Foam in the News: Are You Using Spray Foam Appropriately?

Spray polyurethane foam is a spray-applied plastic widely used as insulation and, most commonly, to seal cracks and gaps in a range of settings. Once praised as a powerful, air-tight barrier, recent news of it being irresponsibly used for coastline preservation has hit the headlines.

The Hilbre Islands incident

Environmental groups claimed that seals, dolphins, whales and rare birds were put at risk by a UK council that filled cracks in a cliff with spray foam. The material used at Hilbre Islands, off the coast near Liverpool, broke off into the sea, raising concerns among environmental scientists about plastic entering the ocean's ecosystems. As a widespread threat to local wildlife that could easily have been avoided, the story understandably brought the foam industry into disrepute.

Why eFoam doesn't supply spray foam

As a foam supplier, eFoam doesn't provide spray polyurethane materials, largely because we believe there are far more suitable alternatives for insulation, sealants and specialist packaging. Plastazote closed-cell foam is far better suited as insulation, and various Ethafoam-based products are durable, waterproof and resistant to mould and bacteria. This story also illustrates the wider problem of the misuse or incorrect application of spray foams. It requires specialist application, yet many don't realise its impacts and risks: commonly used to secure cables or plastic pipes, it can damage them through the heated chemical reaction as it cures, and it's considered by many professionals as "solid gasoline", becoming a toxic fire hazard once installed. Standard spray polyurethane foam also carries considerable embodied carbon from its fossil-fuel-driven manufacture.

Safer alternatives

At eFoam, we're passionate about safe, high-quality products with minimal environmental impact. We can advise on and provide suitable materials that are fire retardant and non-toxic, made in the UK without harmful chemicals. Though spray foam is seen by some as the most universal type, we supply a wide range of alternatives that can be cut to any shape and size and are more environmentally friendly, like reconstituted foam, which can be supplied with a range of properties to your specification. To learn more, read our guide to eco-friendly packaging foam and our eco foam news.

Though using spray foam for coastal preservation was wrong in this case, we hope organisations carefully consider how best to use foam products, and always consult the experts. To discuss your requirements, please email info@efoam.co.uk or call one of our advisers on 0800 043 9990.

Frequently asked questions

Why can spray foam be a problem?

Spray polyurethane foam requires specialist application, and its misuse carries risks. It can damage cables and pipes through the heated chemical reaction as it cures, is considered by some professionals as "solid gasoline" and a fire hazard once installed, and carries considerable embodied carbon from its fossil-fuel-driven manufacture.

Does eFoam supply spray foam?

No. eFoam doesn't provide spray polyurethane materials, as we believe there are far more suitable alternatives for insulation, sealants and specialist packaging.

What are the alternatives to spray foam?

Plastazote closed-cell foam is far better suited as insulation, and packaging foam is durable, waterproof and resistant to mould and bacteria. Reconstituted foam can also be supplied with a range of properties, cut to any shape and size, and is more environmentally friendly.