non-crosslinked PE foam is also available as an ESD variant.
In addition, non-crosslinked PE foams can be processed into functional packaging in a wide variety of ways. The main processing methods are:
- individual packaging moldings
- individual packaging stampings
- Sheet goods in the desired dimensions and with the desired material thickness
- Components of constructive system packaging made of several materials
Conclusion
Uncrosslinked PE foams are the ideal material for creating customized packaging solutions that combine a high protection factor with a high level of sustainability.
The most important properties of non-crosslinked PE packaging are high resistance to mechanical and chemical influences, low weight and a wide range of processing options. Furthermore, non-crosslinked PE packaging is regranulable and thus recyclable, so that it can be recycled without any problems.
FAQ - frequently asked questions about sustainable foam packaging?
Packaging made of non-crosslinked PE foam consists of closed-cell foam made of polyethylene (PE) plastic. They are composed of long carbon-hydrogen chains that do not exhibit any crosslinking among themselves.
In packaging technology, non-crosslinked PE foam is valued for its excellent cushioning properties, its mechanical robustness with a low density, its chemical resistance and its resistance to aging. In addition, non-crosslinked PE packaging is regranulable and thus recyclable, so that it can be recycled without any problems.