Polystyrene Beads
Polystyrene beads are one of the most widely used types of packaging. Most often made from expanded polystyrene, they are also known as polystyrene foam beads, poly beads or packing peanuts: the latter name is due to their shape, which is similar to peanuts without the shells removed.
Poly Beads
Polystyrene beads are both effective and versatile, and are a mainstay of the modern economy: the growth of the internet and the increasing amount of items bought online has resulted in an expansion in the proportion of goods sent via mail or courier. These goods need packaging, and polystyrene beads answer this need: lightweight, cheap and flexible, they are used widely in packaging of all types.
The main benefit of polystyrene beads is their flexibility. Due to their size, they are very useful for filling in gaps in other packaging, and can be used in precisely the quantity needed. Many items sent by post or courier or transported via road are both expensive and fragile, and any gap in the packaging could prove disastrous.
There is a drawback with their use, however. When used as the only type of filler packaging, large items can settle, and drop to the bottom of the main container by displacing the polystyrene beads underneath. This can, of course, result in damage to the item so care must be taken.
Polystyrene Beads For Bean Bags
With many bean bags, the main filler is now polystyrene beads. Indeed, it is now possible to make your own bean bag by making the bag itself and then buying the beads: there are many websites that sell poly beads direct to the public. It is a simple matter to order the amount of beads required, which are then delivered direct to your home or place of business.
Polystyrene Beads Insulation
Another use for poly beads is in insulation, either in the home or in industry. Indeed, they are fast gaining a reputation as one of the most effective means of filling wall cavities to provide additional insulation. Not only are they easier to install (requiring less drilling than other methods), they have the great advantage of not being affected by water: they do not absorb it, and any water that finds its way into the wall cavity simply drains away. Polystyrene beads are more expensive than other forms of cavity wall insulation, but the increased expense is offset over time by increased energy efficiency.
Polystyrene Microbeads
A recent variation of polystyrene beads are polystyrene microbeads. As the name suggests, these are smaller than standard poly beads, and are used in applications where problems would occur if the beans were of standard size. A good example of this is microbead pillows: if the beads were standard, then the pillow would feel lumpy, and would be uncomfortable to use. The microbeads used in a microbead pillow give the user the comfort level required, while still providing the essential level of support and lightness. Of course microbead pillows are more expensive than standard pillows, but for those suffering sleep problems the expense is normally one they are happy to meet, given the better sleep that results from use.