Polyethylene Foam
Durable, Versatile, and Customisable
Ramfoam is a leading polyethylene foam converter that offers lightweight, durable, and cost-effective closed-cell foam solutions. Resistant to chemicals, moisture, and extreme temperatures, Polyethylene Foam provides excellent energy absorption, buoyancy, and soundproofing, making it ideal for a wide range of industries.
Why Choose Polyethylene Foam?
Polyethylene Foam offers numerous benefits, making it a preferred material across industries from automotive to marine. Its closed-cell structure is made of tiny sealed bubbles and is resistant to hydrolysis, meaning it won’t break down when exposed to water and moisture. Available in various thicknesses and colours, PE foam can be cut to size and customised with additives to enhance its properties, such as flame retardancy or sound absorption. Polythylene foam is paramount when it comes to packaging solutions across multiple industries.
When choosing a foam material for a project, it’s important to consider factors such as the application, environment, budget, durability, and weight. As a Polyethylene Foam Supplier and Foam Conversion Specialist, Ramfoam offers bespoke solutions, tailored to your requirements.
- Durability: Withstands temperatures from -60°C to 90°C and resists chemicals, grease, and solvents.
- Moisture & Chemical Resistance: Resistant to mould, mildew, rot, and bacteria, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Vibration Dampening: Excellent for shock absorption in packaging and transportation.
- Insulation: Prevents the penetration of moisture, mildew, and bacteria, providing effective insulation in various settings.
- Buoyancy: Lightweight and buoyant, perfect for flotation devices like life jackets and pool noodles.
- Recyclability: 100% recyclable, minimising environmental impact.
- Customisation: Easily cut, shaped, and customised to meet specific industry needs.
Zotefoams: Plastazote Cross-Linked Foam
Zotefoams, using nitrogen expansion autoclave technology, produces high-performance Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foams with superior cell size uniformity, low odour, and excellent physical properties. Divided into the Azote and Zotek families, these foams are ideal for lightweight, durable applications across various industries.
Azote Foams
The Azote range includes Plastazote, Evazote, and Supazote—high-quality closed-cell foams known for their consistency, durability, and resistance to chemicals and water. These foams are available in various densities and colours, catering to specific industrial needs, particularly where light weight, durability and resistance to specific chemicals or water are important.
Key Applications for Azote Foams:
• Product protection and cushioning.
• Impact resistance foam in construction and automotive.
• Industrial gaskets, insulation, and padding.
Low-density polyethylene foams (LDPE) have more voids in their cellular structure; hence, their density is relatively lower. These foams are softer and have better thermal insulating materials than high-density foams. They are also valued for their buoyancy and water resistance and flexibility.
These come in a variety of densities from LD15 – LD70 kgm3
Low-density polyethylene foams (LDPE) have more voids in their cellular structure; hence, their density is relatively lower. These foams are softer and have better thermal insulating materials than high-density foams. They are also valued for their buoyancy and water resistance and flexibility.
These come in a variety of densities from LD15 – LD70 kgm3
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) foam is a type of foam with smaller, thicker cellular walls that is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to fatigue. These come in densities between HD30-HD110 kgm3.
Ecozote is a range of closed cell, crosslinked low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foams incorporating 30% pre-consumer waste recycled material. These are available in:-
LD18R / LD27R / LD29R / LD34R / LD45R
PE/R is a new product that incorporates 30% post-consumer recycled content certified by EU-Certplast. The material’s fine cell, matte black appearance makes it perfect for luxury packaging applications
Low-density polyethylene foams (LDPE) have more voids in their cellular structure; hence, their density is relatively lower. These foams are softer and have better thermal insulating materials than high-density foams. They are also valued for their buoyancy and water resistance and flexibility.
These come in a variety of densities from LD15 – LD70 kgm3
Cross-linked LDPE, HDPE blends for lightweight and durable cushioning.
Evazote foams are tougher and more resilient than Plastazote foams. They are available in a range of colours and densities from 30kg/m3. Evazote is used in multiple sectors from boat fenders in the marine sector through to expansion joints and industrial gaskets.
Super soft, closed cell, cross-linked ethylene copolymer foam.
The softest foam in the Azote range, recommended for “soft-touch” applications where covering is not required Supazote foams are available in black or white. Industries such as Medial and Sports often lean to Supazote where comfort is key.
Zotefoams Speciality Grades
Zotefoams also offers speciality grades designed for targeted applications:
FR (Fire Retardant Foam): Delivers slow-burning and self-extinguishing properties, making it ideal for thermal and acoustic insulation.
CN (Conductive Foam): Protects electronic components by blocking electromagnetic fields.
SD (Static Dissipative Foam): Prevents electrostatic discharge, commonly used in packaging and construction.
Fire retardant polyethylene foam is a lightweight, closed-cell material that is made from polyethylene and a flame retardant additive. This additive gives the foam the ability to burn more slowly and self-extinguish. Fire retardant polyethylene foam has many uses, including:
- Flame retardancy: Reduces the spread of flames
- Thermal and acoustic insulation: Provides good insulation
- Water repellent: Repels water and is buoyant
- Chemical resistance: Resistant to chemicals, solvents, grease, and fluids
Fire retardant foam is made by treating a base foam material, like polyethylene or polyurethane, with fire retardant additives. These additives are usually made from fire-resistant fibres, like fibreglass, and work by creating a protective layer of char or releasing gases when exposed to heat.
Fire retardant polyethylene foam is a lightweight, closed-cell material that is made from polyethylene and a flame retardant additive. This additive gives the foam the ability to burn more slowly and self-extinguish. Fire retardant polyethylene foam has many uses, including:
- Flame retardancy: Reduces the spread of flames
- Thermal and acoustic insulation: Provides good insulation
- Water repellent: Repels water and is buoyant
- Chemical resistance: Resistant to chemicals, solvents, grease, and fluids
Conductive polyethylene foam is a type of foam that is filled with carbon and has conductive properties. It protects electronic devices and components from static and physical damage.
Here are some characteristics of conductive polyethylene foam:
- Appearance: Conductive foam is usually black in colour.
- Surface resistance: Conductive foam has less than 10^6 ohms surface resistance.
- Conductivity: Conductive foam allows electric current to pass through it.
- Protection: Conductive foam acts as a Faraday cage, blocking electromagnetic fields from reaching the items it surrounds.
- Applications: Conductive foam is used in various industries and applications, including production, packing, and transportation.
- Types: There are two types of conductive foam: low-density and high-density.
Conductive foam can drain batteries if their conductive ends come into contact with the foam.
Static dissipative polyethylene foam is a type of foam that allows static charges to slowly dissipate to the ground, preventing sudden electrostatic discharge. It’s often used to protect materials inside the foam.
Here are some characteristics of static dissipative polyethylene foam:
- Electrical resistance: Static dissipative foam has a middle range of electrical resistance, between anti-static and conductive.
- Colour: Static dissipative foam is often blue, black, or pink.
- Surface resistance: Static dissipative foam has a surface resistance of 105 to 109 ohms per square.
- Applications: Static dissipative foam can be used in packaging, sports, and construction. It can also be used to make washers.
- Laminating: Static dissipative foam can be laminated to other materials.
- Coating: Static dissipative foam can be coated with a self-adhesive backing or foil
Zotek
Zotek foams are specially designed for industries requiring thermal, chemical, and radiation resistance. With exceptional durability and fabrication ease, Zotek is perfect for high-performance environments such as aviation and automotive.
The Zotek range consists of Zotek F, Zotek N, and Zotek T. These high-performance products for specialised applications are manufactured using fluoropolymers, engineering polymers, and speciality elastomers.
Zotek foams are extensively used in the aviation, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing industries, where they are an essential part of many high-performance solutions.
Zotek foams have various unique characteristics that depend on their base polymer. These include:
- Thermal, chemical and radiation resistance.
- Excellent flammability performance.
- Resistance to swelling from contact with hydrocarbons such as oil.
XLPE Cross Linked Foam
At Ramfoam, we convert Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) Foam into bespoke products for industries ranging from automotive to medical. Cross–linked polyethylene (XLPE) are fine celled, chemically cross-linked materials with a micro-cellular structure. This type of material has a smooth surface, great shock absorption, and chemical resistance. With the closed-cell structure, XLPE foam performs well as impact-damping material, industrial gaskets, thermal insulation, and protective packaging foam.
We also offer Irradiated Cross-Linked Polyethylene Rolls (IXPE), produced through a specialised irradiation process. This method enhances the foam’s durability, providing a smooth surface, uniform cell structure, and consistent density. IXPE rolls are resistant to most chemicals and offer low water absorption, making them highly durable and versatile for applications in harsh environments.
Key Applications:
- Construction, Air-Conditioning and Insulation.
- Automotive seals, gaskets, and joints.
- Medical and orthopaedic cushioning.
- Sports, toys, and camping equipment.
- Packaging, floatation systems, and car-wash brushes.
Explore Our Range of XLPE Foam Grades
At Ramfoam, we convert Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) Foam into tailored solutions for industries including automotive, construction, and packaging. Known for its fine-celled, closed-cell structure, XLPE foam offers outstanding shock absorption, thermal insulation, and chemical resistance. We offer a range of grades, including Low-Density (LD) foams, which are valued for their flexibility and buoyancy, and Speciality Grades like Fire Retardant (FR) foams for flame resistance, Conductive (CN) foams for static protection, and Static Dissipative (SD) foams for safeguarding sensitive materials. Our Irradiated XLPE Rolls (IXPE) further enhance surface smoothness and consistency, providing superior performance in high-demand environments. Whatever your needs, Ramfoam’s expertise ensures precision and quality in every custom conversion.
Low-density polyethylene foams (LDPE) have more voids in their cellular structure; hence, their density is relatively lower. These foams are softer and have better thermal insulating materials than high-density foams. They are also valued for their buoyancy and water resistance and flexibility.
These come in a variety of densities from LD25-LD165 kgm3.
Low-density polyethylene foams (LDPE) have more voids in their cellular structure; hence, their density is relatively lower. These foams are softer and have better thermal insulating materials than high-density foams. They are also valued for their buoyancy and water resistance and flexibility.
These come in a variety of densities from LD25-LD165 kgm3.
Fire retardant polyethylene foam is a lightweight, closed-cell material that is made from polyethylene and a flame retardant additive. This additive gives the foam the ability to burn more slowly and self-extinguish. Fire retardant polyethylene foam has many uses, including:
- Flame retardancy: Reduces the spread of flames
- Thermal and acoustic insulation: Provides good insulation
- Water repellent: Repels water and is buoyant
- Chemical resistance: Resistant to chemicals, solvents, grease, and fluids
Conductive polyethylene foam is a type of foam that is filled with carbon and has conductive properties. It is used to protect electronic devices and components from static and physical damage.
Here are some characteristics of conductive polyethylene foam:
- Appearance: Conductive foam is usually black in colour.
- Surface resistance: Conductive foam has a surface resistance of less than 10^6 ohms.
- Conductivity: Conductive foam allows electric current to pass through it.
- Protection: Conductive foam acts as a Faraday cage, blocking electromagnetic fields from reaching the items it surrounds.
- Applications: Conductive foam is used in a variety of industries and applications, including production, packing, and transportation.
- Types: There are two types of conductive foam: low-density and high-density.
Conductive foam can drain batteries if their conductive ends come into contact with the foam.
Static dissipative polyethylene foam is a type of foam that allows static charges to slowly dissipate to the ground, preventing sudden electrostatic discharge. It’s often used to protect materials inside the foam.
Here are some characteristics of static dissipative polyethylene foam:
- Electrical resistance: Static dissipative foam has a middle range of electrical resistance, between anti-static and conductive.
- Color: Static dissipative foam is often blue, black, or pink.
- Surface resistance: Static dissipative foam has a surface resistance of 105 to 109 ohms per square.
- Applications: Static dissipative foam can be used in packaging, sports, and construction. It can also be used to make washers.
- Laminating: Static dissipative foam can be laminated to other materials.
- Coating: Static dissipative foam can be coated with a self-adhesive backing or foil.
Anti Static foam is quite popular among packaging and electronics users due to their anti-static, lightweight, flexible, protective and potentially packaging properties. They are a good choice for users in electronic, industries, mainly for providing static protection without damaging electronic parts.
Anti-static PE foam, use of electrostatic foam and corresponding packaging needs are not the same, electrostatic foam can be divided into conductive and anti-static two different static indicators range. Conductive mainly refers to the resistance value of 10^3-10^5, while anti-static mainly refers to the resistance value of 10^6-10^9. Because of different product requirements and choose different electrostatic value.
Uncrosslinked Foam
Ethafoam, Stratocell, Novostrat, and Nopaplank are low-density, versatile, lightweight, and flexible materials widely used across multiple industries. Their closed-cell, non-abrasive structure provides excellent shock absorption and water resistance, making them ideal for packaging, insulation, and protection. Resistant to chemicals, weather, and ageing, uncrosslinked PE foam is perfect for cushioning and protecting goods during transportation and for sound insulation, sealing, and construction applications.
Uncrosslinked PE foam is made by injecting air into manufacturing cells, which then combine to form the foam. It comes in various densities and is typically available in black, white, and pink. It is also available in various sheet sizes and can be cut and shaped to meet specific requirements.
Uncrosslinked PE foam is often used in technical, medical, and pharmaceutical packaging and for sound insulation, seals, and transport protection.
Uncrosslinked Polyethylene Foam Grades
Uncrosslinked Polyethylene (PE) foam offers a range of properties that can be tailored to specific applications, making it a versatile solution for various industries. Available in multiple densities and formats, these foams provide excellent shock absorption, thermal insulation, and water resistance. With the ability to be easily cut, shaped, and customised, Ramfoam supplies uncrosslinked foam solutions designed to meet your exact needs.
- Packaging: Provides cushioned protection for consumer goods, electronics, and sensitive items during transport.
- Construction: Used for insulation and sealing, helping to reduce heat and noise transfer in buildings and infrastructure.
- Automotive: Ideal for cushioning and insulating vehicle components and protecting parts during transportation.
- Sports and Leisure: Provides cushioning and impact protection in sports gear, helmets, mats, and padding.
- Healthcare: Used in medical devices and products, offering thermal and acoustic insulation and impact protection.
- Logistics: Ensures the safe transport of cargo with its durable cushioning and protective properties.
Standard Grades
Density has a significant influence on how the foam feels and performs. foams with a high density will generally feel more firm, and can withstand more pressure. Conversely, low-density foams will feel softer, but cannot withstand excessive pressure or weight.
When it comes foam recovery the higher-density foams recover more slowly after pressure is applied to it
Differences between low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) foams:
- Density: High-density foam is heavier than low-density foam because it’s denser. High-density foam is usually around 2.8–3.2 lbs per cubic foot, while low-density foam has a nominal density of 23 kg/m3.
- Tensile strength: HDPE has higher tensile strength than LDPE because its molecules are tightly packed together.
- Ductility: LDPE has greater ductility than HDPE.
- Rigidity: HDPE is more rigid than LDPE.
- Uses: High-density foam is often used for product foundations or extra support, while LDPE is used to manufacture films, such as produce bags, garment bags, bubble wraps, and foams.
- Processing: Both LDPE and HDPE can be processed using injection moulding and additive manufacturing, but LDPE is best suited for injection moulding.
Density has a significant influence on how the foam feels and performs. foams with a high density will generally feel more firm, and can withstand more pressure. Conversely, low-density foams will feel softer, but cannot withstand excessive pressure or weight.
When it comes foam recovery the higher-density foams recover more slowly after pressure is applied to it
Differences between low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) foams:
- Density: High-density foam is heavier than low-density foam because it’s denser. High-density foam is usually around 2.8–3.2 lbs per cubic foot, while low-density foam has a nominal density of 23 kg/m3.
- Tensile strength: HDPE has higher tensile strength than LDPE because its molecules are tightly packed together.
- Ductility: LDPE has greater ductility than HDPE.
- Rigidity: HDPE is more rigid than LDPE.
- Uses: High-density foam is often used for product foundations or extra support, while LDPE is used to manufacture films, such as produce bags, garment bags, bubble wraps, and foams.
- Processing: Both LDPE and HDPE can be processed using injection moulding and additive manufacturing, but LDPE is best suited for injection moulding.
M1 and M5 polyethylene (PE) foams are designed to meet military requirements for storage, shipping, and handling:
M1
A medium-density, closed-cell foam that is flame-retardant and anti-static. It is used for cushioning in packaging and can withstand loadings up to 2.5 psi.
Ethafoam M1 polyethylene foam is a strong, resilient, medium-density 2.3 pcf (36.8 kg/m 3 ), closed-cell foam. It is specially formulated to meet the stringent military and blowing agent requirements (less than 10% LEL) and is an excellent material for cushioning components in packaging applications for loadings up to 2.5 psi (17.5 kPa).
Ethafoam M1 has outstanding dimensional stability and recovery characteristics that provide optimal cushioning protection against repeated impacts.
M5
A reusable and recyclable foam that has passed FMVSS 302 flammability testing. It is used in aircraft seating, shipping cases, and foam fabrication.
Ethafoam M5 polyethylene foam is a strong, resilient, high-density 10.0 pcf (160.2 kg/m3 ), closed-cell foam. It is specially formulated to meet the stringent military and blowing agent requirements (less than 10% LEL) and is an excellent material for cushioning components in packaging applications for loadings up to 20.0 psi (138 kPa).
Ethafoam M5 has outstanding dimensional stability and recovery characteristics that provide optimal cushioning protection against repeated impacts.
Anti Static foam is quite popular among packaging and electronics users due to their anti-static, lightweight, flexible, protective and potentially packaging properties. They are a good choice for users in electronic, industries, mainly for providing static protection without damaging electronic parts.
Anti-static PE foam, use of electrostatic foam and corresponding packaging needs are not the same, electrostatic foam can be divided into conductive and anti-static two different static indicators range. Conductive mainly refers to the resistance value of 10^3-10^5, while anti-static mainly refers to the resistance value of 10^6-10^9. Because of different product requirements and choose different electrostatic value.
Eco+ Grades
Stratocell products are uncrosslinked, meaning they can be recycled in a closed loop system.. All Stratocell products can be reused multiple times before experiencing any degradation in their protective qualities. Stratocell products have a minimum of 30% recycled resin content. Stratocell R has a minimum of 65% recycled content.
These are available in 25-65kg/m3.
Stratocell products are uncrosslinked, meaning they can be recycled in a closed loop system.. All Stratocell products can be reused multiple times before experiencing any degradation in their protective qualities. Stratocell products have a minimum of 30% recycled resin content. Stratocell R has a minimum of 65% recycled content.
These are available in 25-65kg/m3.
Ethafoam HRC (High Recycled Content) features at least 65% pre-consumer recycled material, closed-cell polyethylene foams that provide excellent cushioning performance. The material can create eco-friendly foam packaging products.
These are available in 28-65kg/m3.
Novostrat is composed of laminated layers of non-crosslinked polyethylene (PE) foam. The closed cell structure provides excellent protection against shock and impact.
Novostrat can be easily converted into different shapes for easy processing into ready-to-use packaging. It is available in 80% content and 100% recyclable from the Renew range.
Properties:
- Flexible sheet sizes
- Provides shock absorption for both light and heavy products in short or long distribution cycles
- Excellent creep performance over time
- An environmental alternative for polyurethane and polystyrene
- The foam is CFC free hence does not have a negative effect on the environment
- 100% recyclable
- Does not contain heavy metals
- Odour-free
- Cost Effective
NopaPlank is made up of a single layer closed cell polyethylene foam. The unique structure of this eco-friendly plank gives you unbeatable shock resistance. It is made up of minimum 30% recycled content and is 100% recyclable.
The Renew range offers 80% recycled content and is 100% recycled content.
- NOPAPLANK® properties:
- Most diverse die-cut foams on the market
- Reusable
- CFC-free
- Extremely pressure resistant
- Lightweight
- Moisture-resistant
- Improved drop test performance and cushioning
- Easy to cut, saw, laminate, weld or mill
- Superior creep performance
- 100% recyclable
- Does not contain heavy metals
- Odour-free
- Cost effective
Polyethylene Foam Manufacturer
As a leading Polyethylene Foam Converter in the UK, Ramfoam delivers bespoke foam solutions tailored to your specific requirements. With decades of experience, we provide high-performance, durable polyethylene foam products for industries ranging from automotive and construction to healthcare and packaging. Our expert polyethylene foam conversion services ensure that you receive precisely engineered foam solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Get in touch today to discuss your foam conversion needs and let Ramfoam help bring your project to life.