Molded Pulp vs. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
EPS or expanded polystyrene packaging has historically been a popular choice for protecting products in distribution. However, the growing trend towards the use of environmentally friendly products and the volatility of rising oil prices has led to a marked increase in the use of molded fiber packaging. And since molded pulp nests, customers can see a decrease in the amount of space needed to store parts and an increase in the density of parts that comes with each delivery. The corresponding result is fewer vehicles that can transport more product.
See how they compare:
Molded Fiber |
EPS |
|
| Physical Appearance |  |
 |
| Material | Made from 100% post-industrial recycled paper | Produced from a mixture of petroleum based polystyrene and a gasoline blowing agent like pentane or carbon dioxide |
| Environmental Aspects | Sustainable product that is fully recyclable, and compliant with ISO 14000 and European Green Dot standards. | Difficult to recycle, EPS is facing bans in many countries and communities. |
| Price | Stable cost bases that often leads to lower overall cost | Prices are tied closely to rising oil and resin prices. |
| Protection | Excellent vibration dampening and cushioning properties. | Good vibration dampening and cushioning properties. |
| Storage & Shipping | Product nests during shipment and storage allowing for tremendous cost and environmental savings. | Product rarely nests requiring bulky shipments and extensive storage space requirements. |
| Temperature Resistance | Unaffected by extreme temperature. | Temperature affects flexibility and can break at low temperatures and lose cushioning properties at high temperatures. |
| Static | Static neutral material ideal for electronic components. | Typically requires treatment with anti-static agents to comply with electronic industry specs. |