Protective transport packaging for works of art and artifacts

Historical artifacts deserve optimal foam archiving so that everything is preserved for future generations.

Only acid-free and plasticizer-free plastic products should be used for the packaging of art objects. In general, chloride compounds (e.g. PVC) should not be used. Products made of polyethylene terephthalate (e.g. Mylar), polyethylene (e.g. Dibond), polycarbonate (e.g. Lexan, Tuffak or Makrolon), polymethyl methacrylate (e.g. Lucite, Plexiglas or Perspex) and polypropylene are suitable. Polyester, polystyrene and silicones are less useful, as the latter give off acetic acid, especially during drying.

Among the foams, physically foamed low-pressure polyethylene foams (e.g. Ethafoam, Plastazote) are harmless, provided they are not coated with adhesive strips. It should be noted that they are not hygroscopic (non-water-absorbent).

Whether priceless works of art, historical artifacts or preserved specimens of animals or plants in museums of natural history, all objects must be optimally protected during exhibition, transportation or storage in archives. In many museum and gallery applications, the use of high purity polyethylene foam is the preferred choice, with Plastazote being the reference for purity and uniformity today. Plastazote foam is a high-purity, cross-linked polyethylene foam with closed cells. It is manufactured using a unique high-pressure fabric impregnation process that guarantees exceptional purity and uniformity. These foams are the ideal materials for security packaging and have a proven track record in the museum and gallery sector.

Plastazote foam is completely free of fluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons (HFCs, CFCs, HCFCs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and contains no potentially corrosive or discoloring foaming additive residues. The highly resistant, stable and odorless Plastazote foams are available in a range of densities and attractive colors. The colored foams use solid pigments that are fully incorporated into the polymer matrix and therefore do not migrate or leach out.

Plastazote foams are easy to process. They are manufactured in blocks of 2 m x 1 m and can be cut, sawn, milled, punched, split, thermoformed, water jet cut, laminated and welded to produce virtually any desired shape. Due to the closed cell structure, the materials can be easily cleaned of dirt. Commercially available cleaning agents - household soap - in combination with warm water are sufficient for this purpose. High purity, non-staining, acid and ammonia-free, resistant to water and chemicals, good gripping elasticity, good energy absorption and an exceptionally attractive appearance are just some of the many outstanding properties.

General packaging and padding, foam linings for display cases, foam linings for boxes and drawers, special inserts for boxes and crates, book stands, worktop underlays for sorting samples, storage and packaging of fragile objects, foam padding for pictures, etc.

Vibraplast AG offers you professional foam products for the optimal packaging, storage, securing and shipping of art objects and collection items in museums, libraries, archives and galleries. Whether for permanent storage, the protection and preservation of archive materials or the safe transportation of art objects - our foams are ideal for these tasks.

For further questions please contact us!

info@vibraplast.ch