Closed Cell Foam Sheets (PE & EVA)

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions about our range of closed cell foam products.

What is closed-cell foam and how is it different to open-cell foam?

Closed-cell foam has tiny sealed bubbles that make it waterproof, buoyant and more rigid. It’s ideal for outdoor, marine, insulation and packaging uses. Open-cell foam is softer and breathable, but it absorbs water, so it’s best for indoor cushions and comfort applications.

What is the difference between EVA and PE foam?

EVA foam (like EVA30 or EVA75) is softer, more elastic and springy. It’s great where you need comfort, shock absorption or rebound — for example, padding, mats, and marine flotation.

PE foam (like PE30) is firmer and more rigid with better thermal insulation. It’s often used in packaging, automotive, and structural applications where strength is more important.

Does closed-cell foam float and resist water?

Yes. Because the bubbles are sealed, closed-cell foam is buoyant and highly water-resistant. EVA foam in particular is often used for flotation and marine projects. Unlike open-cell foam, it won’t soak up water or collapse when wet.

What is IXPE foam and what is it used for?

IXPE (cross-linked polyolefin) foam is a flexible, closed-cell foam that’s excellent for insulation and soundproofing. It has low thermal conductivity (≈0.032 W/m·K), resists moisture and chemicals, and can handle a wide temperature range (−70°C to +90°C). Some rolls even have aluminium foil backing or self-adhesive layers for easy installation in HVAC, automotive, marine and building projects.

What’s the difference between “standard density” and “high density” EVA foams?

Standard density EVA30 is around 28–33 kg/m³ — soft, flexible and suited to general cushioning, craft and marine uses.

High density EVA75 or EVA240 is much firmer and heavier. These grades provide more compression resistance and durability, making them better for industrial, structural, or load-bearing applications.

Can I use closed-cell foam outdoors or in marine environments?

Yes. Closed-cell foams are waterproof, UV-resistant and chemical-resistant (including resistance to oils, fuels, detergents, acids and alkalis). That’s why they are popular for boats, outdoor seating, camping gear, and insulation. Just choose the right grade for your exposure to sunlight, heat or heavy use.

Is closed-cell foam safe and easy to work with?

Yes. These foams are non-dusting, non-toxic in finished form, and safe to handle with normal workshop precautions. They can be cut with sharp tools like utility knives, saws or CNC routers. Some products come with adhesive backing, which makes installation quicker and cleaner.

Do these foams provide soundproofing or insulation benefits?

Yes. Closed-cell foams like IXPE and XPE thermal wraps provide acoustic damping (reduce vibration and noise) as well as thermal insulation. They are commonly used in building, automotive and HVAC applications for exactly this reason.