About Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts, also called foam peanuts, are small, lightweight objects made of polystyrene. They are placed into packages to cushion products during the shipping process. Because of their light weight and ease of use, they are one of the most popular cushioning products. They can be poured individually like regular peanuts, but when compressed into a tight space, they interlock and act as a soft cushion. Like all foam products, there are environmental concerns associated with packing peanuts, but there are ways to use this material while still protecting the planet.

History

Packing peanuts were invented in 1965 by the Dow Chemical Company. They were introduced as a lightweight alternative to traditonal mailing packages, which resulted in smaller shipping fees for businesses and individuals. The model we see today is identical to those first introduced. They are made of white polystyrene and extruded to take on the shape and size of a peanut in its shell.

Function

These packing peanuts serve many functions, starting with protecting objects during the shipping process. Because of their durability, they can be reused to ship items indefinitely. They are also popular with hydroponic gardenders as a medium for growing soil-less plants. Creative teachers, parents and child care workers have also found many uses for them in crafts and art projects for children.

Identification

This material comes in three basic colors, which helps to distinguish them from one another. The green version is environmentally friendly, indicating that the product was made from at least 70 percent recycled content. White peanuts are the most common, and the white indicates that the product is at least 70 percent raw (non-recycled) material. A small percentage of these peanuts are pink, which means they have been treated with a chemical to prevent static cling. This is useful when shipping electronics or other intricate objects.

Types

The typical packing peanut is made from polystyrene. It is incredibly durable but is an environmental disaster because it will last for hundreds of years when disposed of. In the early 1990s, a new variety was introduced made from corn starch. Because they are all natural, they are non-toxic and will disintegrate naturally over time. For businesses that reuse shipping materials over and over, the corn starch model is less effective because it will not last as long--though it provides the same packing protection as the traditional polystyrene variety.

Considerations

Because of the environmental impact associated with these items, it is important to use and dispose of them properly. If you receive an item in the mail packed in these peanuts, consider saving them for your future packing and mailing needs. If you don't have the space to keep them, they can be returned to any shipping facility, including your local post office, for recycling.