Instapak® Expandable Foam

Instapak® expandable foam is used to provide customised protective cushioning for a wide range of products during shipping and handling. Its primary applications include:

• Protecting Fragile Items: Ideal for delicate products like glassware, ceramics and electronics, Instapak® foam helps prevent breakage and damage during transit.


• Shipping Irregularly Shaped Products: The foam expands to conform to the shape of various items, providing secure protection for oddly shaped or high-value goods, such as automotive parts and medical devices.


• Shock Absorption: The expandable foam absorbs impacts and vibrations, ensuring that products remain safe and secure, reducing the risk of damage from drops or jostling during transport.


• Filling Void Spaces: The expandable nature of the foam allows it to fill empty spaces in packaging, keeping items firmly in place and minimising movement.

Overall, Instapak® expandable foam is an effective solution for enhancing product safety and improving shipping efficiency.

Instapak® works by combining two substances — an isocyanate and a polyol. When they mix, the reaction generates gas, causing the foam to expand rapidly and fill the available space around the product being packaged.

As it expands, the foam conforms to the shape of the item, creating a snug, protective cushion that absorbs impacts and vibrations. The foam sets quickly, curing within minutes to form a durable, lightweight material that effectively safeguards fragile and irregularly shaped products during shipping.

Our range of Instapak® Quick RT bags are easy and convenient to use. Once activated, they expand up to 27 time their size and only fill the space required.

The benefits of using Instapak® expandable foam include superior protection for fragile and irregularly shaped items, as it conforms perfectly to their contours, minimising movement during transit.

The expandable foam's lightweight design helps reduce shipping costs while still providing excellent shock absorption and impact resistance. Instapak® foam expands on demand, allowing for customised cushioning tailored to specific products and it cures quickly, ensuring fast packaging processes.

Additionally, its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of industries, enhancing overall packaging efficiency and product safety.

Foam packaging is commonly made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyethylene foam, both of which are not widely recycled.

Always consider the most responsible and feasible disposal option available in your area to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Macfarlane Packaging offers a full range of practical and fully recyclable alternatives to foam packaging. To discover our sustainable packaging options, talk to our experts today.