EPS - A Light, Reliable and Sustainable Material
Lightweight and versatile, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is known for its exceptional insulation properties and sustainability.
Offering significant energy savings through reduced CO2 emissions in applications ranging from building insulation to packaging, its unique composition minimises raw material use, and is fully recyclable, promoting environmental sustainability and circularity.
"We embrace the circular economy with a 100% recyclable material. EPS is the key to a more sustainable, energy-efficient, and circular Europe."
A Short Story of EPS
The history of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) started in 1949 when an accidental discovery by Fritz Stastny (BASF) led to the creation of a lightweight, cost-effective material. By 1952, EPS was introduced at the Düsseldorf plastics trade show, setting the stage for its widespread use. In 1954, its use in building insulation marked its introduction into construction. A short three years later, in 1957, the first ETICS was installed with EPS insulation and is still saving energy to this day. The leap to mass production followed in the late 1950s with facilities opening in Brazil and France. Notably, in 1962, EPS was chosen to transport the Mona Lisa thanks to its outstanding protective qualities.
1998 marked a big shift for EPS with the market release of "grey EPS", which offers greater thermal insulation compared to white EPS in the construction sector. By 2020, the insulating properties of EPS became crucial for transporting COVID-19 vaccines globally, playing a big role in saving lives. Through these developments, EPS has demonstrated its versatility and importance, solidifying its place as an irreplaceable material of the 20th and 21st centuries.
EPS insulation boards greatly contribute to reducing European CO2 emissions in the building sector. This is thanks to its outstanding thermal insulation, which leads to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling in residential buildings. As packaging material, EPS also reduces waste by protecting electronic devices and preserving perishable goods. Finally, EPS is 100% recyclable in both the packaging and construction industry, thanks to mechanical or chemical processes.
How is EPS Made?
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is composed of 98% air and only 2% raw material. When exposed to steam, the polystyrene beads expand to up to 40 times their original volume and can be compacted into any shape or moulded forms such as transport packaging, fish boxes, insulation blocks, bicycle helmets and much more.
Engineers continuously innovate to enhance EPS's protective, recyclable, and insulating qualities, ensuring its longstanding utility and efficiency. Insulation boards cut from this material are then bound with a flame retardant to ensure maximum fire safety, with a strict regard to high EU legislative standards.
In recent years, EPS insulation containing graphite has allowed new highs in resource savings (up to 20% thinner EPS boards and up to 50% less resource usage) without compromising on insulation efficiency.
Applications in Building & Construction
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation offers numerous benefits, making it ideal for various building applications. Lightweight and easy to process, EPS can be moulded and cut without special equipment, simplifying installation. Its low thermal conductivity ensures excellent temperature regulation, with consistent performance over decades due to minimal water absorption.
EPS is versatile, used in facades, roofs, and perimeter insulation, providing strong thermal and sound insulation. It meets stringent fire safety standards and maintains high durability with impressive compressive strength and moisture resistance.
Economically, EPS insulation reduces heating energy consumption, with renovation costs often recouped within four to ten years. It is also recyclable, supporting sustainability efforts. EPS enhances energy efficiency, aesthetic value, and climate protection, making it a superior choice for modern building insulation needs.
Applications in Packaging
Expanded Polystyrene provides the necessary lightweight, insulating, and protective properties necessary for efficient packaging. Whether it is to protect fragile electronics or to insulate perishable foods, EPS is the right tool for the job. Its recyclability and energy-efficient production further enhance its appeal as a sustainable packaging solution and contributor to improved environmental conditions.
Properties of EPS
Composed of 98% air, EPS is light yet strong, making it easy to use for construction, and significantly reducing transportation as a packaging material. Dubbed “Engineered air”, EPS provides great affordability.
As a 100% recyclable material, EPS contributes to environmental sustainability by minimising waste and promoting the circular economy through mechanical, physical and chemical recycling.
EPS insulation significantly lowers the energy consumption of houses. The Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics states that the lifespan of EPS insulation can be extended considerably: “The life expectancy of the ETICS can be extended to a period of up to 120 years."
Able to bear substantial loads over a prolonged period without significant deformation, EPS is ideal for a wide range of structural and insulation applications.
Able to effectively absorb impacts and shocks, EPS keeps products safe during transport and significantly reduces the risk of damage.
Its superior thermal insulation helps EPS maintain interior temperatures, making it ideal for building insulation and temperature-sensitive packaging.