What are the uses of polystyrene balls and beads?

Polystyrene balls are made by heating and processing hydrocarbon molecules, after which they can either be joined together to make bigger beads or formed into even larger structures. A highly versatile product, most people associate it with stuffed toys or beanbag filler (for which it’s excellent) but there are many other uses too.

Benefits of polystyrene balls

While versatility is one reason why polystyrene has become widely used for a number of applications, there are other benefits. Polystyrene balls are:

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Shock absorbing
  • Insulating
  • Moisture resistant

Indeed, when looking at the advantages listed above, it’s clear to see why polystyrene has become the material of choice for packaging. As a lightweight product that is also strong and does not absorb moisture, it’s great for ensuring goods arrive safely and intact – but without the costs associated with bulkier, heavier packing materials.

Small foam chips can be used to create a cushioning effect when shipping – so are an ideal choice for electronics and delicate items including medicines, ceramics, glassware and foodstuffs.

Meanwhile, polystyrene balls can be bound together, moulded or extruded to make other packaging materials such as protective casing which can keep the contents of a package ‘in suspension’ while in transit.

Other uses of polystyrene balls

Takeaway cups, plates and food containers are other popular uses for polystyrene. Rather than being seen as a throwaway item, however, it is important to remember that polystyrene can be recycled.

Made up of 98% air and with no damaging CFC gases, larger polystyrene sheets or moulded products can be broken down into beads and mixed with new beads to form new blocks.

Alternatively, granulated polystyrene can be sent on to be used in other products including plant pots and garden furniture.

In addition, polystyrene balls can be used as insulation in cavity walls. A small hole is cut into a wall or plasterboard, before the beads are inserted with an air blower, filling up the empty space.

This forms a barrier, and due to its insulating properties, locks in heat and improves energy efficiency. (Again, this is one of the reasons why it has established itself as a good material for transporting goods which need to stay at a stable temperature.)

We are proud to design and manufacture polystyrene for a variety of applications including bespoke packaging. If you would like to make an enquiry about our polystyrene products, contact Vertapak using the online form or call the team on 01384 457730.

How using polystyrene for packaging creates the right first impression

Customers expect the best and in today’s competitive climate, it only takes one offhand comment or negative review on social media to seriously dent your company’s reputation. Using polystyrene for packaging can help to protect the image of your business by ensuring goods arrive in mint condition and customer expectations are met, if not exceeded.

Perception matters

How your products arrive at an intended destination is crucial in determining the perception of your brand.

Imagine you are a customer and you are presented with a crushed and crumpled box, with no care for the contents inside. As a purchaser, you may have been looking forward to enjoying the latest electronic gadget, food item or beauty product.

There is a reason why the saying, “First impressions count,” remains so widely used. When little attention to packaging has been shown, the customer’s trust is likely to be damaged. Without trust, there is less chance of a repeat order or positive online review.    

Rate of return

Ask any eCommerce business about the problem of returns, and you’ll be told it can be a real issue that can cut profit margins and attack conversion rates.

However, with the right packaging that risk can be minimised.

Polystyrene inserts can be used to ‘suspend’ fragile goods within a larger container, holding items securely in place to stop movement in transit.

Meanwhile, polystyrene beads can be used to absorb the shocks and knocks that are part and parcel of going from A to B.

What’s more, because it is watertight, polystyrene can be used to provide a protective barrier around goods which may spoil if exposed to damp conditions.

Environmental credentials

With more businesses keen to show their commitment to the environment, expanded polystyrene is a great choice to add to the green credentials.

The material is approved for direct contact with food and because it contains no harmful CFC gases, it can be fully recycled after use.

Here at Vertapak, we recycle polystyrene by:

  • Breaking waste into beads and mixing it with new polystyrene beads before these are moulded into blocks
  • Compacting granulated materials, forming these into bricks before sending on to be reused for other products including plant pots and garden furniture

Learn more about polystyrene options

If you would like to make an enquiry about using polystyrene for packaging or to make an appointment please contact Vertapak and using our online form here or call the team on 01384 457730.

Why your eCommerce business could benefit from bespoke polystyrene packaging

Standing apart in the world of eCommerce can be a challenge. It’s difficult enough to lead customers through the journey of ‘just browsing’ to ‘checkout’ without having to worry about dispatch and delivery headaches once you’ve got them to commit to making a purchase.  

Keeping customers on your side 

Products need to arrive in pristine condition if you want to keep people happy, keep them coming back for more and to pass on the good name of your business. This is especially critical if sending goods such as fragile electrical devices or perishable food and drink items, where the rough and tumble of transportation can cause (sometimes substantial) damage in transit. That’s where bespoke polystyrene packaging can make a real difference – both in terms of customer satisfaction and increasing the likelihood of repeat business.

Polystyrene packaging helps to ‘suspend’ electrical goods and fragile items by preventing them from moving inside boxes and outer packaging to:

  • Prevent damage and absorb shock
  • Stop items from touching inside a package
  • Limit movement

Build your brand

Just like every other customer-facing aspect of your ecommerce venture, the packaging you use to pack and send products should reflect your brand. You wouldn’t expect many online browsers to buy a product if your website was shoddy or you had dozens of poor reviews. Equally, you wouldn’t sell low quality goods in the hope that no-one will ever notice and therefore risk continual bad feedback.

So, if you’ve invested time and money into researching a niche, sourcing the best deals and building an interested audience, why would you fall at the last hurdle with poor packaging? This creates a bad impression, not to mention the possibility of having to refund unhappy customers if there is damage to the product on delivery – a less than ideal scenario if you’re already operating on slim margins.

What’s more, because polystyrene packaging is an insulator, it keeps temperatures inside a container stable and not prone to the external fluctuations of hot or cold. Better still, polystyrene protects its contents from water too.

That means it is ideal for eCommerce enterprises specialising in:

  • Electronics
  • Food
  • Beverages
  • Beauty and medical products

Polystyrene packaging protects goods in transit

Because polystyrene is such a versatile product, it’s no wonder that it’s become the packaging material of choice. It’s lightweight, durable and can be moulded to fit the exact requirements of a retailer – whether the goods sold are large televisions, jars full of sweets or a selection of craft ales.  

Find out more about polystyrene packaging

If you would like to talk to us about bespoke polystyrene packaging solutions for an ecommerce business, contact the Vertapak team on 01384 457730.

Why polystyrene is the perfect solution for food packaging

If you own a business that deals in the production of food and perishable goods, then you’ll know that customers expect freshness and a standard of good quality that does not diminish prematurely.

Perhaps you offer a meal subscription box or you’re an independent food or drink retailer selling produce directly to consumers. Either way, it’s a highly competitive industry and those who receive less than satisfactory goods are quick to criticise and take their money elsewhere.

Transportation is a particular challenge, which is why polystyrene is the perfect solution for food packaging.

Food packaging that ticks all the boxes

Polystyrene is a highly durable yet lightweight packing material – which means that it’s a great choice for producers and retailers who don’t want bulky, not fit-for-purpose packing materials that seem to do nothing but add to their overheads.   

Still, cost is not the only reason why polystyrene is the go-to solution for food businesses.

Where goods need to be kept at a stable temperature, the insulating properties of polystyrene food packaging make it an obvious winner. It acts as a barrier for the food and effectively ‘locks in’ the desired levels of heat or cold inside a package.

In the case of food items which need to be kept chilled and at a stable temperature to prevent spoiling, it means that food will arrive fresh, ready to be unboxed and enjoyed.

Create a good impression

No matter what the weather – if it’s snowing heavily or blisteringly hot – polystyrene packaging ensures a stable temperature inside a package. This makes it as effective for use in the transit of food as it is in the safe delivery of medicines (and indeed for any products in which stability in temperature is crucial).   

Because polystyrene does not absorb moisture, there is no danger of food products getting ruined by water in transit.

All of the above benefits mean that when the package finally arrives, food will be as perfect as the day it was dispatched for delivery. This creates a good brand impression with customers – who are then likely to return time and time again and recommend your products to friends and family.

Discuss quality polystyrene packaging with the experts

If you would like to talk to us about bespoke polystyrene packaging solutions for a food business, or if you’re unsure about the options available, contact the Vertapak team on 01384 457730.

Why polystyrene protective packaging is the number one choice for the electronics industry

Sending electrical items in the post can be a real challenge. Making sure goods arrive safely and in pristine condition is essential if you want to keep customers happy and maintain a company’s reputation for great service. What’s more, no courier can completely guarantee the contents within a parcel will arrive intact – it’s the job of the sender to try and minimise the potential for damage.

So, just what makes polystyrene protective packaging the solution of choice for businesses who want to transport potentially fragile and costly items?

Polystyrene protective packaging is versatile

Before transporting any item, you should first check that you are able to send it through the post. Assuming that your electrical goods can indeed be shipped, the next step is to think carefully about packaging.

If using a larger outer container to transport electrical items, individual parts within it must not be allowed to move and bump into each other. For this reason, firm polystyrene surrounds can be used to keep items suspended and locked into position – without fear of loose parts moving around and breaking in transit.

Providing additional cushioning against possible impact while being moved around is also a wise choice. Bubble wrap or polystyrene chips can be used to absorb the inevitable shocks and knocks that otherwise could result in your parcel arriving in a less than satisfactory state.

Of course plastic pollution is a big problem today so polystyrene is a great cost-effective alternative that is also recyclable.

Because expanded polystyrene is sterile, unpolluted and made up of 98% air it can be recycled after use very easily due to no harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) gases contained.

Protect electrical goods – whatever the weather

The problem with inferior packaging is that certain materials can take on moisture.

Newspaper and shredded paper simply does not offer the same cushioning effect as polystyrene chips or beads. That’s not the only issue.

Paper can become sodden in poor weather and can therefore seriously compromise the contents of a parcel. When electrical goods are involved, this could lead to serious faults and many unhappy customers. 

Polystyrene does not absorb moisture, making it perfect for packaging come rain or shine. It also insulates the contents of a box, keeping the temperature inside a parcel stable and not prone to fluctuation.

Delicate electrical items do not respond well to extreme hot or cold, so the right packaging solution can offer real peace-of-mind, whatever the weather.

Talk to us about polystyrene protective packaging options

If you would like to talk to us about bespoke polystyrene packaging solutions for an electrical or retail business, contact Vertapak on 01384 457730.

Using polystyrene packaging to protect against the cold and frost

Come rain or shine, when you send a package you’ll want to be reassured that it arrives with its intended recipient safely and in a good condition. However, there’s no doubt that wintry weather can be a challenge. Using polystyrene packaging can help to protect the contents of your parcel against cold, snow and frost.

Polystyrene Packaging

Beat the cold

Products exposed to extreme cold and water can become damaged in transit.

Electrical goods may become faulty if exposed to harsh environmental conditions. What’s more, when it comes to perishable items, it may be imperative to maintain a stable temperature in order to prevent spoiling. Chemicals may similarly need to be kept within a certain temperature range.  

For this reason, polystyrene is a widely used, popular and versatile material in packaging. Why? Water-resistant polystyrene is an effective insulator, creating a barrier which cuts down the transfer of heat.

Insulation is the best way to keep temperatures of goods and products inside a package at a constant level, and not affected by fluctuating weather outside.

And because it does not absorb moisture (unlike other packing materials), polystyrene is the best choice for transporting electrical goods in the event of a cold snap.   

Polystyrene is lightweight and yet durable so you know it’s reliable and it won’t add huge costs to transportation tariffs.

How to package a parcel in winter

It’s always a good idea to fill in any gaps to prevent goods from sliding about inside a parcel – and lightweight polystyrene foam is an ideal solution. When packaging fragile electrical items, rigid foam can keep components suspended and cushioned – providing an extra layer of protection against bumps and knocks.  

Make sure any outer packaging is free from tears or rips and invest in heavy duty tape to keep it fully sealed and watertight. Meanwhile, addresses should be placed inside a waterproof plastic wallet to remain legible in even the harshest of conditions.  

Protection all year round

To ensure goods arrive in the best state and to protect your corporate reputation (whatever the weather), contact us to discover more about the wide range of standard polystyrene packaging solutions available or talk to us about the bespoke manufacturing of material.

For a free, no obligation quotation, contact Vertapak using our online form or talk to the team on 01384 457730.

How to safely package your Christmas presents with polystyrene

If you’re sending a gift through the post this year, you’ll want to make sure that it arrives at the address of your intended recipient safely and intact. With this in mind, we’ve put together some top tips on how to safely package your Christmas presents – and to ensure your festive generosity doesn’t get damaged in transit.

Wrap each item individually

Wrapping each item within a parcel limits movement and therefore minimises the potential for breakages. All these separate and individually wrapped items should then be placed in an inner box, before being stored in a strong outer container.

Make sure this outer package is carefully sealed with strong, reinforced tape to prevent your parcel from being opened before it reaches its intended destination.

What is the best internal packaging?

The objective of using internal packaging is to create a cushioning effect and to limit movement when your package is en route to its destination. Sometimes – as is the case with electrical goods – it is needed to stop items from touching inside a parcel.

Polystyrene chips or beads are used to fill empty gaps in boxes which contain lighter items. If you are planning on using these chips, it’s a good idea to fill the box completely, to avoid empty space where loose items can slide into. Polystyrene beads are available in various sizes and range from 2mm-8mm in diameter.

Meanwhile, polystyrene surrounds are ideal for ‘suspending’ electrical goods such as phones, games consoles, tablets or other expensive equipment. This suspension stops goods and gifts from moving about and getting damaged.

However, failure to pay attention to good-quality internal packaging can mean your Christmas present arrives in a less than pristine condition. What’s more, if you’re a retailer, it could mean a higher than necessary return rate, not to mention lots of disappointed customers.  

Choose polystyrene to protect fragile goods

Make sure your gift is still intact as it sits beneath the Christmas tree waiting to be opened. The right packaging will:

  • Prevent damage and absorb shock
  • Stop items from touching inside a package
  • Limit movement

Remember that good packaging isn’t just for Christmas. If you’re looking for wrapping that protects goods and your corporate reputation in the New Year, speak to us about a wide variety of standard polystyrene packaging solutions and bespoke manufacturing of material.

Request a free, no obligation quotation by contacting Vertapak on 01384 457730.

       

Don’t dent customers’ expectations this Christmas choose Polystyrene packaging

Shopping habits have certainly changed in recent years as more and more purchases are made on the internet.

This also means that more and more items are delivered and in lightening quick times as consumers are willing to pay for next day delivery.

While the delivery companies tasked with transferring your goods to customers across the country – or even the world – no doubt take every effort to make sure they reaches their destination in pristine condition the scope for damage is ever present.

Thousands of parcels are on the roads every single day of the year, being moved from warehouses to depots to shops or homes.

Protecting your product has to be a key consideration – after all damaged goods are quite likely to damage your reputation as the customer expects delivery in pristine condition.

Play it safe with polystyrene

In this high volume delivery environment a robust packaging solution is essential and polystyrene certainly ticks the right boxes.

Particularly useful in protecting the fragile goods that are always popular at Christmas, polystyrene will help to guarantee that televisions, consoles, gadgets and hi-tech toys don’t disappoint on the big day.

As polystyrene can be moulded to fit it offers a bespoke packaging solution that really will offer protection from start to finish, allowing delicate electronic goods little room for manoeuvre.

As well as fitting closely, the composition of polystyrene is such that it will not damage the product if it is pushed into impact with it, instead it will absorb the movement.

Protect your reputation – and your electronic goods

Likewise any external impact from another parcel, or by accidentally being dropped, will be absorbed by the polystyrene packaging forming an effective barrier to the goods within.

Getting from A to B safely is of utmost importance but so is presentation on delivery when it comes to Christmas gifts. Opening a box and finding the contents scattered in all directions makes for a poor customer experience.

The tailored fit that polystyrene can be moulded to will not only keep products safe in transit but will also maintain presentation within the box where every component should be found exactly as it was intended to be.

Protecting goods that will be popular as Christmas gifts during the delivery process cannot be underestimated.

Don’t dent your customers’ expectations this Christmas, make sure your wrapping is as protective as possible by choosing a polystyrene packaging solution.

For more information about our products, or to request a free no obligation quotation, please contact Vertapak on 01384 457730.

So how about polystyrene for interior design?

We already know that polystyrene is an extremely versatile material, but whilst it’s well known for its packaging qualities in the food and transport sectors how about the benefits in using polystyrene for interior design?

How polystyrene can be used for interior design

We’re not referring here to polystyrene being used as insulation in wall cavities or as flat ceiling panels. We’re more interested in the innovative ways the recyclable material can be manufactured to create interior ornaments, models and décor applications.

Interior designers take pride in creating wow-factor settings in commercial and residential buildings that attract the attention of visitors – particularly significant in the hospitality industry. Quality inspirational décor boasts eclectic blends of colour, texture and sensory enjoyment so what place does polystyrene have? Actually, quite a few…

Polystyrene is highly adaptable

Polystyrene can be manufactured to any size and shape required, offers great volume, and is easy to mould to fit unusual contours. It’s lightweight and substantial thereby withstanding the pressure of weight-bearing objects and potential damage.

The construction industry and now the interior design sector is using polystyrene as an alternative to traditional building materials such as plaster, cement and wood. And polystyrene can be taken many steps further than a suspended ceiling.

Frequently shaped to bind with walls and ceilings to create unique interior profiles or used to form interior columns, arches or vaults, polystyrene can offer huge savings on building materials, trade labour and heavy lifting! It’s also much quicker to install, cutting down project timescales.

Decorative walls, dressed with patterned polystyrene then painted or embellished make a pleasing backdrop, room partition or an innovative way to spice up the character of a room.

Eco-friendly qualities of polystyrene

Polystyrene is recyclable and has watertight characteristics making it ideal to use within older properties subject to damp conditions. By creating a barrier against oxygen and vapour, polystyrene constructs are safe from spoiling.

Its high thermal performance helps guard against cold drafts and despite being 98% air, polystyrene is durable and offers superb resilience against hazardous chemicals.

Use polystyrene for interior design projects

Here at Verta Pak we produce high-quality polystyrene that can be styled to any shape, size and texture, plus we’re up for any challenge thrown at us.

If you think that polystyrene could be used as part of your next interior design project but are unsure about where to start we offer a consultancy service to talk through the best options.

Contact us on 01384 457730 for more details about any aspect of polystyrene design, production and uses for interior design. 

Why polystyrene packaging is a great choice for fragile goods

When packaging goods for customer orders it pays dividends to take extra care and attention and polystyrene packaging is an excellent choice.

Customer perception is everything

The condition goods are received in and the way the packaging is viewed when a box or envelope is pried open plays a huge part in the customers’ perception of the company purchased from. It could be the difference between a repeat order and recommendation, or a bad review and radio silence.

Whilst goods may leave your possession – from factory, warehouse or retail shop – in pristine condition a badly damaged box, squashed or impaired goods will not be taken lightly.

Courier companies are a third party in the delivery equation and can be the cause of spoiled goods but often, the blame will still fall to the company selling the products.

Improve perception with a tidy package

A professionally packaged box, envelope or packet will go a long way to protect the goods inside. The higher the value of the goods, the more fragile their composition or an irregularity in shape will determine how much extra cushioning is needed for transit.

As summer draws to an end and people are starting to think about the seasonal festivities, ensure fragile goods are well protected when in transit with polystyrene packaging.

Versatile polystyrene protects fragile goods

Polystyrene is a superb way to package delicate goods and expensive items such as tech equipment, jewellery and crockery. The material is lightweight so won’t add too much heaviness to delivery costs.  It’s also extremely substantial offering much-needed protective properties to safeguard against bruising, cracking and squashing.

Polystyrene has watertight properties and will provide a barrier against oxygen and vapour that could affect materials that spoil in damp conditions.

The material is available in standard sizes and can be moulded and cut to specific shapes and sizes to cocoon any type of product.

Friendly to the environment

Expanded polystyrene is hygienic and unpolluted and is approved for direct contact with food – a great choice for cheese, chocolates or cakes. It’s made up of 98% air and can be recycled after use due to it containing no harmful chlorofluorocarbons(CFC) gases.

Use polystyrene packaging for fragile goods

Old polystyrene can be broken down into beads and mixed with new polystyrene beads in order to mould it into new materials.

Here at Vertapak we take pride in manufacturing high-quality polystyrene packaging that can be used to protect an array of retail, commercial and industrial goods safely during shipping.

If you’re unsure about how the material could be used for your business we offer a consultancy service to talk through the best options – standard or bespoke.

Contact us on 01384 457730 for more details about any aspect of polystyrene design, production and packaging solutions.