Instapak Foam Packaging: Quick RT Bags and the Instapak Simple System
Awkward, heavy or fragile products are hard to protect with standard void fill. Instapak foam solves that by expanding around the product and setting into a cushion that fits it exactly.
Sealed Air makes it two ways. Instapak Quick RT bags need no equipment at all, so they suit occasional or low-volume packing. The Instapak Simple machine makes foam cushions on demand for busier lines. This guide covers both, so you can work out which one fits your operation.
What is Instapak Quick RT?
Instapak Quick RT is a flat bag that holds two liquids kept apart by an internal seal. When you press the bag, the seal breaks and the liquids mix. Within seconds they start to expand into polyurethane foam, growing up to 27 times their original size.
You place the bag in the carton, sit your product on top and close the box. The foam wraps around the product and sets into a custom-fit cushion that holds it firmly in place.
The "RT" stands for room temperature. Unlike older foam bags, Quick RT doesn't need a warming unit, so you can keep a box of bags on the bench and use them whenever you need one.
How to use Instapak Quick RT
It takes under a minute once you've done it a couple of times. The steps are also printed on every bag.
Lay the bag flat and press firmly to break the inner seal so the two liquids can mix.
Pat the bag 10 to 20 times to spread the liquid evenly. The bag will start to warm and puff up.
Put the bag in the carton and sit the product on top. Add a second bag over the top for full protection.
Close the box straight away. The foam finishes expanding inside and moulds itself to the product.
Instapak Quick RT bag sizes
Bigger numbers hold more foam. Pick a size that gives you a cushion under and over the product without overfilling the carton.
| Bag size | Bag dimensions |
|---|---|
| Size 10 | 380 x 455mm |
| Size 20 | 455 x 455mm |
| Size 40 | 455 x 610mm |
| Size 60 | 455 x 610mm, with more foam than size 40 |
| Size 80 | 560 x 685mm |
| Size 100 | 635 x 685mm |
See pricing and carton quantities in our Instapak range.
Where Instapak works best
Foam-in-place shines where other void fill struggles: heavy parts that crush air pillows, odd shapes that bubble wrap can't grip, and high-value items that can't move in the box. Think machined and automotive parts, pumps and motors, electronics, lab equipment, glass and ceramics, and spare parts heading back for repair.
Because the bags store flat, a carton of Quick RT takes up a fraction of the space of pre-made foam inserts or bulky void fill. And as every cushion is made to fit, you only use as much material as the product needs.
Quick RT or Instapak Simple?
Both make the same kind of custom foam cushion. The difference is how many you need and how fast.
| Instapak Quick RT | Instapak Simple | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Occasional shipments, small teams, trial runs | Regular daily packing and busier lines |
| Equipment | None | Compact benchtop machine on a standard power point |
| How foam is made | Press and pat each bag by hand | Push a button and the machine fills the bag |
| Consistency | Set by the bag size you choose | Six pre-set buttons give the same cushion every time |
Instapak Simple: foam-in-bag on demand
When you're going through Quick RT bags every day, the Instapak Simple is the next step up. It's Sealed Air's easiest foam-in-bag system: a compact machine that mixes the foam and fills the bag for you at the push of a button.
It plugs into a normal power point and needs minimal training. The foam chemicals come in small 2.5 gallon (about 9.5 litre) bottles that snap into place, so there are no bulk drums to store. Unlike larger foam systems, there are no pumps or heating elements to maintain.
Everything stays sealed inside the machine and the bag, so there's no messy clean-up. Your team presses the pre-set button for the product they're packing and gets the right amount of foam every time.
Why packing teams like it
Fast to learn. Six pre-set buttons mean new or casual staff can make a perfect cushion from day one.
Low upkeep. It's designed to need very little servicing and works straight out of the box.
Fits anywhere. The compact, mobile base sits on a standard packing bench.
Thinking about moving up from Quick RT? Tell us how many cartons you pack and we'll help you work out whether the Simple makes sense.
Instapak questions
What type of foam is Instapak?
It's a polyurethane foam. Two liquid components react when mixed and expand into a light, tough foam that sets around the product.
Is Instapak Quick RT safe to use?
Yes, when you follow the instructions on the bag. The liquids are sealed inside, so you don't come into contact with them in normal use. Wear safety glasses, don't cut or puncture a bag before it has fully set, and check the Safety Data Sheet for full handling details. Once the foam has set, it's a solid cushion that's safe to handle.
Do Instapak Quick RT bags need to be warmed?
No. Quick RT is made to work at room temperature, so there's no warming unit to buy or wait for.
Can Instapak foam cushions be reused?
Yes. The cushions are durable, so they can go back in the box for returns or repairs. When they're finished with, they can go out with ordinary waste.
When should I move from Quick RT to Instapak Simple?
If you're using Quick RT bags every day, or you need faster, consistent cushions across a whole team, the Simple is usually the better fit. It makes foam on demand at the push of a button.
Talk to us about Instapak
Tell us what you're packing and roughly how many cartons a week. Our Villawood team will recommend a bag size or talk you through the Instapak Simple.