Ethafoam, Stratocell and Jiffy foam are names customers may encounter while searching for polyethylene packaging foam. They are not a single universal grade, and the names should not be used as proof that two products are identical. All Foam lists packaging foam sheets by clear material and use descriptions so buyers can compare the actual structure, thickness and intended application.
This guide explains what these terms usually mean, why they appear in packaging searches and what information matters more than the brand name.
Why are there so many names for polyethylene foam?
Protective packaging materials are sold by manufacturers, converters and retailers. A manufacturer may use a registered trade name for a family of products. A converter may describe the material by density or structure. A retailer may use a familiar search term that customers already recognise.
As a result, similar looking polyethylene foams can be described as:
- expanded polyethylene foam
- closed cell polyethylene foam
- semi rigid packaging foam
- foam plank
- laminated foam
- Ethafoam
- Stratocell
- Jiffy foam
These names do not guarantee the same density, cell structure, thickness, surface or cushioning performance.
What is Ethafoam?
Ethafoam is a trade name for polyethylene foam developed for protective packaging. It is commonly associated with durable cushioning planks, repeated impacts, industrial equipment and reusable packaging.
Customers often use the word Ethafoam when they want a clean, semi rigid polyethylene foam that can support and cushion valuable items. However, products within a branded family can vary, so the name alone is not a complete specification.
When comparing Ethafoam or a comparable product, check:
- density and firmness
- sheet or plank thickness
- cross linked or non cross linked structure
- colour and surface finish
- anti static or other specialist properties
- available test information
- intended load and application
The All Foam range includes a semi rigid expanded polyethylene packaging sheet. The live product page is the authority for current size, thickness, colour and price options.
What is Stratocell?
Stratocell is another trade name used for polyethylene foam packaging products. It is often associated with laminated foam planks that can be fabricated into inserts and protective structures.
Lamination allows thinner layers to be built into a thicker plank. This can create a useful depth for shaped packaging and can help converters produce inserts for equipment, industrial parts and electronics.
A laminated plank should still be selected from its specification. Bond lines, density, anti static properties and surface finish can differ between products.
Do not assume that every layered polyethylene block is Stratocell or that every Stratocell product matches a particular Ethafoam product.
What do customers mean by Jiffy foam?
Jiffy is a recognised packaging name. Customers may search for Jiffy foam when they want lightweight polyethylene foam for wrapping, surface protection, cushioning or sheet packaging.
The search term can be broad. One buyer may mean thin foam wrap on a roll. Another may mean a thicker polyethylene sheet. Another may be looking for a branded product used previously by a supplier.
This is why a product requirement should be described by function as well as name. Useful details include:
- roll, sheet or plank format
- thickness
- width and length
- closed cell structure
- expected item weight
- need for wrapping or structural support
- anti static requirement
- moisture exposure
If a customer asks for Jiffy foam, it is sensible to ask what they are wrapping or protecting and whether they need a soft surface layer or a more structural insert.
Are Ethafoam, Stratocell and Jiffy foam interchangeable?
No. They may all relate to polyethylene packaging products, but that does not make them direct substitutes.
The practical differences can include:
- material density
- compression response
- cell size
- surface texture
- thickness range
- sheet or roll format
- lamination
- anti static treatment
- recycled content
- colour
- manufacturer data
A replacement should be chosen from the real performance requirement. Matching only the colour or trade name can produce an insert that is too soft, too firm, too thin or unsuitable for the item.
Trade name or material description?
A trade name can be useful when an existing drawing, approved pack or customer specification names a particular product. In that situation, do not replace it without checking the specification and approval requirements.
For a new general packaging project, a material description may be more helpful. For example:
“White semi rigid expanded polyethylene foam, 25 mm thick, for reusable equipment separators.”
That description gives the supplier more information than simply asking for Jiffy foam.
How polyethylene foam protects products
Polyethylene foam uses a cellular structure to reduce weight and manage impact. Depending on the product, it can provide:
- surface protection
- separation between items
- support beneath equipment
- shaped inserts
- vibration reduction
- moisture resistant lining
- reusable cushioning
The correct design allows the foam to compress without letting the product reach a hard wall. It also prevents free movement inside the package.
Semi rigid foam versus firm closed cell foam
Semi rigid expanded polyethylene foam can be useful for separators, crate lining and lightweight protective blocks. It may offer a balance between structure and cushioning.
Firm closed cell foam can provide a more defined insert and stronger shape retention. It may suit reusable cases, tools and equipment.
The right option depends on load and contact area. A heavy item can compress a lightweight material too far. A delicate item can be marked by an unnecessarily firm insert.
Read the guide to closed cell polyethylene foam packaging for more detail.
Foam wrap versus foam sheets
Thin polyethylene foam wrap is designed mainly to cover surfaces, separate products and reduce rubbing. It can be supplied in rolls and wrapped around items before they are placed into a box.
Foam sheets and planks provide more structure. They can line a case, form pads or be cut into cavities.
A thin wrap should not be expected to replace a thick cushioning block. A thick insert may not be practical for wrapping an irregular product. Some packs use both, with a soft wrap at the surface and structural foam around it.
All Foam lists packaging foam sheets rather than every possible roll or branded format. Contact the team about a requirement that is not shown online rather than assuming a particular product is available.
Cross linked and non cross linked materials
Cross linked polyethylene foam often has a fine cell structure and a clean finish. It can be useful for presentation packaging, colour coding and protective inserts.
Non cross linked expanded polyethylene foam can be lightweight and resilient, and is widely used in protective packaging.
The terms describe material structure, not a simple quality ranking. Compare the actual product and application.
Anti static variants
Some polyethylene packaging products are available with anti static properties. This does not mean every Ethafoam, Stratocell or Jiffy foam product is suitable for electronics.
Sensitive electronic components may require anti static, static dissipative or conductive packaging. These are different performance categories.
Use the equipment requirement and product data. The anti static foam for electronics guide explains why colour and brand name are not enough.
Choosing thickness
Trade names do not answer the most important layout question: how much foam can fit around the item?
Measure the usable interior of the box or case. Record the item at its widest and tallest points. Divide the remaining space between base, sides and lid.
Then consider weight and fragility. A thin polyethylene sheet may prevent scratches but provide limited impact travel. A thick plank may provide more cushioning but reduce the available cavity.
Use the packaging foam thickness guide to plan the construction.
Repeated impacts and reusable packaging
Polyethylene foam is often selected for reusable cases because it can retain a defined shape. However, service life depends on material, load, compression, temperature, contamination and how the insert is cut.
Inspect reusable packs for permanent compression, torn edges, loose bonds and a changing fit. A branded name does not remove the need for inspection.
Where a pack is part of a controlled industrial process, keep the product specification and replacement criteria with the packaging record.
Moisture and chemical exposure
Closed cell polyethylene foam generally absorbs less water than open cell polyurethane foam. That can make it useful in damp environments and reusable cases.
The complete package may still allow water to enter. Foam can also be affected by oils, solvents, cleaning products and extreme temperatures.
Check compatibility where the packaging will be used in a workshop, laboratory or industrial setting. Do not rely on a general internet description for a critical application.
Fire information
Do not assume that a polyethylene foam is fire retardant because it is sold for industrial use. Fire performance varies by product.
If the pack has a defined fire requirement, use the exact technical data and consider the complete assembly. Adhesive, covers, case materials and surrounding components can all matter.
Review the foam data sheets or contact All Foam for clarification.
A practical way to compare products
When asking a supplier for Ethafoam, Stratocell or Jiffy foam, include:
- the item being protected
- dimensions and weight
- internal case or box dimensions
- preferred sheet, roll or plank format
- required thickness
- colour preference
- reuse frequency
- moisture exposure
- anti static or fire requirement
- any existing approved specification
This reduces confusion and helps the supplier recommend an appropriate material rather than matching a name only.
Related packaging foam terms
Customers may also search for polyethylene foam sheet, expanded polyethylene foam, EPE foam, PE foam, closed cell foam, semi rigid packing foam, foam plank, protective foam wrap and industrial packaging foam.
These phrases overlap, but the intended format and performance can differ. Use search terms to find the right product family, then confirm the specification.
The guide to polyethylene and polyurethane packaging foam explains the main material choice.
Key takeaway
Ethafoam, Stratocell and Jiffy foam are useful search terms, but they should not be treated as one identical material. They can refer to different polyethylene foam products, formats and performance levels.
Choose by considering the item, load, thickness, material structure, journey and technical requirements. Where an existing specification names a trade product, confirm compatibility before substituting it.
For help comparing a semi rigid or closed cell packaging foam, send the dimensions, weight and intended use through the All Foam contact page.