Polyethylene Foam
Polyethylene (PE) foam is strong, versatile and cost-effective. Supplied in custom sizes and formats for packaging, insulation, sealing and buoyancy applications.
What is Polyethylene Foam?
Polyethylene (PE) foam is a closed-cell material available in a wide range of densities. Despite being lightweight, it is strong, durable, and resistant to chemicals and aging.
 PE foam does not deteriorate or become brittle over time, making it a reliable long-term solution.
Its closed-cell structure provides excellent water resistance and sealing, making it suitable for both protective and buoyant applications. Easily fabricated, cut, and routed, PE foam is widely used in packaging, insulation, and cushioning solutions across multiple industries.
Technical Information
Polyethylene Foam Technical Details & Options
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Available from 0.5mm thick – sheets can then be laminated together to achieve any given thickness.
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Wide range of densities available, typically from 15kg up to 100kg+
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Available plain or with single-/double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).
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PE foam is a versatile foam and available in a wide range of colours. Colours include White, Black, Blue, Red, Green and YellowÂ
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Available in grades compliant with RoHS, REACH, anti-static and flame-retardant specifications.
Benefits
Why Choose Polyethylene Foam?
PE foam is a highly versatile material that delivers durability, performance, and cost-effectiveness across a wide range of uses.
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Lightweight Strength
Strong yet lightweight for easy handling.
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Water & Moisture Resistant
Closed-cell structure prevents water absorption.
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Chemical Resistant
Performs reliably in harsh or chemical-prone environments.
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Durable & Long-Lasting
Resistant to aging and brittleness over time.
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Highly Versatile
Suitable for packaging, insulation, and sealing.
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Easy to Fabricate
Can be cut, routed, laminated, or thermoformed to specification.
Delivering Excellence: What Our Clients Say
It is rare to deal with a company that is 100% efficient and 100% reliable while remaining courteous and friendly at the same time. RGH Converting is that rare find. We initially approached them with a complex material challenge, and their team acted as a true extension of our own, providing technical clarity and high-standard prototypes at impressive speed.
Their expertise as a 3M Preferred Converter gave us total confidence in the quality of the final product. I have no hesitation in recommending RGH to any manufacturer looking for precision, reliability, and a partnership-led approach.
Automotive Client
Get in Touch
Have a question or need support with a materials challenge? Our Specialists are here to help.
Speak to our technical team about your project requirements and discover how our converting expertise can provide the right material solution for your application.
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Request a Sample
Request a product sample to test performance in real-world conditions.
Our samples are a great way to evaluate suitability before scaling production and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Common Industry Uses
Where is Polyethylene Foam Used?
Polyethylene foam is widely used across industries requiring lightweight protection, cushioning, and sealing performance. Common applications include:
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Automotive
Material Solutions for Performance & Compliance
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Medical
Materials for Medical Devices & Cleanroom Applications
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Electronics and EMC
Reliable Converting for Precision Electronics
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Construction
Sealing, Insulation & Protection for Construction Equipment and Sites
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Military and Defence
Material Solutions for the Military & Defence Sector
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Rail and Transportation
Material Solutions for the Rail & Transportation Industry
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Renewable Energy
Material Solutions for Renewable Energy Sector
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EV Battery
Material Solutions for EV Battery Systems
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Packaging
Material Solutions for Packaging Applications
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Polyethylene Foam
Got a question about polyethylene foam? Explore our FAQs below.
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What is open cell polyurethane foam typically used for?
Open cell PU foam is widely used for cushioning, acoustic control, ventilation, filtration, and protective packaging due to its soft, breathable, and flexible structure.
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Is open cell polyurethane foam suitable for sealing moisture or dust?
No. Because it has an open, interconnected cell structure, it allows air and moisture to pass through. It is ideal for ventilation and acoustic damping, but not for watertight sealing.
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Can open cell PU foam be laminated with adhesives or films?
Yes. RGH laminate PU foam with a range of pressure-sensitive adhesives.
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Is open cell polyurethane foam fire retardant?
Fire performance varies by grade. Standard PU foam is combustible, but fire-retardant and UL-listed grades are available depending on application requirements.
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Can it be die-cut or converted into custom components?
Absolutely. PU foam is easily cut, slit, profiled, and die-cut into custom geometries for gasketing, sound management, and protective applications.
Need Polyethylene Foam for Your Next Project?
From packaging to insulation and protective applications, our team can help you specify the right PE foam solution cut, fabricated, and delivered fast.