If you’re in the museum, gallery, or fine art sectors, archival-grade protective solutions are essential for the long-term preservation and safe transit of priceless items.
At Polyformes, we have over 40 years of experience supplying museums with bespoke foam protection for everything from ancient relics and Neolithic artefacts to rare wallpaper collections. We can also provide specialised educational display solutions and the Clarkson Book Support System to reduce damage to bound materials. For fine art shipping, we combine the archival stability of Plastazote® with high-performance cushioning materials – such as HLB22, F104, and F133 – to create custom-fitted crates, flight cases, and channelled fitments that securely immobilise paintings, vases, and sculptures of all sizes.
We also understand that every project is a unique preservation challenge. So whether you require custom inserts for travelling to exhibitions or precise interior fitments for international art transit, our team of experts can provide the expertise and manufacturing capabilities to protect the integrity of your collections.
All closed-cell polyethylene or copolymer foams have applications in the museum, archiving, and conservation sectors.
Because they are chemically inert, non-toxic, and don’t release gases or react with delicate artefacts, they are widely used for archival storage, lining drawers, cushioning, and shipping valuables.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you cannot see your specific application listed, please contact us to see how we can assist.
Foam
Material type
Key benefits and properties
Primary conservation foam applications
Plastazote®
Closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)
Nitrogen-blown (pure, no chemical foaming agents); completely inert and non-reactive; highly flexible and lightweight.
ARPLANK
Isotropic expanded polyethylene (EPE) or expanded polypropylene (EPP)
High recycled content (highly sustainable); highly resilient with excellent multi-impact protection.
Ethafoam
Closed-cell, non-cross-linked expanded polyethylene (EPE)
High load-bearing capacity, excellent structural strength, resists water absorption and chemical degradation.
Evazote
Closed-cell, cross-linked ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer
More resilient and elastic than Plastazote; enhanced slip resistance and softer touch.
Microlen
Closed-cell microcellular foam
Fine-cell structure with an ultra-smooth surface; aesthetically pleasing; easily thermoformed and shaped.
Stratocell
Laminated closed-cell polyethylene (PE)
Cost-effective bulk cushioning; high moisture and chemical resistance.
Supazote
Ultra-soft, closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)
Softest foam in the Zotefoams range; highly flexible and gentle; Nitrogen-blown and completely inert.
ZOTEK
High-performance closed-cell fluoropolymer (ZOTEK F) or nylon (ZOTEK N) foams
Inherently fire-retardant and smoke-safe, extreme chemical purity and temperature resistance.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you cannot see your specific application listed, please contact us to see how we can assist.
Alongside the foam we supply, we also allow you to source a wide range of exterior packaging, cases and bags.
Our expertise and experience in manufacturing high-performance archival foam and custom conservation packaging enable us to deliver museum-grade protection for your collections, exhibitions, and transit needs.
UK manufacture
Short lead times
Museum & conservation foam experts
Single source supply
Vast heritage experience
Sustainability and preservation
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Our experts
The information on this page was written and checked by our team of experts. You can contact them to discuss your requirements, or for any questions you may have, using the details here.
Sales Enquiries
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01525 852 444 (option 1)
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