White Goods.

Foam materials are integral to modern white goods because they improve performance and durability while enhancing user comfort by reducing appliance noise and vibration for a quieter, smoother experience. In appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators, foam minimises structure-borne noise (vibration and sound that travels through solid parts of the appliance), creates airtight seals and protects internal parts from impact and moisture.

At AS Rubber & Plastics, we support appliance manufacturers by providing materials designed for these exact applications — offering tailored insulation, sealing, cushioning and sound absorption solutions to enhance household appliance performance.

When insulating refrigerators, rigid polyurethane foam is commonly used by appliance manufacturers for its efficiency and reliability. Its closed-cell structure provides very high thermal resistance, meaning it prevents cold air loss and helps the appliance maintain efficient operation with reduced energy consumption.

PU foam also adheres well to metal and plastic surfaces, allowing manufacturers to form a continuous insulation barrier between the inner liner and outer casing. At the same time, it is lightweight and durable, enabling thinner wall designs without compromising structural integrity. This helps manufacturers produce appliances that meet recognised energy efficiency standards and achieve improved performance ratings.

In refrigeration appliances, the primary insulating medium is polyurethane foam. The low weight of PU foam contributes to efficient operation and user performance. In addition to this main insulation layer, many refrigerators also use polyethylene or PVC foam materials for door gaskets, seals and vibration-damping components, providing both functional performance and comfort.

Yes — foam plays a key role in insulating appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, ovens and water heaters. Closed-cell foams such as polyurethane or polyethylene trap air within their structure, meaning they significantly reduce conduction, convection and air leakage. This enables appliances to maintain stable internal temperatures, improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs. In both cold and hot applications, foam insulation supports reliable performance and contributes to quieter, smoother operation.

Yes. Foams such as polyurethane, polyethylene and specialist acoustic foam grades are designed to absorb sound waves and control vibration levels in white goods — particularly in washing machines, dishwashers and dryers — helping to create quieter and more stable operation.

By isolating motors, compressors and other moving parts from the exterior cabinet, the foam minimises structure-borne noise and vibration transfer. The result is a quieter, smoother-running appliance with less wear and tear on internal components. We can advise on the best type of foam for your appliance application and work with appliance manufacturers to select foam grades that meet acoustic performance.