Abstract: A process is provided for packaging a product, particularly one with sharp protrusions or discrete fragile regions. The process includes the steps of applying a polymeric material to an exterior surface of an outer packaging container, in the region covering sharp protrusions, thereby providing a protective cushion against rupture or tearing of the container surrounding the product during shipping and storage. The liquified polymeric composition containing a microcrystalline wax is applied at a point-of-contact temperature between about 75.degree. F. and about 160.degree. F.; the applied material is then allowed to solidify in the form of a flexible resilient coating. The polymeric material used in the process consists essentially of a polymer, a synthetic or naturally occurring tackifying resin, a microcrystalline wax, and an antioxidant stabilizer.

Abstract: A process for packaging a product, particularly one with sharp protrusions, a composition for cushioning the sharp protrusions during packaging and a foamed material prepared therefore, the process including the steps of applying a foamed composition to the product to be packaged; and encasing the product in an outer package. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semi-liquid form at a point-of-contact temperature less than about 130.degree. F. and solidifies substantially on contact. The foamed material is, preferably, applied selectively to cover the sharp protrusions and contains a chemical substrate containing a polymer having the general formula, a resin and a stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated therein. The process, composition and foamed material have particular utility in the meat-packing industry.

Abstract: A process or method for packaging an edible food product, particularly one having at least one bag puncturing surface such as a sharp protrusion, for cushioning the bag puncturing surface during packaging and shipping. The process includes the steps of selectively applying a foamed composition to the bag puncturing surface of the product to be packaged and encasing the product in an outer package or bag. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semiliquid form at a point-of contact temperature less than about 130.degree. F. and solidifies substantially on contact. The foamed material contains a chemical substrate which includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 1,800 and 25,000 molecular weight units, a resin and a stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated within the chemical substrate. The process has particular utility in the meat-packing industry.

Abstract: A process for packaging a product, particulary one with sharp protrusions, a composition for cushioning the sharp protrusions during packaging and a foamed material prepared therefore, the process including the steps of applying a foamed composition to the product to be packaged; and encasing the product in an outer package. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semiliquid form at a point-of-contact temperature less than about 130.degree. F. and solidifies substantially on contact. The foamed material is, preferably, applied selectively to cover the sharp protrusions and contains a chemical substrate containing a polymer having the general formula, a resin and a stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated therein. The process, composition and foamed material have particular utility in the meat-packing industry.