Foam inserts are cut to custom fit your product. They are typically used to cradle products that are laying flat, or to hold products (like bottles) upright.
There are various material options, all plastic-based. There is a lot to consider when choosing the right material for your use case. A supplier can guide you in the right direction as long as you have an idea of what your ideal foam needs to protect against: moisture, impact, heat, cold, and/or chemicals.
- Aesthetically, you may want to choose a foam based on its flexibility, softness, and/or available colors.
- When considering performance, you may want to consider what your product requires when it comes to liquid or chemical resilience. You'll also want to factor in shock absorption as it relates to your product's breakability. If your product is temperature sensitive or the foam may need to endure heat or cold, ask your supplier how these factors affect your material choices.
- While most foams are lightweight, they can be costly to ship (in money and emissions) because they take up space in shipping. If you're not in need of extreme shock absorption or insulation, you could consider lower impact options like Corrugated Inserts or Folding Carton Inserts — both of which can ship flat to your fulfillment center.
