ARCEL®  is a moldable copolymer (PE and EPS) foam which is resistant to tearing, puncturing, cracking and flaking. Strong and durable, ARCEL offers long-term reusability, and low compressive creep makes it ideal for long-term stacking. ARCEL's cushioning capabilities absorb shocks without decreasing its protective effieciency, making it an excellent option for extreme conditions, heavyweight items or reusable trays. It is used to cushion and protect objects from small, delicate instruments to huge, heavy products.

Hewlett Packard Corporation (HP) specified ARCEL moldable foam resins from NOVA Chemicals Corporation (NOVA Chemicals) for packaging and handling of its Color Laser Jet 8550 DN Printer. ARCEL is an expandable resilient moldable foam resin.

According to HP, the need for packaging that cushions and withstands higher levels of impact is being driven by the increase in Internet “business-to-consumer” distribution. "With more and more 'uncontrolled' overnight shipments from Internet orders, we need to be sure that our printers arrive safely and without damage,” said Lou Gregorek, HP Packaging Engineering. “Since using ARCEL resins for our packaging, we've had substantially fewer complaints and returns from our customers."

Lightweight yet strong, packaging made from ARCEL resins offer a cost-effective option for custom molded resilient packaging. Applications for ARCEL resins continue to expand as molders and designers explore the many capabilities of this versatile material. Recent applications include personal computer packaging, infant car seats, automotive dunnage, marine dock bumpers and boogie boards.

ARCEL At-A-Glance Comparable in performance to expandable polypropylene (EPP) & expandable polyethylene (EPE) Nine times stronger then expandable polystyrene (EPS) at the same density Processible on standard expandable polystyrene (EPS) molding equipment The only "in-the-tool" solution to an EPS failure or performance upgrade Recycled with PS under Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) code #6 Available in all world regions