Reliable buoyancy and impact-resistant materials are essential if your business serves or supplies the marine or offshore industries.
At Polyformes, we engineer closed-cell polyethylene foams for superior performance in demanding marine environments. We supply Plastazote® LD15 (15 kg/m3) and EF220 Ethafoam (35 kg/m3) for structural applications like hull stiffening ribs, stringers, and positive buoyancy blocks. Beyond construction, our foams are critical for safety, used in SOLAS-approved man-overboard stretchers, horseshow lifebuoys, and lifejackets that meet the International CA standard EN393 (50-100N buoyancy). We can also provide foam cores for navigation buoys, dock fenders, and specialised marine booms – all of which are highly resistant to water absorption and can be re-skinned for maximum economic lifespan. This is in addition to supplying waterproof cases with foam inserts to protect sensitive equipment.
By working with us, you can leverage our expertise in foam materials and conversion to source parts, products or packaging that survive the harshest conditions.
Nearly all of the foam materials Polyformes supplies and converts are utilised in the marine and offshore industries.
They are preferred due to their closed-cell structures, water resistance, buoyancy, and durability in harsh saltwater environments.
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 marine flotation foam applications
Plastazote®
Closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)
Lightweight; excellent buoyancy; highly water/mildew-resistant; pure (blown with nitrogen gas); exceptional shape retention; good thermal/acoustic insulation.
ARPLANK
Isotropic expanded polyethylene (EPE) or expanded polypropylene (EPP)
Exceptional air-to-plastic ratio for high buoyancy; isotropic impact absorption (protects from all 3 axes); 100% recyclable; excellent compression set recovery.
Ethafoam
Closed-cell, non-cross-linked expanded polyethylene (EPE)
High load-bearing capacity; resilient to repetitive shocks/vibrations; resistant to rot/bacteria; water-resistant; chemically inert.
Evazote
Closed-cell, cross-linked ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer
Enhanced flexibility and toughness compared to PE; high impact resistance; superb puncture resistance; waterproof.
Microlen
Closed-cell microcellular foam
Compliant with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards; ultra-low water absorption; resistant to fuels/solvents; over 10 times lighter than traditional flotation materials.
Stratocell
Laminated closed-cell polyethylene (PE)
Great cushioning-to-weight ratio; excellent moisture barrier; highly cost-effective for large-volume protection.
Supazote
Ultra-soft, closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)
Softest foam in the Azote range; highly resilient; premium aesthetic/feel; non-abrasive; highly UV/weather-resistant.
ZOTEK
High-performance closed-cell fluoropolymer (ZOTEK F) or nylon (ZOTEK N) foams
Best-in-class temperature resistance (up to 205°C); outstanding resistance to hydrocarbons, oils, and fuels; high structural durability; fire-retardant options.
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 marine foam components and rugged offshore packaging solutions allow us to deliver a broad range of benefits to your maritime supply chain and vessel operations.
UK manufacture
Short lead times
Marine and offshore foam experts
Single source supply
Vast industry experience
Sustainability
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Send us a message
If you need high-performance foam inserts, packaging, products or materials, we can help. Please contact a member of our team for a free consultation and quote.
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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
[email protected]
01525 852 444 (option 1)
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01525 852 444 (option 2)
