Expanded polyethylene

Typically it is made from expanded pellets ('EPE bead') made with use of a blowing agent, followed by expansion into a mold in a steam chest - the process is similar to that used to make expanded polystyrene foam.

Production of EPE foams is similar to that of expanded polystyrene, but starting with PE beads.

Though other properties are intermediate between the two bases, toughness for the copolymer exceeds either, with good tensile and puncture resistance.

[3] An alternate route (JSP Process) to the beads uses carbon dioxide as a blowing agent which is impregnated into the pellets in an autoclave at a temperature close to the plastic's crystalline melting point.

[7] Gore-Tex uses EPE for a waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric for winter clothing.