Built on Performance: How HDPE Foam - A Proven Product Led to New Clients and New Markets for Australia and NZ Markets.
- Timikara Taurerewa
- May 13
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Dracon International: Your Premier Gateway to China's Manufacturing Excellence
From Factory Floor to Your Door - Building Trust Through Performance
In today's competitive global marketplace, sourcing from China isn't just about finding the cheapest price—it's about building sustainable supply chains that deliver consistent quality, reliability, and value. Dracon International Trading, led by Director Timikara Taurerewa from offices in Guangzhou, China and Auckland, New Zealand, has spent over a decade perfecting the art and science of China procurement, transforming complex sourcing challenges into seamless business solutions.

The Dracon Difference: More Than Just Sourcing
What sets Dracon apart isn't just our extensive network of over 5,000 verified factories across China—it's our systematic approach to risk mitigation and quality assurance. Our recent success with ACFlange NZ's HDPE foam project exemplifies this methodology. After auditing 25+ suppliers across the entire Chinese supply chain, we identified premium manufacturers producing Sekisui-grade materials, delivering five consecutive container shipments of high-density polyethylene foam with zero quality issues.
Quality Control Post Mid Production

"We're not just placing orders. We're building supply chains that last," explains Timikara Taurerewa, whose hands-on approach includes factory visits during critical production phases—even managing timelines through China's Mid-Autumn Festival without delays.
Video Showing our NZ Clients the Thermal Barrier Product
Technical Excellence Meets Strategic Procurement
The HDPE foam success story demonstrates Dracon's technical depth. Working with crosslinked polyethylene foam meeting stringent specifications—300kg/m³ density, Shore C 78 hardness, operating range -40°C to 105°C—we've delivered materials that perform in New Zealand's demanding HVAC applications. Each shipment undergoes rigorous SGS testing, REACH SVHC compliance verification, and third-party inspections, ensuring products meet both technical specifications and regulatory requirements.
Our factory partner in Fujian Province, with 35+ years of polymer experience, ISO 9001 certification, and a 200,000m² facility serving international brands like Skechers, represents the caliber of manufacturers in our network. This isn't accidental—it's the result of systematic supplier authentication, production capability assessment, and ongoing relationship management.
Beyond HDPE: Expanding Horizons
Success breeds opportunity. Our proven performance with HDPE foam has opened doors to new markets and products. Recently, we've expanded into thermal barrier systems for refrigerated transport, featuring 70mm closed-cell foam cores with European PVC skins and HDPE skid bases. This represents our client's first venture into China manufacturing—a testament to the trust our systematic approach builds.
From precision cutting tools utilizing solid carbide end mills for HDPF applications to comprehensive steel and aluminum formwork solutions, Dracon's expertise spans multiple industrial sectors. Our capabilities extend to scaffolding systems, access platforms, temporary fencing, and container solutions—each project managed with the same meticulous attention to quality and compliance.
The Dracon Methodology: 15-Point Excellence Framework
Our procurement process isn't intuitive—it's systematic. We employ a comprehensive 15-point evaluation framework covering online research across multiple platforms, business verification, production capability assessment, certification authentication, client reference validation, factory inspections, sample evaluation, and contract negotiation. This methodology ensures that every supplier meets our stringent standards for history, qualification, production capacity, quality systems, and ethical compliance.
Critical to our success is certificate authentication—distinguishing genuine compliance from fraudulent documentation. Our team conducts on-site verification of certifications, cross-references with regulatory bodies, and maintains detailed documentation trails. This diligence has prevented numerous potential issues for our clients.

Full-Service Supply Chain Management
Dracon manages every aspect of the procurement cycle: from initial supplier vetting through production oversight, quality control inspections, container loading supervision, customs documentation, freight logistics, and final delivery. Our Guangzhou-based team provides real-time production updates, while our Auckland office ensures seamless client communication and New Zealand compliance.
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Timikara Director of Dracon is All Hands On Your Project
Whether you're sourcing construction materials, industrial foam, precision tooling, or specialized equipment, Dracon International transforms China's manufacturing complexity into competitive advantage. Contact Director Timikara Taurerewa at timikara@dracon.co.nz to discover how our proven methodology can enhance your supply chain performance.
Dracon International: Where China's Manufacturing Excellence Meets Your Business Success.
Case Study: Trusted by the Trade — Delivering Certified HDPE Foam Solutions Across New Zealand
Product Supplied: HDPE Foam Sheets – 300kg/m³ Closed-Cell, Crosslinked PolyethyleneShipment: 20ft Container (250 sheets, 50mm thick)Status: 5th Consecutive Order Fulfilled
Overview
In a competitive and compliance-driven industry like HVAC insulation, performance and reliability are non-negotiable. Dracon International’s partnership with Aircon Flange Ltd, a leading HVAC flange and support systems provider in New Zealand, is a powerful example of what’s possible when proven products meet a trusted supply chain.
This collaboration began with a small order of HDPE foam and, through consistent quality and transparency, evolved into a long-term relationship. In 2025, we successfully fulfilled their fifth container order, reinforcing our commitment to precision sourcing, certified production, and cost-effective logistics.
Due Diligence Client Samples Delivery
The Product: Engineered for Demanding Applications
The foam we supply is a high-density, closed-cell, crosslinked polyethylene engineered for both hot and cold pipe insulation.
With a density range of 300–365 kg/m³, it provides:
High compression resistance with only 5.2% set loss
Moisture resistance and zero water absorption
Strong tensile strength (6.3 MPa) and tearing resistance (92.5 N/cm)
Thermal conductivity of 0.069 W/m·K
Operating range from -40°C to 105°C
Lightweight, clean to cut, VOC-compliant, and dust-free during installation
Applications:• Polyfoam Pipe Supports• Pipe Saddles & Insulation Blocks• Thermal Separation for HVAC systems• Ferrule protection and vibration control

The Process: Due Diligence to Delivery
Our work began with a comparative report of 25+ Chinese suppliers before selecting the Fujian-based manufacturer, certified to ISO 9001 and SMETA standards. The facility spans over 200,000 m² and partners with international brands including Skechers and Jack & Jones.
Every shipment follows Dracon’s proven full-source cycle:
Factory Vetting & Sample Approval
SGS & COA Testing – REACH SVHC Compliant
Production Oversight (Mid-Autumn Festival schedules met without delay)
Independent Third-Party Inspection
Container Loading and Documentation
Logistics Coordination and On-Time Delivery
Each stage is coordinated with our clients directly, ensuring clear specs, quality control, and no surprises.
Factory Visit: Relationship in Action
During a recent site visit to the factory in Quanzhou, Timikara Taurerewa (Director, Dracon International) and Australian master builder Ray Leef were welcomed by production lead Mrs. Zoe. They walked through every phase—from resin prep and foam extrusion to QC testing and final container sealing. This hands-on approach builds not only quality assurance, but also trust and shared ownership of success
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“We’re not just placing orders. We’re building supply chains that last.” – Timikara, Dracon International
Expansion: One Product Leads to Another
The consistent performance of HDPE foam has done more than secure repeat business—it’s opened new doors. Dracon recently signed a new New Zealand client for thermal barrier systems, their first time sourcing into China. These refrigerated truck dividers feature 70mm closed-cell foam cores, PVC skins, HDPE skid bases, and custom-fit seals.
From product innovation to export documentation, this project is now live—reinforcing Dracon’s role as a strategic China buying agent across diverse industries.
Inspection Snapshot: What We Check
Visual Finish: Uniform surface, no contamination
Dimensional Tolerance: ±2mm on all cuts
Hardness Testing: Shore C 78
Compression Recovery: Minimal deformation
Thermal & Moisture Resistance: Verified against ASTM standards
Density Accuracy: Confirmed at 300–365 kg/m³
Third-Party Testing: COA & SGS REACH-certified
Conclusion: A Model for Secure, Scalable Supply
Five repeat orders. One new export client. Dozens of inspected foam batches and thousands of square metres of product delivered. These are not accidents—they’re the result of a procurement system built on discipline, transparency, and experience.
If you’re sourcing HDPE foam or industrial materials from China and want a team that manages risk, guarantees quality, and handles the full cycle, contact Dracon International today.
Dracon International — From Factory Floor to Your Door.At Dracon International, our core philosophy is simple: deliver consistent quality, build reliable supply chains, and earn trust through performance. This approach has not only secured long-term partnerships but has also opened the door to exciting new opportunities. We are proud to announce the successful delivery of a fourth consecutive order of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) foam to one of our key clients in New Zealand—a milestone that represents far more than just another shipment. It reflects a maturing relationship forged through transparency, technical expertise, and uncompromising standards.
Follow Dracon Into China's Supply Chain. Your Success is our Privilege
The HDPE foam we supply is designed for use in industrial and HVAC insulation applications, where thermal performance, durability, and moisture resistance are mission-critical. This high-density, crosslinked polyethylene foam is sourced from our verified partner factory in Fujian, China, following an extensive supply chain audit and product validation process. Manufactured with precision, the foam achieves a density of up to 365 kg/m³, a tensile strength of 6.3 MPa, 175% elongation, tearing strength of 92.5 N/cm, and Shore C hardness of 78. The compression set is just 5.2%, making it ideal for environments that demand structural stability over time.
It’s not just numbers on a datasheet. This foam has been tested under ASTM standards and has performed reliably in field conditions, earning the confidence of a client who now places regular, repeat orders. Certified by SGS to comply with European Union REACH SVHC standards, this foam is free from harmful substances above 0.1% w/w—ensuring safe use in international markets including Australia and New Zealand.
What sets this product apart is its advanced closed-cell structure. It resists water, humidity, UV exposure, chemicals, and fungal growth—ensuring longevity even in the most demanding environments. The foam also provides an airtight seal to prevent condensation in cold lines and accommodates thermal expansion and contraction, reducing the risk of ferrule erosion over time. Lightweight, clean to install, and VOC-compliant, it meets modern environmental and safety standards, delivering peace of mind along with performance.
Backing this technical excellence is a manufacturer with over 35 years of polymer production experience. With a 200,000 m² ISO 9001-certified facility, multiple testing labs, and SMETA-audited ethical compliance, this supplier is a global leader in engineered foam solutions. Their partnerships with major international brands reflect their quality and scale, and our close working relationship ensures accuracy, reliability, and speed with every order.
Each successful shipment is supported by Dracon’s full-service procurement process: pre-production coordination, mid-line inspections, final QC, compliance documentation, and logistics management. Our boots-on-the-ground presence in China ensures that we’re not only matching the specifications on paper—but exceeding expectations in practice.
And with every order, trust deepens.
Success Attracts Success: A New Client, A New Product, and a First-Time Export to China
Just as meaningful as our long-standing relationships are the new ones we’re building. One recent success story illustrates how the strength of one product can lead to new business in entirely new categories. Off the back of our HDPE foam success, we’ve now partnered with another innovative New Zealand company to supply their first order of thermal barrier systems into the Chinese market.
These thermal barriers are designed to create a physical and thermal divide between chilled and frozen zones inside refrigerated trucks. Built with a 70mm closed-cell foam core and a tough European-made PVC outer skin, they’re engineered for durability, hygiene, and performance. Custom-fit to suit a wide range of truck interiors, they feature strong webbing handles, HDPE plastic skid bases for forklift protection, soft foam edging for an airtight seal, and optional Velcro joins and stenciling.
While this is the client’s first venture into China-based manufacturing and export, they chose Dracon International because of our proven ability to manage the end-to-end supply chain with confidence. From initial specification handling to third-party inspections and logistics coordination, Dracon brings the same diligence and integrity that secured repeat HDPE foam orders to every new product we touch.
What began as a material supply relationship has now evolved into a multi-sector partnership model. It’s proof that great service, proven delivery, and quality assurance not only retain customers—they attract new ones.
At Dracon, we are not just sourcing products. We’re helping clients grow globally, with less risk and more control.
If you’re sourcing foam insulation, thermal barriers, or other engineered materials, and you need a team that understands both the manufacturing environment in China and the expectations of clients in Australia and New Zealand, talk to us. Let’s build something together—safely, reliably, and with long-term success in mind.
Contact us at now to build your supply China. Dracon International — quality you can trust, delivered.
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