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 eco-friendliness and circularity.
"Our mission is to contribute to a more circular, sustainable economy in Europe by raising awareness of the economic, social and environmental benefits of EPS packaging."
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% airand 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 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.
Applications in Building & Construction
Expanded Polystyrene serves as an efficient insulation material widely utilised in the construction industry for its remarkable thermal efficiency and versatility. Its lightweight, cost-effective nature and superior insulation properties make it an ideal choice for enhancing building energy efficiency. EPS insulation is used in facades, roofs, and floors, significantly reducing heating and cooling costs, and contributing to a sustainable, energy-efficient construction landscape
Properties of EPS Packaging
Composed of 98% air, EPS is light yet strong, significantly reducing transportation and handling costs.
As a 100% recyclable material, EPS contributes to environmental sustainability by minimising waste and promoting the circular economy through mechanical and chemical recycling.
EPS is highly resistant to impact. This is why it is used to transport valuable tech equipment, and perishable goods and incorporated in protective equipment like helmets or child seats.
EPS comply with strict temperature standards. It is the ideal material for preserving the quality and freshness of perishable goods like fish or vegetables. Many studies have shown that EPS containers keep temperatures below 5°C for up to 72 hours.
Due to its unique cellular structure matrix, EPS is the number one material when it comes to shock absorption. This is why EPS is the number one choice to protect goods such as washing machines or tech materials during transport.
The waterproof characteristics of EPS not only preserve the integrity of transported goods but also prevent the spread of bacteria, mould, and fungi, making EPS packaging the ideal and reliable solution to keep food safe and valuable goods protected during transport.