Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) is a white foam plastic material produced from solid beads of polystyrene. It is primarily used for packaging, insulation, etc. It is a closed-cell, rigid foam material produced from:

• Styrene – which forms the cellular structure
• Pentane – which is used as a blowing agent

Both styrene and pentane are hydrocarbon compounds and are obtained from petroleum and natural gas byproducts.

EPS is very lightweight with very low thermal conductivity, low moisture absorption and excellent cushioning properties. One of the serious limitations of polystyrene foam is its rather low maximum operating temperature ~80°C. Its physical properties do not change within its service temperature range (i.e. up to 167°F/75°C) for long-term temperature exposure.

Its chemical resistance is nearly equivalent to the material upon which it is based – polystyrene.

EPS is 98% air and it is recyclable.Expanded Polystyrene is 100% Recyclable EPS Insulation is composed of organic elements – carbon, hydrogen and oxygen – and does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). EPS is recyclable at many stages of its life cycle.

Expanded Polystyrene is 100% recyclable and is designated by plastic resin identification code 6.

However, the collection of EPS can be a major challenge as the product is very light. PS recyclers have created a collection system in which the EPS is shipped over short distances to a facility where the material is further processed by:

Granulation – EPS is added into a granulator that chops the material into smaller pieces.

Blending – the material is passed into a blender for thorough mixing with similar granules.

Extrusion – the material is fed into the extruder, where it is melted. Color can be added, and the extruded material is then molded into a new value-added product.

EPS materials can be reprocessed and molded into new packaging products or durable goods

Several countries have established formal expanded polystyrene recycling programs throughout the world.

Sustainability benefits associated with EPS are:

EPS manufacturing does not involve the use of ozone-layer-depleting CFCs and HCFCs

No residual solid waste is generated during its manufacturing It aids energy savings as it is an effecting thermal insulation material which helps reduce CO2 emissions

EPS is recyclable at many stages of its life cycle EPS is inert and non-toxic. It does not leach any substances into the groundwater