Press release
september 3^rd 2012

Which materials would you choose for a delicate pack? and which for delicate foods? When talking about a packaging material or safe packaging, we immediately think of expanded polystyrene (EPS), and in its most familiar and popular applications such as packaging of electronic equipment and appliances, also boxes for transportation and distribution of fresh fish and seafood. The reasons? EPS is one of the most suitable materials for the requirements of industry and consumers, as they both seek an excellent preservation of the products, whether they produce or consume.

Based on the experience of the producer, the articles transportation process, during the time of loading and unloading is usually the weak link, both for risk of blows and temperature increase, that inevitably suffers the good during the handling, more even in the case of very sensitive items. Loading and unloading is performed at least three times, that amount to around seven to eight hours, from the output of the factory over the center of transportation or logistics platform, to reach the point of sale. Thanks to the use of expanded polystyrene for packaging, during which time the merchandise is more protected and ensures the maintenance of product quality.

Rachel Lopez de la Banda, Chief Executive of ANAPE, explains: «The EPS structure has made possible the expanded polystyrene containing a high percentage of air (we’re talking up to 98%), which gives a large shock absorption.»

In everyday life this means that impacts and vibrations that suffers a EPS container /packaging, while manipulated, will minimally affect the content. Thanks to this feature, it is ideal for the handling and transportation of food products such as fish, seafood, vegetables and fruits, meats, pastries and much more.

One of the main attractions of the EPS for those who work in the food industry is its high insulation properties, as in the words of the Chief Executive of ANAPE, «EPS helps to maintain a consistent temperature against the rigors of temperature cycling suffered when packing is exposed to ambient weather conditions, inevitable during transportation, and very common in the retail outlet where the product will be displayed and not always in top condition. She adds: «the EPS does not absorb moisture and resists degradation of the mechanical and insulation properties due to water, damp, humidity or moisture.» This feature greatly reduces the risk of developing food bacteria or fungi, while being transferred from one place to another or when stored.

As for their suitability to meet the different sizes and shapes required, the EPS has proven to be very light and easy to handle thanks to its versatility. It is also one of the most sanitary packaging materials than those available, it is not toxic and does not alter the taste or smell, does not allow that foreign flavors are impregnated in the product. Also, EPS is inert and non-toxic and it is 100% recyclable. Also, its use implies an economic benefit: its lightness helps to reduce the transportation costs thereby saving fuel. Therefore, the EPS is a material very beneficial, since people consume food best preserved and most health insurance as well as being environmentally friendly.

About Anape

Anape is a national association that gathers the companies of the Expanded Polystyrene industry in Spain. The main objective of Anape is to serve as representation of the sector to the various partners, and to provide to expanded polystyrene products users with all information that they demand about this material, also the development of activities to increase the awareness and use of the products that include this material.

For further información:
Recursos de Mercado
Tfno.: 91 547 08 04 / 652 09 78 74