Facts About EPS and EPP
What is EPS?
Expanded polystyrene is a rigid cellular plastic, which can be used in many shapes and applications including fish boxes, protective packaging and insulation panels for building.
What is EPP?
EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) is a high performance material that offers a durable packaging option combined with unmatched cushioning and protection properties.
Why is EPS the right material for my packaging requirements?
EPS is lightweight, durable and incredibly versatile - our designer team can mould it into any shape that you require. Its outstanding shock absorbency and compression resistance means that it provides excellent protection. Last, but not least, the thermal insulating properties of EPS keep food fresh and prevent condensation making it the ideal packaging material for fish, vegetables, meat and fruit.
Can you put my company logo on an EPS box?
Yes, your company logo can be colour printed or moulded onto your boxes.
Can EPS be recycled?
Yes, thousands of tonnes of used EPS packaging are recycled in the UK each year. This includes everything from fish boxes to electronic component trays.
Why is EPS so lightweight?
EPS is 98% air making it one of the lightest packaging materials in existence.
Why does EPS have good insulating properties?
The closed-cell foam structure of EPS consisting of microscopically small air bubbles makes it the simplest and lowest cost thermal insulator, compared to other commonly used packaging materials such as paper, wood or glass. Its average rate of thermal insulation is 0.037 W/(m.k) at 15g/l density.
Why is EPP the right material for my packaging requirement?
EPP offers a durable packaging option combined with unmatched cushioning and protection properties. It is used in the packaging of extremely high-value products such as PC servers and LCD TVs.
What colours can EPP be supplied in?
Moulded predominantly in white for packaging, EPP is also supplied in black for automotive packaging and vehicle components. Other available colours are blue, green, grey and mottled grey.
Can EPP be used for returnable packaging?
Yes EPP packaging is ideally suited to multi-use and returnable systems.
What is the difference between standard and bespoke packaging?
Our standard "ready to buy" products come in a variety of different sizes and can be purchased in small or large quantities. They can be embossed, printed or labelled with your own design and offer a quick and cost effective packaging solution.
A customised product is designed specifically to meet your individual packaging requirements and, once you have tested a prototype, you will need to invest in a production tool before production can commence. This can take approx 6-8 weeks, but we will manage the whole process for you and ensure that the tool is an accurate reflection of our agreed packaging design.
How long does it take to produce a bespoke packaging solution?
An average time for the process is 6-8weeks. Once you have discussed your requirements with us, you could receive a first prototype EPS pack within 24 hours. We will test this for you at our National Design and Test Centre and you may choose to undertake your own tests.
When the final design is agreed the production tool will be ordered, this usually takes about 4-6 to be manufactured. After the tool is delivered, we will need to calibrate the machinery, then you will start taking delivery of your customised EPS boxes within a couple of days.
