ARPLANK Frequently Asked Questions

The ARPLANK team are regularly asked questions about the material. We hope this blog covers any questions you may have about ARPLANK, if we have missed something, please contact our Sales Manager, Jiri at Jiri.Slezak@jsp.com.

What is ARPLANK?

ARPLANK is a closed cell bead foam product made from expanded polyethylene (EPE). In Europe it is made from 25% recycled content and the final product is 100% recyclable.

How is ARPLANK made?

ARPLANK is a thermally bonded polyethylene bead foam that creates a three-dimensional bead to absorb and dissipate energy. These beads are moulded into isotropic blocks that are 1800 x 1200 x 150mm and available in 3 densities – 20g/l, 30g/l and 45g/l.

How is ARPLANK recycled?

ARPLANK is a 100% recyclable product, it allows foam fabricators to close the loop in recycling and to be part of the circular economy. During the extrusion process new granulate is made; 25% recycled content is added to this new granulate. We can recommend recycling companies who have good experience of ARPLANK recycling.

Why use ARPLANK?

SUSTAINABILITY - ARPLANK is made from 25% recycled content and the end product is 100% recyclable, ARPLANK can close the loop and provide a circular economy.

ISOTROPIC – ARPLANK, as a particle foam has cushioning properties with an excellent ability to absorb multiple impacts in any direction. During fabrication the isotropic properties of ARPLANK means less waste and increased yields as blocks can be used in any direction.

WEIGHT REDUCTION OR VOLUME REDUCTION - Based on cushioning properties and compression set measured against XLPE and extruded LDPE, ARPLANK can reduce density or volume by up to 35% but still provides the equivalent protection. This results in reduced CO2 emissions.

PROCESS COST REDUCTION – When processing ARPLANK, no skiving off 2mm is required; both the surface and skin can be used. ARPLANK blocks are 150mm thick, so only splitting is needed and due to the thickness, lamination is not required. Cutting blades last longer as less dust is produced when cutting. A very low concavity during die cutting helps to reduce scrap and increases dimensional stability.

NO ODOUR – ARPLANK has no odour.

How is ARPLANK delivered?

ARPLANK is delivered on wooden pallets that are 1800mm x 1200mm. Each pallet contains 14 planks which makes the final height including the pallet 2400mm. The minimum order quantity is 1 pallet.

How is ARPLANK fabricated?

ARPLANK can be processed on most common machinery so no new investment is needed.

The blocks can be split on most existing machinery and can be cut to any desired thickness - starting from just 1 mm.

Unlike other materials, ARPLANK doesn’t require a 2mm skive off skin from the top and bottom. This leads to fewer processing steps reducing production cost and energy consumption.

ARPLANK is ideal for water jet cutting as the material’s small pores keep moisture out.

Another strength of ARPLANK is its behaviour during contour shape cutting. Heavily reduced dust production and no adhesion when using knives and wires means less downtime for maintenance.

ARPLANK performs well during die cutting. It has 20% less concavity compared to other materials allowing much higher precision and less scrap.

Complex 3D shapes can be achieved by hot air lamination or by hot plate welding. Using ARPLANK, a smoother and softer lamination is achieved, with less smoke and minimal material loss.

What type of applications can be made from ARPLANK?

ARPLANK is ideal for making sustainable packaging solutions.

· Automotive industry - dunnage packaging that can be returned to be used again

· Medical – protection of medical devices

· Artwork – protects precious artwork in transportation

· Food Logistics - can help regulate temperature and be used for food or drink packaging

ARPLANK is an absorbing impact material and can be used to provide excellent protection to any application.