When you require light-weight material for packaging or any other application, you may choose between corrugated plastic and foam board. Though both materials are light weight and easy to work with, the performance of both is quite different. This article will help you in choosing the best suited material by comparing their attributes.
1. What Is Corrugated Plastic?
Corrugated plastic is a lightweight plastic sheet material with an internal flute structure between two flat layers. It is made from polypropylene (PP).
You can use PP corrugated sheets for packaging boxes, dividers, layer pads, sleeves, trays, packaging materials, signage, and industrial containers.
2. What Is Foam Board?
The basic structure of a foam board is a foam core with either paper, plastic, or other materials covering one side or both sides of it. Foam boards are often used for presentations, display purposes, signage, exhibitions, models, art works, and short-term applications.
Foam boards are considered valuable because of their light weight and good printing or laminating surfaces.
3. Corrugated Plastic vs. Foam Board:
l Durability
PP corrugated plastic: It offers you an edge as its design offers a good combination of rigidity and impact resistance, so you can use it for boxes, dividers, trays, and other packaging designed for repeated use.
Foam board: It is light, but is prone to getting crushed, dented, or damaged easily. In case you want to design packages that your customers will be able to use again and again, then PP corrugated plastic may serve you better.
l Moisture and Water Resistance
PP Corrugated Plastic: It will offer you an added benefit over foam board. As it is waterproof in nature, so you can wipe or wash many corrugated plastic products easily. PP corrugated plastic can be used where there is a possibility of rain, humidity, condensation, refrigeration, and washing.
Foam board: it may have lower resistance to moisture. If you are concerned about the cleanliness of your packaging and its efficiency in humid or wet environments, PP corrugated plastic is a better option for you.
l Reusability and Cleaning
PP corrugated plastic: It is strong and reusable material, so you can use it for packaging boxes, trays, dividers, and transportation multiple times. Your packing can also be cleaned easily.
Foam board: It is light in weight and good for temporary protection, but it may not be very durable and requires you to replace your packaging materials regularly.
l Temperature Resistance
Corrugated PP plastics: It is capable of performing well under cold conditions, so you can use it for refrigeration and other applications that expose your packaging to cold.
Foam Board: It is available in many forms, although some of them may not be ideal for cold and humid weather conditions. Therefore, you should always verify the specifications of your chosen supplier.
l Sustainability
PP corrugated plastic: It is reusable and recyclable material, so you can reuse your package multiple times to avoid using single-use packages. Also, you may consider asking your supplier about the recycled content of this material and recycling possibilities within your market.
Foam board: The recycling of foam board might be difficult due to the presence of different materials, coatings, adhesives, or paper face within the product. Therefore, you need to consult your supplier about recycling capabilities within your market.
l Printing and Customization
PP corrugated: It is extremely customizable, so you will be able to select the desired dimensions, thickness, color, printing, partitioning, handles, lid, and other features. Moreover, it can be cut, creased, welded and fabricated into reusable packaging.
Foam board: It is also customizable to suit graphics, displays, promotional boards, and signage purposes. However, it is not ideal for your reusable industrial packaging.
4. Which Material Should You Choose?
The decision depends on the purpose you will put the material to.
Corrugated plastic would be an appropriate selection if you need:
– Reusable packaging
– Moisture resistant packaging
– Easy-to-clean surface
– Strong boxes and packages
– Dividers and layers pads
– Cold environment applications
– Recyclable and returnable packaging solution
– Custom-made industrial packaging
The foam board could be used when you require:
– Light-weight boards for indoor use
– Signs
– Display boards
– Graphics for exhibitions and presentations
– Short term display boards
In the case of packaging, the corrugated plastic would be more effective than the foam board.
5. Frequently Asked Questions.
Q1.Which material is easier to customize for complex packaging?
PP corrugated plastic offers plenty of options to get customized, which means that you can order custom boxes, custom dividers, custom trays, custom sleeves, and custom inserts. Your manufacturer can customize everything from dimensions to color and printing.
Q2.Should you choose corrugated plastic or foam board based only on price?
No. It is best to assess the value of the material as a whole in terms of longevity, reusability, cleanability, transport, need for replacements, and lifespan. A more expensive material may have better value in terms of its reusability
Q3.Is corrugated plastic more impact-resistant than foam board?
Yes, for the most part. Since PP corrugated plastic is more impact-resistant than foam board, it allows you to use this material for applications requiring additional protection.
Q4.What are the main advantages of PP corrugated plastic?
The main benefit that comes from the use of corrugated plastic is the strength that it possesses in addition to being very light in weight. It can be reused many times due to its washable and waterproof surface.
Q5.Is foam board suitable for industrial or reusable packaging?
The quality of foam board depends on its structure, so you should choose carefully. Some foam boards are designed mainly for displays rather than industrial or reusable packaging. If your packaging will be exposed to moisture, frequent handling, washing, or transportation, you should think carefully before choosing foam board.
6. Conclusion
Comparing corrugated plastic vs. foam board will help you decide which is more suitable according to your requirements. Foam board is ideal for light-duty applications, whereas PP corrugated plastic offers strong and reusable packaging with moisture resistance properties. In case you need packaging options for your business, please visit us at PurePack.
