Sealed Air has expanded its manufacturing capacity for closed-cell polyethylene foam at its production facility in Madera, California, US.

The project enlarges the group’s specialty foam footprint at the Madera location, supplying fabricators, distributors and end users throughout North America and Latin America.

The installation complements Sealed Air’s wider specialty foam infrastructure, which includes manufacturing plants in Europe, Asia, and North America to deliver regional production and expertise.

Manufactured in sheet form, Ethafoam and Stratocell closed-cell polyethylene foam fall within the company's protective packaging portfolio.

These substrates are specified in the automotive, electronics, medical, and industrial sectors to provide durable cushioning, blocking, bracing, and product protection.

Within Sealed Air's international specialty foam network, integrating the additional volume is designed to balance demand across facilities, raise manufacturing efficiency, and facilitate innovation, noted the firm.

Sealed Air protective packaging president Byron Racki said: "We heard from customers and fabricators that dependable access to closed-cell PE foam is essential, and this investment is a direct response to that need.

"Expanding capacity in Madera reinforces our commitment to the fabricated foam market while adding to the global manufacturing network and expertise we use to support customers around the world. It strengthens both our specialty foam capabilities and the full portfolio of protective packaging solutions we bring to customers every day." 

Last month, Sealed Air introduced ZeroPrep, a hand-dispensing pouch system for condiment use in restaurant back-of-house operations.

The pre-filled pouches are intended to reduce the work involved in preparing and cleaning squeeze bottles and other rigid containers during shifts.