Polystyrene Foam

As one of the world’s most popular and effective insulating and packaging materials, polystyrene foam is extremely practical and used across an array of applications. In fact, many of the food packaging materials used today that are believed to be styrofoam are actually made of polystyrene. 

At Servous, we are a leading wholesale provider of different types of polystyrene foam packaging solutions. Because some of our innovative solutions may be unfamiliar, we’ve taken the time to explain the ins and outs of this versatile material. Read on to learn more about polystyrene foam packaging.

What Is Polystyrene?

Polystyrene is a highly versatile material that is used across an array of applications. Polystyrene foam — also called extruded polystyrene or expanded polystyrene foam — is known throughout the world for its excellent cushioning and insulating properties. There are two popular types of polystyrene foam:

1. Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) is created in a continuous extrusion process that delivers a homogeneous closed cell cross section.
2. Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is manufactured by expanding spherical beads in a mold and then employing pressure and heat to fuse the beads together.

What Polystyrene Foam Packaging is Used in Food Packaging?

The polystyrene foam used in food packaging is EPS. In addition to food packaging solutions, EPS is perfect for insulation, hot beverages, and more. It has an air composition that ranges anywhere from 96-98% air and 2-4% polystyrene. 

As an inexpensive and lightweight material, it doesn’t lose its key properties over time and can be continuously reused and recycled. EPS foam for food packaging boasts a range of shock-absorbing properties, which makes it perfect for transporting and storing fragile items. 

Why Choose Polystyrene Foam Packaging?

Polystyrene foam packaging offers a plethora of admirable qualities and attributes, such as:

• Ability to resist moisture 
• Provides excellent thermal insulation
• Excellent portability and lightweight
• Easily recyclable
• Extremely durable
• Easily brandable by printing and adhesive labeling
• Versatile in strength
• Cost-effectiveness
• Available in different sizes and shapes
• Resistant to compressions
• High-shock absorbency
• FDA-approved for food use

Food Storage Applications of Polystyrene

Some of the most common food storage applications for polystyrene food packaging includes:

• Cooked Foods
• Seafood
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Yogurt
• Ice cream
• Fruit juices
• Meat trays
• And more

What’s the Difference Between Styrofoam and Polystyrene?

When most people get eggs from the grocery store, they assume they are receiving Styrofoam. But Styrofoam is a trademarked name manufactured and owned by the Dow Chemical Company. 

Styrofoam is a specific version of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging. Real Styrofoam is engineered for building insulation applications. On the other hand, EPS or foam polystyrene is the go-to solution for packaging peanuts, to-go cups, egg cartons, and similar applications.

Is Foamed Polystyrene Safe for Food?

Absolutely! Foamed polystyrene has been safely used to store and package food for almost 50 years. This highly versatile food storage solution is inert and completely safe. In fact, polystyrene is regularly used in environments where hygiene is of the highest importance, such as the medical industry. 

The main building block of polystyrene is styrene —a colorless, naturally occurring substance present in many foods, such as coffee beans, strawberries, beef, wheat, cinnamon, and peanuts.

Can Polystyrene Foam Be Recycled?

Perhaps, you have heard that polystyrene foam isn’t recyclable. However, if you look at the bottom of these food containers, you will see a recycling symbol of 6. EPS foam packaging can be recycled and extruded into polystyrene solid pellets. These pellets can be utilized to make items like:

• Foodservice packaging
• Picture frames
• Coat hangers
• And more.

Servous Offers the Best Polystyrene Foam Packaging

At Servous, we offer an array of food packaging products made from EPS foam packaging. Our customers choose polystyrene foam packaging because of its cost-effectiveness as well as the admirable qualities listed above. Some of the most common polystyrene foam packaging solutions we offer include: 

• Polystyrene hinged dinner containers
• Foam clamshell containers
• Polystyrene cups
• Foam plates
• Polystyrene meat trays
• And more

Learn More About Polystyrene Foam