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Raw Materials
"Particle foam" is the collective name for a whole series of materials with various interesting properties.
The ideal solution often consists of a combination of different materials.
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EPS
For decades, EPS (expanded polystyrene) has been proving its qualities as a good and economical packaging solution for fragile and/or temperature-sensitive products. With a minimum of raw materials, a lightweight packaging can be designed of which the properties can be perfectly calculated in advance during the design.
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EPP
The extremely durable EPP (expanded polyethylene) is mainly used for reusable returnable packaging and for built-in parts for the automotive sector (bumpers, headrests, sun visors, side-impact protection, ...).
![](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/i/u/p/temp-dixtyrfjaqgmqxxmjgmq/gijd16/PEPP-materiaal.png?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=225%2C146%2Cx0%2Cy40%2Csafe&width=215&height=139)
P-EPP
The porous version of EPP also has sound-absorbing properties. Due to the open structure, it also offers additional possibilities for applications related to drainage.
![](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/i/u/p/temp-dixtyrfjaqgmqxxmjgmq/EPEtraydetail.jpg)
EPE
EPE (expandable polyethylene) is more flexible than EPS and EPP and less abrasive. It is mainly used when greater flexibility is required and/or when there is direct contact with painted surfaces.
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NEOPOR
The gray versions of EPS (such as NEOPOR from BASF) contain graphite, which further improves its thermal insulation.
![](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/i/u/p/temp-dixtyrfjaqgmqxxmjgmq/lv4nj5/EPSkleur.jpg?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=230%2C173%2Cx0%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=215&height=162)
PIOCELAN, ARCEL, ...
Copolymers such as PIOCELAN, ARCEL etc. offer intermediate solutions that combine advantages of different materials (e.g. rotary packaging with the stability of EPS, but with greater durability).
![](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/i/u/p/temp-dixtyrfjaqgmqxxmjgmq/ubnr84/ETPU.png?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=260%2C194%2Cx0%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=215&height=160)
E-TPU
E-TPU (expanded thermoplastic polyurethane) is a super elastic foam.
It is just as elastic as rubber, but with a lower weight.
![](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/i/u/p/temp-dixtyrfjaqgmqxxmjgmq/j4vvna/ecovio.png?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=241%2C157%2Cx0%2Cy26%2Csafe&width=215&height=140)
ECOVIO, compostable EPS
Compostable foams of biological origin (such as ECOVIO) are in full development.