EPS: the high-performance material for energy absorption and thermal insulation
Expanded polystyrene (EPS or Styropor®) is a highly developed particle foam with exceptional properties, such as excellent energy absorption and high thermal insulation capacity. With its low density and high insulation performance, EPS stands out from other materials. It is used in a wide range of applications, such as functional elements in facades and crash elements for helmets.
With an air content of around 98%, EPS is not only particularly resource-efficient to produce, but is also the economical and functional solution in numerous areas of application.
As one of the first licensees to process Styropor® (since 1960), we know exactly what this thermoplastic can do and use it according to its advantages.
EPS applications are lightweight, versatile and reliable
Since the early days of EPS processing, we have been among the pioneers, developing customized solutions for our customers’ requirements. Where high energy absorption and compressive strength combined with low dead weight are crucial, there is no getting around this material. Here is a selection of application areas for EPS:
- Functional elements in the façade in low and high densities
- Crash elements for helmets
- Insulation parts for heating technology
- Special molded parts for Lost Foam
- Facade and assembly elements
- Reusable transport systems for vaccines
- Special systems for organ transport
- Lightweight protective packaging
- Installation molded parts under construction
- Concrete packing
- Automotive crash cushion
- Buoyancy chamber
Stable guide weight:
the most important properties of EPS
Expanded polystyrene scores with numerous positive properties that can be used for a wide range of technical applications. Here is an overview of the most important material properties:
First-class cushioning behavior
Sensitive goods are reliably protected and reach their destination safely and intact thanks to this property.
Low weight
The particle foam consists of 98% air and is easy to handle and lightweight for transportation.
Energy absorption
EPS itself absorbs the energy and thus reliably protects sensitive products from damage.
Low water absorption
The particle foam hardly absorbs any moisture and is therefore also suitable for outdoor use.
Excellent thermal insulation capacity
EPS has very low thermal conductivity, ideal for construction and insulation applications. Cold things stay cold, warm things stay warm.
High compressive strength
The foam has a high surface load-bearing capacity combined with a low weight.
Temperature resistance
EPS can be used at temperatures between -40 °C and +70 °C.
Suitable for food
EPS molded parts are also suitable for direct contact with food.
Recyclability
Molded parts made of expanded polystyrene are fully recyclable via established take-back systems.
Our EPS special materials for other requirements
Different colors, higher densities and therefore greater hardness, but also flame-retardant material variants offer the variety needed to create optimal solutions.
Special types of EPS are used depending on requirements.
More power, more options
- Higher density: For applications that have to withstand higher loads, the material is available up to approx. 200 g/l.
- Color variation: In addition to standard white, other color variations are also available.
- Flame retardant: If fire protection is an issue, EPS is also available as a flame-retardant material.
- ESD-suitable: In order to protect electronics from electrostatic discharge, EPS moulded parts can be functionalized accordingly in a downstream work step.
Environmentally friendly all-rounder: EPS
Recycling EPS is an important step towards avoiding waste and promoting the circular economy. The material is fully recyclable and can be recycled several times – either mechanically or chemically.
Sustainability starts with production
Neither halogenated hydrocarbons nor heavy metals are used in the production of expanded polystyrene. The material therefore meets the essential requirements for environmentally friendly production.
Together with our customers and network partners, we make an active contribution to resource conservation and climate protection through innovative take-back systems.
EPS – a material with a high eco-balance
- Reduce: Less raw material, chemicals and water are required for the production of EPS molded parts than for other packaging materials.
- Reuse: EPS products are durable and can be used again and again in the reusable system.
- Recycling:
- Material recycling: Material recycling refers to the recycling of used plastic packaging using mechanical processes. The plastic waste is sorted, shredded and cleaned according to certain criteria, such as color or material type. The chemical structure of the material is retained. This process is particularly suitable if the plastic waste is largely clean, can be sorted by type by the recycling plants and the resulting recyclate replaces virgin material to the same extent.
- Feedstock recycling: Feedstock recycling refers to the decomposition of the chemical components of plastics using heat. This produces raw materials that can be used both for the production of new plastics and for other applications. This process is particularly suitable for heavily soiled or non-separable plastic packaging.
- Thermal recycling: If recycling is not possible, the EPS molded parts are used in modern thermal power stations to generate district heating. The energy released is then used to generate electricity or steam, for example. In this process, 1 kg of EPS replaces 1.4 liters of heating oil. This energy recovery process is used in particular when plastic waste is mixed, contaminated or polluted.
- Landfilling: Disposal via landfills is not necessary due to the wide range of recycling options.
A material for the circular economy
If an EPS product is sorted out at the end of its useful life, the cycle is maintained: It is shredded, regranulated and processed into new products.
All details and technical information at a glance
Would you like to find out more about the technical properties of EPS? Our data sheet gives you an initial insight into material characteristics, special materials and much more.
Frequently asked questions about EPS: clear, tangible, compact
Our FAQ section deals with questions about expanded polystyrene and provides answers. If you cannot find your topic here, please feel free to contact us personally at any time.
Yes, EPS is based on polystyrene, a thermoplastic. This means that it becomes soft and malleable when heated and solid again when cooled – and this process is reversible.
Yes, EPS stands for expanded polystyrene and is therefore the chemically correct name. Styropor® is a BASF brand name for EPS and is often used colloquially as a synonym for EPS.
EPS is based on polystyrene, absorbs energy and breaks in the process. The material was discovered in 1949 and launched on the market in 1951 under the brand name Styropor. RUCH NOVAPLAST has been processing the material since 1960 and is one of the pioneers in the production of EPS molded parts. Expanded polystyrene is usually white and is often known to consumers as packaging padding, e.g. for white goods such as washing machines and refrigerators.
EPP is based on polypropylene, is more elastic and has a high resilience – it absorbs energy and then returns to its shape. Expanded polypropylene was developed in the 1980s and RUCH NOVAPLAST has been processing it since 1988. Consumers often encounter the material as a thermo box in plain black.
EPS molded parts can be used multiple times – for transport packaging or thermal boxes, for example.
In addition to packaging and insulation, EPS is also used for crash elements, for example in cars or helmets. High-density EPS is unbeatable for façade solutions.
No. EPS is used in many different types of helmet: in addition to bicycle helmets, it is also used for motorcycle helmets, ski helmets, riding helmets, climbing helmets and police helmets.
EPS is the ideal material for absorbing the energy of an impact, for example. The EPS molded part absorbs this very effectively and thus directs the forces away from the head – a decisive contribution to protection in the event of an accident.
No. EPS is a so-called disposable crash material: it absorbs the energy of the impact, deforms permanently and thus loses its protective function. For this reason, a helmet should always be replaced after an accident (or even after a severe impact).
High-density mounting elements are used, for example, to attach other components in insulated façades, such as downpipes, railings, awnings or canopies. They can also be used to mount ventilation or heating systems.
No, EPS is not biodegradable. However, there are now EPS material types that are 100% recyclate-based.
EPS is very durable – in the construction industry, for example, over several decades. It is resistant to moisture and ageing.
airpop® is another name for EPS. As the material consists of 98% air and only 2% polystyrene, the name “airpop® engineered air” was introduced by the European EPS industry in 2015 in order to market the material under a standardized name.
