FAQ: Is Your Foam Safe?

Is your foam safe? The latest question in our FAQ series!

Frequently asked questions. As an industry leader, we feel it is important to share our expertise as well as continue to educate and inform others of Plymouth Foam’s materials capabilities and industry trends.

Within the last few weeks, our industry has been in a negative light regarding the recent New York City ban of Airpop® EPS single-use containers. Store and restaurant owners can no longer use Airpop® EPS containers or packing peanuts.  We want to remind our followers that Airpop® EPS is safe for you and your family. Here are a few details for you to read!

There have been many studies completed for different applications of Airpop® EPS. On FoamFacts.com, single-use food service packaging products are more sanitary than reusable china and glassware! Explained on FoamFacts.com, they share the following research; “ Las Vegas found 18 percent of reusable items tested had higher than acceptable bacterial counts. A similar study in Sacramento County found nearly 30 percent of reusable items tested had higher than acceptable bacterial counts. And a third study in Wisconsin discovered that unprotected tables and trays had up to 23 times higher bacterial counts than those with single-use place mats and tray covers.”

In the U.S., the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulates all food packaging materials,  including polystyrene. For every material used in food contact, there must be sufficient scientific information to demonstrate that its use is safe. The FDA has determined that Airpop® (EPS) is safe for use in food contact.

We would like to remind our followers, our Airpop® (EPS) material is made of 98% air and polystyrene does not carry harmful chemicals during use or disposal. Please keep in mind that the material has to be stamped with the #6 PS logo to recycle.

So YES! Airpop® EPS is safe for you and your family!

We love it when you ask us these questions.  Please continue to ask more or reach out to our team directly: sales@plymouthfoam.com.