BASF at FachPack: New subwoofer packaging for Adam Audio

• BASF presents range of particle foams
• Protective packaging for Adam Audio optimized with E-por^®: size of packaging reduced by 24.5%

From September 24 to 26, BASF will be displaying its expertise in specialty particle foams for packaging applications at the FachPack trade fair in Nuremberg (hall 5, booth 219). The range extends from transport packaging and reusable solutions right through to impact-resistant disposable packaging for delicate electronic devices: Among other products this year BASF will be showing molded parts made of E-por for the protective packaging of subwoofers made by the Berlin manufacturer Adam Audio.

Smaller packaging delivers cost and transport benefits

The handmade devices in the Sub8, Sub10 and Sub12 model series were previously packaged in protective pads made of non-crosslinked EPE (expanded polyethylene). Due to the elaborate way that the cut and heat-sealed parts needed to be made, this solution resulted in extended delivery times and high costs. In addition, the cushioning pads made of EPE did not entirely cover the bottom and top areas of the subwoofer, which meant that complete protection of the valuable electronics was not guaranteed.

This was why Adam Audio instructed the packaging company Fapack, as a partner of BASF, to look for alternatives. Fapack suggested using molded cushions made of E-por. The expandable interpolymer (PS/PE) offers an outstanding range of properties for the packaging of delicate goods: It is tough-elastic, crack-resistant and displays high energy absorption. In addition, E-por is pleasant to touch and look at and has very good resistance to solvents.

For Adam Audio, the one-off investment in switching over to the foaming method paid off, as André Zeugner, head of marketing at the audio expert, explains: "The cushioning pads made of E-por completely cover the top and bottom parts of the cardboard box and thus offer an improved level of protection." At the same time, the new packaging solution delivers optimized costs thanks to the reduced amount of material required. Christoph Behrens, managing director of Fapack, confirms: "We were able to achieve a net volume saving with foam of 40% and thus reduce the overall size of the packaging by 24.5%." This results in not just cost benefits but also benefits in transportation.

Complete particle foam range for packaging sector

In addition, BASF will also be displaying other specialty particle foams at the three-day packaging trade fair in Nuremberg. Neopolen® E, an expanded, crosslinked polyethylene (EPE), is offered in the form of boards and is used primarily in recyclable packaging and reusable transport containers. The foam is offered in the form of boards with densities of 22, 32 and most recently 52 kilograms per cubic meter as well as in the colors of white and black. Its ease of processing by means of milling, punching or cutting, for example, opens up a wide range of possible applications. The expanded polypropylene Neopolen® P is offered in the form of particles in bulk and can be processed to make moldings of a wide range of different types, shapes and colors. Both foams have high energy absorption coupled with low weight and excellent resilience – for a high level of protection even when the material is subjected to repeated impacts. Neopolen also absorbs only a very small amount of water.

The range is complemented by the world's first expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), which BASF recently unveiled under the brand name Infinergy®. Infinergy boasts exceptionally high resilience and is therefore suitable for use in special applications where there are particularly high constant stresses.

For additional information visit www.e-por.basf.com, www.neopolen.deand www.infinergy.basf.com.

A press photo can be downloaded at www.basf.com/pressphoto-database, keyword "Plastics". The text and photo will also shortly be available from www.basf.de/plastics/pressreleases.

About ADAM Audio

ADAM Audio was founded in March 1999 in Berlin and has since been engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of speakers specifically for professional audio technology. In addition, for a number of years now ADAM has also been manufacturing speakers for the hi-fi market in accordance with the same tonal and industrial standards. All devices are handmade and tested at ADAM Audio. This makes them among the most reliable available in the market and they are used in many studios around the world. The company employs over 70 staff at its factory in Berlin, is represented in more than 60 countries and operates its own sales offices in the USA (New York), Great Britain (London) and China (Beijing). http://www.adam-audio.com

About FAPACK

The company FAPACK has been producing high-quality packaging materials since 1869. Initially specializing in cardboard packaging, the company embarked on the production of EPS packaging in 1970. Today FAPACK offers not just packaging solutions comprising particle foams, but also molded parts for technical applications such as helmets or aquastop floats for washing machines. The company employs around 50 staff at its head office in Berlin. www.fapack.de

About BASF

P-13-395