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 (aka. “grey EPS”) has become increasingly popular. Encased in polystyrene, the graphite behaves like a mirror, reflecting heat and reducing the amount of thermal radiation that passes through the foam. Thanks to this innovation, grey insulation boards are up to 20% thinner while saving up to 50% resources in production without compromising on insulation efficiency.

Primarily, 75% of EPS in Europe serves for thermal insulation in buildings, and globally, a third is used as packaging material. EPS's versatility also extends to the production of helmets, life vests, and even in model construction and electrical engineering.

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 energy efficiency in buildings. EPS insulation is used in facades, internal walls, roofs, and floors, significantly reducing heating and cooling costs, and contributing to a sustainable, energy-efficient construction landscape.

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.