Environment

History of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)  

Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) has a long history of evolution behind it. Mr. Eduard Simon isolated a substance from natural resin, however, he did not know what he had discovered. It took another German, organic chemist, Mr. Hermann Staudinger, to realize that Simon’s discovery, comprised of long chains of styrene molecules, was a plastic polymer. In 1930, the scientists at BASF developed a way to commercially manufacture polystyrene. Badische Anilin & Soda-Fabrik (BASF) was founded in 1861. In 1937, Dow Chemical introduced polystyrene to the U.S. market. Expandable & Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a generic term for polystyrene and styrene copolymers. It is a rigid cellular plastic foam material derived from petroleum and natural gas by products. The spherical beads of resin are subjected to steam, which causes the thermoplastic polystyrene to soften and expand up to 40 times its original volume. Each small bead of polystyrene is fully sealed. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is produced in a wide range of densities from 8 to 48 Kgs/M3 providing a varying range of physical / mechanical properties. These are matched to the various applications where the material is used to optimize its performance and strength.

Features of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

• EPS is a good example of the efficient use of natural resources – it is 95% air
• It has wide application temperature from – 110 degrees to + 110 degrees Max. Degree Celsius
• The manufacture and use of EPS does not generate any risk to health or to the environment
• EPS does not damage the ozone layer since it does not use CFCs or HCFCs in the manufacturing process
• The transformation process consumes little energy and does not generate waste
• The use of EPS for thermal insulation in the construction industry contributes in significant savings on heating and cooling buildings and a drastic reduction in the emission of polluting gases CO² and SO²
• EPS packaging protects products, helping to reduce wastage and its lightweight nature helps to reduce fuel consumption
• EPS packaging can come directly into contact with foodstuff as it meets all the prevailing international health regulations
• Fungi and bacteria cannot easily grow on EPS
• EPS makes up only a tiny part of municipal solid waste (0.1%)
• As it does not biodegrade EPS does not contaminate the air or water with gases or hydro soluble substances
• Hygienic nature: since the material is inert, unalterable and innocuous it can come into direct contact with foodstuff whilst complying with the laid down health and safety standards

• Adaptability: it is easy to adapt to any product or any design

• EPS is 100% recyclable