If you need a versatile, reliable material for your packaging, product or other application, Polyethylene foam is the default choice.
Polyethylene foam is a durable, lightweight, usually closed-cell material. It’s renowned for its exceptional moisture resistance, buoyancy, and ability to absorb repetitive impacts without permanently deforming. Commonly referred to as PE foam, it is available in cross-linked (XLPE) and non-cross-linked variants. Polyethylene foam is particularly suited to protective packaging, material handling, sports and medical equipment, gaskets, and a range of other applications.
Polyformes are among the largest polyethylene foam suppliers in the UK. In fact, the supply and conversion of polyethylene foams has been the foundation of our business for over 40 years. Offering a huge range of options – including Stratocell®, Ethafoam®, Microlen and the Zotefoam AZOTE® range – we allow you to source PE foam material or converted products quickly and easily.
Polyformes specialise in the supply and conversion of polyethylene foam materials. Please speak with our expert team for impartial guidance on the best foam for your needs.
Polyethylene foams provide market-leading performance, with benefits of:
The main difference between polyurethane and polyethylene foams is their cell structure. Polyurethane foam features open cells, making it soft, flexible, and absorbent. It is widely used in furniture cushions and mattresses. Polyethylene foam, by contrast, is a closed-cell material. Its structure means it is more rigid, water-resistant, and better suited for protective packaging.
Standard, non-crosslinked polyethylene foam (EPE) is fully recyclable and can be melted down to create new plastic products, often categorised under recycling code 4 (LDPE). However, cross-linked polyethylene foam (XLPE) cannot be easily melted down due to its altered chemical bonds, making it much more difficult to recycle through traditional methods.
Yes, polyethylene foam sheet is generally considered non-toxic, chemically inert, and safe for consumer use, as it does not contain formaldehyde or heavy metals. Certain PE foams, such as nitrogen-expanded Plastazote®, are so chemically pure that they are widely approved for medical devices, orthopedic braces, and museum-grade archival storage.
Polyethylene foam is highly durable and is unaffected by moisture, oils, and most industrial chemicals. However, it is susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, gradually breaking down and becoming brittle if left exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods without UV-inhibiting additives.
At Polyformes, we have forged strong relationships with the world’s premier PE foam manufacturers, giving you direct access to the industry’s most comprehensive selection of materials.
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