Can Packing Peanuts Be Used As Insulation

Styrofoam is an extremely versatile material that can be used for numerous applications.

Can packing peanuts be used as insulation.

Unfortunately this material is non biodegradable and terrible for the environment. Osborn a former associate editor replies. Yes packing peanuts are excellent insulators because they are made out of styrofoam. Just put your cold drinks in a tub full of polystyrene peanuts and let them serve as insulation.

We found millions of packing peanuts loose in the attic presumably intended to function as insulation. I m not convinced that it s effective or even safe. Most packing peanuts are made of polystyrene. Astonishingly it takes more than a million years for styrofoam packing peanuts to decompose.

But the problem with using packing peanuts for attic insulation is that while the individual peanuts may have an r value of about 4 0 per inch the peanuts have large air spaces between them which allows air currents to easily flow through a layer of packing peanuts. From packaging peanuts that protect merchandise while in transit to insulation in homes and more it is useful in numerous situations. In a wall cavity they would offer little resistance to air movement so they would be of limited r value. Use packing peanuts to make a quick and easy diy cooler.

Styrofoam is designed from air bubbles that are trapped to prevent heat energy from escaping. The r value of polystyrene is about 4 0 per inch. It also provides good insulation to keep products hot or cold while in transit. Plastic peanuts hold air that helps cushion whatever is being shipped.

By preventing heat loss packing peanuts make lovely insulators.