Foam packaging

Foam packaging is a versatile and dependable solution for protecting valuable items during storage and transport.

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Not sure which protective packaging you need?

We're here to help you find the right protection for your products. Explore our free protective packaging guide, find sustainable solutions and more! 

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Not sure which protective packaging you need?

We're here to help you find the right protection for your products. Explore our free protective packaging guide, find sustainable solutions and more!

Find the right protective packaging

How to ship a package

Looking for sustainable packaging?

A packaging review could help your business thrive

A packaging review can help businesses to reduce costs, improve sustainability and enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring products are protected and presented in the best possible way.

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Our foam packaging will provide high levels of protection

Choosing foam packaging ensures the safety and integrity of your products throughout the supply chain.  Our custom foam packaging inserts are meticulously designed to provide optimal protection.


Packing peanuts, also known as loosefill, are small, lightweight foam pieces used to fill empty spaces in shipping boxes. They cushion and protect fragile items during transit by absorbing shocks and preventing movement.



Some packing peanuts are made from biodegradable materials like cornstarch, which are eco-friendly. Others are made from polystyrene, which is not kerbside recyclable.



Packing peanuts are a type of loosefill packaging. Loosefill refers to any material used to fill voids in packaging, which can include peanuts, foam chips, or other cushioning materials.



Instapak is a foam packaging system that involves two liquid components. When mixed, they expand into foam and conform to the shape of the item being packaged, providing custom cushioning protection.



Instapak foam can be reused if the packaging is carefully opened and the foam remains intact. However, it’s generally designed for single-use applications due to its custom fit.



Foam-lined postal boxes have built-in foam padding inside the box, designed to provide additional protection for delicate or fragile items during shipping. They are ideal for electronics, glassware and other breakable items.



Foam wrap rolls provide a lightweight, flexible and shock-absorbing layer to protect items from scratches, impacts and vibration. They are easy to cut and shape around various products, making them versatile for packing.



Foam wrap is better for items that need gentle, scratch-free protection and less bulk. Bubble wrap offers superior cushioning for items that require more impact protection. Your choice depends on the fragility of the item and the level of protection needed.



Foam packaging made from polystyrene (such as Styrofoam) can be recycled, though it’s not accepted in all curbside recycling programs. Biodegradable foam packaging, such as cornstarch-based peanuts, can be composted.



Yes, you can buy anti-static foam. Anti-static foam is specifically designed to prevent the buildup of static electricity, which can be harmful to sensitive electronic components. This type of foam is commonly used for packaging, storing and transporting electronics like circuit boards, microchips and other delicate devices that could be damaged by static discharge.



Yes, custom foam solutions are available to fit the profile of your products to offer increased protection.


We can create foam to your size and shape specification, creating a solution to hold your products in place and reduce the effects of impact and vibration.



Select the right type of foam for your product and ensure the foam surrounds the item to prevent movement. Use an appropriate box size to avoid overpacking or under packing, which could compromise the protection.

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We serve businesses of various sizes, allowing you to find the ideal packaging solutions for your requirements with ease.

Packaging advice to protect your products

Speak to one of our packaging specialist online, by email or over the phone 0800 576 452 in business hours.

Foam packaging for high levels of product protection

At Macfarlane Packaging, we recognise the importance of protecting your products during transit. That's why we offer a range of stock and custom foam packaging options to ensure your items arrive in pristine condition.

Macfarlane Packaging foam has superior cushioning capability. The high resilience of foam material allows it to absorb and disperse impact energy, significantly reducing the risk of damage. Whether you are shipping fragile electronics, delicate glassware, or sensitive medical equipment, foam packaging provides a protective barrier to ensure your items arrive in perfect condition.

Compared to traditional materials like cardboard or wood, foam is considerably lighter, leading to cost savings in shipping expenses. The lightweight nature also makes foam packaging easier to handle, reducing the risk of strain or injury during the packing and unpacking processes.

Various types of foam materials are available, each with unique properties. Common types include expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, polyethylene foam and polyurethane foam. These foams can be customised to meet specific needs, such as shock absorption, thermal insulation, or static control.

Foam packaging has applications across multiple industries. In the electronics sector, it's widely used to protect sensitive components, circuit boards and devices from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and physical harm. The automotive industry employs foam packaging to secure parts during shipping, preventing scratches, dents and other damages. In healthcare, foam packaging safeguards medical equipment, instruments and pharmaceutical products from contamination and impact.

Packaging advice, news and opinion

Protective packaging products and services to businesses throughout the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe

How to pack wine bottles
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A comprehensive guide to anti-static packaging and conductive packaging
Are you shipping fragile and sensitive electronics? Then you may be looking for packaging to protect your products during handling and transit. While electronics can benefit from the protective properties of standard packaging solutions, they may need specialist protection from electrostatic discharge or ESD. ESD-safe packaging comes in many
How to pack automotive parts - updated
Even if you work within the automotive industry, it can be easy to forget its sheer scale. In 2023 the SMMT reported that the Automotive-related manufacturing sector in the UK was on track to reclaim it’s £100bn trading hub status by the end of the year.  In fact, the year ended with total manufacturing numbers up 17% on the previous year
Macfarlane Packaging announces automation agreement with Lantech

Macfarlane Packaging, the UK’s leading distributor of protective packaging, announces today (18 March) a new automation distributor agreement with U…

Macfarlane Packaging announces automation agreement with Lantech

Macfarlane Packaging, the UK’s leading distributor of protective packaging, announces today (18 March) a new automation distributor agreement with U…

Macfarlane Packaging announces automation agreement with Lantech

Macfarlane Packaging, the UK’s leading distributor of protective packaging, announces today (18 March) a new automation distributor agreement with U…

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