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| '''Foam peanuts''', also known as '''packing peanuts''' or '''packing noodles''', are a common loose-fill ] and ] material used to prevent damage to fragile objects during shipping. They are shaped to interlock when compressed and free flow when not compressed. They are roughly the size and shape of an unshelled ] and commonly made of expanded ] foam. Two to three inches (50–75 mm) of peanuts are typically used for cushioning applications. | '''Foam peanuts''', also known as '''packing peanuts''' or '''packing noodles''', are a common loose-fill ] and ] material used to prevent damage to fragile objects during shipping. They are shaped to interlock when compressed and free flow when not compressed. They are roughly the size and shape of an unshelled ] and commonly made of expanded ] foam. Two to three inches (50–75 mm) of peanuts are typically used for cushioning applications. | ||
| == Polystyrene foam peanuts == | |||
| Polystyrene-based packing peanuts were introduced circa 1965 by ].<ref>US patent No. 3188264, issued '65, filed '62.</ref> Originally made from 100% virgin polystyrene resin, peanuts made from 100% recycled polystyrene have been commercially available since the mid-90s. The color and shape sometimes indicate what it is made of and who made it. Often green is 70% or more recycled polystyrene, white is 70% or more virgin resin and pink means anti-stat has been applied; although there are some variations. The most common shapes are similar to a "S", "figure 8" or "W" .<ref>{{cite web|last=Davis |first=Nikki |url=http://www.business.com/directory/industrial_goods_and_services/packaging_and_containers/packaging_materials/loose_fill/packing_peanuts/ |title=Guide to Packing Peanuts Types and Styles |publisher=Business.com |date= |accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref> Foam peanuts are very light (usually around 3 grams per litre/0.17 to 0.2 lb per cu ft) and easy to use. | |||
| Polystyrene peanuts may be used and reused many times with little or no loss in protection for the product shipped. They may be reused and recycled at many packing and shipping stores. Because of their build-up, polystyrene peanuts may also be used for various methods of home insulation, although it is not recommended because they are not flame retardant. <ref>{{cite web|last=Yaeger |first=Jeff |url=http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/save-money/recycle-packing-peanuts-460909 |title=11 Creative Ways to Reuse Packing Peanuts |publisher=TheDailyGreen.com |date= |accessdate=2013-10-02}}</ref> | |||
| == Starch-based packing peanuts == | |||
| In the early 1990s, starch-based packing peanuts were developed as a more environmentally friendly alternative. The ] in the peanuts comes from crop-based sources rather than petroleum-based polystyrene, and is non-toxic. One of the first brands of ] peanuts, Biofoam, is made from the grain ];<ref>{{cite web|author=David Whitford |url=http://www.inc.com/magazine/19961001/1828.html |title=The Snack Food That's Packing America |publisher=Inc.com |date=1996-10-01 |accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref> other brands are made from ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tips.green-trust.org/2007/01/cornstarch-packing-peanuts.html |title=Cornstarch Packing Peanuts |publisher=Tips.green-trust.org |date=2007-01-13 |accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref> Biodegradable foam peanuts have no ] charge, another benefit over polystyrene. Being biodegradable and nontoxic, they are also safe for humans and pets if ingested accidentally. However, they are not produced in food-safe conditions, and are not recommended for eating. Also, during the manufacturing process, the nutritional value is removed from starch-based packing peanuts. This removes edible components, such as sugars, that would otherwise attract rodents and bugs.<ref></ref> Their main drawbacks compared with polystyrene are lower resilience, higher weight (6.5 to 13 g per litre/0.4 to 0.8 lb per cubic foot), dust creation, and higher price. Starch-based peanuts are soluble in water, and polystyrene peanuts are soluble in ], but not vice versa.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chemistry.lsu.edu/webpub/demo-3-styrofoam.pdf |title=Polymers, Solubility, and Recycling |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref> Starch based products can be disposed of down household drains with copious amounts of water. | |||
| == Other uses== | == Other uses== | ||
Revision as of 17:01, 1 January 2014
Foam peanuts, also known as packing peanuts or packing noodles, are a common loose-fill packaging and cushioning material used to prevent damage to fragile objects during shipping. They are shaped to interlock when compressed and free flow when not compressed. They are roughly the size and shape of an unshelled peanut and commonly made of expanded polystyrene foam. Two to three inches (50–75 mm) of peanuts are typically used for cushioning applications.
Polystyrene foam peanuts
Polystyrene-based packing peanuts were introduced circa 1965 by Dow Chemical. Originally made from 100% virgin polystyrene resin, peanuts made from 100% recycled polystyrene have been commercially available since the mid-90s. The color and shape sometimes indicate what it is made of and who made it. Often green is 70% or more recycled polystyrene, white is 70% or more virgin resin and pink means anti-stat has been applied; although there are some variations. The most common shapes are similar to a "S", "figure 8" or "W" . Foam peanuts are very light (usually around 3 grams per litre/0.17 to 0.2 lb per cu ft) and easy to use.
Polystyrene peanuts may be used and reused many times with little or no loss in protection for the product shipped. They may be reused and recycled at many packing and shipping stores. Because of their build-up, polystyrene peanuts may also be used for various methods of home insulation, although it is not recommended because they are not flame retardant.
Starch-based packing peanuts
In the early 1990s, starch-based packing peanuts were developed as a more environmentally friendly alternative. The starch in the peanuts comes from crop-based sources rather than petroleum-based polystyrene, and is non-toxic. One of the first brands of biodegradable peanuts, Biofoam, is made from the grain sorghum; other brands are made from corn starch. Biodegradable foam peanuts have no electrostatic charge, another benefit over polystyrene. Being biodegradable and nontoxic, they are also safe for humans and pets if ingested accidentally. However, they are not produced in food-safe conditions, and are not recommended for eating. Also, during the manufacturing process, the nutritional value is removed from starch-based packing peanuts. This removes edible components, such as sugars, that would otherwise attract rodents and bugs. Their main drawbacks compared with polystyrene are lower resilience, higher weight (6.5 to 13 g per litre/0.4 to 0.8 lb per cubic foot), dust creation, and higher price. Starch-based peanuts are soluble in water, and polystyrene peanuts are soluble in acetone, but not vice versa. Starch based products can be disposed of down household drains with copious amounts of water.
Other uses
Because polystyrene peanuts are non-soluble in water, they are also used as a light-weight aggregate in hydroponics. They are also sometimes used to fill beanbag chairs and in a variety of crafts.
See also
References
- US patent No. 3188264, issued '65, filed '62.
- Davis, Nikki. "Guide to Packing Peanuts Types and Styles". Business.com. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- Yaeger, Jeff. "11 Creative Ways to Reuse Packing Peanuts". TheDailyGreen.com. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
- David Whitford (1996-10-01). "The Snack Food That's Packing America". Inc.com. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- "Cornstarch Packing Peanuts". Tips.green-trust.org. 2007-01-13. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- Packaging FAQs
- "Polymers, Solubility, and Recycling" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- "Love Sacks and foam bags are the hot furniture item now". Free-press-release-center.info. 2006-05-16. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
General references
- Yam, K. L., Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology, John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6