Table of Contents
- What is PE Foam?
- Common Forms of PE Foam
- Combined Use With Stretch Film in Logistics
- Selecting PE Foam by Product Type
- Contact Us for Packaging Material Consultation
- Frequently asked questions
- PE foam classification by thickness and application
- How does PE foam differ from bubble wrap?
- Frequently asked questions
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 42/2026
PE foam (polyethylene foam) is a soft, closed-cell cushioning material used to wrap, line and protect goods. It comes in sheets and rolls from 1 mm to 5 mm+ and differs from stretch film - foam cushions and insulates, while stretch film bundles and unitises loads.
- PE foam: cushioning and shock-absorbing material - completely different from stretch PE film used for pallet wrapping
- 2 main forms: flat foam sheet and air bubble wrap
- Applications: inner padding inside carton boxes, wrapping individual fragile items
- Combined with stretch film: use foam to wrap products first, then use stretch film to wrap the pallet
PE foam (polyethylene foam) and PE stretch film share the same PE base material but are completely different in structure, properties and applications. Understanding each type helps you select the right packaging material for each product, especially when protecting fragile goods throughout the logistics chain.
What is PE Foam?
PE foam (polyethylene foam) is PE plastic manufactured in a cellular structure - with many small air cells inside, creating a lightweight, elastic material capable of absorbing impact. It is completely different from PE stretch film (solid, thin, using mechanical stretch force). PE foam is soft, non-transparent, and is not used for pallet wrapping.
Common Forms of PE Foam
Flat PE foam sheet: Foam sheet 2-25mm thick, low density (20-30 kg/m3), white or light pink (anti-static). Used as bottom and side padding inside carton boxes, separating layers between stacked products, and wrapping product surfaces before placing into boxes. Price: Liên hệ báo giá depending on thickness.
PE foam roll: Same flat foam material but rolled into a roll 1-2m wide and 50-100m long for continuous use. More convenient than individual sheets for high-volume packaging warehouses. Cut to the required length for each product.
Air bubble wrap (bubble film): Two layers of PE film sandwiching many small round air pockets (10-30mm diameter). Higher shock resistance than rigid PE foam sheet due to air cushioning. Used for electronics, ceramics, optical equipment. Price: Liên hệ báo giá depending on bubble size.
PE foam tube: Hollow cylindrical tube used to protect steel pipes, copper pipes, aluminum bars, and rod-shaped furniture. Slip the PE foam tube over the product end to protect sharp tips or edges.
Combined Use With Stretch Film in Logistics
A complete packaging process for fragile goods typically combines both types:
Step 1 - Protect individual products: wrap each product with PE foam sheet or bubble wrap before placing into the box. Step 2 - Pack into boxes: arrange products in carton boxes with PE foam padding. Step 3 - Stack onto pallet: stack the carton boxes onto a pallet.
Step 4 - Wrap the pallet: use a stretch film wrapping machine to wrap the entire pallet to keep it secure during transport.
PE stretch film only keeps carton boxes from shifting on the pallet - it has no shock-absorbing capability. Foam and bubble wrap are the real shock-absorbing materials inside the boxes.
Selecting PE Foam by Product Type
Electronics, measuring instruments: anti-static PE foam (pink/black color, with conductive additives to dissipate static), combined with ESD bags. Ceramics, glassware, optical equipment: large-bubble wrap (30mm+ diameter bubbles), multiple layers wrapped around the product. Furniture, household appliances: 10-20mm thick foam sheet to protect corners and surfaces from scratches.
Learn more about what PE stretch film is and the differences between industrial PE film types. Guide to selecting the right PE stretch film for your pallet wrapping machine.
Contact Us for Packaging Material Consultation
- ICD Wrapping Machines: All pallet stretch wrap machine models
- North Vietnam: 0983 797 186 | 090 345 9186
- South Vietnam: 098 6784 186
- Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
- Quote: Request a quote
Frequently asked questions
What is PE foam used for?
Surface protection, cushioning fragile items, lining boxes and crates, and insulation - it absorbs shock that stretch film cannot.
What thickness of PE foam should I use?
1-2 mm for light scratch protection, 3-5 mm for cushioning heavier or fragile goods.
PE foam or stretch film?
PE foam cushions and insulates individual items; stretch film bundles and stabilises a whole pallet load - they are often used together.
PE foam classification by thickness and application
Thickness is the decisive factor for the cushioning performance and intended use of PE foam. The table below classifies the 4 most common thickness groups along with their reference density and matching applications, helping you pick the right type for each product group instead of using a single thickness for every case.
| Thickness | Reference density | Suitable applications |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 - 1mm | 25 - 30 kg/m³ | Scratch protection for glossy painted surfaces, glass, phone screens, small components. Separator layer between stacked products. |
| 1 - 2mm | 25 - 28 kg/m³ | Wrapping ceramics, glass, handicrafts, electronic accessories. Wrapped around products before placing them in carton boxes. |
| 3 - 5mm | 22 - 28 kg/m³ | Void fill inside boxes, wrapping household appliances, floor lining, edge and corner protection for furniture. The most commonly used type. |
| 5 - 10mm | 20 - 25 kg/m³ | Cushioning heavy items over 500g, wrapping furniture, large electronics, machinery. Insulation and strong impact protection for long-distance transport. |
Selection principle: the heavier and more fragile the goods, the greater the thickness needed, but increasing thickness also raises cost and packaging volume. For light items that only need scratch protection, the 0.5 - 1mm type is sufficient and economical. Explore more solutions in the packaging supplies category to combine foam with PE film and carton boxes appropriately.
How does PE foam differ from bubble wrap?
PE foam is a dense closed-cell foam sheet with a smooth, seamless surface; bubble wrap is a plastic layer with rounded air pockets. PE foam suits heavy goods from 500g and up and products needing surface scratch protection thanks to its smooth flat face, which leaves no imprint like bubble wrap does.
Bubble wrap is lighter and cheaper for light goods, but the air pockets can burst and imprint onto glossy painted surfaces. Many businesses combine both: thin foam lining directly against the product for scratch protection, bubble wrap on the outside to create an air cushion. Foam is also more durable and reusable more times than bubble wrap.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should PE foam be to prevent scratches?
To protect glossy painted surfaces, glass or screens from scratches, a thickness of 0.5 - 1mm is enough since the goal is only to create a smooth separator layer. If the product needs both scratch protection and light impact cushioning, use the 1 - 2mm type.
Should you choose PE foam or bubble wrap for fragile goods?
For fragile goods heavier than 500g such as ceramics and thick glass, prioritize PE foam with a thickness of 3 - 5mm for stable cushioning performance and no imprint on the surface. Light and inexpensive items can use bubble wrap to save cost.
How does PE foam density affect protection quality?
Higher density (28 - 30 kg/m³) produces a firmer foam sheet with better compression resistance, suitable for thin scratch-protection lining. Lower density (20 - 25 kg/m³) produces a softer, more elastic sheet that absorbs impact better for heavy goods. Balance thickness and density according to the weight and sensitivity of the product.
Reference
Material properties of PE (polyethylene) foam cushioning - British Plastics Federation (BPF).
