Polyformes is proud to now be an Approved Fabricator as part of Zotefoams Approved Partner Programme
Market knowledge

Military Packaging

Market knowledge

Military Packaging

If your business sources for or supplies the defence sector, then robust, reliable, and compliant defence packaging is essential to your success.

At Polyformes, we provide a comprehensive range of defence-grade solutions, including NATO Stock Numbered waterproof cases that meet the requirements of DEF-STAN 81-41 Level J and STANAG 4280. We combine these with bespoke foam inserts to provide calculated shock protection for sensitive gear – everything from communication apparatus and night-vision imagers to tactical kits and medical systems. Our closed-cell foam solutions are used across the entire defence supply chain and are stable, non-corrosive, and resistant to oil and fuel. They are perfect for long-term storage, with specialist flame-retardant grades available for the most critical requirements.

We have been a trusted partner to NATO armed forces and the UK MoD for over 30 years, giving us a deep understanding of the security and precision your projects require. We also understand that some equipment requires strict security clearance, which is why our expert design team can visit your site to develop solutions in total confidence.

No obligation
UK experts
Competitive pricing
Applications

Military packaging uses

The majority of foams Polyformes work with are heavily used in the defence and military industries.

They are primarily used for specialist high-performance packaging, component protection, and personnel gear due to their exceptional resilience, chemical stability, and shock-absorbing properties.

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 military applications

Plastazote®

Closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)

Extremely lightweight; chemically inert; non-staining/non-corrosive; highly durable; water-resistant; available in military grades (e.g., explosive-compatible DEF STAN 81-116).

Equipment transit cases
Tool control shadowboards
Mission critical packaging
Electronic component ESD-safe transit
High-density helmet liners

ARPLANK

Isotropic expanded polyethylene (EPE) or expanded polypropylene (EPP)

Exceptional energy absorption; multi-directional impact resilience; highly structural; 100% recyclable; and chemically inert.

Heavy-duty military cargo cushioning
Fragile drone guidance system transit
Block dunnage for tactical vehicles

Ethafoam

Closed-cell, non-cross-linked expanded polyethylene (EPE)

Outstanding multi-strike shock absorption; dimensional stability; resilient to heavy loads; highly reusable.

End-caps for heavy tactical equipment
Reusable shipping container inserts
Vehicle shock pads

Evazote

Closed-cell, cross-linked ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer

Highly resilient; rubber-like flexibility; superior recovery from repeated impacts; excellent chemical/UV resistance.

Combat boot insoles and footwear padding
Ballistic vest comfort backing
Under-armour knee/elbow pad cushioning
Electromagnetic shielding gaskets

Microlen

Closed-cell microcellular foam

Superior aesthetic finish; highly machinable; high buoyancy; excellent thermal insulation; tough impact resistance.

Custom case inserts for field radios
Optical instrument cushioning
Buoyancy elements for marine defence gear

Stratocell

Laminated closed-cell polyethylene (PE)

Cost-effective; high-yield structure; excellent strength-to-weight ratio; resilient cushioning; recyclable.

High-volume bulk ammunition outer packaging
Fuel-efficient, lightweight air-freight crate lining
Cost-effective equipment storage inserts

Supazote

Ultra-soft, closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)

Highly flexible, “super-soft” tactile feel; excellent impact-absorption in skin-contact scenarios; chemically clean.

Comfort padding inside communication headsets
Inner lining for tactical masks and goggles
Soft-touch protective padding for medical-evacuation gear

ZOTEK

High-performance closed-cell fluoropolymer (ZOTEK F) or nylon (ZOTEK N) foams

Extreme temperature tolerance; ultimate chemical/hydrocarbon resistance (oils/fuels); inherently flame-retardant (excellent FST performance); ultra-lightweight.

Aerospace cockpit and cabin insulation
Military aircraft ejection seat components
Thermal and fluid seals in military vehicle engine compartments
Fire, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) compliant galley and ducting insulation
Packaging

Additional products

Alongside the foam we supply, we also allow you to source a wide range of exterior packaging, cases and bags.

UK foam converters

Why work with us?

Our expertise and experience in manufacturing high-performance military foam components and mission-critical protective packaging enable us to deliver a broad range of benefits to your supply chain, logistics, and deployment operations. As an approved Zotefoams fabricator, we use premium materials like Plastazote® to design solutions engineered to withstand the harshest operational environments.

UK manufacture
Manufacturing your defence packaging at our UK foam conversion facility guarantees the highest quality, strict adherence to stringent military standards, and reliable performance in the field.
Rapid deployment & short lead times
Our streamlined process, from initial consulting and CAD design through to rapid prototyping, testing, and full-scale manufacture, is agile and responsive.
Defence foam specialists
Our technical team can advise on the exact foam densities required for your specific application. Whatever your application, environment or requirement, we have the solution.
Single source supply
We manufacture both your precision, end-use equipment foam components and your rugged transit case inserts. By aligning with your existing logistics infrastructure and NATO stock numbers, we improve compatibility, lower procurement costs, and simplify your contract management.
Vast industry experience
We have more than four decades of experience converting technical foams into high-performance protective packaging and engineered parts for MoD tier-one suppliers, aerospace contractors, and global defence OEMs.
Mission-ready sustainability
We help you meet environmental and sustainability targets without compromising on performance. We offer a range of lightweight, durable, and recycled foams, while our design and manufacturing processes minimise material use and manufacturing waste.
Wide range of options

Similar foam products

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