Pregis adds Microfoam® Green to its Foam Line

Pregis Corp. introduces a line extension for its Microfoam® low-density polypropylene (PP) sheet foam. Microfoam® Green is now available as an alternative for those brand owners wishing to visually communicate the environmental profile of this superior protective packaging alternative.

“We created a green-colored version of our long-standing white Microfoam® sheet foam because many of our customers wanted to visually communicate the product’s environmental pluses,” explains Dache Davidson, director of marketing, Pregis.

For example, Microfoam®’s photodegradable properties were recently validated by an independent lab. Three samples were subjected to UV and temperature conditions specified by ASTM G154-6 testing protocol. The results showed that Microfoam® disintegrates between 44 and 77 hours.

Microfoam also is manufactured with 40% less resin than polyethylene foam in the same thickness and is lighter weight than small air cushioning at equal square footage. In addition to source reduction, this has a positive impact on shipping costs.

“It’s important to brand owners that they communicate to consumers that the packaging choices they are making are positive ones. Microfoam® Green gives them one more alternative. As the only U.S. manufacturer of PP sheet foam, we are pleased to be able to add this line extension to the Pregis family of products,” Davidson says.

Microfoam® also offers a high coefficient of friction (COF) which means that it clings to the item it is protecting. (Low COF materials slide back and forth increasing the chance that sensitive product finishes will be subjected to abrasion.)

“Products typically vibrate and shift during transit. When they have polished metal surfaces, it becomes even more important that the cushioning material used for protection isn’t the very thing that causes damage,” explains Davidson.

In addition to superb cushioning and surface protection properties, Microfoam PP sheet foam offers excellent vapor transmission, thermal and insulation. Its uses also extend to void fill and interleaving—desirable for items “layered” in product packs.

Microfoam®’s high melt point (320 degrees Fahrenheit) makes it uniquely suited to handle parts which may reach the packaging stage at elevated temperatures. The high melt point also makes it the ideal protective choice in applications (such as furniture) that are shrinkwrapped.

Further, Microfoam is chemically inert which means that it won’t tarnish or corrode the products it protects. No curing agents are used so there is no grease transfer to the part it protects.

It is ideally suited for products in markets such as: agriculture, automotive, construction, electronics, appliances, food, fulfillment/mail order, furniture, housewares, moving / storage, pharmaceuticals, publishing and transportation.

Microfoam® Green is available in 1/16-inch thickness and roll widths of 24-, 36- and 72-inches. Roll length is 2500 feet. Custom options also are available.