Cushioning Materials

Cushioning materials are products used for protecting items from getting damaged by outer impacts or vibration. They are used for the purpose of preventing items from contacting each other and for easing the impacts in transport. Major types are bubble wraps, foamed sheets, packing fillers, etc. Styrofoam, cardboard, etc., are used for large and heavy items, such as pieces of furniture or home electric appliances, since such materials have good enough strength for the impact and are capable of holding those items in place. Polyethylene, urethane (polyurethane foam), paper, etc. are mainly used as cushioning materials for small, lightweight and vulnerable items such as dishes, plates, compact discs, small home electric appliances, as those materials and their shapes are suitable for wrapping around the entire item, or fill up the spaces. It is necessary to select the suitable cushioning material from viewpoints such as the properties of the item being cushioned, shipping cost, etc.