Packaging Foam: Packing Rolls, Sheets and Custom Inserts
Most packaging jobs come down to two foams. White EPE closed cell polyethylene, in rolls and sheets, wraps and lines items and protects polished surfaces in transit. Very firm N29-400 polyurethane is the heavy-duty option for inserts and high-load packaging.
Both are made in Australia. Below are the grades and sizes we stock, plus the tape, cardboard and edge profiles that go with them.
Packaging foam at a glance
| Product | Foam | Size | Supplied as |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPE foam roll | EPE30 closed cell polyethylene, 28-33kg/m³, white | 1200mm wide; 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12mm thick; 40 to 100m long | Full rolls only |
| EPE foam sheet | EPE30 closed cell polyethylene, 28-33kg/m³, white | About 2000 x 1000mm; 25 or 50mm thick | Sheets; anti-static and FR grades on request |
| N29-400 foam sheet | Open cell polyurethane, 29kg/m³, very firm, charcoal | About 2060 x 1900mm; 12 to 200mm thick | Sheets; other thicknesses on request |
| EPE U edge profile | Extruded closed cell foam | 50 x 10 x 10mm, 2000mm long | Each, or packs of 50 |
Picking the right packaging foam
Wrapping, lining and surface protection.
EPE foam roll is lightweight, non-abrasive and water resistant, so it suits polished surfaces and fragile items in transit. Thin rolls wrap; thicker rolls line cartons and crates. For thicker padding, EPE foam sheet comes in 25 and 50mm and can be laminated with contact adhesive or heat. All EPE is 100% recyclable.
Inserts and heavy-duty packaging.
N29-400 very firm foam is a premium density open cell grade made for high-impact, high-load uses, and packaging is one of its main jobs. It comes in nine standard thicknesses from 12 to 200mm, and you can price N29-400 cut to size with our custom cut foam calculator. For shaped inserts, we also cut to your template.
Packing room supplies
Round out the job with EPE U edge profile for glass and delicate edges, clear packaging tape and solid fibreboard cardboard sheets. Everything is in the packaging supplies category; compare every closed cell grade in closed cell foam sheets.
Custom inserts and bulk orders
We cut open cell foam to your template for shaped inserts and case linings. Send a template, drawing or dimensions with the grade and quantity, or call 1300 288 362 and we will work out sizes and freight with you. Cut-outs in closed cell foam such as EPE are by request only.
Other grades and thicknesses
Other grades and thicknesses are available on request; minimum quantities and extra lead time may apply.
Frequently asked questions
Mostly two kinds. EPE closed cell polyethylene, white and medium firm, is the everyday packing foam for wrapping, lining cartons and protecting polished or fragile items. N29-400 is a very firm open cell polyurethane for heavy-duty packaging and inserts that carry load. EPE is 100% recyclable and water resistant; N29-400 is the firmer of the two.
EPE is expanded polyethylene: a closed cell foam that is not cross-linked, which keeps the cost down. Ours is EPE30 grade, 28-33kg/m³, white and medium firmness, made in Australia. It is lightweight, non-abrasive, chemically inert and water resistant, so it suits polished surfaces and fragile items. We sell it in rolls from 1 to 12mm thick and in 25 and 50mm sheets.
No. EPE foam rolls are only sold in full rolls. Every roll is 1200mm wide, and the length depends on the thickness: 100m for 1, 2 and 4mm, then 70m for 6mm, 50m for 8mm, 45m for 10mm and 40m for 12mm. If you need a smaller quantity, look at EPE foam sheets instead.
Yes. We cut open cell foam to your template for shaped inserts, and N29-400, our very firm grade for inserts that carry weight, can be priced cut to size in our custom cut foam calculator. Send a template, drawing or dimensions and the quantity for a shaped quote. Cut-outs in closed cell foam such as EPE are by request only.
Yes, on request. Our EPE foam sheet is available in anti-static and fire retardant grades as well as the standard white EPE30. They are not stock lines, so minimum quantities and extra lead time may apply. Call 1300 288 362 or send an enquiry with the thickness and quantity you need.
EPE foam sheets are about 2000 x 1000mm, in 25 or 50mm thicknesses. N29-400 sheets are about 2060 x 1900mm and come in 12, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175 and 200mm. EPE sheets have a slight ripple, which is normal for extruded polyethylene. Other thicknesses are available on request.
Yes. Our premium clear packaging tape is 48mm wide and 48 micron polypropylene with a natural rubber adhesive that sticks well to plastic, cartons and paper. It comes per roll of 75m or by the carton of 36 rolls. You will find it with our cardboard sheets and edge protectors in the packaging supplies category.