The British Plastics Federation (BPF), the UK national association and member of EUMEPS, has launched the EPS Innovation Timeline, an online resource that traces the development of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) from its invention in 1949 to its most recent technical advances.
The timeline presents the key stages in how EPS has been used and improved over the decades. Known for being lightweight, durable and thermally efficient, EPS has become a reliable material for packaging, construction and other applications. Each entry in the timeline highlights a step forward in manufacturing or product design that has helped the material adapt to new requirements and standards.
Among the milestones are the use of EPS to transport the Mona Lisa in 1962, the creation of graphite-enhanced “grey EPS” in 1997 to improve insulation performance, and its role in the safe transport of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This timeline tells the story of continuous progress,” said Angela Fredericks, Special Advisor – EPS and Innovation at the BPF. “EPS has developed from a simple protective material into a technically advanced product that supports sustainable construction and packaging. It reflects our industry’s long-term commitment to improvement.”
The timeline also outlines recent progress in recycling and resource efficiency, including advances in chemical recycling and closed-loop systems. These developments show how EPS continues to contribute to the circular economy and modern sustainability goals.
Designed as an educational tool, the resource provides information for students, policymakers and industry professionals interested in how EPS manufacturing and applications have evolved. The BPF will continue to update the platform with new data, research, and case studies as the industry develops further.