Insights

FOAM MANUFACTURING PROPOSED PLAN
As previously noted in our earlier sections, the storage of foam bars in unheated spaces presents numerous challenges to the fire protection sector. Despite the emergence of various fire protection technologies and innovations over the past decades, this issue remains unresolved. Given the historical challenges faced in this industry, research and testing have consistently played a pivotal role in recognizing fire hazards, experimenting with diverse solutions, and providing findings to underwriters for the development of codes and standards.

FOAM MANUFACTURING LIMITATIONS
In the realm of warehouse management and fire protection engineering, the storage of foam bars in high-piled configurations within unheated spaces is a common challenge. Foam manufacturing is essential in various industries, attributed to a combination of unique properties and advantages that make it highly desirable. In the quest for maximizing storage efficiency and operational convenience, warehouses often utilize high-ceiling warehouses equipped with overhead travelling cranes. These cranes play a pivotal role in the handling and storage of foam bars, enhancing the logistical capabilities of warehouses while ensuring the accessibility and organization of these crucial fire protection assets. Simultaneously, the decision to maintain these warehouse areas unheated is often made to reduce operational costs.

FOAM MANUFACTURING BACKGROUND
For over 40 years, foam and fibre manufacturing has been growing globally. Foam is integral to multiple commercial products, including furniture, bedding, rugs, insulation, and packaging. The rapidly growing market of foam manufacturing in North America was valued at USD 7.60 billion in 2021, as per Global Market Insights, 2022. As shown below, continuous foaming plants produce flexible polyurethane foam bars approximately 40 to 45 inches high and are produced in long runs for scrap reduction.